Making an aftershave balm....

[kingfisher]

I've been using a homemade aftershave splash for about 5 months now, with good results.

Now that cooler weather is arriving, I'd like to eventually switch to a balm to provide more moisturization during the winter, etc.

I'm tempted to make my own, just like I did with the splash, but I'm not sure it would work.

Here's what I have on hand: a nice, unscented moisturizing cream, generic witchhazel, Thayer's unscented witchhazel, aloe vera gel, glycerin, water, rubbing alcohol, and some peppermint essential oil.

Here's what I'm wondering: If I started with the cream, and added a little witchhazel, a little glycerin, maybe a little aloe, and a few drops of the essential oil, would I have a nice balm? Or would I need to go buy some exotic oil like jojoba?

Has anybody tried making their own balm before? Any of the pros like Sue(s) have any ideas how to make a homemade balm that works?

Thanks in advance.

 

[joto]

I've experimented with balms based on Corn Husker's lotion, and have come up with some nice stuff, but I always keep coming back to the Nivea Sensitive Balm. That's just me though, your plan seems pretty good. Personally I might hold off on the glycerine until I tested it- too much leaves a sticky surface, not enough equals dryness, at least in my experiments- easier to add more later than ruin an entire batch by adding too much... as I have done. I might start with just the unscented balm and add one ingredient at a time based on your impression of how it performs as an A/S balm all by itself. Too thick? Witch Hazel would be a great thinner. Not soothing enough, or not enough body? Aloe would help with that. I have never used the jojoba oil, so I cannot comment on how it might affect the mixture. You could always consider adding more EO's that are supposed to be good for the skin, although I wouldn't know what those are.

I think, anyway... be sure to keep us informed!!

 

[Sue]

I've been using a homemade aftershave splash for about 5 months now, with good results.

Now that cooler weather is arriving, I'd like to eventually switch to a balm to provide more moisturization during the winter, etc.

I'm tempted to make my own, just like I did with the splash, but I'm not sure it would work.

Here's what I have on hand: a nice, unscented moisturizing cream, generic witchhazel, Thayer's unscented witchhazel, aloe vera gel, glycerin, water, rubbing alcohol, and some peppermint essential oil.

Here's what I'm wondering: If I started with the cream, and added a little witchhazel, a little glycerin, maybe a little aloe, and a few drops of the essential oil, would I have a nice balm? Or would I need to go buy some exotic oil like jojoba?

Has anybody tried making their own balm before? Any of the pros like Sue(s) have any ideas how to make a homemade balm that works?

Thanks in advance.

Nah, couldn't tell ya

Tell me, what's in the cream?

First up though, do NOT use rubbing (isoproply) alcohol. It is not the same as SD alcohol or perfumers alcohol. ****If you want some alcohol use vodka or grain alcohol (Everclear) **** The higher the proof to 200, the better. Also do NOT use denatured alcohol from the hardware store, it is a solvent.

****This is totally illegal except for your own personal use. You can't even give it to a friend or black booted guys with weapons kick your door in, you'll never see the light of day again.
Sue

 

[kingfisher]

Sue:

The cream is Anthony's facial moisturizing cream. It's got a lot of good stuff in it. It's a nice, light moisturizer.


Thanks for the tip about the alcohol. Not sure I even want any alcohol in it, anyway. If I did, I could use the generic witchhazel; that's got a little bit in it. Or, since colognes presumably have perfumer's alcohol in them, maybe I could add a little of my favorite EDC?

Any suggestions would be great.

 

[Sue]

Is this Anthony Logistics All Purpose Facial Moisturizer?

Is it thin or a thick consistancy? If it's thick try just a tablespoon or a teaspoon. Figure any amount you begin with as your base percentage of 50-75% and add the remaining ingredients in a ratio to total 100% (include in that % - 1% for the EO).

Add the remaining % including the 1% EO. Add what you feel is lacking in this moisturizer such as your aloe vera, glycerin or witch hazel. Keep things sterile clean and do not add water.

Bogus Ex:
55% Anthony's
23% aloe vera gel
17% witch hazel
4% glycerin
1% EO to = 100%

If this is thin to start with, it may be best to stick with glycerin and aloe vera gel skipping the witch hazel.

Down side: It has a very good chance of separation. It will not have any cooling or comfort for razor burn. You may well ruin a good moisturizer. Are all of your ingredients critter free? What are you going to use for a preservative or an antimicrobrial?
Good luck and have fun!
Sue
ps. why not just buy a product for your specific needs?