Defense Soap.. worth it?

Someone who works for the DEA, etc. and grapples must have bought some. So then he says DEA, etc. uses it? I guess it's still true but misleading.

I got some free samples and I've tried it and it smells like my wife's Paul Mitchell Tea Tree conditioner. After it ran out and I just went back to using my Selsun Blue medicated shampoo and Dial gold anti-bacterial bar soap...

Yes, that is likely. Either that or someone bought a small amount on the purchase card.

There are a lot of combat sport gym brands that the government uses significantly, and they are all registered vendors (Zebra Mats, Everlast, Ringside, etc.)
 
I've used a sample size version of defense liquid soap.

To explain my experience with it, first let me say that at the time I was doin about 14 hours/week of BJJ so I was getting a lot of mat time. It's pretty common for me to get small red pimples-ish thingies after every few classes or so. I would usually put some triple antibiotic on these and they would go away in maybe a couple days.

I started using the defense soap, taking showers maybe 10-20 minutes after getting out of class. While I was using the soap, I don't recall getting a single one of these kinds of pimples on my skin. When my bottle ran out, I started noticing I was getting the pimples again maybe two weeks later.

That's all I gotta say about it. If I had to guess, I'd say the product works. I think it just depends to what degree it works and also what your needs are. I haven't gone out and bought more of the soap because it's expensive compared to regular soap and it's not a big deal for me to go back to using triple antibiotics for when I suspect I'm getting an infection.

Before using the defense soap, I wasn't using any time of antibacterial soap. Maybe I should try some shelf-brand antibacterial body soap so I can compare.

Thank you defense soap guy for the sample.



oh yea, and also i gotta say the fragrance of the soap is rather pleasant :)
 
Just use Kenshield before practice and regular soap after.
 
No, it's not worth it right now.

Defense soap is outrageously expensive (39.46 for a five pack on Amazon right now) with little to no evidence to support it is anymore more beneficial at reducing the risk of skin diseases/conditions following certain activities than other soaps that are much cheaper. If you look at their website under "Clinical Information" it only displays a letter from PetLabs Diagnostic Laboratories that appears to be from around 2006 to 2007.

It's odd it would be done at that laboratory to begin with (they primarily deal with animal testing it seems) but the study itself doesn't indicate specifically what may be causing the supposed effect (which oils exactly as opposed to just "defense soap"?), if it would really matter (since people aren't waiting 7 to 10 days to bathe), if it would have the same effect on human skin, on a human cut, etc. It also does nothing to compare defense soap vs. x (any other soap or common ingredients).

I don't really think a forum is the place to start getting into the intricacies of research (or at least I don't give a shit enough) but clearly one small "study" in approximately 2006 or 2007 with eight plates that didn't compare the product to anything else, which I'm guessing was funded by the company, with no reference to peer reviewed articles or reputable sources, and with no backing from reputable sources in the field of dermatology (for example) shouldn't lead one to believe spending that much money on soap is worth it.

My guess would be if you ask an expert (a dermatologist) they wouldn't think much of the product and don't be fooled, they ARE the experts, not a bunch of anecdotal reports or simplistic research.

I met a very highly regarded dermatologist in the field when there were concerns my friend might be developing Steven Johnsons Syndrome. I asked him if he ever heard of Defense Soap and his reply, like a previous poster, was it was a waste of money.

I'm not saying to believe me (since a lot of what I wrote is also anecdotal) but before shelling out that much money on soap (for a condition you're probably unlikely to get if you practice good hygiene) you're probably much better off meeting with a dermatologist, explaining what you do (jiu jitsu, wrestling, etc.), what they think of preventive measures, and if there's any recent research on the effectiveness of certain products over others.

Edit: If you find the evidence for tea tree oil to be convincing enough that you wish to buy it, which appears to be a common ingredient in Defense Soap, you can get it much cheaper online or most likely your local drug store.
 
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Dude just get plain old "Dial" bar soap. It's antibacterial and it's dirt cheap.

I've been grappling for years, shower with this each time after, and have had no form or ringworm, staph, etc.
 
I don't know I use it and think that it works. Maybe it is antecdotal, but if I stop using it I get pimples and boils on my knees and elbows from practice. I shower after every practice too. I use dove and head and shoulders when I run out of defense soap.

Maybe I'm full of shit. But I've had staph and my Dr told me I was more vulnerable to catching staph now. I don't want to fuck around with staph or MRSA. Boils take weeks to heal and I don't have weeks. When I use it I don't get that shit.
 
I don't know I use it and think that it works. Maybe it is antecdotal, but if I stop using it I get pimples and boils on my knees and elbows from practice. I shower after every practice too. I use dove and head and shoulders when I run out of defense soap.

Maybe I'm full of shit. But I've had staph and my Dr told me I was more vulnerable to catching staph now. I don't want to fuck around with staph or MRSA. Boils take weeks to heal and I don't have weeks. When I use it I don't get that shit.

Dove is not really the right soap if you get a lot of pimples. It has a lot of moisturizer for dry skin so that tends to make it worse if your skin is oily to start with.

Maybe try some Ivory. It is usually the cheapest soap and tends to dry your skin out. If you get a lot of pimples, that might be what you need.
 
I use the Defense foam once in a while if I'm visiting a new place or dropping in (you never know about the cleanliness of places).

I trust my home gym so I don't use it that often.
 
Dove is not really the right soap if you get a lot of pimples. It has a lot of moisturizer for dry skin so that tends to make it worse if your skin is oily to start with.

Maybe try some Ivory. It is usually the cheapest soap and tends to dry your skin out. If you get a lot of pimples, that might be what you need.

Ivory dries out my skin like a mofo. I get that shit on my knees.
 
Sorry for the delay in my responses. I have a four hour window set aside to answer each post. Before I start I would like to say a few things. First off I apologize if I offend anyone. It is not my intention. I sincerely thank all that have participated in this thread. I look forward to providing an as educated response as I can to each post. Before I even go there though I want to make it absolutely clear that if your soap and hygiene regime is working for you do not change a thing. If you are like me, however, a guy who is on the mat 5 to 7 days a week and who has a weak flora then you may want to give us a try. I think you will be quit happy with the results. I have been infection free for 8 years now and love being on the mat without the concern of infection.

Two things that I find interesting about this thread is 1. No one at all has mentioned flora and 2. I have yet to receive a request for a free sample. In order to have an educated discussion of soap we need to understand flora. I would think that it would have popped up at least once in the previous 32 posts. Also, the free sample offer always is open to all that want to give us a try. I am not sure how one can thoroughly weigh in on a product that they have not tried.

Guy
Defense Soap
 
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Sorry for the delay in my responses. I have a four hour window set aside to answer each post. Before I start I would like to say a few things. First off I apologize if I offend anyone. It is not my intention. I sincerely thank all that have participated in this thread. I look forward to providing an as educated response as I can to each post. Before I even go there though I want to make it absolutely clear that if your soap and hygiene regime is working for you do not change a thing. If you are like me, however, a guy who is on the mat 5 to 7 days a week and who has a weak flora then you may want to give us a try. I think you will be quit happy with the results. I have been infection free for 8 years now and love being on the mat without the concern of infection.

Guy
Defense Soap

It's great that you step up to the criticism's. I wonder wether someone should come out with a probiotic soap instead of killing off your natural flora?
 
edco76

Defense Soap is a 100% natural soap that I developed for the youth wrestling team I coach in OH. I use a full 2% blend of Tea Tree Oil and Eucalyptus in a vegetable base. Our shower gel is comprised of the same 2% blend but in an organic coconut oil base. I chose TTO and EUO for their antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. As a soap maker yourself I am certain you are aware of the whopping amount of oil that is used here. Our bar is made in an FDA approved facility which ensures consistency. Our prototype was handmade which tended to not be nearly as consistent as needed.

I developed Defense Soap when my entire team was wiped out with ringworm. 100 kids all infected. It was a nightmare. We were banned from the school and my season was shut down. I recalled my college days when we used dandruff shampoo in the shower after practice. We didn't know at that time that dandruff shampoo was antifungal. I have seen where 50% of dandruff is caused by fungus therefore dandruff shampoos contain antifungal ingredients. I still use Head and Shoulders in my shower to this day, but I only use it as a shampoo rather then a body wash. Using a dandruff shampoo as a body wash tends to fall short when antibacterial protection is needed. This made me think why couldn't someone make a bar of soap with the same properties but with an antibacterial ingredient added as well. There just wasn't one on the market that fit the grueling demands of combat athletes therefor I created one.

Guy
Defense Soap
 
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edco76

Defense Soap is a 100% natural soap that I developed for the youth wrestling team I coach in OH. I use a full 2% blend of Tea Tree Oil and Eucalyptus in a vegetable base. Our shower gel is comprised of the same 2% blend but in an organic coconut oil base. I chose TTO and EUO for their antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. As a soap maker yourself I am certain you are aware of the whopping amount of oil that is used here. Our bar is made in an FDA approved facility which ensures consistency. Our prototype was handmade which tended to not be nearly as consistent as needed.

I developed Defense Soap when my entire team was wiped out with ringworm. 100 kids all infected. It was a nightmare. We were banned from the school and my season was shut down. I recalled my college days when we used dandruff shampoo in the shower after practice. We didn't know at that time that dandruff shampoo was antifungal. I have seen where 50% of dandruff is caused by fungus therefore dandruff shampoos contain antifungal ingredients. I still use Head and Shoulders in my shower to this day, but I only use it as a shampoo rather then a body wash. Using a dandruff shampoo as a body wash tends to fall short when antibacterial protection is needed. This made me think why couldn't someone make a bar of soap with the same properties but with an antibacterial ingredient added as well. There just wasn't one on the market that fit the grueling demands of combat athletes therefor I created one.

Guy
Defense Soap

Guy, I use your soap and was under the impression that your soap doesn't really mess with the natural flora of your skin. How is this possible when it kills bacteria like Staph? How is it better than using an antibacterial soap?

By the way your soap works well for me. I had staph once and when I run out of defense soap and use regular soap I notice I get boils and pimples on my knees and stuff, oh and I like the smell of that tea tree oil. If I don't smell that then I feel like I stink.
 
codemonkey76

In a way we are probiotic. (hypothetically) Defense is a mild soap that does not deplete your flora. By killing just enough to prevent infection you are allowing your flora to repopulate more rapidly. Your flora is way more effective at fighting off infection then any soap. I don't mean to be misleading here. Anything that kills bacteria cannot be considered probiotic but the less flora you kill the closer to probiotic you are. By killing fungus and bacteria at the same time we are leaving our flora balanced. This is the key to our success.

Guy
Defense Soap
 
Dogstarman

Your flora is what many people consider good bacteria and invading bacteria is considered bad bacteria. Anyone who tells you that you can kill the bad bacteria without killing the good bacteria is full of it. Bacteria is bacteria. When it benefits you we consider it good. When we come down with staph we consider it bad..real bad.

The answer falls in the kill level of the soap. If you use a strong antibacterial soap, do trauma to your skin and train in an environment that is less then favorable for skin conditions then you are just asking for an infection. If you train you do at least the later 2 daily.

I discovered this with my own research then created a mild but balanced soap that wouldn't dig too deep into your flora. I have to be very careful here explaining this because everyone is different and there is no real way to test it ethically. This theory is the foundation of my company.

Thanks for being a customer and I am glad you have found success with us.

Guy
Defense Soap
 
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Allan san and other forum members commenting on government bids.

We are not a licensed government vendor however each agency mentioned orders from us. The orders tend to be under $10,000 and are paid with a credit card. We protect our customers privacy therefore I cannot or will not divulge where exactly we are sending our soap but I can say I never knew how many combative gyms and training facilities the government operates.

I apologize if I was misleading giving the impression that we supply every single member of the military. We do not. We supply the same niche here as we do in the civilian world.

We also offer military and law enforcement discounts. If you are ever interested email me at [email protected]. I will hook you up. My daughter is currently assigned to the USCG Academy and I am in my 24th year as a Cleveland Policeman. I have soft spots for both.

Guy
Defense Soap
 
SuperSuperRambo

I am happy to hear that your dermatologist knew about a little niche soap company that caters to combat athletes. This means my marketing department is doing their job. Can you please tell us why your doctor said not to use Defense Soap and what soap he recommended? I am quit interested in why he would advise you not to use a natural soap.

If you were at your dermatologists office would it be safe to assume that you were suffering from a skin condition...one quit possibly that Defense Soap could have prevented.

Guy
Defense Soap
 
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