There are iffy ingredients everywhere, from skin care to soap, lotions to laundry detergent. We’re here to help you eliminate them from your life. On today’s toxin-free agenda, let’s talk about naturally derived essential oils you can use for aftershave!

When you look at the ingredients in traditional aftershave, what do you see? A list 10 miles long, full of words you can’t pronounce? No, thanks. Instead, here are the 10 best essential oils you can use in lieu of traditional aftershave products and a simple recipe for a DIY essential oil aftershave.

What is aftershave?

Aftershave does more than simply smell good. It is designed to help take care of sensitive, freshly shaved skin. An aftershave with good ingredients helps soothe skin irritation, moisturizes, and calms razor burn. Aftershave also closes pores to limit exposure to bacteria that can cause blemishes or acne.

YL tip: Aftershave isn’t only for faces. Apply it to your skin after shaving your legs, underarms, bikini area, and anywhere else you feel any post-shave sensitivity.

Best essential oils for aftershave

What essential oils are best at soothing after-shave skin? Here are 10 that we love for their moisturizing and cleansing properties. It helps that they also smell amazing when you apply them to recently shaved skin.

1. Blue Cypress essential oil

The sweet, woodsy scent of Blue Cypress essential oil is a fresh morning wake-up. The aroma blends well with other essential oil scents, making it easy to create your own custom scent based on the rugged smell of Blue Cypress.

2. Blue Tansy essential oil

Native to Morocco, Blue Tansy has been used traditionally in luxurious, high-end skin care products. Blue Tansy has a complex floral scent that will give you an air of exotic adventure. It’s also great for soothing skin and reducing the look of blemishes.

3. Carrot Seed essential oil

With a scent that’s sweet and earthy, Carrot Seed oil is the perfect wingman for a night out—whether you’re looking for someone new or spending time with an old flame. Make date night extra-exceptional by using Carrot Seed to make skin look healthy and glowing.

4. Cedarwood essential oil

Cedarwood carries a warm, woodsy aroma that is both subtle and sophisticated. It also helps to moisturize freshly shaved skin and provides a soothing sensation that’s exactly what you need after a close shave.

5. Eucalyptus Blue essential oil

Eucalyptus Blue gives off a calming and invigorating scent, making it a refreshing way to start your morning. When applied to the skin, it feels cool and soothing, a sensation that will help you feel comfortable after your shave. Using Eucalyptus Blue as an aftershave is a great way to feel spa-fresh. Take note: Using this oil after a hot shower can lead to a strong tingling sensation on the skin.

6. Frankincense essential oil

Frankincense is timeless, the kind of scent that signals confidence to anyone you meet. It is also used in spiritual and meditative practices, making it an ideal companion in the morning while you’re trying to frame your day.

7. German Chamomile essential oil

Steer clear of morning stress. German Chamomile essential oil has a calming aroma that helps you feel peace when you combine it with deep breathing during your morning commute.

8. Lavender essential oil

After you shave, use a few drops of Lavender essential oil to make your skin look a little more youthful. Lavender’s warm, comforting scent is also an invitation for your favorite people to draw closer.

9. Patchouli essential oil

Make your morning shave the beginning of feeling grounded throughout the day. Patchouli’s warm, complex scent helps you feel centered and relaxed. Using it as an aftershave can help improve the appearance of your skin.

10. Tea Tree essential oil

If you’re prone to blemishes, Tea Tree might be the oil for you. Tea Tree helps reduce the appearance of blemishes, making them less obvious. Tea Tree oil is also great at moisturizing and cleansing the skin, so it’s one of the best options available for an aftershave.

Blue Cypress essential oil
Carrot Seed essential oil
Eucalyptus Blue
German Chamomile essential oil
Patchouli essential oil

How do you make aftershave with essential oils?

Want to try your hand at an easy DIY? Try this natural recipe for a DIY aftershave that uses essential oils. It won’t sting (that means no slapping your face and screaming each morning) and using the glass spray bottle for application is easy.

Ingredients:

3-ounce spray bottle

2 tablespoons witch hazel

2 tablespoons carrier oil (we used sweet almond oil)

1 tablespoon distilled water

2 teaspoons vegetable glycerin

10 drops essential oil (use any combination of the oils above)

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a 3-ounce spray bottle and shake to mix.

2. Shake well before using, then spray directly on the skin, avoiding eyes, nose, mouth, and other sensitive areas.

3. Gently pat or rub in.

4. You may store this recipe for about a year.

Don’t want to do it yourself? Try Shutran® Aftershave Lotion. This plant-based aftershave is designed to provide you with exactly what your sensitive skin needs after a shave and contains only ingredients you can trust.

Shutran Aftershave Lotion

What’s in our aftershave?

Witch hazel: This all-natural astringent is a key ingredient in aftershave. It helps tighten pores to keep bacteria from getting in without the sting of the alcohol found in most commercial products. It is soothing and helps stop itching, all while sealing in moisture.

Sweet almond oil: Sweet almond oil is ideal for aftershave blends. Its slightly sweet, nutty aroma will blend well with essential oils, and it helps to moisturize and enrich the skin with its rich makeup of vitamin E and oleic acid.

Vegetable glycerin: Vegetable glycerin is an incredibly popular ingredient in many beauty products—and for good reason. Vegetable glycerin helps to moisturize the skin as well as bond other ingredients into a smooth blend.

If you’re having trouble keeping your beard sleek and healthy, learn more about which essential oils can make your beard look its best. Dive deeper into making shaving simple with naturally derived recipes for shaving creams.