Saponificio Varesino Desert Vetiver Aftershave

Saponificio Varesino Desert Vetiver Aftershave

Efficacy50/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Moisturizing
Urea, Glucose + 9 more
Works well
What the product description says
“This aftershave is formulated with emollient desert date oil post-shave comfort, intense moisture and even skin tone.”
Source: SmallFlower

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycine, glucose.

When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: urea

UreaHero· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations~0.05–0.2%
GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.95–1.45%
GlycineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function~0.05–0.15%
Hydrolyzed wheat proteinKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to gluten~0.01–0.1%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice· HumectantEffect: LowTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~1.3–2%
Sorbitol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.6–1.35%
Balanites roxburghii seed oilEffect: LowAn emollient. Could be irritating~0.15–0.55%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.35–0.8%
PanthenolUnder-dosedHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.05–0.1%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.01–0.1%
Sodium pcaUnder-dosedNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.01–0.05%
Evens skin tone
Lactic acid
Not delivered
What the product description says
“This aftershave is formulated with emollient desert date oil post-shave comfort, intense moisture and even skin tone.”
Source: SmallFlower

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.01–0.1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
14 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Parfum + 12 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 22 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~6.1–9.1%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~2.9–4.3%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.7%est.
Balanites roxburghii seed oilAn emollient. Could be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.55%est.
Hamamelis virginiana leaf extractA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.3%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
Hexyl cinnamalA fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritantHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
HydroxycitronellalA fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
Alpha-isomethyl iononeA fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
CoumarinA fragrance. Is a likely skin allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
EugenolA fragrance. Is a likely irritantHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~1.3–2%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.85–1.3%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.45–1.05%est.
Hydrolyzed wheat proteinCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to glutenMedium~0.01–0.1%est.
Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.01–0.1%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.01–0.05%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.01–0.05%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Alcohol denat.~6.1–9.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.
Parfum~2.9–4.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Anthemis nobilis flower water~2–3%
Formula
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~1.3–2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingReduces rednessAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
Glucose~0.95–1.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose
Sorbitol~0.6–1.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Sorbitol
Tocopheryl acetate~0.85–1.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
Benzyl alcohol~0.2–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.45–1.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Tocopherol~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Balanites roxburghii seed oil~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
AntibacterialMoisturizing

An emollient. Could be irritating

More about Balanites roxburghii seed oil
Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating

More about Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract
Sodium glutamate~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Urea~0.05–0.2%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingExfoliation

Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations

More about Urea
Xanthan gum~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Limonene~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Linalool~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Glycine~0.05–0.15%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function

More about Glycine
Hydrolyzed wheat protein~0.01–0.1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to gluten

More about Hydrolyzed wheat protein
Lavandula hybrida grosso herb oil~0.01–0.05%
Formula
Lactic acid~0.01–0.1%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid
Sodium pca~0.01–0.05%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca
Geraniol~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Hexyl cinnamal~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritant

More about Hexyl cinnamal
Hydroxycitronellal~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritating

More about Hydroxycitronellal
Citric acid~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Panthenol~0.05–0.1%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Alpha-isomethyl ionone~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Alpha-isomethyl ionone
Citronellol~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Citral~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral
Coumarin~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Is a likely skin allergen and can be irritating

More about Coumarin
Sodium benzoate~0.01–0.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Eugenol~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Is a likely irritant

More about Eugenol
Potassium sorbate~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Ingredient list view

Water, Alcohol denat., Parfum, Anthemis nobilis flower water, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Glucose, Sorbitol, Tocopheryl acetate, Benzyl alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Balanites roxburghii seed oil, Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract, Sodium glutamate, Urea, Xanthan gum, Limonene, Linalool, Glycine, Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Lavandula hybrida grosso herb oil, Lactic acid, Sodium pca, Geraniol, Hexyl cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Citric acid, Panthenol, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Citronellol, Citral, Coumarin, Sodium benzoate, Eugenol, Potassium sorbate

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Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Saponificio VaresinoDesert Vetiver AftershaveYOUR PRODUCTZirhAloe Vera Shave GelAhavaMen's Foam Free Shave CreamPitralonAfter Shave Lotion
Match—40%37%34%
Price——$16.82$18.95
Shared key ingredients—2 of 42 of 41 of 4
Key difference—Retinyl PalmitateLactic AcidLactic Acid
Irritancy High High High High
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol —— Contains drying alcohol
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Saponificio Varesino Desert Vetiver Aftershave
Saponificio VaresinoDesert Vetiver Aftershave

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