In this article:
Shaving creams are a routine cosmetic product that is widely used by both genders. Various types of traditional shaving creams are readily available on the market, all of which are supposed to help soften the hair for easy removal.
However, traditional shaving cream contains chemicals such as parabens that can irritate the skin, leading to dry skin and can cause damage in the long run. Don’t forget, your skin is the largest organ and absorbs almost everything you put on it.
Therefore, it is best to opt for DIY shaving cream using natural ingredients that are easily found in your kitchen. These DIY shaving creams are natural alternatives and are good for sensitive skin and have additional benefits too. This homemade shaving cream recipe not only helps you to avoid itchy skin but a painful razor burn as well.
Know Your Ingredients for DIY Shaving Cream
You can prepare shaving cream at home using the following ingredients:
1. Shea butter
Shea butter is an excellent source of skin-moisturizing natural fatty acids, including stearic, oleic, palmitic, and linoleic acids and therefore it’s considered a traditional shaving cream alternative.
Shea butter also contains various active compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and help boost skin repair.
2. Plant oils
Similar to shea butter, plant oils are rich in fatty acids that moisturize the skin. They also contain antioxidants, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The fatty acids, especially linoleic and oleic acids, also promote skin repair.
These different properties of plant oils are also useful in preventing skin problems such as dermatitis. Coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, and vitamin E rich oils such as sweet almond oil are most commonly used in DIY shaving cream recipes.
3. Aloe vera gel
Aloe gel is highly popular for its many dermatological benefits and is therefore used in several skincare products. It contains several bioactive compounds such as humectant polysaccharides, salicylic acid, antiseptic sulfur, urea nitrogen, and cinnamic acid.
4. Essential oils
Most of the commercial shaving creams give out a soothing fragrance. However, they contain harmful artificial perfuming agents such as parabens and are not suitable for all skin types.
Homemade shaving cream, on the other hand, use essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, lemon, and frankincense oils for the fragrance. These essential oils also possess skin benefits as they act as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents.
Therefore, adding essential oils to your shaving creams can help prevent infections in case of razor burns.
5. Baking soda
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is commonly used in the treatment of skin disorders such as psoriasis, owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore it’s a very good natural ingredient for our homemade shaving cream recipe.
Additionally, the alkaline nature of baking soda makes it a potent antiseptic that is useful in managing skin irritation caused by washes and cuts. Baking soda can also mildly exfoliate the skin.
DIY Shaving Cream Recipes
You can try the following recipes to make your own shaving cream at home.
Disclaimer: Since your facial skin is extremely thin and delicate, it can get easily irritated by any new topical ingredient in your skincare product. So, to avoid adverse skin reactions such as burns and rashes, first, perform a patch test of the shaving cream on the underside of your arm. If irritation occurs, avoid its use. Needless to say, people who are allergic to any of the ingredients in this natural remedy should not use it.
1. Homemade shaving cream using shea butter and plant oils
- Pour ⅓ cup of extra virgin coconut oil into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add ⅓ cup of shea butter into the bowl.
- Microwave the mixture until it melts.
- Mix in ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil.
- Add 4–5 drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil and mix well.
- Refrigerate the mixture for about 2 hours or until it solidifies.
- Take out the bowl and allow it to stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Use a hand whisk to whip the mixture for about 5 minutes to obtain a light and fluffy shaving cream.
- Transfer the finished product into a clean jar.
The homemade cream you created is much better than any store-bought shaving cream.
2. DIY shaving cream with the goodness of aloe vera
- Add ½ cup of coconut oil and ½ cup of shea butter into a bowl.
- Mix the ingredients well and microwave until melted.
- Add 7–10 drops of any essential oil to the bowl and mix well.
- Refrigerate the bowl and allow the contents to solidify.
- Allow the mixture to stand at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Add 2 tbsp of aloe vera gel to the mixture, and whip it using a hand whisk until creamy and smooth.
- Transfer homemade cream into a clean jar.
3. Homemade shaving lotion using baking soda
- Melt ½ cup of shea butter and whisk it.
- Add ½ cup coconut oil and 5–7 drops of any essential oil and mix well.
- Add ½ tbsp of baking soda to the mixture.
- Transfer this DIY lotion into a clean squirt bottle.
Note: You can use other plant-based oils in place of coconut or olive oil. You can also substitute shea butter with cocoa butter and essential oils with natural vanilla extract. Always store the creams and lotions in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Since this homemade shaving cream does not foam up, you can mix in 2 tbsp of Castile soap to produce lather.
How to Use DIY Shaving Creams
Enjoy the maximum benefits of your DIY shaving creams by following these steps:
- Wash your skin with warm water and do not wipe it.
- Apply a thin layer of the cream or lotion on the areas you want to shave.
- Always use a sharp razor to shave.
- Keep rinsing the razor blade at intervals while shaving.
- Wash your skin gently with water after shaving, and apply an after-shave lotion.
- Apply sunscreen after shaving to protect your skin from sun sensitivity.
Final Word
As shaving creams are a regularly used product, a wide variety of regular shaving products exist in the market. But such traditional creams come with chemicals that can harm your skin in the long run.
The DIY shaving cream and lotion mentioned in this article are skin-friendly alternatives. They are not only chemical-free, but they also possess different dermatological benefits and are easy to make. Now say goodbye to regular shaving cream and try this homemade cream instead.
- Was this article helpful?
- YES, THANKS!NOT REALLY
