How to make homemade shaving cream with coconut oil and shea butter that smells of a delicious rosemary-mint pairing. Great for personalized Christmas gifts or just to pamper yourself.
Around the same time that I started washing my face daily with the Ginger Coconut Oil Body Scrub I had concocted in the kitchen, I also had the revelation that post body scrubbing, you could shave your legs without using shaving cream. Shaving cream and I are lifelong enemies. I have to buy some pretty expensive slathering lotion for it to do its job without leaving me looking like I had a run-in with a barbed wire fence, and I, frankly, am complaining about it. <--me complaining.
Shortly thereafter, my husband, who sports a perpetual 5 o’clock shadow (you don’t believe me, just click, click, and click), was distraught when said expensive shave cream ran out, leaving him standing in the shower, the water streaming down with nothing but bar soap and a dull razor to do the job. Despite his relaxed work wear and general lack of requirement for such things as a smooth face, he was in desperate need to keep up appearances (or something), which prompted me to tell him to use the scrub instead, simply rinsing off the “scrubbers” before shaving.
It was this singular event that led him to request a non-scrub shaving cream be born of the kitchen, one that he could rub on, shave off, and would leave him feeling refreshed with a smooth, razor-burn–free face. Like most things he asks for, I took my time in making it happen, but eventually, I gave in and produced such a product that now sits on the shelf next to my jar of sugar scrub.
While we use the shaving cream here, it would also make a great gift for that special someone in your life, be it your significant other, your dad, or anyone else in need of some pampering. Paired with a jar of sugar scrub, a loofah or natural sea sponge, and a facial brush, you have an easy homemade spa ready for gifting this holiday season.
Notes:
- I’ve found this works great for sensitive skin. It allows you a layer of protection from the razor as you shave, and it reduces razor burn for us, even with a dull razor.
- Unlike a traditional shaving cream, this contains no soap. Soap dries skin out, while oils will moisturize and create a protective layer over your skin as you shave. If you’ve ever used conditioner, a lotion-based cream like Trader Joe’s or Pacific Shaving Company, or coconut/baby oil to shave it’s a similar feeling. The cream will melt a bit on your skin as you apply it. This is okay. Just make a thin layer of the oil and shave as usual.
- To clean the razor off, I just let it soak in a cup of warm water after I’m done using it for a few seconds, give it a swish, and then hang it up as usual.
- Post shave you don’t need to clean your face if you don’t want to. All of the oils and butters in here work as natural conditioners. However, you do want to rub off the excess. Using the same method as removing the coconut oil scrub, just use a warm, wet wash cloth and rinse the skin by pressing firmly. Alternatively, you could use a light face soap or body wash post-shave, if you prefer.
- You can use both refined or unrefined coconut oil. The unrefined version will have a more coconut smell to it. The important distinction here is between coconut oil and fractionated coconut oil. Coconut oil should be a solid at temperatures below 74º F. Fractionated coconut oil is a liquid, and that is not what we want. We want a solid that will make this nice and whippable.
- Shea butter comes from the shea tree in Africa. It’s a moisturizer, and I buy mine either online from Amazon or Vitacost, or I can find it in the beauty department at Whole Foods and in the personal care aisle at Walgreens and other drugstores.
- The jars in the two higher photos are from Weck Canning. The jar in the bottom photo is a Fido jar.
1/3 cup virgin coconut oil
1/4 cup jojoba or sweet almond oil
10 drops rosemary essential oil
3-5 drops peppermint essential oil
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the shea butter and coconut oil, stirring until just melted. Remove from the heat and transfer to a heat-safe bowl. Add in the jojoba oil and the essential oils. Stir to mix.
Place the bowl in the refrigerator and chill until solid. Remove from the refrigerator and whip using a hand beater or a stand mixer until light and fluffy. Spoon into a jar. Lid and keep in a cool, dry place.
Makes 8 ounces.
More from Food for My Family
I just bought coconut oil the other day, so I’m halfway there! Now to find the rest of the ingredients… James would love this for Christmas.
Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies´s last post ..Make it an OREO Thanksgiving!
I am so doing this, Shaina. I have eczema and contact dermatitis and this time of year is the worst! I love this!
Cassie | Bake Your Day´s last post ..Salted Caramel Cashew Popcorn & A Virtual Baby Shower
oooh, I bet Steve could really use this!! Thanks for the recipe Shaina!
TidyMom´s last post ..4th Annual #LovethePie Party & Whirlpool Range Giveaway!
Brilliant! Standing ovation! Of course, I want to eat it.
V
A Canadian Foodie´s last post ..Homemade Hand-rolled Bolognese Pasta: Taglietelle, Tortelloni, Tortellini and Piselli
Where do you get Shea Butter at?
I get mine online or at Whole Foods, but I know drugstores will sometimes carry it as well.
Hi! I love your recipe!! I guess I could use this for shaving my legs too? I bet it leaves soft skin and prevents irritation! I have a Q: how can I replace the shea butter? I live in Ecuador and we don’t have that here.. Maybe Cocoa butter? Thanks!
I use it on my legs, yes. I would think mango butter or cocoa butter would be a good substitute, but they won’t sub out 1:1. Cocoa butter is hard at room temperature, so you’d want to use less of it. Maybe start at 3-4 tablespoons and see what the texture is like after you whip it.
Genius. Pure genius.
Paula – bell’alimento´s last post ..How To Make Herb Compound Butter
Had to Google shea butter to learn what it is.
This post made me laugh! But where am I getting shea butter?
Cathy @ Noble Pig´s last post ..How to Throw a Successful Theme Party: “Breakfast for Dinner” with Recipes
I’d like to know, too. Shea butter? The health store?
Cant’ wait to mix this up.
Aimee´s last post ..Honey Pomegranate Glazed Brussels Sprouts
I added links and information to the “Notes” section of the post.
Nice! We’ve been doing all natural skin products lately and will add this one to the list to try. Our favorite oil right now to moisturize is argan oil!
Whitney @ The Newlywed Chefs´s last post ..Guilt-Free Chocolate Muffins
Love argan oil. I use it on my hair, but my skin tends to be oily anyway, so I find washing with oil helps regulate it on its own for the most part. Maybe this winter when it gets dry (it’ll be my first full winter on the oil method) I’ll get to try the argan oil for my skin, too.
Cool! My sister is doing the oil cleansing method and loves it. I need to try that soon, too. We’re all about the baking soda/apple cider vinegar hair cleaning (aka no-poo) right now! Good to hear from someone else going au natural with skin/hair care products! Take care, Shaina!
Whitney @ The Newlywed Chefs´s last post ..Guilt-Free Chocolate Muffins
I make a similar concoction as a face moisturizer but haven’t tried it as a shaving cream, great idea!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen´s last post ..Raw Kale, Cabbage and Carrot Chopped Salad with Maple Sesame Vinaigrette
so clever!! Love this
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.´s last post ..Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie: Thanksgiving Dessert
What an amazing idea! I would love to make this for myself!
I’m so glad you shared this recipe! I have the most temperamental, sensitive skin and I totally need something like this for it.
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies´s last post ..Recipe | Rosemary Roasted Carrots
This looks amazing! Quick question- I’m really sensitive to rosemary- red bumps, itch etc. Do you think I could swap out the rosemary for basil or thyme EO? I assume I’d just add about the same amount as the rosemary. Any ideas of other EOs that would have similar benefits as the rosemary?
Rose hip would be a good oil to try to have a similar skin benefit!
Oooh, thyme essential oil on your face/legs? As an aromatherapist I would say that would not be my first choice – very very strong oil that can cause sensitivities and redness. Lavender is lovely and well tolerated (and not expensive), for more luxurious smell and effect – sandalwood or frankincense or if you want the astringent property – geranium or a few drops of cypress.
I was wondering if the shea butter is unrefined (raw?) and is the coconut oil unrefined as well or would the food grade oil work? Thanks!
I buy unrefined for cooking with, so that is what I used. I think refined would work fine, too, though. I have used the refined in the scrub once, and I saw no difference. I also used raw shea butter, but I have a container of refined shea butter that I use for dry knuckles in the winter, and I think that would work well, too.
What a great gift idea for the guys! Men are so hard to buy for. And it’s in a jar!
Amanda´s last post ..My Favorite (and Free!) Travel Apps
What is the shelf life for this? Will it need to stay refrigerated?
All of the ingredients are shelf stable, so if you keep it in a cool, dry place it should keep for a month or more.
Shaina?!?!! What a cool idea! I’m thoroughly impressed and just might have to surprise the hubs.
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective´s last post ..Roasted Harvest Vegetables
How lovely is this?!?! Ahhhh…
Brenda @ a farmgirl’s dabbles´s last post ..Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Latte Cupcakes
Hi Shaina,
Where do you buy your shea butter? Is there a vendor you recommend online? I’m also a blogger at http://www.acraftygourmet.com
Thanks!
Gaby
There are a few links in the notes section of the post. I personally purchased this batch from Whole Foods, but I have bought it from Amazon in the past, too.
Hello! This may be a silly question – but is there a shelf life for this? Just wondering about concerns of bacteria or other creepy crawlies.
Thanks!
Kept in a cool, dry place it should keep up to a month. Almond oil has a slightly shorter shelf life than jojoba oil, so that is one thing to take into consideration. We keep ours in a sealed jar outside the shower, but still in the bathroom. This way it doesn’t get exposed to unnecessary moisture while others are showering or bathing.
This is genius! I will have to do this! Love the jars too!
Miss´s last post ..Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Pie
My hubby has the old school brush and shave set. Do you think this would work with that? If not, I suppose I could always use it!
Loretta E´s last post ..Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream
Hi, Loretta. Because this is a moisturizer- and oil-based cream, a brush would collect those oils, so you’d have to clean the brush after each use. Still, this won’t lather the same way a soap-based cream will. It is a closer experience to using a shave lotion or oil.
I was wondering if you might be able to use Lavender instead of Rosemary? Thank you!
Of course. You may just want to stir in a few drops and smell it to see how you like it. Some essential oils are stronger than others.
I was so excited to put this together for my husband. It smells amazing but he is having a tough time with getting it to lather. Any suggestions? The oils melt with body heat so a warm brush and skin don’t seem to be helping.
Hi, Marie. I added a note above, but because these are oils and not a soap, they don’t lather the same way that a soap-based cream will. Instead, the oil creates a protective barrier between the skin and the razor. If you’ve ever run out of shaving cream and shaved with your conditioner, it is a similar feeling. Also, Trader Joe’s has a lotion-based cream that works in the same way, as does Pacific Shaving Company. I hope this helps.
I don’t usually use shaving cream, which leaves my stubble hard. This post sold me. Trying this out!
What type of coconut oil should you get for this recipe? I have never used coconut oil before. Is it all the same? Thanks in advance for the help.
Hi, Emily. Look for a expeller pressed refined or unrefined coconut oil. It should be solid at temperatures below 74º F. You can find it online, or Whole Foods even has coconut oil in the beauty department to make it simple.
Hey, i just made this luxurious cream, thank you for this recipe. I made it for me and my boyfriend and it is just divine, i used neroli oil instead of peppermint and it is still great!
I can NOT wait to make this tomorrow. I make homemade sugar and salt body scrubs.
I was very excited to find this. I make (almost) all my own B&B and cleaning products. I’m happy to finally add this to my list of things I don’t have to buy! I used different EOs and it whipped up nicely.
[...] Rosemary Mint Shaving Cream DIY | Food For My Family [...]
[...] and there is lots to do. There will be sweet treats (healthy!) and cozy gifts, gifts for girls and boys. Any DIY [...]
I love this, Shaina! Can’t wait to make it!
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch´s last post ..Lemon Sugar Scrub Recipe + Printable
[...] rosemary mint shave cream from food for my family [...]
Hello, i made this last night, and put it in a sealed jar in my bathroom. The oils separated over night. Any suggestions on what i should do? Thanks!
Hi, Laura. The oils shouldn’t separate as both coconut oil and the shea butter are solid (the coconut oil solid below 74º). Could you tell me what kind of oils you used?
If you have an extremely warm house, it might be a good idea to keep them in a cooler part of the home, like a hall linen closet, so that the coconut oil doesn’t melt. Still, I have never had mine separate, even during the summer months.
For the batch you have, I would just place it in the refrigerator and then re-whip and store in a cool, dry place. I hope that helps!
I used coconut oil and shea butter (gold). I think I left them in too warm of a spot. They melted, but I was still able to shave with it, and it still worked great! I won’t go back to store bought shaving cream. Many thanks!
[...] Rosemary Mint Shaving Cream [...]
Hello! Question with regards to the shea butter: did you use the white refind butter or the yellow raw & unrefind shea butter?
Thanks!
I have used both with similar results. For this particular batch I used raw.
Sounds delish like I’d want to eat my husband after!
Aedin´s last post ..Soothe Sensitive Skin & Senses this Season
Hi there! I did not realize that the coconut oil should be a solid, I ended up with mine more soupy but still works brilliantly as a moisturizer. Plus side, my husband I smell amazing!
I’m so glad you like it, Brynn. I made a note in the recipe so that people can see it needs to be coconut oil in a solid below 74º F form. Thanks!
Hi!
i made this but found that it does not have a whipped feeling but is rather runny, what did I do wrong?
how do I get it to have a whipped look/feel?
Hey, Cait. Make sure you only added a 1/4 cup of jojoba oil and that you used a coconut oil that is in a solid state at temps below 74º.
I had the opposite problem… I put it in the fridge until it was solid, which made it almost impossible to whip. I finally did get it to whip, but it doesn’t look at pretty and creamy like the picture. I’m going to let it come to room temperature and whip it some more, then see what happens.
I think if you let it sit in the cold too long, then yes, it would get quite hard. Really, you just want to get it warm enough to turn back into a solid. You can also just let it sit in a cold(er) room (not the kitchen with the oven on, for example), and it will eventually come back down to room temperature and be able to be whipped. The refrigerator or outside in the cold just speeds up the process.
This just got awesome! I let it warm a bit and then whipped it again, and it looks (and smells!) amazing… I hope my dad likes it
Yay! I hope he enjoys it!
This stuff is awesome! I’m giving it as a Christmas gift and I really hope it’s loved as much I I love it. It smells great and leaves your skin so soft and smooth. The only down side is that a few of the ingredients are a little pricey. Overall, I’m very happy with the end product
…thanks so much for sharing!
I tried the recipe and I used sandalwood oil instead of the rosemary since my man loves that scent. I tripled the recipe for gifts. Best shave ever!!!! I didn’t even have to put lotion on my legs after and they were soft all day. Thanks so much for posting this recipe.
It sounds like such a great recipe that I had to try it. I am waiting for it to cool right now, but I seem to have beading of the oils or something floating around, is this fine? Thanks.
They will do that as they cool. If you live in a cold climate, put it outside, or once it’s cooled enough, you can stick it in your refrigerator to speed up the process.
You can get a much better price on shea butter if you get it from a wholesale supply instead of retail – try http://www.mountainroseherbs.com – theirs is certified organic and a fraction of the cost of buying it in the store.
I’d love to make this, but I have one small problem I need help with. Might you know of a sub for coconut oil. I know it’s an awesome product, but unfortnately, coconut and I have a rather deadly relationship. I’m very allergic so I can’t use it in anything.
Any ideas, I’d appreciate!
Maybe a harder butter (cocoa butter or mango butter), cut 50/50 with more almond or jojoba oil? Mango butter would be heavenly.
I just made this using sweet almond oil for the liquid fat, and with very slightly more aromatic oil than called for (my dropper on the rosemary bottle was a wee bit quick). It’s just a beautiful cream, soft and lush like whipped cream, lovely smelling, with a slight cooling effect after application. I think it’s going to be lovely as a surprise for my spouse. My 2 year old “helped” (sniffed, helped level measures, stirred the melt between heatings, ate coconut oil by the spoonful) and loves the scent too. What fun!
I have to post an update. My spouse loves the aroma and the concept. The first time he tried this shave cream, he was alarmed by how slippery his razor was in his hand and by the way the cream stuck between the blades of his razor. He has pale blond/gray beard hair and was not thrilled that he could not see where he had already shaved, as the cream melts on contact. However, he tried it on a Friday morning. Saturdays he often skips shaving. On Sunday morning, he was shocked that the close shave he had gotten had still not reached the usual Saturday morning level – it looked like a 12-hour-old shave, not 36. He didn’t shave Sunday, either. Monday morning, he used his commercial shave cream, felt his chin, and said “hmph.” And this morning (Tuesday), he used the rosemary-mint again.
“I thought you preferred the other?” I asked. “Nope. I can’t get that close a shave with it.”
Win!
I am so glad he’s enjoying the shaving cream, Linda! Thank you for stopping by to update!
Not only enjoying it, but using it every day. His very serious dermatitis has taken a holiday and his face is as smooth as 20 years ago when he was a Marine (and had cranky superiors commenting on the quality of his shave.). I have been aiming people at this recipe.
Was wondering can I use any other oil like evoo luv the recipe ..
Yes I have pure coconut oil n African shea refined .. can I use evoo instead of almond or jojoba
Yes. That should work just fine in place of the almond/jojoba. I hope you enjoy the cream!
Kind of off topic, by I absolutely LOVE the font you used for “SHAVING CREAM” in the first image. By any chance would you be willing to share what it is?
I’m planning on making this for the scruffy man in my life. Is there a big difference between food grade almond oil and sweet almond oil? Thanks!