This recipe was prepared for you by Ružena Mrvová, who regularly creates formulations for us from our products of the month. She shows how selected cosmetic raw materials can be practically used in home production and transformed into functional formulations that can be handled even by less experienced creators.

This time, Ružena has prepared something special for gentlemen – a soothing aftershave. Its preparation is simple and can be managed even by a beginner. Only the control and adjustment of the pH requires a bit more attention, but we will explain it in detail in the procedure.

The formulation combines witch hazel and chamomile hydrosol, Centella asiatica, aloe vera, niacinamide, panthenol and other moisturizing and soothing ingredients. It is designed to provide the skin after shaving with hydration, refreshment and a pleasant feeling of comfort.

Finally, you can customize the scent of the aftershave according to your preferences by adding suitably chosen essential oils. In her version, Ružena reached for lavender and eucalyptus.

Aftershave

Ingredients

Importance of the ingredients

• Vegetable glycerin – moisturizes and soothes the skin, helps in the treatment of skin problems. It allows other substances to be easily absorbed into the skin. It contributes to smoother spreading and better moisture stability in the product.
• Allantoin powder – has soothing effects, reduces redness and tightness of the skin. It promotes a softer and smoother feel on the skin. It helps to improve problematic, sensitive and stressed skin.
• Floral water – Witch hazel alcohol-free, BIO – has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. It helps to keep the skin healthy and hydrated.
• Floral water – Roman chamomile bio – helps to support a feeling of soothing the skin, especially for sensitive, dry or reddened skin. It contributes to refreshment and hydration.
• Centella asiatica – fermented aqueous extract – is considered one of the most effective ingredients for regeneration and strengthening of the skin barrier, hydration and intensive soothing of reddened and sensitive skin. It supports the elasticity, uniformity and overall vitality of the skin.
• Aloe vera gel – moisturizes, protects and provides a cooling effect. It slows down skin ageing, regenerates it, helps to treat a wide range of skin diseases. It strengthens small capillaries and prevents them from breaking.
• Vitamin B3 – niacinamide – increases the synthesis of ceramides and reduces transepidermal water loss. It regulates sebum production. It has anti-inflammatory effects – it soothes redness and sensitive skin. It supports the vitality of the skin – it contributes to better elasticity and the overall appearance of the skin.
• D-panthenol-75-w – is a concentrated solution of provitamin B5. It intensely moisturizes the skin, supports its regeneration, soothes it and increases its elasticity.
• Iscaguard iaf – natural preservative based on fruit acids – prolongs shelf life, prevents the growth of bacteria, moulds and yeasts.

Procedure

1. Preparation of the workspace. Prepare a glass container of about 200 ml (so that it can be easily mixed in) and a small whisk or rod or spoon for mixing. Disinfect everything in advance with high-percentage alcohol. We will also need a precise scale – at least with a division into tenths of a gram.
2. Mixing glycerin with allantoin (phase A). Weigh the glycerin and allantoin into the container. Stir – you will obtain a thicker “mash”.
3. Incorporation of the hydrosols, Centella asiatica and aloe vera (phase B). Pour the weighed amounts of hydrosols, Centella asiatica and aloe vera into this mass and mix. The solution will be slightly cloudy, but that does not matter.
4. Addition of other active ingredients and the preservative (phase C). Gradually mix the required amount of niacinamide, D-panthenol and preservative into the mixture.
5. pH control (phase D). (For those who were not friends with chemistry at school, this is the most difficult part.) Check the pH with a pH meter or universal indicator strips. It should be neutral to slightly acidic 5.5 – 6.0. If it turns out to be more acidic, baking soda must be added crystal by crystal. Bubbles of carbon dioxide will be released – there is no need to be afraid of this, just keep stirring and checking the pH until it is correct.
6. Final adjustment, addition of essential oils (phase E). The water so far has only the scent of the hydrosols used and this is not very strong, so it is good to add favourite essential oils – drop by drop and mix until we are satisfied with the fragrance. I used lavender and eucalyptus. Finally, pour the entire solution into a suitable container, preferably with an atomizer.

Conclusion

For the preparation of this aftershave, other hydrosols can also be used, or part of them can be replaced with distilled water. Likewise, a different preservative can also be used.