This aftershave recipe works for both men and women. It will soothe razor burn and cuts, prevent infection of cuts, breakouts and reduce skin irritation. The best part (besides being totally natural)? It doesn’t sting like alcohol!
Soothing Aftershave Gel
A natural and alcohol-free aftershave recipe that will soothe razor burn.
Ingredients
- 93g Preserved Aloe Gel
- 3g Vegetable Glycerine
- 2g Lavender essential oil
- 2g Natural Vitamin E oil
Instructions
- Makes 100g.
- Combine lavender essential oil and vitamin E oil.
- Thoroughly stir in this oil blend into the aloe gel, so that the oils are effectively and evenly suspended throughout the aloe gel base.
- Then stir in the glycerine.
- Store in a sterilised container out of direct sunlight, and use within 6 months.
Notes
Substitutes for lavender: Sandalwood or geranium. Although I highly recommend lavender essential oil for soothing razor burns and cuts – there’s nothing quite like it!
Recipe variations
I swear by lavender for aftershave, but if you don’t have it or can’t stand the scent then you can try geranium or sandalwood. You could also use freshly harvested aloe gel from your garden, however, the shelf life will be significantly shorter and you will have to use the product within a few days. To extend the shelf life of fresh aloe, you will have to add a preservative. You can also do the gelling and preserving of aloe liquid yourself, but that’s not beginner-friendly. It’s easiest to just buy preserved aloe gel.
Cost & Shelf Life
Cost Price: R120.50 per 100g. (Costs accurate at the time of writing).
Lasted me about: 3 months using a teaspoon on my legs and a pea-sized amount on my underarms once a week (+/- 15 leg and underarm shaves).
Estimated shelf life: 6 months if stored away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Challenge
- Aloe vera gel is a bit pricey to buy.
- Perhaps not for those who dislike the scent of lavender. You can substitute with other oils, but I do insist that lavender works best.
Cherry on Top
- A little goes a long way! I use a about half a teaspoon on each leg after shaving.
- All the benefits of aftershave without the sting and nasty ingredients.
Ingredients
- Preserved aloe gel: moisturizes skin without giving it a greasy feel. It contains antioxidants including, beta carotene, vitamin C and E that can help improve the skin’s natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated. It also provides relief for dry, itchy, burned or razor burned skin. (Buy here or see my shopping guide for other trusted brands)
- Lavender essential oil: soothes burns and itchiness, relieves pain, reduces redness and inflammation, natural disinfectant, treats acne and skin blemishes and is suitable for all skin types. (Buy here)
- Vegetable glycerine: moisturises the skin and retains moisture in the skin by acting as a protective barrier that locks in moisture. (buy here)
- Natural Vitamin E oil: an antioxidant that will dilute and protect the lavender essential oil from oxidation, and an effective healer of dry and damaged skin. (buy here)
Need help finding these, or other ingredients? My shopping guide may help you.
Recommended Retail Options
If you don’t want to make it yourself, then these are some natural aloe vera based products which I have personally used and approved as a good alternative:
Natraloe Regenerating Aloe Gel: This is the most cost-effective aloe gel I’ve found, and it also contains the best ingredients. When I cannot find 100% aloe gel, I use this instead.
Totally Wild Organic Aloe Gel: This is the more costly option, but it is a certified organic product after all. That said, it’s a great price for a certified organic product. It contains magnificent ingredients and has a lovely texture, although the scent may not be for everyone.
Do you think that this is an effective aftershave? If you’ve tried it, please share your feedback in the comments below.