Thread: My first pre-shave oil homebrew

OK, I decided to take a shot a a homebrew pre-shave oil.

Starting small I mixed 1 tablespoon of Castor Oil, and 1 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (no essential oils / scents). Once I get the right oil combinations I experiment with adding essential oils for scent.

It worked well but the Olive Oil left something to be desired, so I added a cap full of Pinaud Clubman. It's better, but I can still smell the Olive Oil.

Has anyone tried Castor Oil and Grapeseed Oil? does Grapeseed oil have a lighter scent? How does it compare (scent wise) to Coconut Oil or Avocado Oil?

I'm looking for inexpensive and effective oils with minimal natural scents.

I'm looking for the best bang for my buck. Any suggestions are appreciated.

i haven't done this but i would think adding an alcohol based product to an oil mixture wouldn't mask a scent at all. maybe try the EO and see if that helps since you will be mixing 2 like liquids......just a thought

mineral or baby oil is a pretty odorless light oil that i am pretty sure is good for the skin. some even come with vitamin e and others in them which might be beneficial too. what i would like to see is a spritzer bottle, attached small brush, or dabbing or roll on cap so you don't have to get it all over your hands but can really work it in good. I was under the impression oil is bad for badger brushes.

Originally Posted by BenjamanBarker

i haven't done this but i would think adding an alcohol based product to an oil mixture wouldn't mask a scent at all. maybe try the EO and see if that helps since you will be mixing 2 like liquids......just a thought

Thanks... I'm trying to use oils with very little scent. I am going to try oil blends until I am satisfied, then start blending Essential oils for scent.

While Pinaud Clubman does list essential oils and may have emulsifiers of some kind (allowing it to mix with oils better) I was only trying to keep from wasting my experiment.

It was never my intent to use it as a scent for the oil. However, I warm it in hot water while I shower then shake it well before using.

When it's gone I will try another oil blend with no scents if possible.


I'm hoping others on SRP may have some experience with non or lightly scented oils. I'll then add these to my list to experiment with.

Originally Posted by groovyd

mineral or baby oil is a pretty odorless light oil that i am pretty sure is good for the skin. some even come with vitamin e and others in them which might be beneficial too..

All the baby oils I looked at had that "baby oil scent". I'm looking to add my own scents after I find the right blend.

Originally Posted by groovyd

I was under the impression oil is bad for badger brushes.

Pre-shave oils are very common.

While a lot of oil can be bad for your brush, you usually use just a few drops of pre-shave oil rubbed all over the face. Then with your brush, apply your shaving cream over the top of the oil. The shaving cream kinda helps keep the oil from gumming up the brush.