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Gentlemen! Discover the secret to a flawless, friction-free shave. Learn how to make your very own pre-shave oil for a luxurious, irritation-free grooming experience.

Applying pre shave oil to the underside of the beard in preparation of shaving.
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Surely, thereโ€™s no man alive who hasnโ€™t scuffed their face from lousy shaving techniques at some time or other?

Weโ€™re talking about the usual culprits: blunt razor, zero shaving balm – that kind of thing. 

But help is here! A saving grace in the form of a pre-shave oil. 

Ladies, go ahead and subtly slide this post under the nose of your better half to help them help themselves while they shave!

In this post, youโ€™ll find my recipe for DIY pre-shave oil, which is perfect to use to protect the skin while shaving. 

A pre-shave oil makes a big difference in a closer, sharper shave, too. 

Go ahead. Read on to discover the recipe!

What is a pre-shave oil?

A pre-shave oil is used to better prepare the skin for shaving. 

Itโ€™s used before the shave to moisturize and lubricate the skin, helping the razor blade glide over the skin friction-free.ย It is very similar to a shower oil if you have ever used one before.

Holding a bottle of pre shave oil in my hands.

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Pre-shave oil recipe

You will need:

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Add grapeseed, jojoba, and argan oil to a small jar.
  2. Measure out and add the vitamin E drops.
  3. If youโ€™d like to add fragrance, go ahead and add your lemongrass and eucalyptus oils now.
  4. Stir the ingredients well before transferring them to a 4-ounce bottle for storage. 
  5. While you can use any thick plastic or glass container, I prefer repurposing old containers to reduce waste.

How to use pre-shave oil

You start by applying a few drops of pre-shave oil onto your hands. 

Rub your hands together so you warm the oil and spread it evenly to cover your hands fully. 

Then, apply the oil to your face, neck, and any other areas you plan to shave. Donโ€™t use too much, but by all means, add more if your skin absorbs it quickly.

Make sure to massage the oil into your skin and facial hair until itโ€™s fully absorbed.

The oil should soften your hair and skin; at this point, itโ€™s time to apply shaving gel. Go ahead and apply your preferred shaving cream or gel over the top of the pre-shave oil. 

Shave as usual, preferably with a fresh blade (to avoid razor burn.) 

Lastly, rinse your face thoroughly with cool water and pat dry with a towel. 

Follow up with an aftershave or shaving balm to soothe and moisturize the skin. And remember to admire your shaven appearance in the mirror afterward!

Smearing the pre shave oil onto my neck with my fingers.

Benefits of a pre-shave oil

The benefits of pre-shave oil include:

  • Moisturizes the skin
  • Lubricates the skin
  • Improved shaving technique
  • Minimizes skin chafing
  • Improves skin texture

Why use pre-shave oil

The thing to know is that a pre-shave oil isnโ€™t a replacement for shaving gel. Instead, itโ€™s to be used in addition to shaving gel.

But why use both?

The reason is that shaving gel only lubricates the skin, which helps make shaving a smoother experience for the user. 

Yet a pre-shave oil actually moisturizes and soothes the skin, preparing it for shaving while improving the texture of the skin long after the shave has even happened. 

The DIY pre shave oil sitting in a bottle with a few bars of charcoal soap and a beard brush in the background.

Why you will love this recipe

  • Itโ€™s easy to make: You combine the oils, add fragrance oils, and mix well! Thats it.
  • It stores well: You can keep this DIY pre-shave oil for up to one year in an airtight container. 
  • It works! Your man will certainly notice the difference in his skin once he tries this pre-shave oil.

A little on the ingredients

Grapeseed oil: Balances the skinโ€™s oils and doesnโ€™t clog pores, so it is suitable for sensitive and combination skin. 

Jojoba oil: This beautiful light oil mimics the skinโ€™s natural sebum. Perfect to use as a shaving addition to nourish the skin. Read more on jojoba oil here.

Argan oil: A fantastic skin moisturizer that adds a touch of luxury to this DIY pre-shave oil. 

Vitamin E oil: Offers tremendous antioxidant benefits, and studies show its positive effects on aging skin.

Lemongrass Essential oil: A fresh, lemony scent that uplifts and cleanses the skin. 

Eucalyptus 10 drops: A lovely earthy, aromatic scent that blends nicely to balance out the lemongrass. 

Tips

  • When using a DIY pre-shave oil, the idea is to prepare the skin before shaving. Meaning, make sure you allow the oils to sink into your skin. Take your time with it. This makes such a difference, believe me!
  • You can change around the essential oils if you want to make a different scent – as you wish. Here are some other options.
  • Always finish off your shave with a good moisturizer or beard balm to lock in the moisturizing goodness! 
Shaking the bottle slightly to make sure everything is well combined.

FAQs

Is shaving oil the same as pre-shave oil?

No, itโ€™s not. 

A pre-shave oil is used before shaving oil. 

I know. Itโ€™s confusing. 

But the pre-shave oil in this post is designed to be used as a skin moisturizer before shaving while shaving oil is to be used during shaving – with the razor blade. 

The texture of the two oils differs, to put it simply. So, use both, and you wonโ€™t regret it! Your skin will thank you. 

What can I use as a pre-shave oil?

Any of the oils listed in this recipe can be used on their own as a pre-shaving oil. Essentially, youโ€™ll want oils that quickly absorb into the skin and do not clog the pores.

Can a pre-shave oil be used for other things?

It sure can! You can use it as a beard oil, a skin moisturizer, and a cleanser, to name a few. 

Thatโ€™s what I love about DIY skin products. Their uses are varied, meaning one product can be used in many different ways!

To finish

Thatโ€™s all there is to my DIY pre-shave oil! Itโ€™s a simple yet practical recipe, and once you make it, itโ€™ll last ages. 

If youโ€™d like to leave a comment or have any questions about this recipe, please drop them below!

More great recipes:

5 from 3 votes

DIY Pre Shave Oil for Silky Smooth Skin

Prep: 5 minutes
Additional Time: 2 minutes
Total: 7 minutes
Yield: 5 ounces
Upgrade your shaving routine with a homemade pre-shave oil. Your skin will thank you!

Equipment

  • Storage container
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Instructions 

  • Add grapeseed, jojoba, and argan oil to a small jar.
  • Measure out and add the vitamin E drops.
  • If you'd like to add fragrance, go ahead and add your lemongrass and eucalyptus oils now.
  • Stir the ingredients well before transferring them to a 6-ounce bottle for storage.ย 
  • While you can use any thick plastic or glass container, I prefer repurposing old containers to reduce waste.

Notes

ย Apply the oil to your face, neck, and any other areas you plan to shave. Donโ€™t use too much, but by all means, add more if your skin absorbs it quickly.
Allow it to absorb into the skin for several minutes before applying your shaving gel and shaving like normal.
Tried this recipe?Mention @our_oily_house or tag #ouroilyhouse!
This recipe is for your own viewing pleasure and is not meant for healing purposes. Readers must perform their own research and tests before making any recipe.

About Laura

Welcome to Our Oily House, Iโ€™m so glad youโ€™re here! Explore DIY cleaners, homemade soaps, skincare and hair care recipes, fragrance-free solutions, and sustainable laundry tips for a naturally inspired home.

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5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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