Make-Your-Own Shaving Cream and Pre-Shave Oil

WARNING:
Obviously, don't use this shaving cream or pre-shave oil if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or have very sensitive skin.  And I recommend testing the essential oils first, to be sure you're not allergic.   Test it on a small patch of skin, on the inside of your wrist.  Also, although I like the products, no guarantee can be given. 

Paul likes Art of Shaving products so much but they're kinda expensive.  I went online and found a site that gave a recipe for make-your-own shaving cream like Art of Shaving.  Ladies - I don't see why you can't use this on your legs and underarms when shaving!

This is the website:

http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/06/make-your-own-shaving-cream-or-shaving-gel.html

This is her recipe:

Ingredients:

2/3 cup virgin coconut oil
2/3 cup shea butter
1/4 cup olive oil (you could also use almond, grapeseed or jojoba oil)
10 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
2 teaspoons baking soda

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the shea butter and coconut oil, stirring until just melted. Remove from the heat and add the olive oil and essential oils. You may want to use a little less to start with - you can always add more but you can't take out too much.  Stir to mix.

Transfer to a bowl or jar and refrigerate until solid.

Remove from the refrigerator and let soften slightly. Add the 2 teaspoons of baking soda (baking soda helps remove oils which allows the razor to cut better and last longer and acts as a mild exfoliant). Whip using a hand beater or a stand mixer until light and fluffy – about 2-3 minutes.

Spoon into a jar with a lid and keep in a cool, dry place.

**I made the recipe using geranium oil (instead of peppermint oil - I don't care for the minty scent).**

 

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In the interest of being thorough, I found a recipe online for pre-shave oil too.  If your skin is dry, it might be worth trying this.  The website is:

 

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/242334-Making-your-own-pre-shave-oil

This is his recipe:

Ingredients:

2 parts Almond oil
2 parts Avocado oil
2 parts Olive oil
1 part Grapeseed oil
1 part Macadamia nut oil
1-2 drops essential oil(s)

He suggested several essential oils but I went with geranium and lavender again. 

Useful equivalences for making small batches: 2 Tbs = 1 fluid ounce, and 3 tsp = 1 Tbs.  Knowing this, you can readily figure out how many ounces you’ll make if you use regular measuring spoons: for example, if 1 part = 1 tsp, the result 1 1/3 fl oz. If 1 part = 1 Tbsp, the result is 4 fl oz (which is 1/2 cup).

All the oils listed have well established histories of cosmetic use and don’t go quickly rancid (as, say, flaxseed oil would). They are all listed as being good for the skin.

I made the cream and oil and Paul tried them yesterday.  He said they're moisturizing but very oily.  Tell me what you think.

Now I'm looking for a good make-your-own after-shave balm...