Libby Baker is a writer, actor and 8-year vegan from Los Angeles, CA. She learned... Libby Baker is a writer, actor and 8-year vegan from Los Angeles, CA. She learned everything she knows about growing and eating fresh food, working as a child in her family’s garden in rural South Dakota. She has built school gardens for the non-profit organization, EnrichLA, as well as educated students on how to plant, maintain and prepare healthy, nutritious, plant based organic food from their school garden harvests. She has witnessed staunch vegetable haters begging to eat broccoli that they’ve grown with their own hands, and believes strongly in the connection between the health of the body, health of the planet, and growing one’s own food. Read more about Libby Baker Read More
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:
Billie Whipped Shave Cream – Ultra Gentle Protection. Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free
Kitsch Shaving Soap for Women – Hydrating Shave Soap for Sensitive Skin. Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free
Jackfir Classic Shave Cream, Smooth Natural Shaving Cream for Men, Hydrating Aloe & Cucumber Extract
MÜHLE Organic Shaving Cream with Argan Oil & other Essential Oils
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!):
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!
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:
Instructions:
Tips and Notes:
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.
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
Instructions:
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!
To Use: Apply a thin layer to your skin before shaving. This recipe yields approximately 4-6 ounces of whipped cream.
Ingredients:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Or basi he mean nga sinabawan kag nd pinamarhan..
You guys also forgot it’s a good dessert topping.
Vince Schilke