Shaving has been a traditional weekly grooming ritual by most men (and some women), especially for those who are finicky with their looks. Regularly snipping that persistent stubble though, can irritate your chops, causing nicks and razor burns in the long run. What better way to treat your jowls after a pruning session but by using an aftershave cream! In this recipe by Dave Cushman (http://www.dave-cushman.net/bee/handcremerecipe.html), a beekeeper from the UK Midlands, the formulation contains all the necessary elements of a facial cream: an antiseptic like witch hazel to prevent infection from cuts; perfume like soap (also serves as emulsifier), to add fragrance; and moisturizing agents like beeswax, olive oil, and vegetable glycerin to soften facial skin.
Witch hazel is popular as an astringent; its extract from bark and leaves is blended in aftershave creams, itch lotions, and anti-acne medications. It is also a vasodilator, making it a vital ingredient in various hemorrhoid medications and labor tear remedies.
Ingredients:
- 27 gm. purified beeswax
- 33 ml. olive oil
- 8 ml. vegetable glycerin
- 8 ml. witch hazel
- 5 ml. water
- 19 gm. grated soap
Procedures:
Prepare and heat a large double boiler that is partly-filled with water. Melt beeswax and olive oil together in a beaker, using the boiler as water bath at about 70°C. Using the same bath but cooling it to 39°C, mix glycerin, witch hazel, water and soap in another beaker. Add the water phase to the oil mixture while stirring briskly with a power whisk for 10 minutes. Let mixture cool to approximately 40 minutes and beat again until smooth. Pour mixture into pre-labeled jars.
*Note: to adjust ingredients, try increasing olive oil by 3 ml., glycerin by 2 ml., witch hazel by 1 ml., and water by 1 ml. if softer consistency is preferred.
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