How to Shave with Coconut Oil

Co-authored by Joanna Kula and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: August 13, 2020 References

If you're trying to use more natural products, swap coconut oil for your can of shaving cream. You can easily mix together a moisturizing cream using coconut oil, aloe vera, and your favorite essential oils. Then rub it into your skin before shaving. To maximize the moisturizing ability of coconut oil, you can also spread a thin layer of the pure oil on your skin after you shave. Before using coconut oil on your skin, be sure that it works for your skin type. Coconut oil can potentially irritate sensitive or oily skin.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Joanna Kula
Skincare Specialist
Expert Interview. 9 July 2019.}

Ingredients

Coconut Oil Shaving Cream

¹⁄₄ cup (59 ml) of coconut oil
¹⁄₄ cup (59 ml) of aloe vera
4 to 6 drops of essential oil, such as peppermint or lavender

Makes about ¹⁄₂ cup (120 ml)

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Coconut Oil in Your Shaving Routine

1
Exfoliate your skin and pat it dry. Wet your skin with warm water and gently rub it with a brush, gentle scrubber, or exfoliating product, such as an exfoliating cleanser. Rinse your skin with cool water and then pat it dry.^{[2]
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- Exfoliating will remove dead skin cells that would otherwise clog your razor.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Joanna Kula
  Skincare Specialist
  Expert Interview. 9 July 2019.}
2
Spread a thin layer of pure coconut oil on your skin. Dip your clean fingers into a jar of pure coconut oil and then rub your fingers together. The heat and friction of your fingers will soften the oil, making it easy to spread on the skin you're planning to shave. Let the oil sit on your skin for a few minutes before you begin to shave.^{[4]
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- If you're shaving your face or armpits, you'll only need a coin-sized amount of coconut oil. You'll need more to shave your legs, especially if the skin is very dry.
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3
Use your fingers or a brush to apply coconut oil shaving cream. Although you could shave with just the pure coconut oil on your skin, you'll get a smoother shave if you apply moisturizing shaving cream. Spread or brush a thick layer of the cream evenly over your skin.
- If you're shaving short hairs, you may want to skip the shaving cream since pure coconut oil will be enough to moisturize the fine hairs.
4
Shave the hair with a sharp razor. Rinse your razor with clean water every few strokes, so the razor doesn't clog with hairs or coconut oil. If you find it difficult to rinse the razor, fill a cup with water. Then dip and shake the razor a little to loosen the hairs.^{[5]
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5
Rinse the shaved skin and dry it. Although you can gently wipe your skin with your hands as you rinse, avoid rubbing the skin vigorously. This will irritate the skin and make it appear red. Once you've rinsed the skin with water, take a soft cloth and gently pat the skin dry.^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
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Go to source}
- Ensure that any little hairs are completely rinsed away before you towel dry.
6
Rub a little pure coconut oil on your skin to moisturize it. Shaving can dry out your skin, even if you moisturize before you begin. To hydrate your skin and protect it, spread a little more pure coconut oil in a thin layer over the smooth skin.^{[7]
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- If you find that the coconut oil makes your skin look shiny, consider blotting your skin with rice papers or wait until before bed to shave.
- Keep rubbing your skin until the coconut oil is absorbed and no longer feels greasy.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Making Coconut Oil Shaving Cream

1
Melt ¹⁄₄ cup (59 ml) of coconut oil. Purchase coconut oil from the grocery store, natural market, or drugstore and scoop ¹⁄₄ cup (59 ml) of it into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the oil in 10 second increments until it's liquid.^{[8]
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- If you live in a warm climate, the coconut oil might be liquid in the jar. If so, just pour out ¹⁄₄ cup (59 ml) into a bowl. There's no need to microwave it.
2
Stir in ¹⁄₄ cup (59 ml) of aloe vera. Use a natural aloe vera that doesn't contain many preservatives or colors. If you can't find aloe vera at the store, substitute hair conditioner. The aloe vera will soften and moisturize your skin.
- You can also use freshly prepared aloe vera from a plant.
3
Mix in 4 to 6 drops of essential oil. Once you stir the aloe vera into the oil, stir in 4 to 6 drops of your favorite essential oil. Since essential oils can be strong, only use them if you know they won't irritate your skin. Consider using:^{[9]
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- Peppermint
- Tea tree
- Lavender
- Tangerine
- Jasmine
4
Store the coconut oil shaving cream in an airtight container. Transfer the mixture to a storage container and keep it at room temperature. If you're planning on storing the coconut oil shaving cream in the bathroom, consider using a plastic container, so it won't break if it gets dropped.^{[10]
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- The coconut oil may harden a little if it's cold in your house. If you want to keep it soft, place the container in your shower. The steam will keep the coconut oil shaving cream smooth.
- Homemade coconut oil shaving cream will spoil over time, so keep the container sealed and use it within 3 to 4 weeks.

Expert Q&A

Question

How often should I exfoliate my legs?

Joanna Kula
Licensed Esthetician
Joanna Kula is a Licensed Esthetician, Owner and Founder of Skin Devotee Facial Studio in Philadelphia. With over 10 years of experience in skincare, Joanna specializes in transformative facial treatments to help clients achieve a lifetime of healthy, beautiful, and radiant skin. She is also a contributing author for the prestigious Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa magazine and has been featured in a number of magazines including InStyle.

Joanna Kula

Licensed Esthetician

Expert Answer

For smooth and silky legs, you can exfoliate daily. Try using either exfoliating gloves or an exfoliating body scrub. Follow with a good moisturizing oil or body lotion to receive the full benefits of exfoliation.