My partner has thick hair, and regular shaving products often irritate his skin. For years, I’ve been making homemade shaving options for him, and a DIY aftershave is the perfect complement to a natural shaving routine. This homemade aftershave helps tighten pores, soothe irritation, and soften skin.
Most store-bought aftershaves are packed with alcohol and have strong, often unpleasant scents. By making our own DIY aftershave, we can use skin-friendly ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals and overpowering odors.
While some prefer aftershave balms or lotions, this recipe is lighter, more like a spray or splash. There are many variations, but don’t worry—it only requires four basic ingredients. Once you have those, you can customize the scent and tailor it to different skin types.
Essential oils are a great way to add fragrance and additional benefits to the aftershave. Some popular ones include chamomile, bergamot, eucalyptus, frankincense, peppermint, and grapefruit. However, be sure to dilute bergamot and grapefruit enough to prevent phototoxicity, and do the same for peppermint and eucalyptus to avoid irritation.
There are various ways to incorporate the benefits of herbs, and you don’t need to put dried herbs directly in the bottle. Check out the FAQ section after the recipe for tips on creating herbal infusions for your aftershave.
Once you’re comfortable with the basic recipe, you can add a few extras and learn how to store it properly. Herb-infused glycerin, known as a glycerite, can be made in a few hours on the stove or over a few weeks using sunlight. This extra step adds a lot of value!
This aftershave recipe uses self-preserving ingredients like glycerin and witch hazel, which have a long shelf life, along with essential oils that also last for years if stored correctly. It’s great for giving as a gift since it doesn’t have to be refrigerated. Overall, this DIY aftershave should last about two years if kept away from light and heat, but you’ll likely use it up before then.
Now, which herbs and essential oils will you add to your homemade aftershave?
