Homemade Menthol Aftershave

Good Aftershave can be expensive.  Like very expensive, nearly $15-$20 for 4-6 oz of it.  After shopping around, I grew tired of it and decided it’d be fun and exciting to make some on my own!  So, on I went and researched.  I found out it’s actually easier than I thought it would be.  All that’s needed is an antiseptic, astringent, styptic, and fragrance.  Most of the ingredients perform more than one of those tasks.  I wanted a menthol aftershave that would be good for my sensitive skin along with make damned sure all bacteria is cleaned up.  I’m very happy with it, after the first night of use!

Since I’m making it only for myself, I went with 190 proof grain alcohol.
Before I go too far into things, this is what I bought before doing anything:
1x 1.7 liter Everclear 190 proof grain alcohol (Bevmo)
1x 4 oz bag of menthol crystals (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003SAB3VY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=24LO9JO7FO0QC&coliid=I1WR8TA00BX17R)
1x 10 oz bottle of vegetable glycerin (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IAQS1VQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
1x 32 oz bottle of aloe vera gel (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00028POGA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
1x 12 oz Thayer unscented witch hazel (http://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-Free-Witch-Formula-Unscented/dp/B001DJDP7C/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1454566191&sr=1-1&keywords=thayer+unscented+witch+hazel)
1x 8 oz flask bottle (Container Store)

There’s enough resources purchased to make lots of bottles of aftershave, minus buying more witch hazel.

I started with an 8 oz container and filled it halfway with Witch Hazel.  Then, I added 1/4 of it with grain alcohol. (Everclear 190 proof)  I then added 2 1/2 menthol crystal pieces, and soaked the bottle in 110 degree water for 5-10 minutes until the crystals diluted.  I then added 10-15 drops of vegetable glycerin and filled the rest of the bottle with aloe vera gel.  Close the bottle, and shake it vigorously for 10-15 minutes then soaked it again in 110 degree water for 15 minutes until everything went clear.  Everything was mixed together and ready.  I let it cool for an hour or two.

When I used it tonight, I was happily surprised.  It didn’t hurt (even with a nick or two) and was very soothing.  I used it on both my scalp & my face, liberally.  The nice thing is, it left my skin nicely balanced and I didn’t need to add any moisturizer afterwards.  Very surprising, for me.  I shave my head and my face daily, and this will be very helpful!

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