DIY: Shaving Cream

Written by Kate Tietje

Many years ago, I bought my husband a bar of shaving soap at a local farmer’s market.  I told him, “Here, this is more natural — try it.” Unfortunately, it did not have the same results as shaving cream, leaving his skin sore with red bumps.

I bought him a small can of regular old shaving cream when we moved the following summer.  This thick cream helped a lot with the red bumps, leaving his skin smooth and clear with no irritation.  But it also led to junk in his throat because of the chemicals.

There had to be a middle ground!  A way to choose natural ingredients that would lead to a smooth, irritation-free shave.

After doing some reading, I found that most do not use soaps but rather a nourishing cream like this one.  I played with the ingredients a bit and came up with this version.  It’s essentially like a whipped body butter with green clay in it.  I chose the ingredients specifically to nourish the skin.  In fact, it works as both shaving cream and moisturizer!

This shaving cream contains shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, apricot oil, and French green clay.  French green clay helps to smooth skin and reduce redness and scarring, which is why I included it.  It also acts as a bit of a stabilizer.  The oils and butters all moisturize, protect, and heal skin too.  I especially love cocoa butter and apricot oil for skin care products for those reasons.

It’s pretty easy to make this and will last a while.  Store the lotion away from excessive heat.  If it melts, it won’t be as fluffy.  It’ll still work, though!

If you don’t have the time or ingredients, Earthley’s Nourishing Shaving Soap leaves skin amazingly smooth and protects the skin during shaving.

Shaving Cream

This recipe makes about 6 – 7 ounces (depending on fluffiness).

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp. shea butter
• 2 tbsp. cocoa butter
• 2 tbsp. coconut oil
• 4 tbsp. apricot oil
• 2 tsp.  French green clay

Directions:

Step 1: Put the oils and butters into a small saucepan over very low heat until melted.

Step 2: Pour the melted oils into a small glass bowl and put it in the fridge until solid, about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Add the French green clay to the solid oils.

Step 4: Use a mixer to whip the oils until soft and fluffy.

Step 5: Transfer to a glass jar.  

Usage: Put a small amount (about a dime-sized amount for faces, a bit more for legs) and smooth it onto the skin.  Shave, as usual, rinsing your razor often.  Rub the leftover cream into your face or legs for a smooth finish.

Do you use homemade shaving cream, or have you been wanting to try it?