Getting the perfect aftershave is about knowing what your skin needs, and with all the choices out there, it can seem confusing when trying to select what’s right for you. So to help you on the path to the perfect choice, we’ve sifted through all the noise, and tested the most popular options on the market to give you a choice selection of the best aftershaves for men to use daily.
The Best Aftershaves
Why should you use aftershave?
Shaving does more than just remove hair, it also affects your skin as the natural oils and protection can be disrupted. That’s where aftershave comes in; it isn’t just there to help alleviate razor burn or shaving bumps, nor is it there to just make you smell nice – it’s there to help your skin recover. It was originally made with alcohol to prevent infections, but as shavers found that it leaves your skin dry (and transitioning to safer methods of shaving), lotions, gels, and other bases became more popular. You’ll also often see witch hazel included in options providing antiseptic properties.
Harry’s Post Shave Balm with Aloe
The Best Budget Pick: Protecting your skin doesn’t have to break the bank, that’s why Harry’s Post Shave Balm with Aloe is a great choice. It’s a cooling balm with aloe that dries quickly so you don’t have to worry about it leaving your skin too oily. Additionally, it’s paraben and sulfate free.
Base: Balm
Skin Type: Best for dry skin
Bevel Post-Shave Balm
The Best Aftershave for Sensitive Skin: Bevel’s Post-Shave Balm is perfect for sensitive skin that needs something a little more gentle. Made with tea tree oil and witch hazel, it soothes your skin and helps alleviate irritation. The added shea butter also helps with this and moisturizes as well.
Base: Balm
Skin Type: Best for sensitive skin
Proraso After Shave Lotion
The Classic: The Proraso After Shave Lotion is an Italian-made aftershave with witch hazel and eucalyptus oil, making it a traditional choice that also soothes your skin. The added menthol adds to the soothing properties and leaves your skin cool right after shaving.
Base: Liquid
Skin Type: Best for oily skin
Jack Black Post Shave Cooling Gel
The Best Cooling Aftershave: For guys with skin that runs a little on the oily side, this cooling gel from Jack Black is a great pick. While it doesn’t have an alcohol base, it works well for sensitive skin and won’t cause irritation after shaving. Rather than hitting your skin with harsh chemicals, it employs a botanical mixture of rosemary and sage that smells fresh without being overpowering while fighting off bacteria.
Base: Gel
Skin Type: Best for sensitive skin
Blu Atlas Aftershave
The Best Moisturizing Aftershave: Although many aftershaves these days will include some ingredients to help refresh your skin, it doesn’t hurt to have some extra support. And the Blu Atlas Aftershave is a great pick for those seeking just that, as it’s made with aloe vera and almond oil. Additionally, 98% of the ingredients are naturally sourced from plants and minerals.
Base: Balm
Skin Type: Best for dry skin
Le Labo After-Shave Balm
The Best Vegan Aftershave: For those of you in the market for a vegan aftershave, Le Labo’s After-Shave Balm is worth a look. It’s a plant-based moisturizing balm that won’t leave your skin looking oily. The balm’s natural hydration is complemented by hints of bergamot and lavender.
Base: Balm
Skin Type: Best for dry skin
The Art of Shaving After-Shave Balm
The Best 2-in-1 Aftershave: The Art of Shaving After-Shave Balm is a hybrid aftershave that soothes your skin post-shave while keeping it moisturized throughout the day. This is a great choice for frequent shavers who want to protect their skin, and it also has a sandalwood scent.
Base: Balm
Skin Type: Best for sensitive and dry skin
The Best Grooming Essentials for Staying Sharp
Now that you’ve got some aftershave, it doesn’t hurt to round out your grooming arsenal. So head on over to our best grooming essentials guide.
