Thread: Acca Kappa "White Moss" shave cream

On my way home from an unusually short stay at Berlin customs clearance, I decided to show my loot to the guys at The Different Scent and get their opinion. We got into a conversation, in the course of which I mentioned that all the creams I'd tried so far had one thing in common: they had (more or less) traditional scents. Given that I'm a big fan of Castle Forbes's (and other British manufacturers), that is little wonder. Well, Jens, the owner of this wonderful little shop, treated me to a few samples, which I will review in the coming days. So here's the first one, Acca Kappa "White Moss" shave cream, and this is what the manufacturer has to say about it:

White Moss Shave Cream has been developed with an exclusive new formulation of plant extracts to soften facial hair and provide an exceptionally smooth and comfortable shave. Perfect for sensitive skin.

Key Ingredients; Natural Oils moisturize and nourish the skin while Glycerin creates a silky smooth surface for shaving. Also contains Coconut Oil and Alfa Bisabolol to soothe and protect the skin. 4.4 fl.oz.

Packaging: Very nice cardboard box, containing a stylish white tube. I've always been a sucker for clean designs, so I like it.

Texture: Here's where the cream fails in my opinion. I had to vigorously shake the tube first in order to get something loosely resembling cream out of it. To wit, my first attempt had resulted in a milky liquid squishing out of the tube instead. [Edit: The sample was past its best by date. In fact, the cream has a nice texture that works very well straight from the tube]

Scent: It's supposed to evoke "warm and sensual notes of wood, amber and moss". I must admit that thankfully this was not the case. Just a hint of these, and I really liked it.

Latherability: Interesting. I completely failed the first time, having added the amount of water I use for my CF creams. The result was a bubbly mess. Cleaned the bowl and brush, re-heated everything, more cream, less water, and... perfect. Extremely thick, very rich lather.

Cushion: A lot. I'm sure the glycerine has something to do with it. And although I took my time shaving, the lather never dried up. Impressive.

Moisturising: Above average. Not as much as, for example, Castle Forbes's products, but enough for my skin. The cream does not leave any greasy or oily traces, either.

Price: Reasonable at around USD 20 for 4.4 fl.oz at the time of writing.

Overall impression: If you like white moss, and don't mind the glycerine and the somewhat modern scent, this cream is for you.