Home made shaving cream recipe
cocoa butter - an ingredient for homemade shaving cream
We’ve discussed whether it’s possible to have a zero waste shave several times on the site.
While the razor blades can leave landfill fodder there are more options for the shaving cream. If you’re lucky enough to have aerosol recycling in your area then you should be ok.
Sally from Natural Spa Supplies has a great natural shaving oil but unfortunately it comes in individual plastic bags at the moment.
Personally I use a little shampoo, but if your skin is particularly dry this might not work.
Fortunately I’ve been given permission by a friend of mine to share a shaving cream recipe she uses at home. Sal is a holistic therapist, tutor and consultant who makes aromatherapy products for her friends and family. Her shaving cream only uses 3 ingredients and you can make it in no time!
Home made shaving cream recipe
Ingredients
45 gms cocoa butter
30 gms base oil such as grapeseed
20 mls liquid castille soap
Method
Melt the cocoa butter and base oil (Sal uses calendula which is great for irritated or dry skin) in a large pyrex bowl over a pan of simmering water.
Once melted allow to cool (If you’re impatient like Sal put it in the fridge until just the edges start to solidify!)
Whisk with an electric whisk, then add the liquid castile soap.
As you continue whisking it will increase in volume, the cocoa butter will cool and the mix hold itself as a foam.
Put into jars and label
To Use
Scoop a little out and mix with a little water to make a lather.
The cocoa butter and oils are soothing and nourishing while the castile soap makes it gently lather and stops the blades getting clogged up.
You can add essential oils to the mix such as lavender for healing and benzoin for soothing.
Check out Sal’s site for a lovely range of natural, fair trade and handmade items such as gemstone and crystal jewellery along with a selection of cds to keep you relaxed and focused and let me know your favourite home made beauty recipe.
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Success with the salty ham!
Instead of buying eye-makeup remover, I use pure vegetable oil. I decant some oil from my ordinary cooking oil, (fresh, not used of course) into a little eye-makeup remover bottle and then use it just like eye make-up remover and it works beautifully, even removing waterproof mascara. To use, moisten a cotton wool pad with a little water, then add a few drops of oil. Wipe over the eyes to remove all make-up. Then go through your regular cleanse routine as normal.
You know me, Mrs Green – I’m all for handmade beauty items. For shaving and showering, though I use plain diluted with water liquid castille soap. Moisturising and nourishment comes in the form of cold pressed oils, with some added essential for healing
The bottles are all recyclable…
I tend to use conditioner instead of shampoo… it makes it smooth and is moisturising as you go…
I just use homemade soap, so far so good
@Leigh: Fab, thanks for sharing Leigh – I do the same, with jojoba oil
@Julie Gibbons: I’ve never really gotten in to using castille, but I know so many people who swear by it, so I ought to give it a go.
@Tracey: Really? The conditioner gets your hair clean too? Do you have dry hair? I tend not to use conditioner because my hair is fine and errs towards oiliness
@Sandy: Fab – the easiest and traditional way no doubt
Aaarrggh! Keep reading @Sandy: ‘s post as homemade SOUP!! Had to share …… sorry
Soup might be a good idea, depend on the flavour. but look again it says soap.never mind you made me laugh. LOL
This sounds neat. I currently use just olive oil for shaving… works just fine for me. I used to use conditioner but some conditioners cause breakouts.
I was meaning for shaving
@Aimee Webb: I tried olive oil once but I must have done it wrong because it really hurt afterwards – like razor burn!
@Tracey: Oh yes, of course – duh LOL!
This recipe does not lather…. what could I add to make it lather?