DIY Shaving Cream
A good shaving cream needs three things: enough slip for the razor to glide cleanly, enough cushion to protect against nicks, and ingredients that leave skin in better condition than before. This formula delivers all three with a handful of ingredients that work together rather than against each other — and without the synthetic fragrance that irritates skin on something you apply to your face every day.
HERO INGREDIENT — Vegetable Glycerin
Glycerin is the slip agent in this formula — its thick, viscous texture creates the cushioning layer between razor and skin that prevents friction and irritation. It's also a powerful humectant, drawing moisture into skin during the shave rather than stripping it. The combination of slip and hydration is what makes glycerin-based shaving formulas so much gentler than foam from a pressurised can.
WHAT ELSE IS IN THIS RECIPE
Liquid Castile Soap — provides the cleansing action and contributes to lather — keeps the skin surface clean during the shave
Jojoba Oil — lightweight carrier that conditions skin during shaving and absorbs quickly after rinsing, without clogging pores
Geogard ECT — preservative that keeps this water-based formula stable throughout its shelf life
Essential Oil — optional — avoid citrus oils on freshly shaved skin before sun exposure; the blend on this page is appropriate for post-shave application
I RECOMMEND TRYING IT WITH BOTANIC EMBER LIGHT
Botanic Ember Light is my choice for a shaving cream because it avoids the common mistake of going too sharp or too medicinal on freshly shaved skin. The Sweet Orange and Bergamot FCF keep it soft; the Cedarwood Atlas rounds out the base so it reads as clean and skin-appropriate rather than functional.
All ingredients used in this recipe are available at homemadehaven.com.au
Small Batch • Handcrafted in Australia • homemadehaven.com.au
