How To Make Your Own Aftershave Balm

Using aftershave balm (sometimes referred to as cream) after your shave allows your skin to become rehydrated. It also minimizes any irritations caused by shaving. Regular use of aftershave balm will keep your skin and facial hair healthy and looking amazing. 

You can buy aftershave cream from shops and online. Yet, they can be full of chemicals and toxins that can damage your face and beard. 

Of course, aftershave balms with natural ingredients are available. But it can be hard to find the right one to meet your personal need. That’s where making your own aftershave balm is a good choice. You can customize it to match what your skin requires. 

In this article, we will tell you what natural aftershave balm is and give you some recipes so you can make your own.

What Is Natural Aftershave Balm?

Natural Aftershave balm is a cream that is made using only natural ingredients. Chemicals can cause your skin to lose moisture as well as react. That can have your face break out in rashes and leave your beard feeling dry, wiry, and prone to breaking or split ends. 

By using an aftershave balm made from natural ingredients gives your skin and facial hair what it needs. The antioxidants that these items contain protect your skin and hair from damage. You are also provided with a moisturizer that creates a barrier on your skin to retain water.

For those with sensitive skin, natural products, such as aloe vera, soothe any irritations. 

What are the usual ingredients in natural aftershave cream?

All aftershave creams consist of four main items: butter, oil, an astringent, and fragrance. 

Butter

The most common butter used in natural products is shea butter. It is considered safe, but there is some concern about using it for longer than four weeks. Also, shea butter can lead to skin breakouts. In rare cases, it can cause an allergic reaction.

If you are concerned about shea butter or you know, for health reasons, you can’t use it there are substitutes available. Sal butter or mango butter offers the same moisturizing effect as shea. They are also as soft as shea butter. 

Oils

Coconut oil is a popular choice in DIY natural products, such as aftershave balm. It has a range of benefits for skin and hair:

• It smooths the skin.
• You get hydration.
• Fine lines and wrinkles are reduced.
• It exfoliates the skin.
• There is a lower chance of getting split ends.
• Combats dandruff.
• Your beard is thicker and fuller.

If you aren’t a fan of coconut oil, you can swap it out with vegetable oil or avocado oil.

Astringents

Think of astringents as cleanup agents. They work to remove irritants and excess oil from your skin. Another benefit of astringents is their anti-bacterial property. That leaves your skin feeling amazing. As far as beards are concerned, skin pores are tightened, which can slow down the beard growth. 

In natural aftershave balm, you can use witch hazel, eucalyptus oil, tee tree oil or even rubbing alcohol. 

Fragrance

These simply give your aftershave balm the scent that makes you irresistible. 

How To Make Your Own Natural Aftershave Cream

Now that you know what is used to make natural aftershave balm, it’s time to put on your mad scientist gear and head for the kitchen. 

You will find that some recipes use items that aren’t listed in the previous section. That’s the nature of creativity. However, the ingredients are still natural and beneficial for your face and whiskers. Here are several recipes you can experiment with. 

A nutrient-giving aftershave cream

This recipe contains items that will deliver nutrition to your skin and beard. The result is that both will radiate with health and vitality. 

Ingredients

• Shea Butter
• Candelilla wax 
• Sunflower oil
• Essential oil

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of water up to a boil.

2. In the pot combine ¾ unce of shea butter with an equal measure of oil. Also, add 1½ teaspoons of candelilla wax. Cover the pot and allow the heat to melt the butter and wax. Stir occasionally.

3. Remove the pan from the heat and add 15 – 20 drops of your essential oil. Again, stir to blend everything. 

4. Pour into a container and allow the mixture to solidify.

DIY aftershave balm

If you are a fan of fragrance, then try out this recipe. It utilizes a range of moisturizing and essential oils. Of course, you can mix and match the essential oils to create the scent you want. 

Ingredients

• Shea butter
• Jojoba oil
• Almond oil
• Hazelnut oil
• Aloe vera gel
• Essential oils: eucalyptus, tangerine, Roman Chamomile, lavender 
• Vitamin E oil

Instructions

1. Place a pot at a low temperature. Melt 4 tablespoons of the shea butter in this.

2. When the butter has melted, add in 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil and 1 tablespoon each of the almond and hazelnut oils. Also, stir in 4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel. 

3. Stir in your essential oils and vitamin E oil. Use 5 drops of each (you can always add more if you find the fragrance isn’t strong enough).

4. Place the pot into the fridge for 15 minutes to let the mixture set. 

5. Remove your aftershave cream from the fridge. Whisk it so that it is smooth and fluffy.

6. Let the mixture rest for another 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature. 

7. Whisk it again and then transfer it to an airtight container.

An aftershave balm that soothes

If your skin is at all sensitive, here is a natural aftershave cream recipe that will soothe away the post-shave rawness.

Ingredients

• Mineral water
• Powdered aloe vera (200 x)
• Vegetable glycerin
• Hazelnut oil
• Candelilla wax
• Cucumber extract
• Optiphen Plus
• Essential oils: Rosemary oil; Jasmine oil

Instructions

1. Pour 190 grams of mineral water into a bowl. Add 8 grams of vegetable glycerin.

2. Mix in your aloe vera and give the solution a good stir.

3. Transfer everything into a pot. Heat until it reaches 158^o F (70^o C).

4. In a bowl combine 20 grams of Candelilla wax and 30 grams of hazelnut oil. Place the bowl into a pot of water and heat to 158^o F (70^o C). 

5. You should now have two pots on your stove. Maintain the temperature at 158^o F for 20 minutes with both pots.

6. Remove the pots from the heat.

7. Pour the oil into the pot that contains the water/glycerin/aloe vera mix. Stir everything for 3 – 4 minutes.

8. Wait until this new mixture has cooled down to 113^o F (45^o C). 

9. Add in 2 grams of Optiphen Plus preservative.

10. Finally, combine 10 drops of each of your essential oils.

11. Transfer your aftershave balm into a container and let it cool down.

How Do I Use Aftershave Balm?

Now that you have succeeded in making your own natural aftershave cream, you want to know how to use it. 

Scoop out a small amount and then rub it between the palms of your hands. This allows it to melt. Work the balm over your face and throughout your beard. 

How Long Does Aftershave Balm Last?

The answer to this depends on the ingredients you used. Hazelnut oil and glycerin are both fantastic preservatives. These can provide your aftershave balm with a shelf-life of up to two years.

If you haven’t used either of those in your aftershave cream, then it could last three months or so. 

To prolong the life of the balm, keep it in an airtight container. Also, store it in a dark, dry place.

Wrapping Up Making Natural Aftershave Balm

Making natural aftershave balm allows you to create something that suits your needs. Store-bought products can be generic. After all, they are produced for a mass market rather than individuals.  

By creating your own aftershave cream, you get a product that is specific to your skin type. In addition, you have something that matches the needs of your beard. 

You can decide if you want something that has a manly scent or an unscented aftershave balm.

That’s the power of DIY aftershave balms…you’re in control.