How to make your own homemade shaving soap

Shaving soap is a popular cosmetic product that you can make yourself. Home remedy is easy to make. Such products will be inexpensive and will be much more useful than purchased options.

History of soap origin

During excavations in Mesopotamia, archaeologists saw one of the first proofs that soap-making has a centuries-old history. In the places of settlement of the Sumerians, scientists discovered clay tablets that were created around 2800 BC. They described the process of making a cosmetic product based on ash and molten fat. 

Various variants of ancient soap were used by the inhabitants of Ancient Greece and the ancient Roman state. True, such products in time immemorial had little resemblance to today’s versions of detergents. In today’s performance, solid soap appeared only about 200 years ago.

Men can comfortably get rid of stubble and maintain silky skin on the face with various shaving products. On sale, you can find solid and creamy types of products, as well as powders. The most convenient and popular option is a washer or briquette of a solid structure. Such a tool is often sold in the form of a stick or in a special bowl.

Why you should use shaving soap

Solid shaving soap is a separate category of cosmetics.

Its characteristic features:

• it has a multi-component composition and contains some specific ingredients;
• creates a lot of thick and dense foam during use;
• it is prepared using special technology.

Useful properties of shaving soap:

• it has an anti-inflammatory effect;
• softens the skin;
• makes overgrown hairs more tender;
• well relieves irritation and redness.

Too-dense varieties are not recommended only for those who are always in a hurry or often shave outside the house.

Advantages and disadvantages

An environmentally friendly product can be made independently.

The resulting cosmetics have a number of advantages:

• it rarely causes allergic reactions;
• it costs less than store-bought options;
• stored longer than purchased foams or mousses;
• for one procedure, you need quite a bit of soap, because it foams perfectly, as a result of simple labor, the resulting composition lasts for a long time.

In a self-made product, you can easily adjust the number of different components, which allows you to make it safe and as useful as possible. It is appropriate to adjust the ratio of ingredients yourself to avoid allergies. The composition is also not prohibited to adjust depending on the type of skin, and its sensitivity. You will be able to create an original tool that takes into account your personal tastes and preferences. To do this, use essential oils with your favorite flavors in the recipe.

The disadvantages of this soap are a few:

• Additional time is required. First – for making the product, and later for shaving. After all, the procedure takes longer than when using gels and other more liquid products.
• The product is not always comfortable to use. Soap should be mixed with water, in addition, you need to use a brush. This is not always convenient during vacations, business trips, or other conditions outside the home.
• Sometimes there are problems with the skin. This is usually experienced by owners of dry skin or people who are prone to allergies.

Types of soap products

There are three types of shaving soap, taking into account their main composition:

• Made from animal fats — the most nutritious. Its shelf life is shorter than that of other varieties. And in the process of removing unwanted vegetation, a relatively large amount of liquid is required to produce foam.
• A product is created based on some kind of vegetable oil. Usually, it is palm, coconut, or olive oil. Sometimes a mixture of several types is used. The qualitative composition of the resulting soap is slightly inferior to the first option. The product is not recommended for use in winter, as a plant-based product in the cold can tighten the skin, causing unpleasant sensations.
• Glycerin is usually the lowest grade. It often causes poor shaving quality and leads to dry skin and other dermatological problems.

In the process of using the product, a special device is additionally used — a brush. First, use soap to make a thick, thick foam. Then, in a circular motion, distribute the composition over the surface of the face skin with a brush. Thanks to the lush soap mass applied with a brush, the razor will glide gently without damaging the skin.

Key Ingredients for Homemade Shaving Soap

When it comes to making your own homemade shaving soap, the right ingredients are key. The two main ingredients are glycerin and lye, which are essential for the soap-making process.

Glycerin is a natural humectant that helps to attract moisture to your skin, keeping it hydrated and healthy. It is also a gentle ingredient that is suitable for all skin types, even those with sensitive skin.

Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide, is a strong alkaline substance that is used to turn oils into soap. It is important to handle lye with caution as it can be dangerous if not handled properly.

In addition to glycerin and lye, you will also need oils to create the soap base. Some common oils used in homemade shaving soap include coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil. Each oil brings its own unique benefits to the soap, so choose the oils that best suit your needs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Shaving Soap

Making your own homemade shaving soap is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. Follow the instructions below for a successful soap-making experience.

1. Gather all of your ingredients and tools.
2. Measure out the glycerin and lye and mix them together in a heat-resistant container.
3. Slowly add the oils to the mixture, stirring constantly.
4. Continue to stir until the mixture begins to thicken and becomes opaque.
5. Pour the mixture into a soap mold and let it cool.
6. Once the soap has cooled, remove it from the mold and let it cure for several days.
7. Enjoy your homemade shaving soap!

Tips for Making the Best Homemade Shaving Soap

Here are some tips to help you make the best homemade shaving soap possible:

1. Always handle lye with caution and wear protective gloves and eye protection.
2. Use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best results.
3. Experiment with different oils to find the combination that works best for you.
4. Let the soap cure for several days before using it to ensure that it is fully hardened.
5. Store your homemade shaving soap in a cool, dry place to extend its shelf life.

Dermatologist’s recommendations

Soften the bristles before using shaving soap. If it is not too hard, it is enough to wash your face with water.

Some useful tips:

• For owners of dry and sensitive skin, home remedies made from a ready-made soap base are more suitable. For men with normal or oily skin, it is appropriate to use any options for homemade products.
• For shaving, it is better to take a short brush, the brush of which is made of slightly hard material.
• Whipped soap foam is applied by rotating movements, evenly distributing it over the surface. This will allow you to lift the hairs for a better shave, remove dead skin areas and perform a light facial massage.

If a person suffers from an intolerance to certain substances, then the recipes do not use the type of oil associated with this product. Allergy sufferers should use essential ingredients with caution in the soap-making process. Their doses are reduced.

Making soap with your own hands is recommended for creative people who want to please themselves, their relatives, and their friends with useful products. In the process of producing a fragrant product, you can get a lot of positive emotions, learn an original craft and create a personal version of the effective result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about making homemade shaving soap.

Is making your own shaving soap safe?

Yes, making your own shaving soap is safe as long as you handle the lye properly. Lye is a strong alkaline substance that can be dangerous if not handled with caution. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection when working with lye and follow all safety instructions carefully.

What type of oils should I use in my shaving soap?

The type of oils you use in your shaving soap will depend on your personal preferences and skin type. Some common oils used in homemade shaving soap include coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil. Each oil brings its own unique benefits to the soap, so experiment with different oils to find the combination that works best for you.

How long does it take to make shaving soap?

The actual process of making the soap only takes a few minutes, but it is important to let the soap cure for several days before using it. This allows the soap to harden and ensures that it will last longer.

Can I add fragrances or essential oils to my shaving soap?

Yes, you can add fragrances or essential oils to your shaving soap to give it a unique scent. However, be careful when using essential oils, as some can be irritating to the skin.

How do I store my homemade shaving soap?

Store your homemade shaving soap in a cool, dry place to extend its shelf life. This will help to prevent the soap from melting or becoming soft.

Is homemade shaving soap better than store-bought soap?

Homemade shaving soap can be better than store-bought soap because it allows you to control the ingredients and create a soap that is tailored to your specific needs. Additionally, homemade soap is often gentler on the skin and more affordable than store-bought soap.

Conclusion

Making your own homemade shaving soap is a fun and rewarding experience that can help you save money and enjoy the benefits of a luxurious shaving experience. By following this comprehensive guide, you can create a shaving soap that is tailored to your specific needs and that will leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed.