I've spent a lot of time trying to find a green, non-toxic shaving cream that actually works...and works well. Since you started your green journey, you might have been asking yourself, "How can I shave without using toxic chemicals?".
The first time I ordered my shampoo and conditioner from BomaSense, I also ordered their body wash, lotion, and shaving cream. I found that the shaving cream provided a smooth, close shave, but I had one problem with it: My razor got really clogged, and I spent a lot of time in the shower just trying to clean it out. And last time I checked, they didn't even have the shaving cream on their website anymore.
Next, I tried shaving with Dr. Bronner's liquid castile soap (using the recipe I posted a couple weeks ago). It worked without clogging the razor, but I wasn't ever able to get a really close shave. I later heard that it's not recommended to use soap while shaving, anyway. For a couple weeks, I used nothing but water, but that's also not a good idea because it can cause ingrown hairs, and it's difficult to get close to the skin.
What am I currently using as a shaving cream alternative?
One day while I was using my BomaSense body wash in the shower, I was struck with an idea - why not use it as a shaving cream too? I was putting it on my legs anyway, and it contains nourishing oils that leave a smooth coat on the skin until it's rinsed off. The results?
It worked perfectly as a shaving cream, and I've been using it to shave my legs since. Since it doesn't contain harmful chemicals to make it suds up, it has very little lather. I simply rub a thin coat of the body wash on my damp legs, and it stays put until I shave it off. As a bonus, the oils do not clog my razor, and it easily rinses clean.
Disclaimer: I know I have mentioned my BomaSense products a lot, but I do not make any money from promoting them; I just like them that much. If you have a different brand of body wash that you like, I bet it will also work as a shaving cream alternative!
What are some other shaving cream alternatives?
- Coconut oil
- Hair conditioner
- Baby oil
- Body lotion
- Sweet almond oil
- Apricot oil
- Shea butter
- Whipped body butter
Please note: Although I am a woman and this post may seem like it's geared more toward other women, I am sure all these products would work for men, as well. Some may work better for you than others, so test them out until you find a shaving cream alternative that works for you!
Tips for getting a smooth shave
- For the best results, shave at the end of your shower to make sure your skin and hairs have time to soften.
- Apply your shaving cream alternative to damp - not wet - skin. This will ensure that is sticks and doesn't slide off right away.
- If possible, let it soak into your skin for a few minutes before shaving.
- For smoother results, shave with the hair growth. Then if needed, you can go over the area again against the growth.
- After showering, dry off and apply a non-toxic lotion right away to seal in moisture for softer, smoother skin.
Have you tried any of these ideas, or something else that is not listed above? What is your favorite green shaving cream alternative?
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**Disclosure: Although this post may contain affiliate links, all opinions are my own.
Your challenge: This week, consider making the switch to a greener, non-toxic shaving cream.
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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during
which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to
lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**
This is great! I've often wondered about this.
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