DIY Shaving Cream – How to Make Soothing Foam at Home

Just as the name suggests, DIY shaving cream is a shaving cream you make your own. You can make something, especially if you are not fond of commercially-available shaving creams because they contain a lot of harsh chemicals.

This DIY solution is also ideal for you if the natural alternatives peddled by lifestyle brands are too rich for your budget. The next best thing in those cases would be to make your own shaving cream.

The neat thing about making your own shaving cream from scratch is that you get to choose whatever ingredients you want. You can also tweak the recipes to fit your personal preferences. If you want a light shaving cream or something heavier and lathers up thickly, then you can do so.

Benefits of Using a Homemade DIY Shaving Cream

You Can Choose the Ingredients

Except for the base ingredients, you can tweak any homemade shaving cream recipe any way you want. If you want to add natural moisturizers or some essential oils, you are free to do so. However, it is best to practice by making small batches until you perfect your recipe and you end up with the best shaving cream you have ever used so far.

You Can Make as Much or as Little as You Want

How many times have you found yourself stuck with a relatively full can of premium shaving gel because you cannot stand the way it smells? If you are making your own shaving cream at home, you decide on the amount. In case you do not like the smell or you had a minor skin allergy, you will not be wasting time and materials. If you find a recipe that you like, then you can make a lot of it. You can then store it in jars, so you will never run out of shaving cream ever again.

Makes Shaving a Very Enjoyable Task

If you have not used shaving cream before, I am sure that using one will make your regular shaving routine into a daily treat. Not only does it go smoothly, but it also makes the hairs softer, therefore making them easier to cut. Shaving creams can also help prevent razor burns by lubricating your skin, allowing the razor blades to glide over the surface. If you want your shaving sessions to pamper you even more, then investing in a shaving cream warmer is a good idea.

How Does a DIY Shaving Cream Work

DIY shaving creams primarily work the same way as commercial products do. Smooth shaving by using shaving cream or gel is possible as the product works in lubricating the top layer of the skin. This results in the blades gliding smoothly over the skin. Moreover, they condition the facial hairs so that they become softer and easier to shave.

Pros and Cons of Using a DIY Shaving Cream

Pros

• Huge savings. Shaving cream is an expensive, single-use product. However, if you can make your own, then you can potentially save a tidy sum of money in the long run.
• Allows you to make as much as you want. Never run out of shaving cream again. If you know how to make one on your own, then you will never risk razor burns or cuts ever again.
• Freedom to choose the ingredients. You can make a shaving cream that leaves a lingering scent or choose to make an odorless one. You can also incorporate ingredients that can enhance the health of your skin. It is all up to you. The DIY shaving cream will give you such freedom.

Cons

• Takes quite a while to make. You will need a couple of hours to make a rather big batch of shaving cream, so you better schedule it during a weekend.

Ingredients Needed for a DIY Shaving Cream

Mango Butter

This is a natural fat that comes from mango seeds. Like shea butter, mango butter exists in a semi-solid form but turns to liquid almost immediately when it touches the skin. This is a great ingredient for DIY shaving cream as it has hydrating qualities and promotes collagen production on the skin. It can turn your ordinary shaving cream into a skin moisturizer as well.

Coconut Oil

Aside from locking in moisture in the skin, coconut oil is also a great carrier for products like shaving cream. It has a mild scent and emulsifies quite easily. When shopping for this ingredient, make sure to get one labeled as virgin coconut oil. This type does not contain any preservatives while also being unrefined.

Castile Soap

This ingredient is responsible for creating the thick lather in the DIY shaving cream. Traditionally, Castile soap came from virgin olive oil, but you can also make one using other kinds of oils, like coconut oil, almond oil, hemp oil, and other natural oils.

Essential Oils

These ingredients are capable of adding scents and extra skin benefits to the DIY shaving cream. The effects will depend on the type of oil you use. Most men like to add sandalwood essential oil into their DIY shaving cream because it has a nice relaxing scent. However, you should only put in a couple of drops as they can easily irritate the skin.

How to Use DIY Shaving Cream

Step 1 – Take a shower

It is best to shave right before you finish showering so that the skin is a bit softer and smoother. It is also best to use a shaving bowl for cold or warm shaving, so prepare beforehand.

Step 2 – Apply the shaving cream

Open the jar of shaving cream and scoop out an ample amount using your hand. Apply the shaving cream over your facial hair and work on it to make a lather. You can also use a shaving brush if you want. The bristles of shaving brushes help to exfoliate your skin, so you are getting extra benefits.

Step 3 – Proceed to shave

Always use a very sharp razor. Aside from cutting the hairs easily, it can also help you avoid getting razor burns. Remember, once you have different types of electric razors or blades to shave along the grain, not against it, it will prevent nasty ingrown hairs. Also, rinse your razor often not to jam up and cause painful nicks on your skin.

Step 4 – Rinse off the excess shaving cream

Go back into the shower and rinse off the remaining shaving cream. Because shaving cream does contain castile soap, you will need to rinse it off completely or it will dry up your skin.

How to Make a Shaving Cream

Step 1 – Melt and boil coconut oil and shea butter

Use a double-boiler to melt the coconut oil and shea butter together. It is important to use a double-boiler because you need to heat these ingredients gently.

Step 2 – Put the mixture in the fridge

Once the shea butter and coconut oil melt and combine, transfer the container into your fridge and let it cool down for a couple of hours until the mixture sets.

Step 3 – Mix to make it foamy

Use an electric mixer to make the mixture foamy. Once the mixture is firm, take it out of the fridge and immediately whip it thoroughly using an electric mixer. Continue whisking until the mixture hits the right consistency.

Step 4 – Add the rest of the ingredients

Add in essential oils and/or other ingredients. With the mixer still running, put a couple of drops of your choice of essential oils into the shaving cream. Be careful not to put too much. It is also the point where you can add any other ingredients that you like.

Step 5 – Store it properly

Scoop the shaving cream into jars. Transfer the contents of the bowl into mason jars and tightly close the lids. This shaving cream should last for a couple of months without separating. Be careful not to get water into the jar, though, as it will hasten the spoiling of the shaving cream. Wipe your hands on a dry towel first before scooping out shaving cream.

Recipes for DIY Shaving Creams

Classic Lathering Shaving Cream 

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 2/3 cup virgin coconut oil
• 2/3 cup jojoba oil
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 10-15 drops of essential oil
• 3-4 drops Vitamin E oil (optional, but recommended)

Procedure:

Follow the steps on how to make traditional shaving cream.

Foaming Liquid Shaving Soap

Ingredients:

• 1/8 cup distilled/filtered water, warm
• 1/8 cup castile soap, liquid
• 1/8 cup natural aloe vera gel
• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
• A couple of drops each of essential oil and Vitamin E oil

Procedure:

Put all the ingredients in an empty and clean shampoo bottle, and shake it to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Shake the bottle for about ten seconds before using.

Natural Shaving Soap

Ingredients:

• A bar of unscented, all-natural facial soap
• 2 teaspoons jojoba, castor, or almond oil
• 2 teaspoons natural aloe vera gel
• 1-2 tablespoons cosmetic clay
• A couple of drops of essential oil of your choice

Procedure:

Grate the soap into a large double boiler and then add the oil and aloe vera gel. Slowly heat the double boiler over low to medium heat, occasionally mixing until the soap melts completely and everything is mixed.

Turn off the heat and mix in the cosmetic clay, then pour the soap into a mold. Silicone ones are best, but you can also use a small box lined with plastic. Let the soap dry and harden, which might take a couple of days. After that, it will be ready to use.

Do’s and Don’ts 

Do’s

• Do shave while you are showering. It will make the shaving process go much smoother, literally and figuratively. Also, pre-shave oil is the perfect addition to your shaving routine, so make sure you use it.
• Do use a sharp razor when shaving. Even if you use a good DIY shaving cream, it is still possible for you to get nicks and razor burns if your razor is dull.
• Do wipe your hands dry when scooping shaving cream. It can prevent water from getting inside the container.

Don’ts

• Don’t shave dry. Even if you are using DIY shaving cream, it would be a horrible experience shaving dry skin.
• Don’t let water inside your jar of shaving cream. Even just a bit of water can make your shaving cream spoil faster.

FAQ About Homemade Shaving Cream

How long does the homemade shaving cream last?

Most DIY shaving creams can last for a month or two.

How to store homemade shaving cream?

Ensure that your shaving cream will not spoil quickly and store the jars in a cool, dark place. This should prevent the cream from losing its effects sooner than expected.

Is it okay to shave without shaving cream?

It is fine if you want to shave without shaving cream. However, it is still highly recommended to use this product to lower your chance of getting cuts and razor burns. Also, you need to use a safety razor if you are not using shaving cream.

What can you use as a substitute for shaving cream?

Shaving kits come with a variety of replaceable items. If the included shaving cream runs out, you can use shampoo. You need to make a bit of a lather first before you shave.

Can I use oil instead of shaving cream?

Yes, you can use either coconut oil or olive oil. It may be a bit messy, but oils do work. Oil works rather well when you are grooming your ducktail beard.

Conclusion

Although DIY shaving creams do have a rather short shelf life, the ease by which you can make a week’s worth of the product makes it more than worth it. You will also feel even more at ease knowing that you will not be putting any chemicals on your skin.