I agree with your suspicion and I believe that what also contributes to the overuse of menthol/WS-23 is that people expect and sometimes flat out demand a “refreshing feeling” from their aftershave. Most old school lotions or balms contained menthol, so artisans feel like they’re forced to include it. Sad for those of us who like warm scents in winter where it really degrades the whole experience.
I think menthol/WS-23 is way overdone, and I have a suspicion that it is used to cater to those who regularly have irritation when they shave.
Yes, Mammoth Ben said as much in his abc shaves episode
I agree with your suspicion and I believe that what also contributes to the overuse of menthol/WS-23 is that people expect and sometimes flat out demand a “refreshing feeling” from their aftershave. Most old school lotions or balms contained menthol, so artisans feel like they’re forced to include it. Sad for those of us who like warm scents in winter where it really degrades the whole experience.