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5 DIY Shaving Creams: Save Money and Embrace Natural Beauty!

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Libby Baker is a writer, actor and 8-year vegan from Los Angeles, CA. She learned... Read More

Just in Time for Warmer Weather: 5 Natural, Money-Saving DIY Shaving Cream Recipes

Shaving cream. So soft and fluffy, like cotton candy that magically helps us whisk away unwanted hair. It looks innocuous. And for many of us, it may be nostalgically linked to the childhood rites of passage into puberty. Or perhaps it’s tied to fond memories of messy preschool games and art projects. But the simple fluffy white clouds we know as shaving cream are usually anything but innocent!

Our skin is the largest organ in our body, so we owe it to ourselves to make sure anything going on it, or absorbed into it, is healthy, safe, and green. Commercial shaving creams and gels contain a slew of terrifying ingredients linked to cancers, hormone disruption, contact dermatitis, hair growth inhibitors, and carcinogens.

But you don’t have to suffer razor burn just to avoid these scary chemical concoctions! And, just in time for warmer months when you’re more likely to bare some skin, we have you covered!

Before jumping into the DIY remedies, here are some store-bought shaving creams:

Here are 5 DIY shaving recipes that will save you money (you can make all of these with ingredients that are likely to be cheaper than your bottle or can of shaving cream), and keep your skin and the planet happy and healthy (not to mention chemical-free!):

1.  Skip the Cream

You might be used to the pressurized can full of fluffy whip, but natural oils are easy to use, and even more moisturizing and soothing for your skin than commercial products. You can apply olive, coconut, jojoba, or your favorite carrier oil ( combined with your preferred essential oil) to the area and shave! The oils will be absorbed into the lipid layer of skin, trapping moisture inside and protecting you from razor burn. Or try this all-purpose DIY Chemical Free Cleanser and Moisturizer to shave, clean, and moisturize!

2. Whip It Up

So, if you do want the whip, you can still have it! The recipe below uses shea butter, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and soothing lavender essential oil, which, when whipped up in a mixer or with a whisk, creates a lovely-smelling, All-Natural Shaving Cream. Don’t like the scent of lavender? Try a Rosemary Mint Blend. Or swap it out with a more suitable essential oil based on your skin condition and needs. Also, remember to use this amazing DIY Face-Soothing After-Shave Cream.

Homemade All-Natural Shaving Cream Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons solid shea butter
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
  • 10-12 drops of pure lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a double boiler (you can use a glass bowl placed over a pot of simmering water), combine the shea butter and coconut oil. Heat on the lowest setting, stirring occasionally until fully melted. Once melted, remove from heat.
  1. Stir in the almond oil and any essential oils, mixing well until combined.
  1. Pour the mixture into the refrigerator to harden. After it has set, take it out and whip it using a stand mixer or hand-held electric mixer until it reaches a fluffy consistency similar to frosting.
  1. Allow the whipped cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before transferring it to an airtight container, such as a pint-sized mason jar. It can be stored for up to a month.

Tips and Notes:

  • While essential oils are optional, they can enhance the fragrance and provide benefits for the skin. Consider these combinations:
    • Roman Chamomile and Lavender for moisturizing dry or problematic skin.
    • Tangerine and Sweet Orange for added hydration.
    • Geranium and Jasmine for normal skin types.
    • Eucalyptus and Rosemary for scarred or infection-prone skin.

This all-natural shaving cream makes a thoughtful gift when prepared in larger quantities. Pair it with a natural loofah and a quality steel razor in a charming basket for a unique present that shows you care.

3. Exfoliate and Ex-Follicle

Why not remove dead skin cells while you remove unwanted hair? Harness the power of baking soda in your shaving cream with this simple, fluffy whipped shaving cream recipe!

Ingredients 

  • 2/3 cup shea nut oil or shea butter
  • 2/3 cup coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup olive oil or grapeseed oil
  • 10-20 drops of your preferred essential oil or blend
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • Contents of 2 vitamin E capsules (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Begin by melting the shea nut oil and coconut oil together in a saucepan. Once melted, remove from heat and mix in the olive or grapeseed oil.
  1. After blending the oils, add 10-20 drops of your chosen essential oil (chamomile-lavender works wonderfully).
  1. Transfer the mixture into a container or leave it in the bowl if using a double boiler. Stir well, then place it in the refrigerator to solidify. After it has hardened, take it out and allow it to soften a bit at room temperature.
  1. In a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), combine the softened mixture, the contents of the vitamin E capsules (if using), and the baking soda. Whip until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and resembles a spreadable frosting.
  1. Apply generously to the areas you wish to shave and rinse off afterward. If you prefer a scent-free option, you can skip the baking soda and essential oils. Store the cream in a cool, dark place, and it should last for about a month.

4. Castile It Away

As if there weren’t a bajillion other amazing uses for the wonder that is castile soap, you can also use it for shaving! Try the peppermint varieties to wake up pores, or fluff it up with this wonderful DIY Natural Shaving Cream.

This homemade shaving cream does not produce lather and should be applied in a thin layer. Its texture is a blend of shaving oil and soap, providing nourishment and protection for sensitive skin while delivering a close shave. Say farewell to dry, itchy skin and razor burn!

Homemade Shaving Cream Recipe

To Use: Apply a thin layer to your skin before shaving. This recipe yields approximately 4-6 ounces of whipped cream.

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup shea butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil
  • 2 tablespoons liquid castile soap (special thanks to Sarah Crawford for recommending this addition!)

Instructions:

Step 1: In a small saucepan, melt the shea butter and coconut oil over low heat, stirring occasionally until fully melted.

Step 2: Incorporate the olive oil and mix until well combined. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Pour the mixture into a medium-sized bowl or jar and place it in the refrigerator until it solidifies.

Step 4: Once solid, take it out and prepare to whip. If in a jar, transfer to a bowl first. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed. Then, add the castile soap and whip until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Spoon the finished shaving cream into an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry location.

Notes:

The ingredients in this recipe are stable for a long time without preservatives. However, avoid introducing water into the jar, as it can lead to quicker spoilage. It’s advisable to dry your hands with a towel before scooping out the cream.

Be cautious, as this mixture can make the shower floor slippery. Generally, using a quarter-sized amount per leg minimizes this risk, but always take care or consider a non-slip mat for safety.

5. Do a Solid

Not keen on the fluffy or the liquid versions? Go old school and make yourself a bar with this Homemade Shaving Soap Recipe. However, some individuals may find it a bit harsh on their faces due to the high content of liquid castile soap.

Foaming Shave Soap Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup natural aloe vera gel
  • 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
  • 1 tablespoon olive or almond oil
  • 1/4 cup warm distilled water (or lavender-infused water)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E or grapefruit seed extract (as a preservative)
  • Essential oils for fragrance
  • An 8-ounce or larger foaming soap bottle

Instructions for Foaming Shave Soap:

  1. Combine all the ingredients in the foaming soap bottle and shake gently to mix.
  2. Shake well before each use.
  3. This recipe typically lasts a couple of months; I usually finish it within about two months, so I can’t speak to its longevity beyond that. Avoid citrus oils if you plan to be outdoors in the sun, as they can increase sun sensitivity.

Aan easy way to modify a regular bar soap to make it more suitable for shaving. This process is a bit time-consuming, but the resulting bar soaps last a long time and are perfect for use in shave mugs if the men in your life prefer that method.

Shaving Soap Ingredients:

  • 1 bar of natural, handcrafted soap (store-bought regular soaps won’t work)
  • 1 tablespoon olive or almond oil or aloe vera gel
  • 1-2 tablespoons white clay, French clay, kaolin, or cosmetic clay

Instructions for Shaving Soap:

  1. Grate the soap and melt it over low heat with the oil or aloe vera. Be patient, as this can take some time; stir frequently.
  2. Once the soap is melted, mix in the cosmetic clay (this improves lather and is beneficial for the skin).
  3. Pour the mixture into molds (I use cardboard) or old mugs and let it set for several days until it hardens again. These bars can last for months and will continue to cure over time, making them even more durable.

Do you mix up your own natural shaving cream? Be sure to let us know how you do it in the comments below! Here’s to smooth, healthy skin!

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