Raise your hand if you’re on board with this whole no-shave trend. While I have yet to ditch my razor entirely, things like nicks, ingrown hairs, and razor burn make it awfully appealing. Before going au naturale I made one last-ditch effort to soothe my irritated, razor-burned skin before jumping ship.
This cooling razor burn spray combines some of the most common razor burn remedies in an easy-to-use spray. Simply spritz it on freshly shaved legs to preempt the burn. Or you can apply it to existing bumps to help the skin heal more quickly.
Thanks to ingredients like aloe and chamomile, you don’t have to worry about stinging or inflammation (a major plus). And soothing oils even give irritated skin a soft, subtle glow. As an added bonus, if you toss it in the fridge, it will cool hot skin and soothe sunburn to boot.
Throw a bottle in your beach bag or purse, and consider it your smooth skin secret weapon.
Soothing Razor Burn Spray
There’s nothing more frustrating than having razor burn wreck your smooth skin. I have tried every trick in the book—exfoliating, replacing my blade, getting a good lather—but I’m still plagued by ingrown hairs and unsightly bumps after I shave. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it makes me self-conscious whenever I show a bit of skin.
When it comes to razor burn, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And in my case, I’ll take both, thank you very much.
The secret to preventing irritation lies in killing any bacteria lingering on your razor that gets transferred to your skin and soothing inflammation. This homemade cooling mist combines five of the most common pre- and post-shave remedies in a single spray to combat razor burn and bumps on both fronts.
Aloe vera – Used traditionally to heal wounds [source], and its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties also help in treating chronic skin issues like psoriasis, acne, and eczema [source]
Witch hazel – A natural antiseptic that helps reduce skin inflammation and kill germs that may exacerbate problem skin [source]
Chamomile – Contains anti-inflammatory compounds that calm occasional red, dry, and irritated skin [source]
Coconut oil – Provides immediate relief for pain, irritation, and itching; promotes skin healing; and helps support the natural function of the skin barrier [source]
Tea tree essential oil – A natural antibacterial agent to prevent infections [source]
How to Use Razor Burn Spray
1. Hop in the shower and shave your legs. Since a razor burn spray can only do so much, here are some tips to help keep razor burn from cropping up in the first place.
2. When you get out of the shower, lightly towel off, making sure not to rub or pull at the skin.
3. Next, lightly mist the razor burn spray on legs or underarms. If you don’t have a mister bottle, feel free to apply the solution using a cotton ball or cotton round.
4. Let the cooling ingredients sink into hair follicles, then apply a nourishing body lotion to lock in moisture.
5. Repeat 1 to 2 times a week.
You can use this mixture as a pre-shave oil to soften hair or as an after-shave mist to reduce swelling and prevent bumps. You can even use it to soothe infected follicles and speed up healing of irritated skin. After all is said and done, if you still decide to toss the razor, I won’t judge.
Razor Burn Spray FAQs
Can I use distilled water instead of chamomile tea?
Yes, it’s totally fine to substitute water in place of the chamomile tea. You can also try adding a different tea (organic green tea would be great for this), a hydrosol, or even diluted, sugar-free juice.
Can I use fresh aloe vera?
Fresh aloe vera gel would be fine—as long as it is very fresh. Just keep an eye out for signs of mold since aloe taken directly from the plant has a tendency to go bad rather quickly.
What other essential oils can I use in my razor burn spray?
You don’t have to use lavender and tea tree oils if you don’t want to. Any soothing essential oil, such as chamomile, carrot seed, bergamot, or clary sage, can be used instead.
Razor Burn Spray
Equipment
- Small bowl
- 8-ounce glass spritzer bottle
Materials
- 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
- 1 cup chamomile tea
- 1 tablespoon witch hazel
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- 5 drops Tea tree essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Transfer the mixture to an 8-ounce spray bottle.
- Spray liberally on the skin before and after shaving to prevent razor bumps and burn. If separation occurs, shake well before using.
Video
Notes
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified physician who has been practicing for more than 20 years. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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I have a LOT of skin allergies and sensitivities. Does the lavender EO serve a purpose other than scent? Fortunately I know I can tolerate tea tree oil, but I don't like to experiment with essential oils I haven't used before.
Lavender is an anti-inflammatory but you can replace with tea tree oil if you prefer.
I’ve had psoriasis since I was 14 and I only apply milk for fading and the dermalMD serum at night. Both work great if you practice treatment daily
Have you ever tried it with distilled water instead of the tea?
Can you use fresh aloe Vera?