With Father's Day approaching, I thought it might be fun to make a home made aftershave lotion. When researching, I found that there are two different types of aftershave. There is one version that is more of a tonic which you spray or splash onto your face and one that is more a lotion that you rub into your skin. I decided to try the lotion. Let's start by going over the ingredients:
COCONUT OIL: This is great to act as a moisturizer but is also reported to have antibacterial properties. It is solid at room temperature so it also thickens the lotion.
BEESWAX: This acts as an emulsifier (It helps to combine the water and oil together). I like to get the pearls because they melt really well but it also comes in block form.
JOJOBA OIL: This oil is known for it's close resemblance to oils produced by human oil glands. It is also reported to have anti-inflammatory properties.
WITCH HAZEL: This is known for it's astringent properties (astringent means it contracts skin tissue) and is often recommended to protect the skin from bleeding.
ALOE VERA GEL: This is often used to treat minor wounds and sunburn. It is loaded with vitamins and has a cooling feel when applies to the skin. Great for soothing those shaving cuts!
VEGETABLE GLYCERIN: This attracts moisture to the skin and is easily absorbed. It can also act as an emulsifier, helping to mix the oil and water.
VITAMIN E OIL: This helps retain moisture in the skin. It is said to be antioxidant (removing the damaging effects of environmental toxins) and retains moisture in the skin.
DISTILLED WATER: Water that has been purified by a distillation process. Really this is optional. I had some left over so I decided to use it. If I didn't have any, I would use my regular drinking water.
ESSENTIAL OIL: I chose fir balsam and Eucalyptus. The fir balsam has this amazing pine scent with a hint of fruity sweetness. It smells fantastic! The eucalyptus oil has a nice cooling feel, is reported to have antibacterial properties and is often used for healing minor wounds.
A BOTTLE WITH A PUMP OR A CONTAINER TO PUT YOUR LOTION IN. I try to get containers which have a pump or squirt at the top so that the user will not be introducing bacteria into the product. I showed an example of a pump container in the picture but I ended up finding a little metal container that I really liked for this so I used that instead. I figured that you use aftershave right after a shower so there would be less of a chance of introducing bacteria since your hands are clean:)
Once you have gathered all your ingredients together, get a double boiler set up (I just get a saucepan, fill it with a couple of inches of water, and put a bowl on top of that.) Start to bring the water to a boil.
Add 1 T of the beeswax pearls, 1/4 cup coconut oil, and 1/4 cup Jojoba oil to the bowl. Melt the oils together but remove the bowl as soon as the oils are melted.
While you are waiting for the oils to melt you can mix your other ingredients:
In a separate bowl add 1/4 cup of the aloe vera gel, 1 tsp vegetable glycerin, 1 T witch hazel, 5 drops vitamin E oil, and 1 T distilled water. Whisk together until combined.
Here is what it looks like all combined.
Here is the oil once it melted. As soon as it is melted, remove it from the heat and place it on the counter to cool slightly. Once it has cooled for just a couple of minutes, combine the melted oils with the aloe vera mixture with a mixer.
Here I am blending the mixtures together and you can see it is starting to thicken.
Once mixed, the lotion has a nice light consistency. Now add the essential oils and combine. (I added about 10 drops of each but add to your liking.) I LOVE the consistency of this lotion. It is nice and light. I rubbed some on my cheeks and it has a very subtle cooling feeling. My husband gave it a try. He has very sensitive skin and he loved it.
If you like this recipe, you may like my ebook available HERE and HERE with 30 natural beauty recipes including lotions, creams, bath products, and so much more.
Well, hope you have some ideas brewing for the favorite "Dad" in your life!
Very Warmly,
Pam