While your girlfriend may love your stubble, when it comes to making a good first impression at job interviews or meetings, it’s best to opt for a clean-shaven look. After all, Harvey Specter doesn’t look sharp just because of his well-gelled hair. His sharp cheekbones also account for his suave persona.
And when it comes to shaving, who said that it is only for men? Today, more and more women are switching to shaving their body hair as a pain-free alternative to waxing. However, a major disadvantage is that using regular shaving creams can leave one with rough or darkened skin.
So, what does one do? The solution is simple – ditch the commercial products containing harsh and often harmful chemicals and go for homemade shaving creams made with natural ingredients. We’ve already scoured the web for the best recipes and tried them all out for you. All you have to do now is choose which one best suits your fancy.
Continue reading to discover how to make DIY homemade shaving cream recipes for both men and women.
Contents
Method 1: Soap-Based Shaving Cream
This DIY shaving cream uses liquid Castile soap as its base. The soap is made from natural vegetable oils and softens your facial hair for a smooth shave.
Additionally, this recipe calls for aloe vera gel, almond oil, and vitamin E oil, which work to moisturize and soothe your skin for a luxurious shaving experience. The lemon essential oil has antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. It also lightens the skin and adds a refreshing citrusy fragrance to your cream.
Things you’ll need:
- Liquid Castile soap (cleanses skin and softens hair) – 2 tablespoons
- Aloe vera gel (soothes skin) – 2 tablespoons
- Almond oil (moisturizes skin) – ½ tablespoon
- Vitamin E oil (nourishes skin) – 1 capsule
- Lemon essential oil (antioxidant and antimicrobial, adds fragrance) – 5 drops
- Warm distilled water – 2 tablespoons
Step 1. Combine Castile soap and almond oil
- Pour 2 tablespoons of liquid Castile soap into a jug.
- Add ½ tablespoon of almond oil as well.
Step 2. Pour in the other ingredients
- Add 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel.
- Pour in 2 tablespoons of warm distilled water.
- Pierce and empty the oil from 1 vitamin E capsule into the jar.
- Add 5 drops of lemon essential oil as well.
Step 3. Whisk and store in a squirt bottle for use
- Whisk everything to get a smooth blend.
- Transfer the prepared blend to a squirt bottle.
- Squeeze some onto your damp palm and rub it between your wet hands to create a foam.
- Apply it on your cheeks, rub it to create more foam and proceed to shave.
You can store this DIY homemade shaving cream for 1 to 2 weeks in a cool, dark and dry place.
Method 2: Coconut & Vanilla Shaving Cream (for Women)
This DIY cream for women will feel like the lushest body butter on your skin, as it contains sinfully rich ingredients like extra-virgin coconut oil and vanilla essence. In combination with liquid Castile soap and lemon essential oil, this shaving cream will keep your skin soft and fresh smelling throughout the day.
And we haven’t even gotten to the best part. The skin-nourishing ingredients in this homemade shaving cream will also keep the shaved area soft and keep it from turning dark, unlike commercial hair removal creams that contain harsh chemicals.
Things you’ll need:
- Extra-virgin coconut oil (moisturizes skin and softens hair) – ¼ cup
- Vanilla essence (adds fragrance) – ¼ teaspoon
- Liquid Castile soap (cleanses skin and softens hair) – 1 tablespoon
- Lemon essential oil (antioxidant and antimicrobial, adds fragrance) – 4 drops
Step 1. Mix coconut oil, vanilla essence and lemon essential oil
- Put ¼ cup of extra-virgin coconut oil in a bowl and whisk it until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Add ¼ teaspoon of vanilla essence.
- Add 4 drops of lemon essential oil as well.
- Use a whisk to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Step 2. Add liquid Castile soap, mix well & use as needed
- Add 1 tablespoon of liquid Castile soap and whisk it in thoroughly.
- Transfer the cream to an airtight container.
- Use it as your regular shaving cream.
You can store this DIY shaving cream in a cool, dark and dry place for 10 to 14 days.
Method 3: Eucalyptus Whipped Shaving Cream
If you are a fan of the outdoors, you will love this DIY homemade shaving cream with eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils.
This shaving cream is especially recommended for those with dry skin, as it contains intensely-moisturizing ingredients like extra-virgin coconut oil and shea butter, along with skin-cleansing agents like liquid Castile soap and baking soda.
Things you’ll need:
- Extra-virgin coconut oil (moisturizes skin) – 1½ tablespoons
- Shea butter (nourishes skin) – 2 tablespoons
- Liquid Castile soap (cleanses skin) – 1 tablespoon
- Baking soda (gently exfoliates) – ¼ teaspoon
- Eucalyptus essential oil (soothes irritated skin and adds fragrance) – 4 drops
- Peppermint essential oil (anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, fragrant) – 1 drop
Step 1. Combine coconut oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter
- Put 1½ tablespoons of extra-virgin coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of shea butter and 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil in a microwave-safe container.
- Microwave it for 1 minute to melt the coconut oil and shea butter. However, for best results set up a double boiler to melt the ingredients.
Step 2. Add baking soda and the essential oils
- Add ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to the melted blend.
- Pour a tablespoon of liquid castile soap.
- Add 4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil.
- Add 1 drop of peppermint essential oil.
Step 3. Whisk thoroughly, put it in a container & use it anytime you shave
- Whisk everything well to get a uniform blend.
- Transfer the cream to an airtight container.
Use it just like your regular shaving cream. When stored in a cool, dark and dry place, it should last up to 2 weeks.
Method 4: Lavender Shaving Cream (for Women)
This DIY lavender shaving cream is for those gals out there who prefer a more delicate and floral scent.
Made with a host of cleansing and nourishing ingredients, this specially formulated cream can also be used by those with sensitive skin. So then, bid farewell to angry-looking rashes after shaving and say hello to soft and smooth skin.
Things you’ll need:
- Extra-virgin coconut oil (moisturizes skin and softens hair) – 1 tablespoon
- Shea butter (nourishes skin) – 1 tablespoon
- Liquid Castile soap (cleanses skin and softens hair) – 1 tablespoon
- Baking soda (gently exfoliates) – ⅛ teaspoon
- Lavender essential oil (anti-inflammatory and adds fragrance) – 2 or 3 drops
- Vitamin E oil (nourishes skin) – 1 capsule
Step 1. Microwave the shea butter and whisk it well
- Place 1 tablespoon of shea butter in a microwave-safe bowl to heat. Or you can use a double boiler to melt the ingredients.
- Heat it for 1 minute until it melts completely.
- Whisk it to get rid of any lumps.
Step 2. Add coconut oil and baking soda
- Add 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil to the melted shea butter.
- Add ⅛ teaspoon of baking soda as well.
Step 3. Add lavender oil, vitamin E and liquid Castile soap
- Add 2 or 3 drops of lavender essential oil.
- Pierce and empty the oil from 1 vitamin E capsule into the bowl.
- Start whisking and slowly mix in 1 tablespoon of liquid Castile soap.
- Continue whisking until everything is blended.
Step 4. Put it in a squirt bottle & use as needed
- Funnel the blend into a squirt bottle.
- Squeeze out a small amount and use it as your regular shaving cream.
Store this DIY shaving cream in a cool, dark and dry place. Use it to shave your arms, legs, and underarms without worrying about the darkening of your skin.
Method 5: Aloe Vera Shaving Gel
This DIY aloe vera shaving gel is ideal for those with sensitive skin who often get rashes or tiny breakouts on their skin after shaving.
This shaving gel will not produce a lather. Instead, its texture lies somewhere between that of shaving oil and soap. Evenly apply a thin layer over the areas you intend to shave. Its consistency will help prevent cuts, nicks and razor burn.
Things you’ll need:
- Aloe vera gel (soothes and heals skin) – 2 tablespoons
- Liquid Castile soap (cleanses skin and softens hair) – 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable glycerin (acts as humectant and emulsifier) – ½ tablespoon
- Olive oil (nourishes skin) – ½ tablespoon
- Salt (acts as an emulsifier) – ⅛ teaspoon
- Tea tree essential oil (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 2 drops
- Lavender essential oil (anti-inflammatory) – 1 or 2 drops
- Warm water – 2 tablespoons
Step 1. Dissolve some salt in warm water
- Pour 2 tablespoons of warm water into a container.
- Add ⅛ of a teaspoon salt.
- Mix until the salt completely dissolves.
Step 2. Add aloe vera gel, vegetable glycerin, and olive oil
- Add 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel.
- Add ½ tablespoon of vegetable glycerin.
- Add ½ tablespoon of olive oil as well.
Step 3. Add the essential oils and liquid Castile soap
- Add 1 or 2 drops of lavender essential oil.
- Add 2 drops of tea tree essential oil.
- Finally, add 2 tablespoons of liquid Castile soap as well.
Step 4. Mix well, put it in a squeeze bottle & use as needed
- Blend the ingredients thoroughly using a hand blender.
- Funnel the mixture into a squirt bottle.
- Squeeze a small amount onto your palm and rub it between your hands before applying it on your cheeks.
You can safely store and use this DIY homemade shaving cream for 1 to 2 weeks.
Tips to keep in mind while making homemade shaving creams
- If you are in the habit of accidentally nicking yourself while shaving, keep a styptic stick handy. Also, check out our home remedies to get rid of razor bumps.
- Exfoliating gently before a shave helps to get a closer shave. It also helps to prevent ingrown hairs.
- It’s best to shave after taking a shower, as your hair will be completely wet and, therefore, the process of shaving will go a lot more smoothly.
- Let your shaving cream sit for at least 3 minutes before you start to shave. Doing so will let the cream moisten your skin and also soften the hair strands that need to be shaved. This will make the process of shaving easier.
- Always apply aftershave to soothe the irritated skin. If you have sensitive skin, try our soothing DIY aftershaves recipes.
- If you're not a fan of cleave shave look, learn here how to grow your beard and keep them healthy with our DIY beard oil and balm.