You wake up and rush to the bathroom to clean up yourself for work. You reach into your cabinet and see that you are out of shaving cream. What do you do?
You have to sort out your stubble for the big meeting. You search through the cluster of everything in your cabinet to find something to use for a quick shave. Then, you spot a bottle of baby oil…
So, can you shave with it?
Today, we will get a detailed understanding of shaving with baby oil, is it truly effective for shaving and the Dos and Don’ts of using oil as an alternative to shaving cream.
We will answer the most basic of questions such as what is baby oil, is it possible to shave with it, the biggest advantage or disadvantage of using it for shaving, and the benefits or risks involved. As a bonus we will look at some exciting uses of baby oil which you may not have thought to be possible.
Table of Contents
What Is Baby Oil?
As opposed to popular belief, baby oil is not a special oil for babies!
Baby oil is a generic term which is used to identify scented, mineral oils. The clear liquid is widely popular in households as a moisturizer. Typically, it is used by those of us who live in cold climates and suffer from cold, dry weather which makes our skin dry and scaly. It is best to be used after taking a shower, so that our skin to absorb the mineral oils.
Mineral oils create a protective layer on our skin which helps to heal skin from dehydration and even wrinkling. Mineral oils or liquid petroleum is a common ingredient in cosmetic products, aftershave products, etc.
Baby oil is a well-known product which is safe enough even for the sensitive skin of babies. Baby oil is simply, perfumed mineral oil. A lot of myth vs fact, debates and discussions are on about its benefits vs side effects. With its long, rich history, baby oil is not just an oil for babies, but a very useful oil which can be used by everyone.
Yes, it can be used for shaving as well!
Ingredients
As we have already discussed, baby oil is nothing more than just mineral oil mixed with fragrance. The soothing, softening and moisturizing qualities of baby oil is due to the ingredients used in producing baby oil. The Environmental Protection Agency states that baby oil does not contain any toxic chemicals. The following are the ingredients of regular baby oil:
- Mineral oil – oil from petroleum which is best for skin, also known as liquid paraffin. It is light, colorless and has no natural odor.
- Aloe Vera extract – concentrated Aloe Vera gel which has been processed to remove potentially allergic chemicals, etc.
- Vitamin E – Vitamin E is known to be great for skin. It is an antioxidant and contains highly protective qualities for the skin.
- Vitamin A – Vitamin A is commonly used in skin creams. It treats dry skin and chapped lips.
- Honey – Baby oil may also contain processed honey. The form of honey used is not the same as the one consumed, rather due to its antiseptic healing properties.
There are several other ingredients which are used in minimal proportions. However, they are all natural and artificial fragrances, emollients, etc. These ingredients are mixed in for creating an oil consistency which is easy to apply, use and of course, for the fragrance.
How To Shave with Baby Oil
If you run out of shaving cream or shaving gel, you can use baby oil as a suitable replacement to shave. You will be amazed to know that there is little to no difference in the closeness of your shave using baby oil. A few drops will do the trick!
Additionally, baby oil has excellent moisturizing qualities which will help your skin. Also, there is likely to be reduced accidents such as cuts, nicks, razor bumps and other skin irritations. Baby oil is a product which is inexpensive and widely available.
Where To Find & How To Use?
Baby oil can be easily found at any corner shop, pharmacy or store. For a very affordable price and straightforward use, you can’t go wrong by shaving with baby oil. It can be used just like shaving gel or shaving oils.
To begin with, you must wet your face thoroughly and use just a few drops, approximately 3-4 drops, on your hand and then rub it to the area of skin you want to shave. You must make sure not take too much oil as this will make shaving difficult and near impossible.
After the oil is rubbed on your skin, just shave as you would normally. The oil makes your razor glide quite comfortably on your skin and the chance of irritation is massively reduced. You will have to clear your razor more frequently as the oil will tend to hold the shaved hair on the blades easily.
Experience of Using Baby Oil for Shaving
The quality of the shave and ease of use is highly satisfying while using baby oil for a shave. The price of the oil and its effectiveness makes it quite the standard product. In judging the quality, consider the fact that a baby oil for a buck or so is able to give you a comfortable shave, then why opt for paying any higher for a $5.00 shaving gel, cream or other products.
Overall, baby oil will do the perfect job as a shaving lubricant. The price, quality and the shaving experience is quite impressive. It is definitely worth giving a shot!
Pros & Cons of Shaving Using Baby Oil
Now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using baby oil for shaving. These will not be applicable for baby oil, but also for others such as Coconut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, etc.
As you can see from the comparison table above, there aren’t many cons of using oils in general for shaving. Since we are used to using other products, it may take some time getting used to, but overall, the experience will not be disappointing.
The cons or disadvantages are mainly to do with the greasy texture of oil in general. However, you will find baby oil to be much lighter than most other essential oils. You may not want to and you don’t even have to make this a permanent thing, but it is certainly a worthy alternative to shaving cream – which easily dries and irritates skin.
Biggest Advantage of a Shave with Baby Oil
One of the biggest advantages for me personally in using baby oil for shaving is razor bumps!
If you are someone who is prone to get razor bumps after a shave, then you will understand the pain or irritation it causes. Not only does it make you look the exact opposite of how you would want to look after a fresh shave, it is very damaging to our skin. It is crucial to use antiseptic or other aftershave products to prevent razor bumps.
Causes of Razor Bumps
Razor bumps form due to improper shaving techniques such as dry shaving using a razor, frequent shaving, use of a razor with dull blades, pressing too hard against the surface of your skin, shaving against the grain, etc. When hair grows back against the skin or gets trapped, it can also lead to another issue – ingrown hairs.
Razor bumps are not just unsightly, they are painful can lead to serious consequences, if not dealt with appropriately. Whether it is on your face, bikini line, armpits, legs or groin area, baby oil can soothe burns, irritations and discomfort from razor bumps.
How to Soothe Razor Bumps with Baby Oil
Baby oil can be a quick, easy and effective solution for razor bumps and other skin irritations due to shaving. it can be used on its own or mixed with other products such as rubbing alcohol based on the type of skin irritation. The simple way is to take a few drops of baby oil and rub the affected area, doing this over the course of a day will provide excellent relief.
Using baby oil as an aftershave care product works like a wonder to moisturize skin and prevent razor bumps, rash, etc. As a preventive measure, you can apply baby oil on your face before applying shaving cream or gel to prevent razor bumps.
Of course, when you shave with baby oil, if you are more likely to get razor bumps, then soak your skin for a longer time to help your hair follicles to get softer and use a few extra drops of oil. Apply a little bit of oil immediately after you wash your face or shower, to benefit from its antiseptic and moisturizing abilities.
Some More Beneficial Uses of Baby Oil
Baby Oil for Hair
Baby oil can be applied on hair for getting smooth and silky hair. It is not something that is to be done regularly, but every so often as a treatment. It is beneficial to slightly warm up the oil, and massage it on the scalp and hair roots. To get maximum results, leave it overnight using a shower cap and wash off the next morning with cold and warm water. Your hair will be left smooth, silky and tangle free.
Baby Oil for Skin
Cold Climate or During Winters
When the weather very cold and dry, our skin gets dehydrated. Applying baby oil will give your skin an extra protective layer to not only keep moisture locked in, but also provide heat insulation against the cold.
Feet or Heel Cracks
If you suffer from hard skin on your feet or cracked heel areas, rub baby oil regularly to get amazing results. Apply oil on your feet at night and put on your socks. Leave overnight and wake up the next day with softer skin and healed cracks after regular use.
Scaly or Flaky Skin
If you suffer from extreme dry skin conditions which gives your scaly or flaky skin, then use baby oil for healing.
Dry Under Eyes
If you have dry skin under your eyes, apply baby oil gently without getting it in your eyes. You will notice that skin will shed sooner and soften as it gets exfoliated. The delicate skin under your eyes will be healed.
Other Interesting Uses for Baby Oil
- Stretch Marks – baby oil and more specifically, coconut oil can prevent stretch marks
- Peeling Bandage – when taking off bandage, you will be scared of pulling hard at your skin, apply a little bit of baby oil to the edge to make it easy to peel off.
- Diaper Rash – applying to baby bottoms regularly will get rid of diaper rash and prevent it from coming back while also making skin soft and smooth
- Stuck Zippers – ever had the unfortunate event of getting zippers stuck on your pants or jacket? Apply a little bit of baby oil to smoother the tracks and you are set to go.
- Massage – baby oil is a very effective and cheap alternative to expensive massage oils and much more pleasant to use compared to coconut oil, or olive oil etc.
- Insect Bites – if you have experienced mosquito bites, or other insect bites, baby oil will help soothe it with its anti-inflammatory qualities.
Side Effects and Safety Issues To Be Concerned Of
Baby oil is simply a mineral oil which is not just safe for babies but also effective for adults. As per research, reports and studies, no harmful side effects or concerns have been reported about its usage. Mineral oils like other essential oils are safe for proper usage as directed. It is safe to be used for all types of skin, but for any irritation or discomfort consult expert advice from a doctor.
Conclusion
So, YES… Baby Oil is truly a successful substitute for shaving cream!
It does work effectively but it is not a better performer as the results are more or less similar. Of course, being a mineral oil, it has other advantages which makes it better. But in terms of closeness or comfort in shave, it performs the same as the general shaving cream.
The next time you need a quick shave of your moustache, beard, armpits, legs or anything else, try baby oil instead of shaving cream.
Shaving, in general, causes irritation and sensitivity issues especially due to the chemicals present in shaving creams or gels. The natural mineral oils in baby oil save you from those chemicals and offer a great alternative to keep your skin moisturized, healthy and free of irritation.
Let us know your thoughts or even your experience of using baby oil for shaving. How was it? Would you recommend it to others? Are there any risks involved?
Further Reading:
