✨ Naturally Healing DIY Aftershave Spray (For Men & Women!)
Last updated on April 10, 2025 by Jess Healey
Originally published on January 20, 2017
I love a good beard. In fact, I married a man with a great one. But whether he’s going full mountain man or keeping things neat and clean, shaving happens. And when it does, skin deserves something better than harsh chemicals and overpowering cologne.
That’s where this naturally soothing DIY aftershave spray comes in.
I originally created this recipe years ago when I couldn’t find anything on store shelves that was truly clean, effective, and nourishing. I wanted something gentle enough for sensitive skin, tough enough to calm razor burn, and good-smelling without the synthetic sting. Bonus points if it doubled as a great post-shave mist for legs, underarms, and bikini lines, too.
This easy aftershave spray has been a go-to in my house for over a decade—and not just for my husband. Beard or no beard, this spray is a skin-soothing essential for anyone who shaves. I used to sell it in my online shop, and the reviews from customers and blog readers alike have been glowing (you’ll see a few below ?).
Let’s dive into how to make your own natural aftershave spray—no alcohol, no toxins, just simple, soothing ingredients your skin will love.
Why Make Your Own Aftershave Spray?
Most store-bought aftershaves are loaded with alcohol, artificial fragrance, and questionable preservatives. Sure, they might feel refreshing for a second—but that tingly burn? That’s often your skin screaming for help.
Whether you’re shaving your face, underarms, legs, or bikini line, skin needs a little TLC afterward. A good aftershave should calm irritation, reduce redness, and help prevent ingrown hairs… not dry you out or leave behind a synthetic scent cloud.
Making your own aftershave spray means:
- You control the ingredients (no mystery chemicals here)
- It’s safe for sensitive skin and can be customized for any area you shave
- You can play with essential oils to create a scent that you love
- It’s cost-effective, easy, and super satisfying to make
- It makes a thoughtful, practical gift for your partner—or anyone who shaves!
This simple DIY spray is alcohol-free, skin-soothing, and lightly moisturizing. It smells earthy, clean, and real—thanks to natural ingredients like witch hazel, jojoba oil, and essential oils with benefits your skin will thank you for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is super simple and calls for just a handful of ingredients—many of which you may already have in your DIY stash. If not, I highly recommend keeping them on hand. They’re all versatile, affordable, and pop up in tons of other DIY skincare recipes.
- Distilled Water – Just a splash to dilute and balance
- Witch Hazel – Go for one with low or no alcohol (or make your own!)
- Vegetable Glycerin – A gentle humectant that draws moisture into the skin (my favorite)
- Jojoba Oil – Balancing, non-greasy, and similar to skin’s natural sebum (golden jojoba here)
- Essential Oils – I use Cedarwood Atlas and Bay (they smell divine together!)
- Vitamin E Oil (optional) – A natural antioxidant that helps preserve the blend (non-GMO vitamin E)
- 2oz Spray Bottle – Amber glass bottles are ideal
- Small Funnel – Not required, but very handy to keep around the kitchen
? Want to switch it up? You can absolutely customize the essential oils or swap in another lightweight, liquid carrier oil if you don’t have jojoba on hand. I share some of my favorite variations a little later in this post.
? Ingredient Breakdown & Benefits
How to Use It
Using this aftershave spray couldn’t be easier—and your skin will love the instant relief.
Just spray directly onto freshly shaved skin, or spritz it into your hand and pat it on. Either way, make sure your skin is clean and slightly damp (like right after a shower or shave) for best absorption.
This works beautifully on:
- Faces (obviously!)
- Necks and jawlines
- Underarms
- Legs
- Bikini line
It’s gentle enough for daily use and doesn’t leave behind a sticky or oily residue—just smooth, soothed skin and a subtle, earthy scent.
? Bonus: This spray is also perfect for edging around beards and shaping facial hair. It helps calm the skin after fine detailing and gives just a touch of post-shave moisture without interfering with beard oils or balms.
DIY Aftershave Spray Recipe
DIY Aftershave Spray Recipe
Equipment
- 1 2oz glass spray bottle
- 1 Small funnel – optional but helpful!
Ingredients
- 1 oz distilled water
- 1 oz witch hazel – alcohol-free (or, make your own!)
- ¼ tsp vegetable glycerin
- ⅛ tsp jojoba oil
- 13 drops cedarwood atlas essential oil
- 7 drops bay west indies essential oil – aka Pimenta racemosa
- 2-3 drops vitamin E oil – optional
Instructions
- Add vegetable glycerin, jojoba oil, essential oils, and vitamin E (if using) to your bottle.
- Fill the bottle halfway with distilled water.
- Fill the rest of the way with witch hazel, leaving a little space at the top.
- Cap the bottle and shake well.
- Spray directly onto clean, freshly shaved skin—or spritz into your hands and pat on gently.
Notes
? Real Reviews From Real Customers & Readers
FAQs – Homemade Aftershave
Yes! This recipe is alcohol-free and made with gentle, nourishing ingredients. Many readers (myself included!) use it on the bikini line, underarms, and even legs. Just avoid spraying on broken or freshly nicked skin.
Stored in a cool, dark place, it typically lasts 1–2 months. Using a dark amber bottle and optional vitamin E can help extend the shelf life. Shake before each use to redistribute the ingredients.
Absolutely. While cedarwood and bay are classic, earthy choices, you can customize the scent with lavender, tea tree, frankincense, or patchouli. For carrier oils, feel free to use something like sweet almond or fractionated coconut oil. I share more swap ideas below in the Tips & Variations section.
Use fewer essential oil drops, or choose lighter, more floral or herbal oils like lavender or chamomile. You can also leave the essential oils out entirely—the witch hazel and jojoba oil still work beautifully on their own.
You can use it after every shave! It’s gentle enough for daily use, and the skin-calming ingredients can actually help reduce irritation and support your skin’s barrier over time.
Tips + Variations
Try a different scent blend
Want something more floral, citrusy, or spicy? Swap the essential oils to create your perfect aroma. A few ideas:
- Lavender + Tea Tree – Soothing and lightly medicinal (great for sensitive skin)
- Frankincense + Sandalwood – Deep, earthy, and grounding
- Sweet Orange + Patchouli – Uplifting with a warm finish
- Rosemary + Peppermint – Refreshing and cooling (especially good for summer)
Use a different carrier oil
Don’t have jojoba? No problem. Try:
- Sweet almond oil – Light and nourishing
- Fractionated coconut oil – Non-greasy and shelf-stable
- Grapeseed oil – Very lightweight and fast-absorbing
Make a bigger batch
This recipe is written for a 2oz bottle, but you can easily double or triple it. Just be sure to keep the ratios the same and use a clean, airtight container.
Cool it down
Keep your spray in the fridge for an ultra-refreshing post-shave mist—especially soothing in hot weather or after sun exposure.
Use it beyond shaving
This spray also works beautifully as a light facial toner, post-sun skin soother, or even a gentle after-bug-spray refresher. It’s a multi-tasker!
Final Thoughts
This simple DIY aftershave spray is one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner?” kinds of recipes. It’s fast, affordable, and made with ingredients you can feel great about using on your skin—or sharing with someone you love.
Whether you’re soothing your face, legs, underarms, or anywhere else you shave, this alcohol-free aftershave brings comfort, calm, and a fresh, natural scent. Plus, it’s a fun little DIY that just might become a new staple in your skincare routine.
? Have you made this? Let me know how it worked for you—or what scent combo you tried—in the comments! Your feedback helps others feel confident trying it, too.
Is it in liquid oz or oz by weight?
Hi Kaiti! We use fluid oz here at the shop and that is how this recipe is written, too ? Happy DIYing!
Thank you! I just finished making this literally right now. I used cedarwood and patchouli and it smells like the woods. It’s amazing, can wait until my hubby tries it!
Oooohhh ? that sounds so yummy! I hope he loves it!!
What is the shelf life of this product
I have never had one go bad and haven’t heard from anyone else having one go bad. The witch hazel does help preserve it a bit. Happy DIYing!
its so refreshing to read your posts that are so friendly and real – Im definately making this for my beardy man – thank you!
Hope he enjoys! Happy DIYing ?
Would this be appropriate to use on the bikini area (for women obviously) to prevent ingrown hairs?
Yes! Of course! Us ladies here at Pronounce love using this spray after we shave ?