Nowadays, many people are looking for cheap, effective, and organic ways to make their own grooming products.
Both as a way of avoiding the chemical-laden products offered on the consumer market, and as a means of coming up with ways to save a little money, many people have turned to making their own products – one such product being shaving cream.
But how exactly can you make shaving cream, and what ingredients are required?
What Is Shaving Cream?
Used for the preparation of the skin for shaving, shaving cream is a popular cosmetic product that has been used by both men and women (in one form or another) for centuries.
History
The first known examples of shaving cream date back to 3000 BC, where concoctions of animal fats and wood alkali were applied to a beard to prepare it for shaving.
Various concoctions of ingredients were also utilized over the centuries, the most common of which being bars or sticks of hard shaving soap, which were sold and consumed until as recently as the 20th century.
After this point, various liquid recipes were sold, with the first notable shaving ‘cream’ being created in 1919 by former MIT professor Frank Shields.
This innovation was furthered by the first pressurized ‘rising’ shaving foam, which was introduced in 1949, becoming the standard to which all other shaving products were set.
What Are The Ingredients?
In modern recipes, the ingredients still include many of the same qualities that have been incorporated for centuries, albeit in chemical form, as opposed to natural.
The largest ingredient tends to be soap – consisting of around 20-30% – accompanied by emulsifiers, emollients, foaming agents, and glycerine.
Making Shaving Cream
While companies might find it cheaper and more efficient to make it the way they do on a mass produced scale, using natural ingredients can still prove healthy, cheap, and effective for the individual.
What’s more, making your own organic shaving cream at home couldn’t be simpler!
However, there are three different methods you can use to create your own cream, each of them requiring different approaches and ingredients combinations.
Method One
This method requires ⅔ cup of shea butter, ⅔ cup of coconut oil, ½ cup of olive oil, 10 drops of essential oil, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and a jar with a lid that can be sealed firmly.
To start, the shea butter and coconut oil should be melted in a pan, turning the two substances into liquid form and blending them together into one mixture.
Remember, the objective is not to bring them to the boil, you are just heating them to blend them together.
Next, stir in the olive oil, stirring the mixture with a wooden spoon or a whisk, before adding the ten drops of essential oil.
You can use any combination of essential oils you want, creating your own unique scent and texture.
Popular additions to shaving cream include lavender, rose, grapefruit, fir, ginger, vetiver, and peppermint essential oils.
However, if you are sensitive to smells, then try adding just five drops at first, increasing as you go until you find the amount that works best for you.
Next, chill the mixture in a refrigerator, letting it sit for an hour or two with some siramwrap until it appears yellow in color and waxy in appearance.
Next, mix in some baking soda, mixing with a whisk or wooden spoon until the texture is light, fluffy, and creamy.
Finally, seal it in your jar, keeping it out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry location.
Method Two
For a more ‘sudsy’ combination, this method combines ¼ cup of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of shea butter, ¼ cup of aloe vera, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, ¼ cup of liquid castile soap, and 10 drops of essential oil.
Somewhat different in consistency than the previous recipe, this concoction creates a nice foamy lather when water is added, making it a great choice for shaving.
Once again, begin by melting the shea butter and the coconut oil together in a pan, making sure not to boil or burn the mixture.
Use a low heat, and stir them continuously until they become a merged liquid, before taking them off the heat altogether.
Next, blend with aloe vera, castile soap, and baking soda.
This can be done using an electric blender for ease, and should be done on high for several minutes to avoid the ingredients from separating later.
Next add the ten drops of essential oil, using any combination (or amount) as you like, before pouring the mixture into a liquid soap dispenser ready for use.
Method Three
For an even simpler method, this recipe involves two ingredients, and is perhaps the purest approach to making shaving cream.
For this, you can choose from coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil, using a full cup of your preferred choice, and combining that with ⅓ of a cup of a moisturizer – be it aloe vera gel, honey, or rosewater.
Add your chosen ingredients to an electric blender, blending them on high for several minutes to keep them from separating afterwards.
If you would like further ingredients, there are two or three choices to choose from.
These include baking soda for texture (1 tablespoon), 10 drops of essential oil for scent, or 1 vitamin E capsule for added health benefits.
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, everything you need to know about making your own shaving cream, and the various methods you have at your disposal.
There are many benefits to making your own cosmetic products, including the avoidance of harmful, mass produced chemicals, saving money, and for adopting a more environmentally friendly, organic approach to personal grooming.
But whichever method you choose, rest assured you will be looking and feeling great in no time at all! Why not give them a try?
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look good, but there is such a lack of resources out there for men!
This website is for people like past me, who would have loved some guidance when first starting out.
Please enjoy my content. Trust me, bro - we’ll find you the perfect regime within no time.
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