DIY Homemade Shaving Cream – Easy Shave Butter for Mom or Dad
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Looking for a thoughtful, affordable, and incredibly useful last-minute gift? This DIY homemade shaving cream, also known as shave butter, is one of the best gifts I’ve ever made—for both my husband and myself!
It started when I heard a commercial about a popular shaving subscription club. They raved about their signature shave butter, claiming it was better than traditional shaving cream. I was intrigued, and after a little research, I realized I could make it myself at home with just four natural ingredients I already had on hand. The result? A silky-smooth homemade shave butter that works wonders for both men and women.
Whether you’re prepping for Father’s Day, putting together a self-care kit, or just want a cleaner alternative to store-bought foams, this recipe is a winner. Plus you will get an extra smooth shave!
Why We Love DIY Shave Butter:
- All-natural and free of synthetic ingredients
- Moisturizes and protects skin while shaving
- Reduces razor burn and irritation
- Makes a thoughtful and personal gift
- Great for sensitive skin and safe for both men and women
- Customizable with your favorite essential oils
After that long intro, I am sure you are wondering what is in the shave butter and what makes it so special?! You are going to be amazed by how easy it is. It has just four ingredients.
DIY Shave Butter Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2/3 c. Shea Butter
- 2/3 c. Coconut Oil
- 1/4 c. Sweet Almond Oil (or Olive oil, Jojoba Oil)
- 10–15 drops essential oils of your choice
- 3 Tbsp Castile Soap– optional add in to make it foamier & smoother
- Small jars
Suggested Essential Oil Combos:
- For men: Peppermint + cedarwood or rosemary
- For women: Grapefruit + orange or a soft floral blend
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, gently melt the shea butter and coconut oil over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in the almond oil and essential oils.
- Let the mixture cool and begin to solidify—either at room temperature or in the fridge (faster option).
- Once solid but still soft, use an electric hand mixer to whip for 2–3 minutes. This gives it that dreamy, creamy texture.
- Spoon into jars or containers with lids. Jelly jars work great and look cute as gifts!
How to Use:
Apply a small amount to damp skin before shaving. The butter melts into a smooth, protective layer that helps the razor glide easily while moisturizing your skin. Rinse after shaving, or just rub it into your dry legs or dry hands and enjoy how soft and hydrated your skin feels!
Tips for Storage & Gifting:
- Store your DIY shave cream in a cool place or the shower (just avoid letting water get inside)
- Makes a perfect gift when paired with a new razor or hand towel
- Add a simple tag or label for Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, or holiday gifts
- Customize the scent based on the season or recipient
This will make your shower floor a bit slippery, but the hot water will rinse it right off.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is this the same as regular shaving cream?
A: It works even better! Instead of foaming, this butter coats and protects the skin while deeply moisturizing.
Q: Can I use it for legs and underarms?
A: Yes! It’s safe and effective for any shaving area.
Q: How long does it last?
A: A little goes a long way! One small jar can last for several weeks or longer depending on use.
Why Use Homemade Shave Butter?
Most store-bought shaving creams contain alcohols, artificial fragrances, and chemicals that can dry out or irritate the skin. This DIY shave butter is nourishing, cost-effective, completely customizable and without all the toxins. Plus, making your own body products can be a fun and empowering skill!
Ready to make the switch to homemade all natural shave butter?Shop for all of the supplies HERE!
Try Some Other Homemade Remedies & Products
DIY Anti-Aging Face Serum: A Natural, Cost-Effective Alternative
Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe: Cough Syrup
Homemade Bath Crayons for Kids
Kitchen Science: Homemade Butter in a Jar
Kid-Made Gift Ideas for Family
Want another homemade Father’s Day gift? Check out our Dad String Art post!
Wow! Is it really that easy to make your own shaving cream?! Probably a lot healthier for your skin too. I’ll have to give it a try. 🙂
It is simple & great for your skin!!
Do you have to use coconut oil or can it be any oil. I’m extremely allergic to coconuts. :/
I think you could replace it. If you don’t use the coconut oil you would need to use more of the shea butter or another oil that is solid when cool.
You could use Shea butter and almond oil and a thick body soap to replace for the thickness soap will also give it a nice thick lather
I recommend dove unsented
This stuff is the bomb! I have really sensitive skin and tried other shave butter and it worked great but I had to order it and I wanted something that was more readily available. I ran across this recipe, and I am greatly impressed. A perfect shave with no butchered skin and my skin was very soft and smooth with a great peppermint aroma.
How long does this last if my husband doesn’t shave everyday?
It lasts quite a while! I make it every other month probably.
I made a batch last night but this morning it still had not hardened. I had left the mixture on the counter without a lid overnight with a house temperature of 64 F. Any Ideas what may have went wrong?
Try refrigerating it! Sometimes in the Summer mine does not harden as well, either.
Does this recipe make one jar? I want to make 10 jars so I’m curious how much ingredients I will need.
This amount makes 2 small jelly size jars. To make 10 you would need to multiply it by 5. 🙂
Mine keeps separating:(
What am I doing wrong? I let it cool and the Shea butter sinks to the bottom and hardens with the oils on top.
Just mix it a few times while it is cooling.
Maybe a silly question, but is this meant to be used after the shaving? A little confused since it’s kept in the shower… 🙂
Nope, it is used FOR shaving, in place of shaving cream. 🙂
We’re having a hard time getting our hands on Shea Butter, is there anything you would suggest as an alternative ingredient? TIA! 🙂
Cocoa butter is a great alternative if you can find that!
It may be too late but I have found Shea butter on Amazon.
Would cocoa butter lotion be okay?
Yes, definitely!
Do you cover when letting it fool on counter? I’m leaving for work for th day and letting it solidify naturally. Whipping it when I come home 🙂
I cover mine, yes.
Does this lather? Would you apply it with a shaving brush? Thx.
It does not lather, it is more of a lotion-type consistency. I have never used a shaving brush, so I am not sure about that part. I just rub it on.
When making it says 10-15 drops of oils is that 10-15 of each oil or total combined
10-15 total
What happens if you skip the essential oil. It is a fragrance and I am allergic to most of them.
Not a problem at all! It will work just fine without.
Mine turned out a dark yellow color I think because of the Shea butter but I used the same ingredients you have pictured. Will it lighten when I whip it? How did yours come out creamy white? Did you use a different Shea butter than the one pictured?
Yes! It definitely lightens as it cools.
Could you add menthol to this for a cool feel?
You could certainly try! I like peppermint oil for that purpose.
hi, i tried to make this and it never solidified, it remained a liquid similar to oil. If i put it in the refrigerator it hardened but when I took it out it went back to the liquid form. What did I do wrong? I am sad as I have now tried it twice with the same result and a terrible waste of money in ingredients. I used African shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil and essential oils.
Oh darn! I have never had mine not solidify. Do you live in a very warm climate? Maybe try reducing the olive oil and/or increasing the shea butter a bit. You can re-use those ingredients, just add in extra shea to make it a more solid form.
Help! I made this for my boyfriend. The only thing I did different was microwave to melt and then I added a dash of vitamin e oil. For some reason, it never solidified! I put it in the fridge and it did, but when I took it back out it just melted again. Any ideas??
can I use cannabis oli instead olive oil?
I have never tried it, but it would probably work just fine.
I can’t get this to harden. I followed the recipe minua the essential oils. It had been setting on the counter for almost 16 hours, it is not warm in my house, i moved it to the fridge, it’s been about an hour still liquid. What do i do?
Mine never solidified either and it was light brown in color. My daughter made it for her dad, my husband , for Christmas. We spent $40 on ingredients, so it’s very disappointing.
I have a question – I’ve made this and it’s lovely and works a treat. But. The shower floor is lethal afterwards and the only thing that I’ve managed to clean off the grease is cif. I’m also having to clean out the pipes with soda crystals. For me it’s a pretty epic, timely and product heavy experience – I must be missing something? Help
Do you have any suggestions on how to keep the guys razors from clogging up so fast from the oil?
I just rinse it in hot water & it comes right off.
So when I put it on its almost like it turns right back into a melted oil, is that right?