DIY shaving cream: how to make a fluffy foam at home

Yes, you can create shaving cream as fluffy as traditional foam. Even better, it contains moisturizing properties to hydrate parched, flaky skin (and none of the dodgy ones). Here’s exactly how to make your own at home.

Full disclosure: it’s not your typical shaving cream that lathers on application. But that’s a good thing; many traditional options contain chemical-laden formulas in spray cans, which give these conventional creams their foamy consistency.

This does not mean that you cannot imitate these commercial creams (they are fun to brush on, after all). Marisa Plescia, researcher at Clean Beauty e-merchant NuPoppy, explains that it is entirely possible to recreate a natural “whipped” product using oil and butter. It works just as well, and even better, it will “make your skin extra soft and silky.”

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare it (pun intended):

As for the method, all you need to do is mix the shea butter and coconut oil together with a stand or electric mixer (you can also use an immersion blender, if you don’t have blenders under). hand) until the formula has a whipped consistency. consistency. Once you have your whipped texture, incorporate any optional add-ins. You want the texture to be “light and creamy with no lumps,” says Jana Blankenship, product formulator and founder of the natural beauty brand. Captain Blankenship.

And that’s all! Easy, right? When you’re ready to use it, simply place a thin layer of shaving cream on your skin before starting your usual shaving routine. “Just make sure you wash your razor thoroughly,” advises Plescia. “Like shaving cream can clog the blades.” Butter cream can also be harder to wash off than your usual shaving gel, so you may need to use soap to scrub it off after shaving. Nevertheless, your skin will be soft to the touch.

A few tips to keep in mind: If you find shea butter too hard to whip, Plescia says you can simply melt the butter and oil together, then refrigerate until it cools to a semi-solid state. “It would be easier to whip with a mixer,” she notes.

As for additional ingredients, aloe vera gel or juice is ideal if you have sensitive skin. As you may know, aloe has anti-inflammatory properties which can make your shaving cream even more soothing. In fact, you can find aloe in a ton of professional products, due to its ability to soothe nicks and scrapes when you shave. On that note, essential oils can provide a custom scent (Blankenship likes eucalyptus, lavender, chamomile, or peppermint essential oils), but people with sensitive skin may want to proceed with caution: essential oils can become irritating when used. at high concentrations.

One last important note: this DIY shaving cream is do not meant to stand the test of time. According to Plescia, it is best stored for up to two weeks in a cool, dry place (note: do not your shower). “If water gets into your shaving cream, throw it out and make a new batch,” she says. “Water can promote the growth of microbes.” And you don’t want your shaving cream contaminated with bacteria.

Creating your own shaving cream is so easy, you might want to make the DIY version your new go-to. Plus, the simple formula contains minimal ingredients (just two for the base!) that have many beneficial properties for the skin, without any of the irritating impurities typically found in conventional shaving gels. It’s so hydrating and smoothing, in fact, that Blankenship notes, “It doubles as a body cream, too.” Win-win.