If you want a simple homemade aftershave that costs very little and skips the department-store markup, this lemon lime version gets the job done with just a few pantry-style skincare ingredients. It combines witch hazel, water, benzoin oil, grapeseed oil, and citrus essential oil for a light splash you can keep on hand and use right after shaving.
Because this is a leave-on skin product, keep it practical: if anything burns or stings, stop using it. The American Academy of Dermatology also notes that after shaving, a soothing aftershave can help, but products that sting can irritate skin, especially if you’re already prone to razor bumps or sensitivity. Read their shaving guidance here: American Academy of Dermatology shaving tips.
- 🧰 Materials You'll Need
- 🔧 Tools & Equipment
- 🛠️ How to Make Lemon Lime Aftershave
- 🎨 Customization Ideas
- 🛠️ How to Use It
- 🛡️ Safety Information
- 📦 Storage
- 💸 Estimated Cost
- 🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Lemon Lime Aftershave
- 📌 Love this Lemon Lime Aftershave Recipe? Pin it!
- 🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Lemon Lime Aftershave Recipe
Materials You’ll Need
- 1/4 cup witch hazel
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 drops benzoin oil
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
- 12 drops citrus essential oil, such as lime, lemon, or orange
Tools & Equipment
- Glass jar with a lid
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoon
- Dropper, if needed for the oils
How to Make Lemon Lime Aftershave
- Measure 1/4 cup witch hazel and 1/2 cup water into a glass jar.
- Add 3 drops benzoin oil, 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil, and 12 drops of citrus essential oil. Use lime, lemon, orange, or a blend if you’d like.
- Cover the jar tightly.
- Place it in a dark, fairly cool place.
- When you’re ready to use it, splash it on after shaving.
If you like making your own grooming basics, you might also like this Cooling AfterShave Recipe or this Olive Oil Shaving Cream.
Customization Ideas
This basic blend gives you a few easy ways to change the scent without changing the method.
- Lime-forward: Use lime essential oil for a sharper, brighter scent.
- Lemon: Use lemon essential oil for a clean, classic citrus note.
- Orange: Use orange essential oil for a slightly sweeter finish.
- Citrus blend: Split the 12 drops between lemon, lime, and orange for a layered scent.
How to Use It
- Splash a small amount on freshly shaved skin.
- Use just enough to lightly cover the shaved area.
- If you shave often, make a small batch so it stays fresh and easy to use up.
Safety Information
- For external use only.
- Avoid contact with eyes.
- If the aftershave burns, stings, or leaves your skin irritated, stop using it.
- Citrus essential oils can be irritating for some people, especially on freshly shaved or sensitive skin.
- Patch test a small amount first if you have reactive skin.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Storage
- Store the jar covered in a dark, fairly cool place.
- Shake gently before use if the oil separates.
- Use a clean container with a tight-fitting lid.
Estimated Cost
About $0.55 per batch, depending on the essential oil you use and current local prices. This estimate covers consumable materials only, not reusable tools or the storage jar.
🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?
Frequently Asked Questions about Lemon Lime Aftershave
Yes. The recipe specifically calls for 12 drops of citrus essential oil and gives lime, lemon, or orange as options. You can use one or choose a blend, as long as the total stays at 12 drops.
A glass jar is the best match for this recipe because that’s the original method and it holds up well for mixing oils with water-based ingredients. Use one with a tight lid so you can keep it covered.
That’s how this project is meant to be stored. Keeping it covered and out of heat and bright light is a practical way to protect the scent and the overall mixture.
In this blend, grapeseed oil adds a little slip and helps balance the sharper feel of the witch hazel. It also keeps the formula from being just a straight astringent splash.
Maybe, but go carefully. Freshly shaved skin can be touchy, and citrus essential oils can bother some people. Patch test first, and if it stings or irritates your skin, don’t keep using it. Your face is not the place for stubborn optimism.
Yes, that’s a smart habit. This recipe contains water-based and oil-based ingredients, so a gentle shake before you splash it on helps recombine everything.
You can, as long as the container is clean, closes well, and is suitable for a liquid aftershave. The original directions use a glass jar, so that’s still the simplest option.
Yes. Witch hazel is widely used in topical astringent products, and it’s a familiar choice in aftershave-style blends because it gives that classic brisk skin feel after shaving.
Stop using it. A little cool tingle is one thing, but burning or stinging is your skin telling you it doesn’t like something in the mix.
📌 Love this Lemon Lime Aftershave Recipe? Pin it!
Keep this one handy for gift baskets, stocking stuffers, or your own bathroom shelf.
🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Lemon Lime Aftershave Recipe
Lemon Lime Aftershave Recipe
Equipment
Materials
- ¼ cup witch hazel
- ½ cup water
- 3 drops benzoin oil
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
- 12 drops citrus essential oil lime, lemon, or orange
Instructions
- Measure the witch hazel and water into a glass jar.
- Add the benzoin oil, grapeseed oil, and citrus essential oil.
- Cover the jar tightly.
- Place it in a dark, fairly cool place.
- Splash on after shaving.
- Avoid contact with eyes.
- If burning, stinging, or irritation occurs, stop using it.
- Store covered in a dark, fairly cool place.
- Shake gently before use if separation occurs.
Made This Project?
Tell us how it turned out, and share any tips or clever changes you made!Did you try this homemade aftershave? Tell us which citrus blend you used and whether you kept it classic with lemon or went brighter with lime.
