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Maybe you're an enthusiast who loves the art of shaving . Maybe you choked on your dismay the last time you saw the price of Old Spice at the grocery store. Or maybe you're an industrious gal who just wants to give her special man a great present — and a nudge toward resumption of daily grooming habits. Whatever your reason, making your own aftershave is an easy DIY project that involves some cool mixing and is surprisingly cost-effective.
Steps
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Choose your main astringent. An astringent is a substance that shrinks body tissues — in this case, your pores. When they shave, most people use warm water, which opens up the pores. Using an astringent in your aftershave is important because it reverses that process. Astringent also sterilizes any cuts or nicks you accidentally give yourself while shaving.- Many DIYers choose rubbing alcohol because it's cheap and readily available. It usually has an ethanol content of 70-99%, making it effective but rather harsh on the skin.
- You can also use potable spirits as your main astringent. Increasingly, people are turning to vodka, rum, and even the incredibly botanical gin for astringents. These astringents are usually a little more forgiving on the skin than rubbing alcohol, but will also end up more expensive.
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Choose a secondary astringent. Because alcohol is usually very hard on the skin, a second, more mollifying astringent is usually paired with alcohol to offset some of the stinging. Witch hazel is a great secondary astringent.- Witch hazel is made from the bark of a plant. Distilled, the witch hazel contains tannins which help soothe irritation, fight redness, and even fight acne-causing bacteria. Unlike alcohol, witch hazel does not sting on skin and has a very refreshing feel.
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Choose an emollient. An emollient is a substance that softens and moisturizes the skin simultaneously. [1] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Not only do emollients help skin retain water, they also reduce itching, redness, and flakiness that is common after shaving. Some emollients that you might consider in your aftershave recipe include:- Glycerin. [2] X Research source Glycerin is a great emollient that is used in virtually every high-end shaving product. Pre-shave soap? Glycerin ! Pre-shave lotion? Glycerin . Shaving cream? Glycerin ! Glycerin is cheap and makes skin feel silky smooth.
- Lanolin. [3] X Research source Lanolin usually comes in a wax. If using for an aftershave, be sure to look for liquid lanolin. Otherwise, your emollient and other ingredients won't coalesce.
- Mineral oil. [4] X Research source Probably the least popular of the three, but nonetheless workable, mineral oil is odorless, tasteless, and is commonly used as a laxatives (yikes!) in addition to an emollient.
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Decide whether you want to put in a styptic. A styptic is any substance that, when applied to the skin, staunches bleeding. If you or your man often cuts himself during the shaving process, it may be a good idea to introduce a styptic into the aftershave. A great styptic that dissolves easily into aftershaves is potassium alum. Also used as a deodorant, and a possible treatment for acne, alum staunches small nicks and cuts with a magical effortlessness. -
Add any fragrances or essential oils. As of now, your aftershave likely doesn't smell like much, or very good. Essential oils are a great way to add fragrance and kick up the medicinal content another notch. Especially if used in combination, essential oils need only be used sparingly.- Eucalyptus oil produces a wonderful cooling and tingling sensation, and has a very distinct aroma.
- Menthol is a signature scent that never fails to cool. Very nice when used in combination with eucalyptus.
- Lavender oil has a rich, grassy smell that instantly smacks of summer. Very versatile, and supposedly great for the skin. [5] X Research source
- Citrus oils are known for their acne-fighting properties; they are graced with a sweet, fresh scent.
- Cedarwood oil, redolent of smoky, sweet wood, is known for its antifungal properties. It makes a great oil to experiment with.
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Try a minty-fresh aftershave made with menthol and eucalyptus. This aftershave feels like the cool breeze of autumn on your face — for half the day. The twin powers of menthol and eucalyptus soothe and purify your skin. Comparable to the popular green brand of Proraso aftershaves.- 1/2 Cup of Rubbing Alcohol or Vodka
- 1/4 Cup of Witch Hazel
- 1 Tablespoon Glycerin
- 1 Pinch Alum
- 2-5 Drops Peppermint Oil
- 2-5 Drops Eucalyptus Oil
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Try a Bay Rum alternative. Comparable to the classic line of aftershaves, this sweet yet woody scent is perfect for winter. Mix all the ingredients in a mason jar, seal, and place in a dark, cool place for 10 to 14 days. Strain the residue through a coffee filter or fine mesh sieve.- 1/2 Cup of Black Rum
- 1/4 Cup of Witch Hazel
- 1 Tablespoon glycerin
- 2 Dried Bay Leaves (not the kind they sell at the grocery store; rather, the kind that's available at natural food stores — pimenta racemosa .)
- 1 Teaspoon Cloves, crushed
- 1/2 Teaspoon Allspice, ground
- 1 Stick Cinnamon, broken in pieces
- 2-5 Drops Orange Oil
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Try this anise-flavored aftershave. Used with absinthe, this aftershave is as potent as it is seductive. If you love hints of fennel and licorice, you'll love this aftershave.- 1/8 Cup Absinthe
- 1/3 Cup Vodka
- 1/4 Cup Witch Hazel
- 1 Tablespoon Glycerin
- 1 Pinch Alum
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Try an aftershave with bergamot and orange. Reminiscent of the Old Bay concoction but definitely distinct, this particular aftershave does away with the alcohol and instead substitutes apple cider vinegar. (Don't worry, the ACV doesn't smell once it dries.) For more sensitive skin.
- 5 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 5 Tablespoons Orange Flower Water
- 3 Tablespoons Witch Hazel
- 5 Drops Bergamot Oil
- 5 Drops Lemon Oil
- 3 drops Neroli Oil
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Try a cucumber and mint aftershave. As if one powerful coolant weren't enough, this aftershave recipe capitalizes on two: cucumber and mint. Simple but incredibly refreshing.- 1/2 Cup Rubbing Alcohol or Vodka
- 1/4 Cup Witch hazel
- 1 Tablespoon Glycerin
- 1 Pinch Alum
- 2-5 Drops Cucumber Oil
- 2-5 Drops of Peppermint Oil
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat can I use instead of aftershave?Marlon Rivas is a Barber and Owner of MGX Professional Men's Grooming, a barbershop based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is also the founder of Busystyle.com, a service that provides online scheduling services to businesses in the barbering and beauty industry. Marlon has over 15 years of experience in managing and providing barber services.When you finish shaving, splash some cold water on your face to help close up your pores.
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QuestionCan I use bay oil instead of bay leaf?Community AnswerYes.
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QuestionWhat materials do I need to make aftershave?Community AnswerFollow the instructions listed in the article above.
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Tips
- When experimenting, reduce recipes down to very small parts so that you don't have to throw away batches if they don't turn out good.Thanks
- Experiment with different combinations until you find what you're looking for. You never know what you're going to find until you try it.Thanks
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References
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/emollients/Pages/Introduction.aspx
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-20275-glycerin+top.aspx?drugid=20275&drugname=glycerin+top
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-8944-lanolin+top.aspx
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-32605-mineral+oil+top.aspx
- ↑ https://www.youngliving.com/en_CA/products/essential-oils/singles/lavender-essential-oil
About This Article
Article Summary
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Making your own aftershave is a cheap and fun way to personalize your fragrance. You’ll need a main astringent, like rubbing alcohol, vodka, or rum, which will open your pores and sterilize your skin, and a secondary astringent, like witch hazel, to soften the sting. You’ll also need an emollient, like glycerin, lanolin, or mineral oil, to moisturize your skin. Then choose some essential oils or fragrances, like eucalyptus, lavender, citrus, or cedarwood oil, to make your aftershave smell great. Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, mix half a cup of your primary astringent, a quarter-cup of your secondary astringent, 1 tablespoon of your emollient, and 2 to 5 drops of your fragrances. For more tips, including how to make a bergamot and orange aftershave, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "Great little article to get you started. My journey is just starting, so any and all guidance is greatly appreciated. I want to learn how to create the more sophisticated scents. Thanks in anticipation." ..." more
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"Great little article to get you started. My journey is just starting, so any and all guidance is greatly appreciated. I want to learn how to create the more sophisticated scents. Thanks in anticipation."
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"Easily understood advice. I have just started making my own aftershave, so this is really helpful. I really appreciate the recipes. Thank you."
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"The recipes here are brilliant. I have been using this aftershave for the last 2 years and I'm back to make more. Thanks."
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"The detailed analysis of every step involved and all the available materials for the experiment helped me the most."
"Excellent advice. Purchasing the ingredients is expensive but it makes lots of good quality aftershave. :)"
