So I want to try and make my own aftershave. It looks like I should use a combination of Everclear, witch hazel, and maybe a little glycerin. As far as scent goes I'm contemplating maybe using some teas and other dried spices steeped for a couple weeks in the mix. Would that be crazy or just plain illogical? Also would I get any skin benefits from using some green teas or chamomile teas?
DIY Suggestions
- Thread starter imleftyoureright
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I tried some a while back and right now, it's "fermenting". I used some Rubbing Alcohol 99%, witch hazel, glycering, castor oil and essential oils. I know that many say that the rubbing alcohol scent is strong and will be over everything. They are right for that. However, mind has been bottled for nearly 2 months now and the EO is taking over. I will not say that it's completely gone but it's much milder than it was.
I had Eucalyptus, Lemon and Peppermint EO. Peppermint acts exactly like menthol. I use it in my other AS (3 drops is enough) to give them the menthol kick. Lemon is overpowering so go easy on that one. Eucalyptus is very strong too so you got to be careful with that one.
I wouldn't say that my formula is ready but I'm working on a bigger (100ml) bottle where I'm calculating my ratios right now. What I noticed, if you alcohol % is too low (too diluted), your AS will be cloudy (milky) and can possibly separate (oil vs. water). The alcohol keeps it together. The castor oil is useless and makes it too greasy. The glycerin is good but go easy on that. The Witch Hazel is good but it needs to be dosed also to avoid diluting the mixture too much (cloudy result).
Someone recommended at one stage to do your tests and then add the scent when you are happy with the performance.
I had Eucalyptus, Lemon and Peppermint EO. Peppermint acts exactly like menthol. I use it in my other AS (3 drops is enough) to give them the menthol kick. Lemon is overpowering so go easy on that one. Eucalyptus is very strong too so you got to be careful with that one.
I wouldn't say that my formula is ready but I'm working on a bigger (100ml) bottle where I'm calculating my ratios right now. What I noticed, if you alcohol % is too low (too diluted), your AS will be cloudy (milky) and can possibly separate (oil vs. water). The alcohol keeps it together. The castor oil is useless and makes it too greasy. The glycerin is good but go easy on that. The Witch Hazel is good but it needs to be dosed also to avoid diluting the mixture too much (cloudy result).
Someone recommended at one stage to do your tests and then add the scent when you are happy with the performance.
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- #4
So would I just be better served to use some EOs and skip trying to use some dry ingredients?
I got no idea as I did not try that.
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- #6
Maybe I'll try a batch of both and report back with my findings
Sounds like an interesting project. I am looking forward to hearing how it turns out!
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- #8
Finally got around to trying this out. I'm not sure if the Everclear was the best choice but time will tell. The two jars on the left just have some EOs in the mix, the two on the right are the real experiment. I got some pure chamomile that is in both of them, the darker one has some Earl Grey, and the other on the far right has a lemon ginger tea. In all likelihood the smell wont be strong enough from the teas but I've got them sitting in a dark closet and will be checking to progress daily.
Very cool
Following this thread with great interest. 
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- #11
Since the other two are just scented with EOs they have been tried the last two shaves. Up to par with my other aftershaves as far as how my skin feels with using them. The other two still are just smelling like the alcohol but they need some more time.
This first batch I went for a 2:1 alcohol to watch hazel ratio. I'm considering throwing some of the chamomile into the two scented with EOs to see if it makes a difference.
They are rather large batches so if there is anything you want me to try because you are too afraid to let me know and I'll report back
This first batch I went for a 2:1 alcohol to watch hazel ratio. I'm considering throwing some of the chamomile into the two scented with EOs to see if it makes a difference.
They are rather large batches so if there is anything you want me to try because you are too afraid to let me know and I'll report back
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- #12
Good luck. I couldn't do it man. There's no way I'd be able to mix up a batch of anything with a bottle of Everclear. For every bit I would put in the mix I'd have do drink some also. Eventually....well, I don't have to tell you.
Haha do I see the start of a wet shaving drinking game forming? Heaven forbid there is a rule every time someone says YMMV you have to take a shot!
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- #13
Remind me to stay away from brush forums and discussions of the aggressiveness of razors on nights when I work the next day.
I know women use green teas and the like as a face wash, but they typically rinse it off after application. Should be interesting...
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