Bay Rum Burn

I discussed this with a manufacturer not too long ago when I was looking for one to make my BR soap. I was told that they'd had one batch that bothered quite a few people and it was because of a batch of cinnamon EO that had been purchased because of the ultra low price. They got rid of that, went back to the good EO, and everything returned to normal.

What I can't tell you is how many manufacturers use low priced, low quality EOs and if that's even what's doing it to you. But that's why I have one supplier that I trust and I don't shop around for best price.

For bay rum fragrance, it's usually clove that's the allergen. Cinnamon if included is also a bad allergen to those allergic to it.

I discussed this with a manufacturer not too long ago when I was looking for one to make my BR soap. I was told that they'd had one batch that bothered quite a few people and it was because of a batch of cinnamon EO that had been purchased because of the ultra low price. They got rid of that, went back to the good EO,  and everything returned to normal.

What I can't tell you is how many manufacturers use low priced, low quality EOs and if that's even what's doing it to you. But that's why I have one supplier that I trust and I don't shop around for best price.

Well a high quality Cinnamon, clove, citrus, bay, etc can also cause irritation. These are naturally "spicy" or "warm" oils be them the synth or real oils. It's energetics. I do believe in using the best quality ingredients however and am in no way defending cheap substitutes.

Some FO's and other spices may have given you the reaction. My skin is sensitive to clove and cinnamon.

Speaking of bay rum burn, this morning I used Stirling's Bay Rum AS for the first time and WOW! It literally hurt and made my face/neck red for about 20 seconds then after that it calmed down and was just a wonderful warm feeling. The redness went away there was no irritation. I actually kind of liked it and the scent is amazing! For comparison the only other bay rum I've tried was Captain's Choice and that was just "meh".

Cinnamon and clove are both "hot" oils, low or high quality. Cinnamon *leaf* as opposed to cinnamon bark, and clove *bud* as opposed to clove leaf oils are the less sensitizing ones. And even then they are only skin-safe at under 0.5% dilutions (in oils, not water). The synthetic fragrances generally contain some of these natural components, so they might not be any better.

If you get a red hot reaction, some of the oil experts recommend rubbing the area down with an oil like coconut or olive (even veg oil in a pinch, I suppose) to dilute the oil down. And then wash. Think about the advice you'd get for eating spicy food -- milk or bread, not water. Same thing. The "spice" of the peppers, etc, is in the oil.

Speaking of bay rum burn, this morning I used Stirling's Bay Rum AS for the first time and WOW! It literally hurt and made my face/neck red for about 20 seconds then after that it calmed down and was just a wonderful warm feeling. The redness went away there was no irritation. I actually kind of liked it and the scent is amazing! For comparison the only other bay rum I've tried was Captain's Choice and that was just "meh".

I've only used Krampert's bay rum aftershave before and thankfully I did not have any type of reaction. I'm happy too because I have sensitive skin and I love the smell of his bay rum products.

If you're actually reacting negatively to bay rum generally then I fell sorry for you.  I love almost all bay rums in their various forms and I would be very sad if I weren't able to use bay rum soaps, creams or aftershaves.  I'd suggest trying it again after a week.  Also, if you use an alum block prior to applying the aftershave you might find it makes a difference.  I suppose you won't be trying Captain's Choice Cat O'Nine Tails any time soon - feel the burn. I use the PAA / HGTAM bay rum soap and aftershave (alcohol free and alcohol full) and the balm and enjoy them all.  I actually have plenty of Phoenix products, they're quite good and they have to be the most imaginative soap/scent makers out there.  (Hoppes) #9? Seriously?  That stuff is great, maybe I've stepped too close to the edge but when I see the words "dirt" "earthy" and the like in the description of the scent profile I have to try it.

^Same here. I actually tried a sample of Chiseled Face Redneck soap. Its supposed to smell like oil, grease, dirt etc. It really does. Kind of like walking into an auto parts store. Interesting to say the least.