Review: O2rifik Soap
Submitted by KC on 24 Mar 2009 07:57 am
Regarding the moisturinging soap, I liked the initial look of the bar; unfortunately it broke down fairly quickly and became rough on the skin during pre and post shave cleansing. Compared to other products I use, it doesn't seem to moisturize as well; however, I was relatively pleased with its mild scent and latherability.
We were also given a spray to evaluate. The two areas where the spray did well was that I had a little bit of razor burn and it cleared the redness up overnight. I also had a blemish occur prior to using the product on my chin and within 5 days the product cleared it up very nicely without drying up the skin. What I did not care for was the packaging. The writing on the bottle came off on my hands and the spray mister left large droplets of liquid running down my face. I would have been much more satisfied applying the product with a cotton ball.
One general comment is that the product needs to be better targeted. The efficacy claims are all over the board from diaper rash prevention to inhibiting hair growth. Looking at the forum, the few comments I saw about the product showed some confusion about its use. For example, I don't think it was supposed to be used as a shaving cream.
The active ingredient may be effective in multiple areas, and that's where different consistencies (formulate with inactive ingredients), packaging, promotions, etc. come in handy. I believe you have the nucleus for a whole product line.
At the macro level, this product seems to be very good at clearing up blemishes and soothing red skin. It is lacking as a beauty regiment for moisturizing and protecting skin; and in my book, would not even be part of the evoked set of a product to use for shaving. Finally regarding the efficacy claim of inhibiting hair growth, I found that it did make my beard slightly softer, but the beard actually grew in heavier while I was using it; just the opposite of the claim.
Submitted by Rickenbacker on 30 Mar 2009 03:21 pm
This has been a difficult product for me to review. I think in order to get all my thoughts across, I will break this down into two segments...shaving performance, and skin care.
SHAVING
I started as always with fresh blades in my Headblade Sport, and Merkur slant bar DE. I was pleasantly surprised at the near unscented soap and spray. Sometimes after all the shaving products, deodorant, cologne...so many scents fighting it out! It was nice not to add another to the mix. I followed the instructions provided, and sprayed my head, then followed with the soap applied with a badger brush.
I waited a couple minutes as I do with other soap/cream and...no go. Very tough sledding with the Headblade. At this point, the soap was beginning to dry. I added a little water, and was able to procede, but it was not a great shave. I had the same issues with my face. I ended up having to use a little gel to finish. Afterwards, I washed with the O2rifik soap, and rinsed. Per the instructions, I also topped off with the spray. I will say that right off the bat, for as much as the razors pulled, I had NO razor burn. At the end of the trial period, I was still not sold on O2rifik as a shaving solution. The soap did not stay creamy on my head or face for any length of time. I also did not feel like I was getting a close shave. Now, on to the good news...
Skin Care
After not having much success with shaving, I switched to washing my head and face with the O2rifik soap, and using my current shave cream of choice, CO Bigelow. I was back to getting a very close, comfortable shave. The good news is that even using new blades, good creams/lotions etc, I still occasionally have shaving bumps. I have not had ONE since using at least the O2rifik soap in some manner. One thing I found when I started shaving my head that is I have occasional acne outbreaks on the very top of my head. I have not had ONE pimple since using this soap! My wife has commented on how much different my skin feels, especially after topping off with the spray. While I would not personally add O2rifik as a shaving product, per se, I will be adding it to my skin care routine. I've also had a significant reduction in flaky dry skin (always a problem with electric heat in the house). The soap feels really good, rinses clean, and obviously the spray/soap combo is doing something for me.
Value
On the surface, the price seemed a little high...the 2 oz bottle of spray is $8.99, and the soap is $7.99. Following the instructions, I was using quite a bit of spray. For my needs, washing semi-regularly with the soap, and the occasional spray is good enough. For those with problem skin, it may well be worth the money. I would agree with KC that the claims are pretty broad with this product. Based on what I have seen with my own skin, I would have no problem recommending it for someone with acne, rashes, things like that.
So to sum it up for me, O2rifik didn't pass my tests as a shave product, However, my skin is dramatically smoother and free from bumps. I will be adding this product to my routine for washing and shave prep.
Submitted by BulletHead on 1 Apr 2009 09:27 am
I enjoyed this product. As a preshave and after shave it did a fine job of cleaning the skin, but the moisturizing effect was a bit too mild. I'm sure this would be a much better if it came in a soap that matched skin type. I have very dry skin, so I needed a little something more. For people with oily skin, I'm sure this would be a sufficiant product. The smell and feel of the soap was very nice and I felt the value was not unreasonable.
Submitted by rich_g on 2 Apr 2009 03:38 pm
I was surprised when I got the 02Rifik package, as I was not expecting both soap and a spray. The letter included with the package said they were designed for use as a system. The test period is ten days, during which we are supposed to follow the 02Rifik regimen (using the soap for cleansing and shaving, with the spray before and after using the soap). I am going to use nothing but these two products on my face and head for the entire testing period, so nothing can throw off the results. My testing criteria will be based on the manufacturer’s claims (a list gathered from their brochure, website, and the letter in the package).
The primary claims:
“02Rifik softens the hair”
After a week’s use, I found that my normally thick, wiry whiskers were easier to cut after the soap had sat on my face/head for a couple of minutes.
“With repeated use, the hair will grow back at a slower rate”
My hair grows fast, and I did not notice a difference. However, a longer testing period may be required for optimum results.
“02Rifik prevents bumps and razor irritation”
I don’t get razor bumps. 02Rifik does a great job of eliminating razor irritation, though. I thought that was one of its shining qualities.
“02Rifik helps to relieve the discomfort of sunburn/windburn”
I tried it on a burn on my hand, and it did a good job of making it feel better and heal faster.
Like everyone else, I thought the manufacturer made too many broad claims regarding their product.
Now, for my general observations regarding the soap and spray:
SOAP :
1. Its ability to remove heavy skin oil is comparable to my normal soap (Safeguard).
2. I had a hard time building a decent lather with it.
3. I liked that it had almost no fragrance.
4. It broke down at an average rate.
5. I thought it did a barely passable job as a moisturizer.
6. $7.99 for the soap is a bit steep.
7. It dried out too quickly – I had to shave my face/head in smaller sections in order to keep a decent shaving surface.
SPRAY :
1. The sprayer mechanism of the bottle leaked and ran down my hand after a couple of pumps.
2. It was cool and refreshing, especially after getting out of the shower.
3. It was awesome on razor irritation.
4. Even for as much of it as I used, I thought the spray lasted a long time.
In conclusion, the soap is a passable product, but it needs better moisturizers. I would not buy it as a shaving product. I thought the spray was great, and think it would have great potential if it were also made in gel/lotion/cream variants. I would buy the spray.
Submitted by tanner on 20 Apr 2009 12:33 pm
Smell: There is very little smell to this product. I like that I don't need to worry about competing smells when I apply aftershave.
Feel: The soap has a sort of coating feel when applied to the face or head. Kind of like a barrier between the razor and the skin.
Moisturizing: I feel this product does a good job at moisturizing the skin. I really like how my head feels after using this product.
Value: I think the cost is a little high for soap. While this is a nice product I think that I would have a hard time paying this price for something I could find someplace else for a lot less.
Latherability: I found that this product lathers up real nice but tends to dry out fast having me to add more water/soap to get the job done.
I think this product is a good product however, I don't think I would pay the price they are asking for it. I have gotten comments from my family about how soft my hair is when it grows out between shaves. My family likes the feel of my head after shaving with this product also.
Submitted by Rebob on 11 Jun 2009 09:17 pm
This product came in a square shape which told me to apply it like you would any other bar soap. The bar seems to break down really quick. I didn't like that. Once I had it applied I rubbed it in and it lathered up a little, just like most other soaps. I ended up putting this in my old shaving cup and applied it with my soap brush. Much better, but nothing to write home about on the lathering. It moisturized alright, but sometimes I had to use more water or spray moisturizer to keep my skin really moist so the blade would not hang up and get nicked. It would be nice to compare this soap side by side with a few other soaps. I rate this product kind of in the middle of the road
