Reading Time: 2 minThis post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my affiliate policy.

Most of my posts are geared toward women, but I’ve gotten several requests on Facebook for natural skincare and shaving options for men, since shaving is one of the biggest parts of skin care for most men.

While I obviously have no firsthand experience with this, I interviewed by husband and did some research on The Art of Manliness about the best shaving options for men.

I’ve been making my husband’s shave soap, after shave, and facial rinse for years because he has such thick hair that regular products didn’t work and just irritated his skin. He also switched to an old fashioned razor and a brush shaving set a few years ago and he loves it.

Ladies, if you’ve been looking for a unique and usable gift for your husband, boyfriend, or dad, a real shaving kit with some homemade products is a great option!

A Real Shaving Kit

My husband’s opinion and the general consensus on the Art of Manliness forums is that to get a real shave (if you are going to shave, which was a controversial topic over there) a man must use an old fashioned safety razor or straight razor and preferably a brush and mug soap rather than conventional shaving cream.

There are even brush and mug sets like this one or nicer brush sets with stainless steel brush handle and safety razor. Fortunately, these “old-fashioned” shaving options actually save money in the long run (no disposable or expensive razor heads to buy) and are MUCH better for the skin when used with natural shaving cream.

The Shave Soap

If your man is open to natural shaving, there are several great recipes for homemade shaving soap that you can make at home and that are 100% natural and organic.

If you aren’t up for DIY shave soap, there are actually some decent and really inexpensive store bought options. Williams seems to be the most popular and is actually relatively natural (much more so than shave creams according to the EWG database). There are also more high end options available, like this one which smells great or this pine-scented natural version!

The Aftershave

Alcohol based after shaves can be problematic for the same reason you aren’t supposed to use rubbing alcohol on new piercings: it kills healing skin and slows healing. There are some wonderful nourishing options for after shave skin care for men…

Homemade Lotion Bars are extremely nourishing and contain ingredients that will naturally prevent aging and encourage healing. Some other great options are:

Rosemary Oil which is naturally antibacterial and has a great woodsy scent.

Shea Butter by itself is also an excellent after shave lotion and has a manly scent.

Coconut oil works by itself too and will discourage breakouts from shaving (is there anything it won’t do?!)

Apple Cider Vinegar also works great by itself or infused with cinnamon sticks, cloves and bay leaves (if you can handle the smell)

What do you (or your man) use for shaving? New razor or old fashioned? Shaving cream or soap? Aftershave or no? Share below!