If you shave frequently, you only want the safest, purest ingredients for your skin. You have a thoughtful approach to how you shave, so you don’t simply use subpar shaving equipment or creams. The shaving butter in this article is the perfect swap for commercial shaving creams because it only uses natural ingredients. There’s no need to worry about toxins in your personal care products!

Before we cover how this shaving butter benefits your skin, we have a quick safety note. If you use this shaving butter in the shower, keep in mind that it can make the shower floor a bit slippery. For this reason, consider a non-slip shower mat or simply sit on the edge of the tub or on a shower seat while shaving. There is also no water in this recipe, so no preservatives are necessary. That said, you want to make sure that you wash and dry your hands before sticking your hands into the jar. If you introduce water to the shaving butter, it could easily spoil or start to mold. 

Olive Oil Benefits

Olive oil is a common pantry staple for many people because it is a common ingredient for salad dressings and cooking. It offers heart-healthy benefits, but it turns out that it may be just as beneficial for the skin. According to several studies, olive oil contains vitamins and antioxidants that improve hydration and offer anti-aging effects. Olive oil contains squalene and vitamin E. While squalene supports the skin’s moisture retention, vitamin E increases the skin’s ability to absorb and retain water. Olive oil also works to cleanse the skin by dissolving oily residue.

Coconut Oil Benefits

Coconut oil is naturally rich in medium-chain fatty acids, which are a form of saturated fat. About 65% of coconut oil’s total composition is medium-chain fatty acids, which exhibit antimicrobial properties that may protect against harmful organisms. This is highly important for the overall health of your skin, as these properties may fight off everything from acne and cellulitis to athlete’s foot. Coconut oil is also an excellent moisturizer for people with mild to moderately dry skin. One study found that coconut oil significantly improved hydration, and was just as effective as mineral oil. Another study found that coconut oil use led to a 68% decrease in eczema severity, making it more effective than mineral oil in eczema treatment.

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is not a newcomer to the world of health and beauty. According to historical accounts, the Aztecs and Mayans used and consumed cocoa butter as early as 460 AD. Cocoa butter contains high amounts of polyphenols that may be helpful for your anti-aging efforts, according to some studies. It may also soothe sensitive or inflamed skin caused by dermatitis. Cocoa butter also contains numerous vitamins and minerals, including vitamins E & K, copper, iron, choline, and magnesium. The iron contributes to glowing skin, while the copper supports healthy collagen and elastin levels, creating supple skin. 

Homemade All-Natural Shaving Butter

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup each: coconut oil, cocoa butter, and olive oil
• 3 tablespoons liquid castile soap
• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 drops tea tree oil

Instructions:

• Add the coconut oil and cocoa butter to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir gently until fully melted and then pour into a large mixing bowl. 
• Pour the olive oil into the bowl, stir to combine, and then refrigerate the bowl until the liquids are halfway solidified. 
• Remove the bowl from the fridge and whip using a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the castile soap and whip the mixture a little more. 
• Finally, add in the essential oils and whip again before spooning into a glass jar. Store the shaving butter in a cool, dry place and use when ready.

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Have you noticed that more and more personal care and skin care products have “paraben-free” labels lately? It’s not just your imagination, and the reason for this evolution in beauty products is because more and more research highlights potential human health risks associated with these chemicals. As a jumping off point, a growing body of research linked parabens to abnormal hormone function and certain cancers. 

What Are Parabens?

Parabens are synthetic chemicals that are widely used as preservatives in personal care products and cosmetics. You can usually find them in shaving creams, shampoos, deodorants, cleansers, pharmaceuticals, foods, and beverages. Manufacturers include parabens in these products and more because they extend their shelf life. Additionally, parabens exhibit antimicrobial properties that prevent the growth of mold, fungi, and bacteria. There are several types of parabens and most products contain more than one. Common parabens in consumer goods include ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben. 

According to research, some 90% of typical grocery items contain a measurable amount of parabens. Even those who steer clear of parabens in personal care or hygiene products can be exposed to these preservatives. What worries public health advocates is that cumulative exposure to parabens can contribute to a wide range of health problems. Some of the main concerns are the disruption of hormones, reproductive toxicity, and the increased risk of certain cancers. For example, parabens mimic estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors on cells. The perceived influx of estrogen can trigger reactions such as an increase in breast cell division and the growth of tumors. 

Health Problems That May Be Linked To Parabens

As mentioned previously, parabens are hormone disruptors. This is because they can disrupt endocrine function, ultimately interfering with the hormones that are responsible for normal growth and development. Preliminary research from March 2021 linked hormone disruption from parabens to changes in several aspects of human health. Some of these changes included increased blood sugar and cholesterol levels, obesity risk, cognitive decline, and immune system dysfunction. 

A lot of the research surrounding parabens, though, has been conducted on animals or testing paraben levels in urine. The urine tests aimed to discover if people with higher exposure to parabens had an increased risk of developing certain health issues. Some studies found that parabens in urine led to an increased risk of breast cancer. A separate study from April 2023 found higher levels of parabens in breast cancer tissues than in healthy breast tissue. Finally, some observational studies linked urinary levels of parabens to elevated breast cancer risks. That said, it’s hard to control other factors, such as age, genetic risk factors, and other environmental exposures. 

In regards to parabens in cosmetics, the biggest source of human exposure, U.S. regulators haven’t found a clear enough risk of health harms to warn people against using them. As of 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates cosmetics, said that there wasn’t sufficient information to show that parabens in cosmetics had an effect on human health.

Risk Factors For Paraben Exposure

Paraben exposure is very common, especially in regards to methylparaben and propylparaben. One study examined urinary concentrations of different types of parabens in American adults. The results indicated that 99% of the participants had exposure to methylparaben, and nearly 93% of participants had exposure to propylparaben. Even though a lot of people have some exposure to parabens, some people are at higher risk of exposure than others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), higher-risk individuals include Black people, women, and adults over the age of 20. Anyone who uses more personal care or hygiene products may be at more risk of exposure, depending on the products. 

How To Limit Paraben Exposure

If you want to limit your exposure, start by reading product labels, be they for beauty, personal care, or food. Some parabens are more likely to interfere with the body than others, so keep your eyes peeled for butylparaben and propylparaben, as they are more likely to cause health risks. Those are long-chain parabens, whereas methylparaben and ethylparaben are short-chain parabens. Short-chain parabens are much less likely to disrupt hormone function. As we mentioned in the beginning of the article, a lot of products are paraben- or sulfate-free, so aim to use those products. Lastly, don’t assume that something with a “clean” or “natural” label is paraben-free. Read the labels and you’ll find the truth, and potentially become healthier in the process.

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With so many skin care products on the market today, choosing the right ones can be very difficult. It’s hard to know which ones are synthetic and which ones are natural. Even the “natural” and “chemical-free” products can contain harmful ingredients. Most products have the potential to benefit your skin, but natural, homemade skin care products are often the better choice. 

It is very difficult to trust products that have a long list of ingredients, especially if you can’t pronounce them. A product may claim to be “natural” or “organic,” but a lot of greenwashing occurs in the beauty industry. That means a company uses misleading labels and language, environmental imagery, or hidden tradeoffs that makes it seem sustainable and natural. In fact, a product can claim to be natural even if it only has a few natural ingredients. A drop of essential oil can make a product natural. These products may also contain ingredients that are not certified natural or organic. 

For those reasons and and more, we encourage people to make their own beauty products when possible. Consider the following reasons to make DIY skin care products. Let us know if you agree or disagree in the comments below. Have you made your own products before? We’d love to hear from you, especially if it was a recipe that we posted!

Better For The Environment

Natural skin care products are simply better for the environment than synthetic alternatives. Synthetic chemicals can harm animals and plants that they come in contact with. If those synthetic chemicals seep into the ground, they can wreak havoc on surrounding ecosystems. The manufacturing of traditional skin care products can also lead to environmental pollution. Companies need to extract certain ingredients, such as aluminum or lead, in order to make products. DIY skin care products don’t need mining or manufacturing because they use simple, natural ingredients. 

You Decide What Goes Into The Products

When you make your own skin care products, you know exactly what goes into them. If a body butter recipe contains shea butter, almond oil, coconut oil, and some essential oils, you know that there are no other fragrances, stabilizers, or chemical additives. Using natural ingredients on the skin helps reduce the risk of common skin reactions that can result from chemicals in skin care products. 

Learn What Works For Your Skin

As previously mentioned, store bought skin care products contain a long list of harmful ingredients. That can make it difficult to determine which ingredients are the best for your skin. The great thing about DIY skin care products is that you can customize them with ingredients that your skin needs. Cater to your skin type or skin condition/ailment to boost the overall health of your skin. You can also research which ingredients have the best compounds, vitamins, and other nutrients that benefit your skin type. 

Streamline Your Routine

Homemade skin care products contain simple ingredients, but they don’t just serve one purpose. What we mean by this is that a facial lotion can double as a deodorant. Homemade shaving cream may also serve as a post-shower moisturizer. Sometimes, you can even use raw ingredients, like shea butter, on their own to help improve skin barrier function and promote hydration and moisture. 

Manufacturing Doesn’t Harm Animals

A lot of big skin care manufacturers continue to test their products on animals. This is a detriment to the wellbeing of animals that receive testing. Fortunately, not all skin care product manufacturers use animal testing, so no harm is done to living beings. These are the more ethical companies that don’t contain a lot of synthetic materials. If you are against inhumane treatment of animals and testing, natural DIY skin care products are the way to go. 

They’re Easier On The Skin

Synthetic skin care products are very harmful to certain skin types. Ingredients in those products can cause swelling, redness, rash, itchiness, or a serious allergic reaction. Look out for paragons, sulfates, synthetic dyes, propylene, petrochemicals, triclosan, and more. You don’t have to worry about that when you use DIY skin care products. Natural ingredients don’t contain chemical irritants and instead of being detrimental to the skin, they actually nourish it.

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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. 

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For many people, shaving is an essential component of their skin care and grooming routine. It’s a lot less painful than waxing, but it can come with a series of unwanted side effects, including razor burn, nicks, and irritation. Even people with masterful shaving techniques can experience these side effects, because it depends on the skin type. Some skin is simply more sensitive than others. 

Many people enjoy the soft, smooth feel of freshly shaven skin. Some shaving creams, however, can make the skin feel dry because they don’t supply moisture. This is where shaving with coconut oil comes into play. It lathers onto the skin easily and contributes to a cleaner shave and softer, hydrated skin. If you’re new to shaving with coconut oil, though, there are some tips that can contribute to a better shaving experience.

Start With The Right Tools

First off, you need a great razor, so toss the old razor that has dull blades and use a new razor that has multiple blades. Many experts say that a razor that has experienced more than 10 shaves is old and potentially infectious. Before you glide the razor across your skin, you need a gentle exfoliating scrub. Exfoliating prior to shaving helps to open pores and remove bacteria, which may lead to ingrown hairs.

Clean The Razor

One problem that you may encounter while using a coconut oil shaving cream is that it may clog up your razor blades. This is a minor problem that has a quick and easy solution. Simply put the razor in a glass of hot water and dish soap and allow it to soak for five minutes. Allow the razor to air dry once you remove it. 

You Can Use It Anywhere

From your face to your ankles, you can use a coconut oil shaving cream anywhere on the body. The only real exception is if you have very oily skin, especially on the face. People with oily skin often find that coconut oil induces blemishes after application. This isn’t always the case because coconut oil exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, but it does happen occasionally.

Use The Right Technique

After you get a new razor, open your pores with warm water and exfoliate to remove build-up, it’s time to shave. In an effort to achieve the smoothest shave, you need the right technique. If shaving your legs, bend your knee slightly and pull the skin taut. Gently glide the razor over the skin in the direction of hair growth. Any skin expert will tell you that you should always shave in the direction that your hair grows. Lastly, don’t shave the same area more than once because that can lead to cuts and razor burn. If you have to go over the area multiple times, you should replace your razor blade. 

DIY Coconut Vanilla Shaving Cream

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unrefined coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract

Instructions:

• If you have a stand mixer, then you can whip the coconut oil in there for about five minutes, add the vanilla extract, and then whip for another minute. 
• If you don’t have a stand mixer, add the coconut oil to a mixing bowl and whip on high for five minutes with an electric hand mixer. Add the vanilla extract and continue to whip until well combined.
• Place the mixture into an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place. Use when you have to shave. 
• Although this shaving cream does enhance moisture, you may also need to use an additional moisturizer when you get out of the shower post-shave. 

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Body butters are nutrient dense creams that work to moisturize, nourish, and hydrate the skin. Depending on the ingredients in the body butter, you may experience different benefits after continued application. Some body butters focus on reducing wrinkles or fine lines, while others help to soothe eczema, sunburn, or other skin irritations. 

The problem with commercial body butters is that they contain a lot of chemicals, which are not conducive to optimal skin health. In fact, the skin can absorb those chemicals, whereby they enter the bloodstream and cause internal damage. Making your own body butters with natural ingredients allows you to use them worry-free. In fact, many DIY body butters can benefit your skin in the following ways.

Protect Dry Patches

Whether you have eczema or dry patches on your skin, use body butters to help lock in moisture and reduce dryness. If you are at work or out all day, keep a small container of body butter with you to reapply to the affected areas. Note that problem areas may need a second layer for optimal nourishment and protection. Dry knees, elbows, or knuckles constantly bend and need a lot of love, so make sure to massage the body butter into those areas. Don’t be afraid to reapply, especially if you suffer from excessive dryness. 

Nourish Your Feet

Your feet take a beating every day, especially if you’re on your feet at work. Whether you walk around barefoot, wear shoes all day, or your feet are dry from a day at the beach, massage them with body butter at night for optimal moisture. Additionally, most body butters contain shea butter, which helps protect you from cracked heels and dryness. If you really want supple feet, apply the body butter liberally at night, put your socks on, and wear them while you sleep. You won’t believe how soft your feet are when you wake up the next morning.

Shaving Cream Replacement

Some people have an issue with shaving cream, and we’re not judging. Why use something that you don’t like when you can use a DIY body butter that moisturizes and protects your skin as you shave. You may even find that you get a smoother, cleaner shave when you use the body butter in place of the shaving cream. 

Sunburn Relief

The sun can take a toll on your skin, and you may end up with pink, itchy skin after too much fun in the sun. One of the best post-sun exposure remedies is to apply body butter on the affected area. Most body butters provide a cooling sensation, especially if they contain tea tree, peppermint, or eucalyptus essential oils. Sunburnt skin is stripped of moisture, and using a body butter can help replenish that moisture, soothe inflammation, and accelerate recovery time. 

The following body butters provide nourishment to your skin, and we can almost guarantee that you’ll love them. 

DIY Whipped Body Butter

Say hello to softer skin when you use this DIY body butter every day. You can get experimental and fragrant with your own essential oils. 

Click here to make the body butter. 

DIY Fresh Citrus Body Butter

Feel confident about your skin when you apply this citrus body butter. It helps to hydrate your skin and support healthy skin tone.

Click here to make the body butter. 

DIY Lavender Body Butter

Keeping your skin hydrated and youthful during the dryer winter months can be hard, unless you have this DIY lavender butter.

Click here to make the body butter.

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Once you make the switch to DIY skin care products, it’s hard to imagine how you made it through life using commercial products that are filled with chemicals. Your skin is delicate and deserves the best ingredients, as opposed to the chemicals from shaving creams, lotions, or creams that clog pores or leave dry patches.

The shaving cream in this article is everything you want from a store bought shaving cream and more. Not only is it fluffy and creamy, but it also leaves your skin hydrated and moisturized after a shave. Additionally, most people find that it reduces cuts, irritation, and razor bumps. Both men and women can use this shaving cream because the scent can be altered by using different essential oils. If a man wants to smell like he just emerged from the wilderness, use cedarwood essential oil. If a woman wants to smell floral, delicate, and serene, use lavender essential oil. Both sexes can use either essential oil; the choice is entirely up to you.

Benefits Of Olive Oil For The Skin

Often referred to as “liquid gold,” olive oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, which are beneficial for heart health. Olive oil can be used on the skin, though, and the high fat content helps to provide long-lasting moisture. Many people find that olive oil helps remedy areas of dry skin because it works to lubricate and hydrate the skin without clogging pores.

Benefits Of Cocoa Butter For The Skin

Cocoa butter is not only intended for decadent desserts, folks. It is widely used in various skin care products, and the medicinal properties of cocoa butter have been used by various civilizations for over 3,000 years. Similar to olive oil, cocoa butter is naturally rich in fatty acids, which help to improve skin elasticity. Cocoa butter works to hydrate the skin and the inherent fats form a protective barrier that help the skin retain moisture. Additionally, cocoa butter contains phytochemicals, which may slow the signs of aging by protecting the skin from UV damage.

Benefits Of Coconut Oil For The Skin

Here’s another oil that is incredibly rich in fatty acids, specifically medium-chain fatty acids, also known as MCTs. These contain antimicrobial properties that can help protect the skin from harmful microorganisms. One study found that the antibacterial properties in coconut oil were effective at preventing the growth of over 20 bacterial strains on the skin. Many people have been applying coconut oil on the skin to help reduce eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis.

DIY Shaving Cream

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup unrefined virgin coconut oil
• ¼ cup organic cocoa butter
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons castile soap
• 20 drops cedarwood or lavender essential oil
• 4 drops tea tree oil

Instructions:

• Melt the coconut oil and cocoa butter until they are fully liquefied. Stir to combine.
• Pour this melted mixture into a large mixing bowl and slowly add the olive oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge until the oils are halfway solidified.
• Remove from the fridge and whip the mixture with an electric hand mixture until it is light and fluffy.
• Add the castile soap and essential oils and whip more to combine.
• Store the shaving cream in a glass jar with a lid. You can keep it in a cool dry place. Use clean and dry hands when applying the mixture.
• If you are going to use it in the shower, keep in mind that it is made from oils, so the floor could get very slippery.

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Gentlemen…listen up because it’s time to discuss your hygiene routine. Getting out of bed and throwing yourself together in a matter of minutes is only acceptable for so long. That phase is not only worn out, but it is also not the best way to care for your skin and hair. This doesn’t mean that you have to drop stacks of cash on hygiene products; rather, you can throw together some all natural products with affordable and healthy ingredients.

The majority of skin care commercials or ads are geared towards women, but men also require skin care products. The most common men’s hygiene products that get advertised are shaving creams, face washes, or shampoos. Well, that’s simply not enough, and most of these products are far from natural. You, men, deserve to give your skin, beards, and hair more love, which is why we have put together some of our favorite DIY men’s hygiene products.

Make these products and share them with your bearded brethren or shaven friends. The best part about these products, aside from the fact that they are 100% natural, is that they are so easy to make. Stay handsome, gentlemen, and enjoy the following hygiene products. Let us know how you like them in the comments.

DIY Men’s Body Wash

Most guys do not take the time to sufficiently hydrate their skin, but this body wash takes care of that. The coconut oil and essential oils help to maintain healthy skin cell production and fight acne as well.

Click here to make the body wash.

DIY Rosemary Pine Beard Balm

Guys, it’s important that you wash your beard and use a balm that helps to moisturize and condition the skin underneath. You don’t want to be the guy with the unkempt beard that is flaky and smelly. Use this balm for optimal beard health.

Click here to make the beard balm.

Chemical-Free Moisturizer

Moisturizers are essential if you don’t want dry or flaky skin. Not only does this moisturizer help to balance the skin’s pH level, but it also works to balance oil production and get rid of bacteria in clogged pores.

Click here to make the moisturizer.

4-Ingredient DIY Beard Oil

As we mentioned before, beard hygiene is necessary, especially if you don’t want to look like Hobo Joe from The Muppets. You’ll love the scent of this beard oil, which helps to strengthen the beard and moisturize the skin under the beard.

Click here to make the beard oil.

DIY Scalp Serum To Help Grow Your Hair

Men are used to losing their hair, and many try various products or outlandish techniques to assist with hair growth. Most of these efforts don’t pan out, but this scalp serum contains powerful ingredients that help stimulate hair growth.

Click here to make the serum.

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Some men need to shave every day, while others only shave a two to three times a week. Men will inevitably nick themselves from time to time, which means that the toxins and synthetic chemicals from shaving gels or creams enter the body via the cuts. These chemicals can enter your bloodstream and cause serious damage.

Rather than risking self-contamination through the simple act of shaving, why not use a DIY, toxin-free shaving cream that hydrates and moisturizes the skin. Guys like having soft skin, too! Soft skin isn’t reserved for a specific gender or sex. This is why we recommend whipping up a batch of this shaving cream as soon as you can.

Not only does this shaving cream contain shea butter, it also contains coconut oil, which helps to moisturize the skin as you shave. The shaving cream also has vitamin E oil, which helps support the natural production of healthy skin cells. Additionally, you can customize the shaving cream by adding some essential oils. While we support peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree essential oils, you can use whatever scent your nose desires.

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup organic shea butter
• 2/3 cup organic virgin coconut oil
• ¼ cup sweet almond oil
• ¼ cup baby-mild castile soap
• 3 drops vitamin E oil
• 10-20 drops essential oil(s) of your choice

Instructions:

• Melt the shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler over low heat. Mix well before removing from heat and transferring the mixture to a ceramic/glass bowl. Place in the fridge until it is solid.
• Take the mixture out of the fridge and add in the sweet almond oil, castile soap, and essential oils (optional). Use a hand mixer to whip the mixture until it is fluffy.
• Store in a glass jar and use whenever you shave. Don’t apply too thick of layer. It is meant to be thinly spread across your face or shaving area.

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The word “Perfume” derives from the Latin language and means “through the smoke.” This hints of incense, perfumed incense burned to release their scent of fragrance.

Cologne derives from the French word (eau de cologne) meaning “water of Cologne.” Cologne is known today as eau de toilet, meaning “water of the toilet” or “toilet water.” Hmmm! What are we being told here?

Toilet water is “a scented liquid with a high alcohol content used as a skin freshener.”

Ancient people such wore natural fragrances derived from essential oils from flowers. Flowers are Nature’s fragrance and source of fragrance. Many of Nature’s fragrances were derived from flowers from such essential oils as Ylang Ylang, Magnolia Blossoms (Neroli), Rose, Jasmine, Linden, and Lavender. Many other natural scents and fragrances were derived from the likes of Sandalwood, Frankincense, Spikenard, Patchouli, Cinnamon, and Davana whose scents are heavenly or celestial.

However, today we understand perfume to be a solution containing 15% to 30% perfume oils and 70% to 85% alcohol, respectively.

What happened to perfumes between their origin and today? What is the secret? What is the mystery? The answer is: OIL! Yes, oil-based perfumes.

When we look back in history we find that some of the most precious gifts of kings, queens, and other nobility were perfume oils.

However, modern day perfumes and colognes are alcohol based. Alcohol is a toxic solvent, derived from petroleum. Plant-based or essential oils are not.

Oil-based perfumes

Oil penetrates any porous material, e.g. paper, wood, hair, skin, etc.; therefore, oil-based perfumes will penetrate the skin, causing the fragrance to stay. As a solvent, alcohol is a drying agent. Alcohol dries (evaporates) from the most porous material within a short period of time. The difference is that the pleasant, sensuous scent of oil-based perfumes will linger longer in addition to having a therapeutic effect on the body and thus positively impacting human health.

Many of the perfume and cologne ingredients are known irritants and are toxic through skin absorption.

In 1986, the National Academy of Sciences grouped fragrances with insecticides, heavy metals, solvents, food additives and certain air pollutants as the six categories of chemicals that should be given high priority for neurotoxicity testing. According to their report, 95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. They include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxic substances linked to cancer, birth defects and allergic reactions.

Ethanol is a principal chemical in perfume and cologne (and hair spray, shampoo, shaving cream, soap, and nail polisher) that can cause fatigue, irritation of the eyes and upper respiratory tract, and produce a loss of muscular coordination.

Limonene is another principal chemical found in perfume and cologne (and bar soap, shampoo, hand lotion, and hair spray) that is carcinogenic (cancer-causing). In addition, it can seriously irritate the eyes.

Linalool, also found in perfume and cologne, is a narcotic that causes respiratory disturbances. This chemical contributes to reduced spontaneous motor activity and depression.

Benzyl Acetate is linked to pancreatic cancer, the worst cancer you could develop. Its vapors are irritating to the eyes and the respiratory system. It can also be absorbed through the skin causing systemic effects.

Toulene is used in many perfumes and colognes on the market today. It is a solvent that causes headaches and is a reproductive system toxin. It is on the list of chemicals deemed hazardous under Proposition 65.

Synthetic oils

Synthetic oils such as Egyptian Musk, Arabian Musk, African Musk, Powder, etc. are not better alternatives to perfume and cologne. There are even synthetic versions of natural oils such as Sandalwood, Frankincense, and Patchouli. You can tell the difference between synthetic oils and authentic essential oils by the price, color, smell and density of the oil.

Essential oils

All essential oils do not cost the same. Most are pretty economical and some are diabolically expensive, i.e. Rose, Neroli, Linden, Jasmine, Lotus, and True Melissa. However, there will be noticeable changes in price with essential oils, whereas with synthetic oils (mostly sold on street corners, at flea markets, and in Muslim markets) they are roughly the same in price (c. $5 – $10) despite the fragrance or scent. This is the greatest indicator of purchasing synthetic and unauthentic oils.

Unlike synthetic oils and perfumes and colognes, essential oils are therapeutic and affect us on many levels, including mental, emotional, spiritual, and physiological. They are safe (most of them) to use on the skin as technically speaking, we should be able to eat everything we put on our skin as what we put on our skin is considered consuming or eating in nature.

Remember, essential oils are derived from plants. Many of them can be skin irritants and damage (inflame) skin if directly applied or absent a carrier or base oil, i.e. olive oil, almond oil, etc.

By wearing only natural essential oils, you can help to revive your dulled sense of olfaction that was dulled by smelling synthetic fragrances most of your life.

Wearing perfume and cologne is one of the many reasons folks need to periodically detoxify their body.

If you’re interested, we list health companies that sell healthy alternatives to harmful perfumes and colognes in our “Alternative Diet and Lifestyle Manual” Alternative Diet and Lifestyle Manual available in our On-line Store.

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