Make Your Own Aftershave: Transforming Cologne

Making your own aftershave is a fun and cost-effective project. One way to do this is by using cologne, which can be done in a few different ways. One method is to dilute the cologne with a few drops of witch hazel to get the desired scent without drying out the skin. Another approach is to mix the cologne with a scentless balm, which can be adjusted for fragrance strength and longevity. Additionally, cologne can be combined with a neutral-scent splash that contains skincare ingredients. It is important to note that the concentration of aromatic compounds in cologne is typically lower than in aftershave, so diluting it may reduce the persistence of its scent.

Choose your main astringent

An astringent is a substance that shrinks body tissues, in this case, your pores. When you shave, warm water is usually used, which opens up the pores. Using an astringent in your aftershave is important because it reverses this process. Astringents also sterilise any cuts or nicks you accidentally give yourself while shaving.

There are several options for your main astringent:

Rubbing Alcohol

This is a cheap and readily available option, usually with an ethanol content of 70-99%. It is effective but can be harsh on the skin.

Potable Spirits

Vodka, rum, and gin are increasingly popular choices for astringents. They are usually more gentle on the skin than rubbing alcohol, but they will also be more expensive.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is made from the bark of a plant and is a great secondary astringent. It contains tannins, which help to soothe irritation, fight redness, and combat acne-causing bacteria. It does not sting and has a refreshing feel.

When choosing your main astringent, it is important to consider the effect on your skin and your budget. You can also use a combination of these options or add a secondary astringent to offset the harshness of alcohol.

Select a secondary astringent

When making aftershave, it's important to choose a secondary astringent to offset the harsh effects of alcohol on the skin. Witch hazel is a great option for this. It is made from the bark of a plant and has a very refreshing feel. Distilled witch hazel contains tannins, which help to soothe irritation, fight redness, and combat acne-causing bacteria. It does not sting the skin like alcohol does.

You can also use a neutral-scent splash as a secondary astringent. A good option is Thayers Original Astringent, which includes glycerin, or Thayers Gentlemen's Aftershave Balm, which includes glycerin, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and rosehip oil. Pour a small amount of the splash into your palm, add several sprays of the EDT, rub your hands together to mix, and apply.

If you want to make an aftershave with a longer-lasting scent, you can use an eau de toilette (EDT) as your secondary astringent. However, EDTs lack the soothing and skincare ingredients of regular aftershaves, so you will need to add these yourself. One way to do this is to mix the EDT with a balm. Put a little balm in the palm of your hand, spray it several times with the EDT, rub your hands together to mix, and then apply.

Another option for a secondary astringent is to use plain witch hazel with a small amount of aloe vera gel mixed in. This combination offers astringent and antiseptic properties and will not interfere with your EDT.

Pick an emollient

An emollient is a substance that softens and moisturises the skin. It also helps to reduce itching, redness, and flakiness that is common after shaving.

• Glycerin is a great emollient that is used in virtually every high-end shaving product. It is cheap and makes the skin feel silky smooth.
• Lanolin usually comes in a wax. If you are using it for an aftershave, make sure to use liquid lanolin so that your emollient and other ingredients can coalesce.
• Mineral oil is the least popular option, but it is still workable. It is odourless and tasteless.

Other emollients that can be used include aloe vera gel and sweet almond oil.

Add a styptic

Adding a styptic to your aftershave is a good idea if you often cut yourself while shaving. A styptic is a substance that helps stop bleeding. It does this by hardening or coagulating the surface of a wound, just like a scab. A great styptic that dissolves easily into aftershaves is potassium alum. Alum is also used as a deodorant and a possible treatment for acne.

If you add a styptic to your aftershave, you should apply it to cuts, wait a little while for the bleeding to stop, and then rinse off and apply your aftershave. You can also use an alum block, which is a more focused and stronger version of alum. If you use an alum block, apply it right after shaving when your face is still wet, leave it to take effect for 30-60 seconds, then wash it off and apply your aftershave.

Styptics can be formulated as pencils, powders, or liquids. They contain aluminum compounds, usually aluminum salts like aluminum sulfate, potassium aluminum sulfate, or sodium aluminum sulfate. Styptic pencils are formed into a short pencil shape to be kept nearby when shaving. When a cut happens, you run the pencil under water and then hold it to the cut for a few seconds. The bleeding should stop quickly, and the process can be repeated if needed.

When using a styptic, it's important to be careful not to get it in your eyes, as it can cause eye damage. It's also important to keep styptics away from children and pets, as they can be harmful if consumed. If swallowed, styptics may cause stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting.

Include essential oils

Essential oils are a great way to add fragrance to your aftershave and kick up the medicinal content. They are usually added sparingly and in combination with other oils.

Eucalyptus oil produces a wonderful cooling and tingling sensation and has a very distinct aroma. Menthol is a signature scent that never fails to cool and is very nice when used in combination with eucalyptus.

Lavender oil has a rich, grassy smell that instantly smacks of summer. It is supposedly great for the skin and is very versatile. Citrus oils are known for their acne-fighting properties and are graced with a sweet, fresh scent.

Cedarwood oil, redolent of smoky, sweet wood, is known for its antifungal properties. It makes a great oil to experiment with. Bergamot is often referred to as the "happy oil" and is one of those essential oils that keep popping up in so many perfumes and skincare products.

Natural Forest Blend

• 3 drops of cedarwood
• 2 drops of frankincense

Oriental Blend

• 4 drops of sandalwood
• 3 drops of bergamot
• 2 drops of patchouli

Citrus Blend

• 3 drops of tangerine
• 2 drops of rosemary

Gentle and Soothing Blend (best for sensitive skin)

• 4 drops of lavender
• 3 drops of tea tree
• 2 drops of frankincense

Cooling Blend

• 4 drops of peppermint
• 3 drops of eucalyptus
• 2 drops of wintergreen

Feel free to adjust the number of drops according to your preference. However, do not exceed 10 drops per 2-ounce bottle. If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to dilute the blend down to 5 drops per bottle. As always, perform a patch test first to see how your skin reacts.

Frequently asked questions