If you shave on a regular basis, it’s ideal to use the safest and purest ingredients for the smoothest shave possible. The shaving butter in this article both eases the glide of a razor while moisturizing and nourishing the skin in the process. When using natural ingredients, you don’t have to worry about potentially harmful chemicals that the skin can easily absorb. Ditch the store bought shaving creams you use and start making your own!
The shaving butter in this article is exactly what you want out of shaving cream: rich, creamy, and fluffy. In addition to easing glide and aiding a close shave, this shaving butter may also reduce cuts and post-shave irritation. While the recipe contains a great combination of ingredients, there is room for some customization, should you feel inspired. Customizing it will come down to the essential oils you wish to use. If you want a more masculine scent, tea tree oil and cedarwood essential oil may be the better choices. Lavender and orange essential oils may give off a more feminine, floral scent. The decision is yours to make, though.
Coconut Oil
On its own, coconut oil is an excellent ingredient to shave with. Because it may irritate sensitive areas of the skin, beauty experts advise only lathering the legs or arms with coconut oil for shaving. It not only acts as a protective agent between the razorblades and the skin, but also works to prevent irritation and razor burn. Additionally, coconut oil helps to moisturize the skin, leaving your skin smooth and hydrated post-shave. In fact, it may help your skin feel softer and smoother for days after you shave!
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter comes from the cocoa bean of the cacao plant, which has been cultivated for about 3,000 years. This plant was revered by the Mayans and Aztecs, and it later became one of the most popular foods in the world after the Columbian Exchange brought it back to the Old World. One major use for cocoa butter is to promote smoother, hydrated skin. The rich fatty acid and antioxidant content helps reduce inflammation and balance the skin’s lipid production. As a shaving cream, cocoa butter allows for smooth, natural glide. It won’t clog drains because it melts in warm water.
Olive Oil
Using olive oil as a shaving cream alternative is a great inexpensive option. Not only does it lubricate the skin for a smooth shave, but it also enhances moisture levels. Olive oil contains moisturizing properties that also make it an excellent lubricant for shaving. It’s also more natural than commercial shaving creams, leaving your skin feeling softer long after you finish shaving. If your skin is sun-damaged or weathered, olive oil can be an excellent choice for shaving because it is gentle and hydrating. Because it is oily, it may clog up a razor and require washing away with soap after you finish shaving.
Homemade Shaving Butter
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup each: coconut oil, cocoa butter, and olive oil
- 3 tablespoons castile soap
- 20 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 4 drops tea tree oil
Instructions:
- Melt the coconut oil and cocoa butter in the top of a double boiler over medium heat. Once these ingredients have liquified, stir in the olive oil and remove from heat.
- Pour this mixture into a heat-safe mixing boil and place in the refrigerator until the mixture is halfway solidified.
- Remove the bowl from the fridge and whip with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Pour in the castile soup and whip for about 30 seconds. Add the essential oils and whip for an additional 30 seconds.
- Store the mixture in a glass jar in a cool, dry place. It is oily so be careful not to slip if you use it in the shower.
