Homemade shaving cream provides an incredibly smooth and clean shave while helping prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs.
This post was originally published on December 17, 2019, and has since been updated to include more relevant information.
DIY shaving cream
This DIY shaving cream is so simple to make, and it works really well.
With nourishing all-natural ingredients, this homemade shaving cream will leave your skin smooth and moisturized.
Like most of my natural skincare recipes, this shaving cream is all-natural and is very inexpensive to make.
It is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin too!
I love making my own skincare products, so I know exactly what is going on my skin.
And I firmly believe in using only the ingredients necessary for optimal results. This shaving cream recipe is no exception.
Why you will love this shaving cream
- With its smooth, creamy texture, you’ll get an incredibly close shave with minimal risk of razor burn or skin irritation.
- Creates a moisturizing barrier between your skin and razor.
- It will leave you feeling clean and refreshed.
- Reduces waste by using reusable storage containers and eco-friendly shaving cream ingredients.
- Will save you money out of your pocket.
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How to make shaving cream
Making homemade shaving cream is very easy! A couple of tools you will find helpful include, a double boiler, a hand mixer, and an airtight storage container.
What is in this? I’ve included coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil, and a few essential oils in this shaving cream recipe.
For exact measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
- Add the coconut oil and shea butter to a double boiler and melt over medium heat. If you don’t have a double boiler, place a bowl over a pot of water and bring it to a boil.
- Once those ingredients are melted, remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the olive oil.
- Allow the melted oils to cool slightly before stirring in the essential oils (choose from one of the blends below)
- Transfer the bowl to the freezer to set up a bit. You should be able to press your thumb into the shaving cream and it holds the indent.
- Lastly, use a hand mixer or stand-up mixer to whip the ingredients.
- Store in an airtight container.
This shaving cream stays a cream and does not lather. Follow this recipe if you prefer a homemade foaming shaving cream.
Essential oil fragrance blends
Essential oils are an excellent alternative to artificial fragrances.
I avoid synthetic fragrances because it’s basically a “cover term” for thousands of chemicals that fall into that category, according to the EWG.
I’m not going to go into the specifics, but “fragrances” often include harmful chemicals such as phthalates, allergens, hormone disruptors and even carcinogens.
SOOTHING MINT
- 5 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 3 drops of myrrh essential oil
- 2 drops of frankincense essential oil
Get the oils for this blend wholesale here.
COOL AND REFRESHING
- 5 drops of wintergreen essential oil
- 3 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops of tea tree essential oil
Get the oils for this blend wholesale here.
FRESH CITRUS
- 5 drops of wild orange essential oil
- 3 drops of bergamot essential oil
- 2 drops of lemon essential oil
Get the oils for this blend wholesale here.
JUST FOR MEN
- 5 drops of sandalwood essential oil
- 3 drops of frankincense essential oil
- 2 drops of tea tree essential oil
Get the oils for this blend wholesale here.
JUST FOR WOMEN
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- 3 drops of rose essential oil
- 2 drops of jasmine essential oil
Homemade shaving cream ingredients
Making shaving cream is quite simple and only requires 4-ingredients.
Each of these ingredients have excellent benefits for the skin, as listed below.
COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil is found in many skincare products, and for a good reason.
It can protect the skin against aging, dryness, imperfections, and in some cases, even infections.
Coconut oil is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, and it is very moisturizing for the skin.
It is primarily made up of nourishing fatty acids and is really high in lauric acid.
I love using this oil because of its ability to encourage collagen production and the regeneration of cells in the skin.
In addition, coconut oil can be used in homemade face moisturizers and DIY body butter.
SHEA BUTTER
I love the light earthy scent of shea butter. It goes perfectly in this shaving cream recipe because, like coconut oil, it is also very moisturizing to the skin.
It contains high concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins that are great for the skin.
Shea butter can be found in lotions, moisturizers, and other cosmetics that are made for softening the skin.
Shea butter has anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
Using shea butter on your body can improve skin tone, as well as moisturize and soothe the skin. Because it is so gentle, it is great for all skin types.
You can use shea butter to make DIY lip balm and homemade lotion bars.
OLIVE OIL
Olive oil leaves a barrier on the skin, making it a great ingredient to add to your homemade shaving cream.
It leaves the skin smooth and soft and is full of antioxidants that help improve skin imperfections.
Olive oil is a natural lubricant that is perfect for protecting the skin from razor burn and bumps.
ESSENTIAL OILS (FRAGRANCE)
The essential oils in this recipe can certainly be left out if desired.
However, I like to include them not only for fragrance but because of the benefits they can have for the skin.
How to use shaving cream?
This DIY shaving cream can be used on the face, legs, and armpits.
Apply a thin layer of cream to wet skin using your fingertips or a shave brush.
To prevent dry skin post-shave, consider using a pre-shave oil.
Tips:
- For maximum shelf-life, store in a dry area. If kept dry, this shaving cream should last up to one year.
- Avoid storing any products made with essential oils in plastic because, over time, EOs can break down plastics.
- Use natural and organic ingredients for the best results.
- Substitute the shea butter for mango butter for a softer finished product.
Finishing up
I hope you found making your own homemade shaving cream to be a simple and rewarding DIY.
Let me know what you think in the comments below!
And if you’re looking for more great DIYs and How-tos, try out one of these recipes below.
DIY Shaving Cream Recipe
Equipment
- Double Boiler
- Mixing bowl
- Airtight container
Ingredients
- ½ cup of coconut oil
- ½ cup of shea butter
- ⅛ cup of olive oil
- 5 drops of wintergreen essential oil
- 3 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops of tea tree essential oil
Instructions
- Add the coconut oil and shea butter to a double boiler and melt over medium heat. If you don't have a double boiler, place a bowl over a pot of water and bring it to a boil.
- Once those ingredients are melted, remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the olive oil.
- Allow the melted oils to cool slightly before stirring in the essential oils.
- Transfer the bowl to the freezer to set up a bit. You should be able to press your thumb into the shaving cream, and it holds the indent.
- Lastly, use a hand mixer or stand-up mixer to whip the ingredients.
- Store in an airtight container.
Natalie says
How do I stop the shea butter from setting so hard? Even whipping it doesn’t help. Do I need to use unrefined or refined Shea butter? Thanks.
Lainey says
I can’t seem to find the link for the printable shaving cream label: Please send
Thank you
Mo says
Can I substitute cocoa butter for the shea butter?
Laura says
Yes, you can. It will make the texture a little harder.
Nie says
Thanks
William Zitsch says
It feels good on my face before shaving and good afterwards but the problem is it clogs the razor during shaving. I use a Preserve triple blade razor and have to use an old toothbrush to constantly declog the blades. Using a cup of hot water or rinsing the razor with hot water doesn’t help. I also tried a single blade razor and it was worse. I’ll probably end up using it as a hand cream or something unless someone has a solution
Unknown says
I’m curious about this as well. Love the cream, but my razor clogs up too.
Nick says
I’ve experienced similar issue. I think the only solution is to use one of those old school single blade razors that looks like a knife. You know the ones that Barbors’ use.
Kimberly says
I just made this for my husband to use and he gave me this review:
He wet his face and applied with his shaving brush. He said it doesn’t later and it’s a bit too oily. He shaves before he showers so he can clean off but thinking to get the full benefits from the oils I suggested he should shower first & then shave. Is there something I can do next time to give him the lather he’s looking for?
~thanks😊
Laura says
Thanks for the review! Anytime you are switching to homemade it won’t be the exact same as the store-bought kind. Vegetable glycerin can help to have lather and you can add a small amount of arrowroot powder to help with the oily feeling.
Nicole says
I’m response to the last comment- if adding vegetable glycerin and arrowroot- just a tad of each to posted formula to help w lather and less oily feeling?
Laura says
Yes, I would do 1 teaspoon of each. 🙂
Jade says
How much does this make? Wanting to make it for groomsmen (10 of them) and wondering how I should multiple the ingredients!!
Laura says
This makes about a cup. So I guess it depends on how much you want to give to each person. ALSO, I love that idea! So fun!
Jo says
I love the sound of this recipe but surely using coconut oil when shaving in the bath or shower would clog your drains?
Laura says
I haven’t had any issues personally, but I am not a plumber so I don’t know for sure. We have used a coconut oil-based toothpaste for years and never had any problems.
Norma Kuyt says
Please send me a recipe for Joyful blend for a roller blend bottle
Laura says
I am not sure which blend you are referring too?
Tricia says
Isn’t that the doTerra holiday scent? Oh, I would love to have that recipe as well.
Laura says
They have a couple of blends. I love them both!
wilhelmina says
This cream is the BEST! So moisturizing and silky!
Laura says
I am so glad you like it, perfect for the winter months and dry skin too!
Sylvie says
Can i exchange the olive oil? I have grapesee, jojoba, kukui nut, and soya oils.
Laura says
Yes! Any carrier oils will work!