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Learning how to make aftershave has never been easier with this simple recipe.

This homemade aftershave looks great, smells even better and feels fantastic on the skin! Plus, with its natural ingredients, this is the perfect way to remedy that pesky razor burn.

Homemade aftershave in amber glass spray bottle with a wooden beard comb and brush.
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This post was originally published in December 2019 and updated in October 2022

Whether you are a man or woman, if you’re looking for an incredibly soothing aftershave, especially one to help close pores and reduce the chances of razor burn, you’ve come to the right place.

I originally made this recipe for my husband over 10 years ago, and while he has been rocking a bead the last few years, I’ve transitioned to using it on me and I couldn’t be happier with the results.

What is aftershave & what does aftershave do?

Aftershave is designed to be applied after shaving to soothe the skin.

This is especially important because the skin is raw directly after shaving, which is ample time for unwanted dirt and bacteria to enter the opened pores.

Aftershaves occasionally contain moisturizing properties to hydrate the skin directly after shaving.

However, the primary purpose of aftershave (in my opinion) is to prevent bumps and razor burns by rapidly closing the pores after shaving.

So that is just what we did here with this aftershave recipe.

Applying it on the skin can help eliminate razor burns, protect the skin, shrink pores, and leave behind a lovely fragrance. Aftershave can even double as a light DIY cologne. ย 

Adding essential oils to the DIY aftershave bottle.

How to make aftershave

With a simple base of witch hazel, aloe vera and vegetable glycerin, making your own aftershave has never been easier.

Ingredients:

Aftershave Recipe:

  1. Combine the ingredients, except essential oils, in a glass spray bottle and shake well.
  2. Add in essential oils, secure the lid and shake well. (see oil combinations below)

How to use aftershave

Spray directly onto the shaved area, avoiding the eyes and any other sensitive areas.

Why you will love this homemade aftershave

1) This recipe is made without alcohol to avoid drying out the skin over time.

2) It contains no artificial fragrances or synthetic ingredients. (see below why I avoid conventional aftershave)

3) It Is incredibly soothing and cooling to the skin.

4) And each of these fragrance blends will leave you smelling incredible!

Ingredients to avoid in aftershave

Most aftershaves contain isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol. While these alcohols are not all bad, they are drying to the skin and shouldn’t be used daily.

I made this aftershave without alcohol, substituting it for witch hazel which has similar benefits without the drying effect.

Aftershave in spray bottle on vanity with a white checkered towel and lavender sprigs.

Essential oils for after shaving 

In addition to the incredible cologne-like fragrance these oils provide, they also contribute plenty of benefits to the skin as well.

Pick from one of these blends below and add it to the recipe. Hint: my husband’s favorite is the natural forest blend.

Simple Earth

  • 4 drops of cypress 
  • 3 drops of cedarwood 
  • 2 drops of frankincense 

Get this blend here

Natural Forest

  • 4 drops of sandalwood 
  • 3 drops of bergamot 
  • 2 drops of patchouli  

Get this blend here

So Fresh

  • 4 drops of lemon 
  • 3 drops of tangerine 
  • 2 drops of rosemary 

Get this blend here

Gentle and Soothing (best for sensitive skin)

  • 4 drops of lavender  
  • 3 drops of tea tree 
  • 2 drops of frankincense 

Get this blend here

Cool and Refreshing

  • 4 drops of peppermint 
  • 3 drops of eucalyptus 
  • 2 drops of wintergreen 

Get this blend here

Feel free to adjust the number of drops to your preference. However, do not exceed 10 drops per 2-ounce bottle.

If you have sensitive skin, I’d suggest diluting down to 5 drops per bottle.

And as always, perform a patch test first to see how your skin reacts.

Touching on the key ingredients

Witch Hazel – has astringent and antiseptic properties similar to alcohol, but it doesn’t dry out the skin. It can also help with ingrown hairs, and reduce bleeding from minor shaving cuts.ย 

The antiseptic properties will keep the skin clean and free of bacteria. This is an important element for aftershave because shaving leaves pores open for 24-48 hours. 

Aloe Vera Juice – We will be using aloe vera juice for this recipe, not the gel.

Aloe vera is very moisturizing for the skin and is full of vitamins A and C, which are needed to help keep the skin firm.

Applying aloe vera gel can be very effective as a razor burn remedy and even works as a DIY shaving cream substitute. You can read more about the benefits of aloe vera for the face here.

Vegetable Glycerin – is a key component in this recipe to keep the ingredients well-combined and provide moisture to the skin.

Vegetable glycerin is very gentle and soothing, helping keep the skin soft and smooth. 

Homemade aftershave in a glass spray bottle.

Razor burn remedies

Applying aftershave to the skin directly after shaving is essential in preventing razor burn.

However, try one of the hacks below if you develop razor bumps or irritated skin after shaving.

Coconut oil

Massage a small amount of organic coconut oil onto the affected area to help reduce inflammation and redness.ย 

Baking soda paste

Combine baking soda and water to create a paste. Cover the irritated area, allow it to dry and rinse off with cool water.

Cool compress

Grab an ice pack, cool rag, or a bag of frozen veggies to apply to the razor burn to reduce skin swelling and soothe any irritations.

Wrapping up with a few tips & tricks

1. A sharp razor and homemade foaming shaving cream are essential for a close, smooth shave.

2. Wash and use a homemade natural face moisturizer before shaving to prevent irritation.

3. Apply aftershave immediately after shaving to close the pores.

I hope you were able to glean what you needed from this post. Be sure to leave a comment with the essential oil aftershave blend you chose.

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4.50 from 20 votes

Homemade Aftershave for Razor Burn

Prep: 2 minutes
Active: 4 minutes
Total: 6 minutes
Yield: 2 ounces
You must try this crazy simple aftershave recipe using natural ingredients for an incredibly smooth shave.

Equipment

  • Glass Spray Bottle
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Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Combine all the ingredients except the essential oils into the spray bottle.
  • A๏ปฟdd in essential oils, secure sprayer nozzle, and shake well.

Notes

Spray directly onto the shaved skin, avoiding the eyes and any other sensitive areas.
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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4.50 from 20 votes (20 ratings without comment)

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19 Comments

  1. Denise Manriquez says:

    This is beautiful! So The aloe vera juice and witch hazel together is very interesting! I love this recipe and I want to try it. How long will it last in the bottle? I want to follow the exact directions since you’ve made it. I’m sure you know ๐Ÿ˜ thank you

    1. Laura says:

      Thank you, it will last several months!

      1. Juhee says:

        Hi,
        I know witch hazel, aloe vera juice and essential oils do not mix together, do we need to shake it before each use?

  2. Abby says:

    Question: What is the ratio of aloe Vera to witch hazel to vegetable glycerine? Thanks.

    1. Laura says:

      Scroll to the very bottom of the post for those details.

  3. Jacinda says:

    Do you have any recommendations for another aloe Vera juice by chance?

    1. Laura says:

      You can use any kind of aloe vera juice.

  4. Ariel says:

    Hi! Iโ€™d love to try this recipe out. What if I do not have witch hazel on hand at the moment? Is there something else I could use in place of the witch hazel? Thanks in advance!

  5. Beverly Johnson says:

    thank you… this is just the information I was looking for…

  6. Yasmine says:

    Thank for sharing ๐Ÿ˜Š
    I just have questions. How long this after shave last? As the aloe juice contains water, do we need to add a preservative?
    Thanks again

    1. Laura says:

      It will last for several months. Rosemary essential oil works as a preservative and I always add that one in mine.

      1. Abbey says:

        What about the actual bottle of Aloe Vera Juice itself? After it’s been opened, how long would it last?

        1. Laura says:

          It should have an expiration date on the bottle.

          1. Abbey says:

            I didnโ€™t quite realize it was something people drink until I looked it up!!
            Side question, is there something you can use in place of the Aloe Vera Juice?

          2. Laura says:

            You can leave it out if you prefer.

    2. Summer says:

      No need, the aloe already has something in it to keep it fresh and same with the witch hazel.

  7. wilhelmina says:

    Wow! This is a great idea for my husband, he has had such a hard time finding aftershaves that he can tolerate the smell of. Now he can just make his own!

    1. Laura says:

      My husband really loves this one! He tried a lot before too and never cared for them.

      1. Juhee says:

        Hi I have a question,
        you donโ€™t have to shake this formula each time before use? as it contains all water-based ingredients, I know witch hazel and aloe vera juice donโ€™t fully mix with essential oils.