Thread: Thoughts on homemade preshave oil

I have grapeseed oil and vegetable oil, just need to get the caster oil

Originally Posted by Marc1985

I have grapeseed oil and vegetable oil, just need to get the caster oil

When I used shave oil I would just use grape seed, or if I was feeling rich, jojoba oil. To that I'd add whatever essential oils caught my fancy, usually tee tree, clove and sandalwood. I really don't think you need any special mix, any good quality vegetable oil with no over-powering smell will do the trick. I still use oil occasionally, but only as an aftershave treatment.

I've sampled a small number of pre-shave oils, both 'home-brewed' and store bought, but have not experienced any significant improvements to date over a quality soap or cream lather. Dial in a proper pre-shave routine (one that works for you-we're all different) that incorporates the basics; warm shower, clean beard and good lather, and over time you may find that all the extras just aren't necessary. At least that has been my experience. Oils tend not to mix well with water. I have found that even a tiny bit can actually hinder the effectiveness of your lather and razor.

I would also caution against the use of 'piping' hot water and abrasive scrubs to clean your beard, as these will strip the skin of its natural oil barrier and will contribute to irritation. I have found that warm water and a mild cleanser are all I need for beard prep. The process of shaving is all the exfoliation the skin needs. I also use warm water while shaving. Sometimes I use cold! As long as my lather is consistently good and my razor sharp, I get very good results.

Again, these are lessons I have learned in my journey thus far, and I'm still learning. What works for me may not work for you. There are so many variables. Finding what works best for your skin is a process and, in my experience, taking the time to nail down the basics of beard-prep, shaving technique and tool maintenance, using just what is essential, will pay off in the end. By that time you will probably find that all the extras are just that, and aren't really an asset towards your shave.

Anyway, food for thought. Happy shaving!

Originally Posted by Marc1985

I have grapeseed oil and vegetable oil, just need to get the caster oil

The castor oil helps because it thickens it up a lot instead of a thin, runny mess. You don't need it but I like it thicker. Stuffs cheap and you only use a little bit so it lasts forever.

Edit: Grapeseed oil and olive oil are very good moisturizers.

Ok my DIY preshave oil is grapeseed olive and coconut oil.. not super thick but works both for pre and post shave and a lil Goes a long way and it leaves my skin baby smooth and soft..

Go to www.honest.com, they will give you their ingredients for their shave oil, some companies will just say essential oils or essential ingredients, which will not help you but with honest you know whats in it. The art of shaving shave oil, I think is the best I have ever tried so far, I think I was told it is a vegetable oil base and one of the ingredients is pepper, it gives it so heat, I have never had a nick when I have use art of shaving, shaving oil. Next one that I have to try is King of shaves shaving oil, I bought this one about a year ago, that tells you have fast I test stuff, and I haven't tried it yet but I heard some good reviews, hope that helps.

good information. I've only used shaving soaps, but I think i'll try to mix pre-shave oil into my routines.

I started out using AOS preshave oil and I probably still should. I am starting to feel that my beard will"change" depending on the season and weather. Recently I have not felt the need for preshave oils as long as I take a good shower first and wash the whiskers. I will still use some if I am shaving after work and not taking a shower right away. Every face and beard is different. Don't get frustrated with experimentation. Enjoy the journey as well as the destination.