Shaving can be a headache: Just a few nicks or cuts can leave the skin irritated and may lead to problems down the road like ingrown hairs and redness. Thankfully, all that’s keeping you from hydrated and moisturized skin is an all-star aftershave to round out your grooming routine. Nowadays, there are tons of aftershaves on the market — from gels to lotions, sprays to balms — that both smell amazing and are soothing for the skin. Ahead, get the lowdown on the post-shave step and check out some expert-approved picks.
What is aftershave?
Aftershaves are designed to calm the skin following a shave — let’s face it, taking a sharp blade to the face can cause pesky cuts or even wounds — and work to prevent potential problems down the line like ingrown hairs and razor bumps. “It’s easy to forget that shaving is a physical event [with] a high chance of causing micro-trauma to your skin,” explains Eric Bandholz, founder of men’s grooming company Beardbrand. “Aftershave is designed to address the negative effects of shaving, [acting] as an antiseptic and to help soothe the skin.”
Whether you prefer a balm, gel or lotion is an entirely personal choice. Those with dry skin may benefit from heavier moisturizers or creams while an oily complexion can keep it lightweight with gels and sprays. Our experts advise applying aftershave directly following your shaving routine and prior to other skin care, as the antibacterial properties will exfoliate and refresh the skin.
Is aftershave good for your skin?
Yes, and groomers consider it a vital step in any well-rounded grooming regimen. However, like any product used on the skin, it’s important to consider the specific ingredients that make up an aftershave. Alcohol-based aftershaves are the most widely used but can burn and severely irritate the skin in some cases. Those with sensitivities might find it best to avoid alcohol altogether in place of oil-based aftershaves and soothing ingredients.
Why does aftershave burn?
Typically, alcohol is the ingredient in aftershaves that cause a tingling or burning sensation due to the antibacterial properties. The skin is at its most sensitive post-shave, so slapping on aftershave can bring about that brief stinging sensation. Robert-Jan “Bertus” Rietveld, barber and co-founder of Reuzel, recommends using a high-quality razor to avoid excess irritation, nicks and cuts. “Make sure you always use a clean razor blade and learn the growth pattern of your beard and never rush,” he says. “Irritation is usually caused by a blunt or dirty razor, often combined with harsh, hurried movements.”
From fresh-smelling gels to multipurpose balms, check out the 18 best aftershaves according to these grooming experts.
Best aftershaves for men
Cult-favorite Le Labo is renowned for its signature fragrances, and its aftershave balm certainly continues that tradition with scents of bergamot, lavender, violet and tonka bean. This plant-based formula works well for those with sensitive complexions as it’s created with avocado, sunflower and rosemary.
Tend’s unscented liquid Skin Solution is ideal for those who struggle with ingrown hairs and itchy razor burn. The product gently exfoliates the skin upon application to deliver antibacterial benefits to any infected or wounded areas. “Both microscopic and visual cuts can appear from shaving, and those wounds are susceptible to infection,” Bandholz warns. “In addition, hairs can be cut below the layer of the skin, which leads to ingrown hairs.”
“This is an aftershave-specific balm that is alcohol-free and great for soothing your skin,” Bandholz says of OneBlade’s aftershave, which features a healthy blend of antioxidants and essential oils. The balm is also available in two scents, Barbershop and Lavender, depending on whether you prefer a more classic or floral smell.
Brickell’s aftershave is just about every barber shop’s not-so-secret weapon. The balm is dripping in that signature woodsy, minty scent and is rich in coconut oil and hyaluronic acid for peak soothing and moisturizing benefits.
For an aftershave that does double duty, check out American Crew’s lotion, which functions as both a traditional post-shave product and a daily moisturizer. Users enjoy this lotion’s dual-action formula that works to restore the skin barrier following the harsh effects of shaving.
Bandholz explains that Beardbrand’s Utility Oil gives the skin a lightweight, nongreasy finish and can be applied at multiple points throughout your shaving routine. “Use [this] as a pre-shave, post-shave and beard oil,” he says. “This versatile product delivers incredible bang for the buck and smells amazing.”
Those looking for that “ahhhhh” post-shave sensation should try Proraso’s cooling lotion, which functions more like a toner than a traditional cream lotion. The addition of witch hazel and menthol calms the skin and reduces redness; however, those with sensitivities should note that this aftershave does contain alcohol.
Smell and function come together in this all-star aftershave that is formulated with moisturizing and antibacterial properties from rosemary and horsetail root, respectively. “This crisp and defined formula leaves your skin feeling refreshed and smooth with bright citrus notes and hints of sandalwood,” Rietveld says. “Just a splash of Reuzel Wood and Spice Aftershave will tone your skin and leave you with a scent that’s positively intoxicating.”
Using an aftershave with calming ingredients like aloe and oil extracts is the key to leaving the skin nourished and fresh. This soothing aftershave from Clinique does just that and is especially suited to treat sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
This multifunctional tonic truly does it all. Use this hero item as a traditional aftershave or simply as a refreshing face spray whenever your skin is in need of a boost. It contains vitamins A, C and E for added skin benefits.
This lightweight spray is a great choice for those seeking an alternative to the traditional gels and balms. Supply’s spray is formulated with aloe and witch hazel and has a natural aroma of sandalwood and cedar. “This is a witch hazel-based and alcohol-free aftershave spray product designed to promote healing [post] shave,” Bandholz adds.
This alcohol-free balm from Hermès is definitely worth the splurge. A little goes a long way with this aftershave too — all you need is a couple pumps of this citrus-smelling balm to instantly see a reduction in irritation and razor burn.
With over 3,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, this is a no frills, cost-effective aftershave that is sure to give you that rush of cool following a nice hot shave — largely due to the inclusion of menthol and mint extracts.
The addition of shea butter sets this L’Occitane balm apart from your tried-and-true aftershaves, making this a must for those with especially dry or irritated post-shave skin. Users enjoy this balm’s rich scent, which is accented by cade wood essential oil.
This fragrance and alcohol-free gel is safe for sensitive skin and includes soothing ingredients like chamomile, aloe and balm mint, which are proven to calm irritated and even sunburned skin.
The more skin care-inclined bunch will enjoy Ahava’s moisturizer. The clean beauty brand is known for its nature-focused ingredients derived from the Dead Sea, and this aftershave is created with botanical antioxidants, ginger root and ginseng.
Men with heightened sensitivities love The Art of Shaving’s unscented balm. This 2-in-1 pick is infused with shea butter and jojoba oil, which helps the skin recover following a shave while also improving elasticity and an overall healthy complexion.
Nivea’s post-shave balm carries over 10,000 glowing reviews on Amazon, which means it has to be good. In addition to being a great bang for your buck, the inclusion of vitamin E and chamomile in this balm sets it apart when it comes to treating sensitive skin.