This soothing aftershave combines witch hazel and chamomile hydrosols, Centella asiatica, aloe vera, niacinamide, panthenol and other moisturising and soothing ingredients. It is designed to provide the skin after shaving with hydration, refreshment and a pleasant feeling of comfort.
Preparation is simple and can be managed even by a beginner. Only the checking and adjustment of the pH requires a bit more attention, and we explain it in detail in the method.
About this recipe
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 put to practical use in home production and turned into functional formulations that even less experienced makers can handle.
This time, Ružena has prepared something special for gentlemen – a soothing aftershave. At the end, you can adapt the scent of the aftershave to your liking by adding suitably chosen essential oils. In her version, Ružena reached for lavender and eucalyptus.
Key benefits
- Soothes the skin after shaving
Witch hazel and chamomile hydrosols, Centella asiatica, aloe vera and allantoin reduce redness and tightness of the skin.
- Hydration and comfort
Glycerin, aloe vera, niacinamide and panthenol provide the skin after shaving with hydration, refreshment and a pleasant feeling of comfort.
- Skin barrier support
Centella asiatica is one of the most effective raw materials for regenerating and strengthening the skin barrier, while niacinamide increases the synthesis of ceramides and reduces transepidermal water loss.
- Simple preparation
Even a beginner can manage this recipe – only the checking and adjustment of the pH requires a bit more attention.
- A scent of your own
At the end, you can add your favourite essential oils – in her version, Ružena reached for lavender and eucalyptus.
Product characteristics
Key ingredients in the recipe
The formulation is based on hydrosols and active substances – you will find all the ingredients in the hydrosols and active substances ranges at Handymade.sk.
The recipe is given in percentages – 100 %. To prepare 100 g, the percentages are equal to grams. Other quantities to be prepared must simply be recalculated.
Floral water – witch hazel without alcohol, organic
Witch hazel hydrosol has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. It helps keep the skin healthy and hydrated.
Centella asiatica – fermented aqueous extract
It is considered one of the most effective raw materials for the 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.
Vitamin B3 – niacinamide
It increases the synthesis of ceramides and reduces transepidermal water loss. It regulates sebum production. It has anti-inflammatory effects – soothing redness and sensitive skin. It supports the vitality of the skin – contributing to better elasticity and the overall appearance of the skin.
D-Panthenol 75 % W
A concentrated solution of provitamin B5. It intensely hydrates the skin, supports its regeneration, soothes it and increases its elasticity.
Other ingredients in the recipe
- Vegetable glycerin – moisturises and soothes the skin and 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 and 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 – Roman chamomile, organic – helps leave the skin feeling soothed and calm, especially sensitive, dry or reddened skin. It contributes to refreshment and hydration.
- Aloe vera gel – moisturises, protects and provides a cooling effect. It slows down skin ageing, regenerates it and helps treat a wide range of skin conditions. It strengthens fine capillaries and prevents them from breaking.
- Iscaguard IAF – natural preservative based on fruit acids – extends shelf life and prevents the growth of bacteria, moulds and yeasts.
Ingredients shopping list
All the recipe’s ingredients in one place — tick off what you already have at home and add the rest to your basket in one click. You will find the exact amounts of the individual ingredients in the method below.
Shop the ingredients for this recipe
Untick what you already have
Aloe Vera Gel, 200 gin stock€7.99- Vitamin B3/PP, Nicotinamid/Niacinamide, 10 gin stock€1.99
- D-Panthenol 75% W, 100 mlin stock€7.34
Method
- Preparing your work area
Prepare a glass container of about 200 ml (so you can stir in it without any trouble) and a whisk, rod or spoon for mixing. Disinfect everything in advance with high-percentage alcohol. You will also need a precise scale – reading to at least a tenth of a gram.
- Mixing the glycerin with the allantoin
Weigh the glycerin and allantoin into the container. Stir – you will get a thicker “paste”.
Phase A - Incorporating the hydrosols, Centella asiatica and aloe vera
Pour the weighed amounts of the hydrosols, Centella asiatica and aloe vera into this mass and stir. The solution will be slightly cloudy, but that does not matter.
Phase B - Adding the other active substances and the preservative
Gradually stir the required amounts of niacinamide, D-panthenol and preservative into the mixture.
Phase C - Checking the pH
(For those who did not get along with chemistry at school, this is the hardest 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, add baking soda crystal by crystal. Bubbles of carbon dioxide will be released – there is no need to worry, just keep stirring and checking the pH until it is right.
Phase DpH 5.5–6.0 - Final adjustment, adding the essential oils
So far the water only has the scent of the hydrosols used, and it is not very intense, so it is a good idea to add your favourite essential oils – drop by drop, stirring until you are happy with the scent. I used lavender and eucalyptus. Finally, pour the whole solution into a suitable container, preferably one with a spray dispenser.
Phase E
If the pH turns out to be more acidic, add baking soda crystal by crystal – bubbles of carbon dioxide will be released. There is no need to worry, just keep stirring and checking the pH until it is right.
Conclusion
Other hydrosols can also be used to prepare this aftershave, or part of them can be replaced with distilled water. A different preservative can also be used.
Frequently asked questions about this recipe
Practical questions about preparation — the pH and how to adjust it, hydrosol substitutions, the scent, and bottling the finished aftershave.
What pH should the aftershave have, and how do I adjust it?
The target range is pH 5.5 – 6.0, i.e. neutral to slightly acidic. Check it with a pH meter or universal indicator strips. If the pH is more acidic, add baking soda crystal by crystal – bubbles of carbon dioxide will be released. There is no need to worry, just keep stirring and checking the pH until it is right.
Can a beginner manage this recipe?
Yes, preparation is simple and even a beginner can manage it. Only the checking and adjustment of the pH requires a bit more attention. Besides a disinfected glass container and something to stir with, you will need a precise scale – reading to at least a tenth of a gram.
Can I replace the hydrosols or the preservative?
Yes. Other hydrosols can also be used to prepare this aftershave, or part of them can be replaced with distilled water. A different preservative can also be used.
How do I adapt the scent of the aftershave?
After preparation, the water only has the scent of the hydrosols used, which is not very intense. Add your favourite essential oils drop by drop and stir until you are happy with the scent. In her version, Ružena used lavender and eucalyptus.
What container should I put the finished aftershave in?
Pour the finished solution into a suitable disinfected container, preferably one with a spray dispenser.
You will find witch hazel and chamomile hydrosols, Centella asiatica, niacinamide, panthenol and all the other ingredients in this recipe in the hydrosols and active substances ranges at Handymade.sk.
