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This smooth, creamy olive oil shaving cream is an easy make-it-yourself alternative to canned foam. It uses basic household ingredients to create a thick lathering cream that’s great for the guys, but gentle enough for the ladies as well. If you already keep simple soapmaking or DIY pantry staples on hand, this is a practical way to make a small batch for less.

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Stearic acid gives shaving cream its rich body, while olive oil adds slip. The grated soap and borax-water mixture help pull everything together into a smooth cream. For a fresh scent, you can finish it with a few drops of peppermint or lemon essential oil.

If you’re using essential oils, choose skin-safe oils and use them lightly. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also notes that cosmetics should be safe for consumers when used as intended, so it’s smart to patch test any homemade shaving product before broad use, especially on sensitive skin: FDA cosmetic safety guidance.

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🧰 Materials You'll Need
🔧 Tools & Equipment
🛠️ How to Make Olive Oil Shaving Cream
🎨 Customization Ideas
🛠️ How to Use It
🛡️ Safety Information
📦 Storage
💸 Estimated Cost
🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Olive Oil Shaving Cream
📌 Love this Olive Oil Shaving Cream? Pin it!
🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Olive Oil Shaving Cream

Materials You’ll Need

1/4 cup stearic acid
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon borax, dissolved in 1 cup hot water
2 tablespoons grated Ivory soap
Several drops peppermint or lemon essential oil, optional

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Tools & Equipment

Double boiler
Blender
Measuring cups and spoons
Grater for the soap
Jar or container for storage

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How to Make Olive Oil Shaving Cream

Melt the stearic acid and olive oil in a double boiler until the liquid is clear.
In a separate container, mix the borax-hot water mixture with the grated Ivory soap until the soap is dissolved.
Pour the soap solution into a blender.
Add the melted oil mixture to the blender.
Whip until a thick, smooth cream forms.
Add several drops of peppermint or lemon essential oil, if desired.
Let the shaving cream cool.
Use as you would any shaving cream.

If you’d rather work with a firmer lathering option, you might also like this Shaving Soap Recipe.

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Customization Ideas

For a brisk scent: Add peppermint essential oil.
For a brighter scent: Add lemon essential oil.
For fragrance-free skin: Skip the essential oils entirely.
For gift giving: Spoon the finished cream into a clean jar and add a simple label with the scent used.

If you’re checking oil quality before adding scent, this Essential Oil Purity Test may help.

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How to Use It

Apply a small amount to damp skin.
Spread into an even layer before shaving.
Rinse the razor often during use.
After shaving, rinse skin well and pat dry.

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Safety Information

Patch test on a small area first, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Avoid using on broken, irritated, or freshly nicked skin.
Keep the product out of eyes.
Use essential oils sparingly, since more is not better when it comes to skin products.
Store out of reach of children and pets.
If irritation occurs, stop using it.

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Storage

Store the cooled shaving cream in a clean, tightly covered container.
Keep it in a cool, dry place.
Use clean hands or a clean scoop when removing product from the container.
If the smell, color, or texture changes noticeably, discard the batch and make a fresh one.

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Estimated Cost

Estimated cost per batch: about $2.55, depending on the price of your ingredients and whether you add essential oil.

Stearic acid, 1/4 cup from a 1 lb bag: about $1.50
Olive oil, 2 tablespoons: about $0.30
Borax, 1 teaspoon: about $0.05
Ivory soap, 2 tablespoons grated: about $0.20
Optional essential oil: about $0.50 or less for a few drops

This is an estimate based on common current retail pricing for consumable materials only. Reusable tools like the blender, grater, and double boiler are not included.

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🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?

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Frequently Asked Questions about Olive Oil Shaving Cream

Can I skip the essential oil?

Yes. The essential oil is completely optional. If your skin is sensitive, unscented is often the better choice.

Do I have to use Ivory soap?

This version specifically uses grated Ivory soap, so that’s the best match if you want the same texture and results. Swapping soaps can change how well it dissolves and how the cream whips up.

Why do I need stearic acid in shaving cream?

Stearic acid helps give shaving cream body and structure. It’s one of the ingredients that turns a thin mixture into a thicker, creamier product.

Can I store this in the shower?

It’s better to store it in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed. A warm, wet shower shelf isn’t exactly kind to homemade products.

How do I know if the batch has gone bad?

If the smell, color, or texture changes noticeably, discard it and make a fresh batch. Homemade products don’t come with the same preservation system as store-bought ones.

Can women use this shaving cream too?

Yes. It’s great for the guys, but gentle enough for the ladies as well.

Do I need a double boiler?

Yes, that’s the method used here to melt the stearic acid and olive oil until the liquid is clear. Gentle heat matters.

Can I use this on sensitive skin?

You can try it, but patch test first. That’s especially important if you’re sensitive to soap, fragrance, or essential oils.

What should the finished texture look like?

Whip the mixture until a thick, smooth cream forms. If it looks thin, keep blending until it comes together.

📌 Love this Olive Oil Shaving Cream? Pin it!

Keep this one handy for your next homemade personal care batch.

🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Olive Oil Shaving Cream

Did you try this project? Tell us whether you kept it unscented or added peppermint or lemon.