Most shaving creams have harmful chemicals like sulfates, formaldehyde, and the list goes on. Shaving cream is one of the most essential parts of any shaving kit, but unfortunately, most of the canned shaving creams on the market are loaded with chemicals that can dry out the skin.
On the other hand, many of the more natural shaving soaps and non-toxic shaving creams can be a bit expensive, so there is another option.
Learn how to make shaving cream at home, yes, a DIY cream. Here’s the reason why.
Why make homemade shaving cream?
Since beginning any natural living journey, many have learned the benefits of making skincare and cosmetic products from homemade ingredients. Making your own natural products can become more budget-worthy, productive, and contribute to your overall wellness--in more ways than one. The very notion of taking the time to create a homemade shaving cream, much less other natural home skin care products, shows the world that you care about what you put on your skin and into your body.
The more you read labels and research, it quickly becomes evident that everyone needs to be more mindful of what is applied onto the skin, since it is the body’s largest organ.
Here’s why many prefer to make homemade shaving cream:
- Healthier (no toxins). What we put on our skin ends up in our bloodstream. And who wants harmful chemicals in their bloodstream? Reducing toxins can have a powerful impact on your overall well-being.
- Easy to make.
- For men AND women. This shaving cream can be used on the face (for men) or the legs.
- Moisturizing. This homemade cream both protects from nicks and razor burn and it moisturizes your skin. I’m able to have silky smooth legs, without harmful toxins!
So, without further adieu, here’s the best homemade natural shaving cream.
Ingredients for shave butter
This shaving cream recipe is not as frugal as buying a can of fluffy stuff at the store, but it is way better for you, and includes four beneficial ingredients:
- Mango butter. An excellent moisturizer that adds substance to this shaving cream allowing it to be whipped into a smooth and fluffy texture. You might prefer mango butter over cocoa butter for this recipe.
- Coconut oil. Hydrates the skin and makes the application of this shaving cream easier.
- Castile Soap. This vegetable-based natural soap helps the cream glide on and keeps it from being too thick.
- Oil. The oil keeps the shaving cream from being too thick. You can use olive oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, or jojoba oil, to name a few. Each has its own benefits, but they all give your skin nourishment and moisture.
How to make your DIY homemade shaving cream
You’ll need a stand mixer, or electric beaters to make this shaving cream, along with a 4 or 8 oz mason jar.
- Melt coconut oil and mango butter. Stir in the oil and soap.
- Let cool and allow to harden--this can take up to an hour.
- Use a mixer to whip the mixture for at least 2 minutes. Transfer the cream to a glass jar with a lid.
That’s it. It’s really that simple. Note: If the mixture is not fluffy after two minutes, whip for another minute. The cream will vary in volume depending on how long it is whipped.
Additional recipe notes and things to consider
If using your DIY in the shower, be very careful. This cream could make the tub slippery.
Be sure to keep water out of the container as it could cause the cream to develop bacteria and affect the shelf life. And finally, because the cream is rather thick, you will only need a small amount, as it will be necessary to rinse razor a few times during shaving.
Reasons for making your own shaving cream
- It will leave your legs, face, or armpits soft.
- It will allow you to get a closer shave than just lathered soap
- You will avoid all of those HORRID chemicals that are in the canned store-bought versions
- It makes a great gift! You can put this in a foam pump and include it with some homemade soap.
The takeaway
Making your own shaving cream doesn’t have to be difficult, and doing so gives you a lot more freedom to choose the shaving cream ingredients you want and avoid those that you don’t.
This will allow you to throw away those cheap aerosol shaving creams, with their harsh chemicals, and instead create a far superior product for basically the same price. One thing you’ll quickly notice when learning how to make shaving cream at home is that most recipes you’ll find will never produce as thick or foamy of a lather as you’re used to if you’ve been using canned shaving cream all your life. Still, in truth, you only need a small amount of lather, as only the lather directly between the razor blade and your face will have any effect—so don’t worry if your homemade cream or soap doesn’t foam so much, as long as you’re happy with the results.