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 turned 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 done even by a beginner. Only the control and adjustment of the pH requires a bit more attention, which we will explain in detail in the procedure.

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

Finally, you can adapt the scent of the aftershave water to your liking by adding suitably selected essential oils. In her version, Ružena reached for lavender and eucalyptus.

Aftershave

Ingredients

Importance of 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 without alcohol, organic – has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. It helps keep the skin healthy and hydrated.
• Floral water – Roman chamomile organic – helps support the sensation of soothing the skin, especially in sensitive, dry or reddened skin. It contributes to refreshment and hydration.
• Centella asiatica – fermented aqueous extract – 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.
• Aloe vera gel – moisturizes, protects and provides a cooling effect. It slows down skin ageing, regenerates it and helps treat a wide range of skin diseases. It strengthens fine 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 – soothes redness and sensitive skin. It supports the vitality of the skin – contributes to better elasticity and the overall appearance of the skin.
• D-panthenol-75-w – is a concentrated solution of provitamin B5. It intensely hydrates the skin, supports its regeneration, soothes it and increases its elasticity.
• Iscaguard iaf – natural preservative based on fruit acids – extends shelf life, prevents the growth of bacteria, moulds and yeasts.

Procedure

1. Preparation of the workplace. Prepare a glass container of about 200 ml (so that it can be mixed in without problems) and a 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). We weigh the glycerin and allantoin into the container. Mix – we obtain a thicker “mash”.
3. Incorporation of 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 substances and 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 did not get along 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 it, just keep stirring and checking the pH until it is fine.
6. Final adjustment, addition of essential oils (phase E). So far, the water has only the scent of the hydrosols used and this is not very intense, so it is good to add favourite essential oils – drop by drop and mix until we are satisfied with the scent. I used lavender and eucalyptus. Finally, pour the entire solution into a suitable container, preferably with a spray dispenser.

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.