Essential Oils for Men: DIY Aftershave & Shave Balm

By Caryn Gehlmann, Clinical Aromatherapist

Do you think of aromatherapy as frou-frou scents that only please women? While many women love aromatherapy, let me assure it’s not just for women. My guys love how aromatherapy makes them feel. After all, it was a male French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefossé, who revived the therapeutic use of essential oils in 1910. So it’s not surprising that there are many essential oils for men that have a definite masculine scent profile.

You’ll find a list of essential oils for men recommended below, plus a few DIY aftershave and shave balm recipes that will get you and your honey comfortable with using essential oils.

Don’t forget we have a great sample policy so your guy can sniff the essential oils and choose the ones he likes. Remember, don’t sniff from the container, but put a drop or two from each on its own Q-tip, smell them separately and then wave a  combination of them together. (Look at you. You’re already blending a personalized  blend!) With our new $3 shipping fee, you can order the carrier oils today and get up to 5 samples. Then come back and order the essential oils.

How to make an all-natural aftershave using essential oils

An aftershave is an antiseptic or astringent that helps to prevent infection and tone the skin. Many commercially-made aftershaves contain alcohol or other chemicals, which are very drying and can sting.

However, there are soothing alternative all-natural ingredients available, like witch hazel, aloe vera, and vegetable glycerin. When these are combined with the therapeutic properties of essential oils, you’ve got a moisturizing, delightfully scented aftershave.

Aftershave Base Recipe

• • 1 teaspoon aloe vera
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
  • Up to 25 drops of essential oils
  • Fill a 2 oz spritzer bottle with alcohol-free witch hazel

1. 1. Add aloe vera and vegetable glycerin to the glass spray bottle and shake well.
   2. Add your choice of essential oils from the Essential Oils for Men List
   3. Add witch hazel to fill the bottle. Secure the lid and shake well.
   4. Spritz directly onto the shaved area, avoiding the eyes and any other sensitive areas.

For your convenience here is that list with clickable links:

Best essential oils for men

Cypress
Bay Laurel
Blue Tansy
Bergamot FCF
Carrot Seed
Cedarwood Atlas
Clary Sage
Eucalyptus
Frankincense
German Chamomile
Lavender 
Sandalwood
Vetiver

Everyone has unique likes and dislikes so it’s better not to assume. Instead, try out combinations on Q-Tips as described above, before mixing up a full recipe. Here are some combinations to get you started:

For sensitive skin try Lavender, Frankincense, and Saro.

For a foresty aroma try Vetiver, Cedarwood Atlas, and Sandalwood.

For a light, fresh scent try Bergamot FCF, Eucalyptus, and German Chamomile.

Can you use other essential oils? Of course. This is a list of the ones that have a predominantly masculine scent throw. You can layer more complex scents upon them. If you’d like to experiment with spicy or herbal aromas, feel free to do so, making sure you adhere to the dilution guidelines. One caveat: since it’s applied to the face, it’s best to avoid photosensitizing oils.

Why use an after shave balm or butter?

After shave balms help skin recover from shaving. They moisturize, soothe, and promote healing. An all-natural shave balm or butter is also super easy to make. The recipe below isn’t greasy or pore-clogging.

Moisturizing Shave Butter Recipe

15g (1 Tbsp) Shea Butter
20g (1.5 Tbsp) Mango Butter
58g (2 oz or 4 Tbsp) Golden Jojoba
5g (1 tsp) Calendula Oil
1g (5 tsp) Fractionated Coconut Oil
5 – 30 drops of your choice of essential oils

1. Gently heat Shea and Mango butter in the upper pan of a double boiler, until melted. Stirring occasionally.
2. Remove from heat and when the temperature drops below 100℉ (40℃), add other carrier oils.
3. Add your choice of essential oils from the Essential Oils for Men List, Male Harmony Blend, or a combination of Skin Care Blend and Sandalwood Blend to balance out the more feminine Ylang Ylang.

Would you like more DIY aromatherapy recipes for the men in your life? Please contact us if you have specific questions… we may even feature your question on the next Q&A with Caryn and then we’ll send you a gift certificate toward e3 products.

Photo by Lumin.