How to Make Homemade After Shave Spray

This homemade after shave spray made with essential oils and other all natural ingredients prevents razor bumps, burns, and skin irritation after shaving. I switched from conventional to homemade after-shave spray a few years ago now because I didn’t want chemicals and fragrances on my skin anymore. And I’m sharing my recipe with you all today!

Read more: How to Make Homemade After Shave Spray

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PESKY AFTER-SHAVE SKIN IRRITATION

For a long time I used store-bought after-shave spray to prevent skin bumps and rash on my underarms after shaving. I knew it probably had chemicals in it, but it didn’t matter because there was nothing worse than irritated bumps in my armpits. Thee razor bumps would turn into deeper ingrown hairs, and before I know it I couldn’t shave at all because the area was so sensitive. In hindsight, I think maybe my chemical shaving products were causing the irritation in the first place.

It turns out it’s really easy to make homemade after-shave spray, and it actually works better than the store-bought stuff anyway. With just a few simple ingredients you can make a healing and soothing spray that prevents skin irritation and razor bumps.

My husband even started using this product after I switched us to a natural deodorant a few years ago. I remember he was out of his favorite aftershave and had just shaved his face, so I recommended he try my homemade after-shave spray. I think he assumed it wouldn’t work, but when he put it on he felt it work immediately. Of course this made me happy 🙂 Natural to the rescue!

THE PROBLEM WITH CONVENTIONAL AFTER-SHAVE SPRAY

Today’s modern after-shave, like many other store-bought body products, can contain ingredients like perfume, artificial coloring, and other potentially toxic chemicals. While some of these chemicals might really help prevent razor bumps, they are still not something I want being absorbed into the body.

It is important to be mindful of the products we put on our skin. While it might seem like our products aren’t harmful to us, the fact is that the skin is the largest organ of the body and it absorbs chemicals just like those that are in our food.

This homemade after-shave spray contains no chemicals or toxic ingredients, and has worked perfectly at preventing me from getting razor bumps for years.

INGREDIENTS USED

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can be used to cleanse the skin and remove rashes or irritations. We use witch hazel all the time for athlete’s rashes, after coming home sweaty from the gym or a run. It relieves inflammation, reduces skin irritation, fights acne, and wards off infection, making it a great ingredient for homemade after-shave spray.

Read more about witch hazel here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/witch-hazel-benefits-uses

Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerin is a coconut-oil based product for skin and hair that provides moisturizing and hydrating properties. I always keep this staple on hand to make homemade products for our hair, skin, and body. It reduces skin irritation and protects against infection, making it appropriate for use in your homemade after-shave spray. Read more about vegetable glycerin here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegetable-glycerin

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea Tree (or Melaleuca) essential oil is my go-to for healing skin irritations or potentially infected areas. This amazing oil contains compounds known to kill certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi. I have used tea tree in foot soaks for my husband if he ever gets an ingrown toenail, for example. Tea Tree oil is great for after shaving because it will enter your skin right after you shave and clean out the pores so ingrown hairs don’t form, which create the razor bumps. It is also a very soothing and healing oil, so it can be used for many skin conditions. This is the tea tree oil I use. Read more about tea tree oil here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tea-tree-oil

Cedar Wood Essential Oil

I recommend cedar wood or sandalwood for this homemade after-shave spray. I am using sandalwood today because that’s what I had on hand, but cedar wood would be preferred. Cedar wood has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it a good complement to the tea tree oil. It helps keep the shaved area clean so nothing builds up and becomes irritated. You can find cedar wood oil here. Read more about the oil here: https://www.healthline.com/health/cedarwood-essential-oil

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus can help in disinfecting wounds and provides a clean and soothing scent to your homemade products. I use eucalyptus in this after-shave spray because it penetrates into the skin and keeps it clean and bump or rash free. It is also one of my favorite scents. You can find eucalyptus here and read more about it’s benefits here: https://www.healthline.com/health/9-ways-eucalyptus-oil-can-help

Get Essential Oils at Wholesale Prices!

By purchasing a kit, you waive the $35 enrollment fee and can start ordering essential oils at a 25% discount with wholesale prices right away. I recommend the Simple Solutions Kit to get started – the Deep Blue body lotion that’s included is one of my absolute favorite products to soothe achy muscles and joints.

MATERIALS NEEDED

I use these amber glass spray bottles for my homemade after-shave spray. They also come with a funnel which makes filling them easy.

HOMEMADE AFTER-SHAVE SPRAY RECIPE

2 tablespoons witch hazel

1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin

5 drops each tea tree oil, cedar wood oil, and eucalyptus oil

Filtered water

THE PROCESS

First, clean the spray bottle prior to filling.

Next, using a small funnel, add all the ingredients except water to the spray bottle. Add water to remaining space in the bottle until filled all the way up.

After shaving, thorough rinse and dry the area. Then spray after-shave directly onto skin, 2-3 times, on the area that was shaved.

Let dry for 5 minutes before apply deodorant or lotion on top of shaved area.

FAQ

How do I prevent razor bumps after shaving?

This homemade DIY after shave spray will clean out the shaved area and prevent bacteria and other irritation from occurring beneath the skin which can cause razor bumps. Simply shave, rinse, dry, and spray 2-3 times on the skin. Then let sit for 5 minutes before applying lotion or deodorant.

Another way to prevent razor bumps after shaving is to avoid using soaps or shaving gels with fragrances or chemicals, as these can also irritate your skin.

What other essential oils are good for an after-shave spray?

Tea Tree Oil, eucalyptus, and cedar wood are good essential oils for a homemade after shave spray. These oils have antimicrobial, antiviral, and/or anti-fungal properties that help clean the shaved area and help prevent growth of ingrown hair or other dirt that can cause irritation. After these, I like to also sometimes include lavender, frankincense, and geranium. These are all calming and soothing oils that are good for the skin. Always make sure you’re not using any soaps or shaving gels that contain fragrances or other chemicals, as they can cause irritation and razor bumps.

How long will DIY after-shave spray last?

Stored in a cool, dark place, DIY after shave spray will last 6 months to 1 year. A little bit goes a long way and I usually make a new batch every 6 months.

How should I store DIY after-shave spray?

Just keep it sealed with the lid on in a cool, dark location. Your bathroom is just fine. Avoid keeping it by a a sunny window to prevent sun or heat damage to the essential oils.

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