Feeling the burn every time you shave? There's nothing worse than trying to clean up that scruff for a sharp look only to suffer from red, irritated skin and bumps. Aftershave to the rescue! With key ingredients like witch hazel and aloe, your skin will be free of irritation and infection, and it'll be oh, so smooth. Rub on these aftershave balms for a clean cut with clear skin.
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Best Overall
Pro: It works like a dream, and it'll make you feel like you're at an old-school barber shop
Con: It contains alcohol, which can irritate and dry out sensitive skin
Ever see one of those obnoxious "Italians Do It Better" shirts? After trying this liquid lotion aftershave, we finally get it. There's a cult-like following for Proraso aftershave balms, and with good reason. Witch hazel and eucalyptus work to reduce inflammation, tone your skin, and clear your pores of dirt and bacteria. When a brand has been trusted and loved by men since the '40s for that perfect shave, you know you have to try it.
Best Budget Buy
Pro: It gets the job done at a great affordable price
Con: Users with oily skin may experience excess oil and breakouts
The never-ending search for an aftershave to help your irritated sensitive skin is over. While it may be a common thought that the best grooming and beauty products have to be expensive, this non-greasy aftershave balm proves otherwise with a stellar trio of witch hazel, chamomile, and vitamin E. Keep your post-shaving routine simple with this aftershave that moisturizes with a cooling sensation, and it's packed with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties. Cue the slow clap for this all-star balm.
Looking for more awesome affordable aftershaves? We have you (and your skin) covered.
Best for Smooth Skin
Pro: It helps put an end to razor bumps
Con: Expensive
Baxter of California packs the dream team of ingredients to prevent razor bumps and irritation in this alcohol-free aftershave formula. While you might be familiar with aloe if you've ever had a gnarly sunburn, another ingredient in this product is tea tree oil, which works like witch hazel to prevent acne, lighten skin scarring, and seriously soothe your skin after cleaning up your mug.
Add glycerin (great for combating acne and redness while hydrating skin) and allantoin (fights irritation and stimulates healthy tissue growth), and there's no razor that can stop you from having perfect skin after a close shave. While there are slightly more affordable options on the market, this aftershave has the great quality Baxter of California is known for, and that’s what makes it a men’s grooming go-to.
Best Splurge
Pro: It does more than just clear your skin
Con: It’s expensive for such a small amount
When you're having a rough morning, shaving can feel like a chore that you don't want to deal with, especially if you often get razor burn. This post-shave is a winner! Not only will it give you smooth skin without burn or bumps, but you'll also notice your facial hair growing slower and softer with a finer texture (aka less shaving!). This one is good for all skin types, but men who are acne-prone will be happy to know this formula includes saw palmetto, which works as an anti-inflammatory. Sea whip extract is another winning ingredient that comes from Caribbean gorgonian coral (where it lives under extreme conditions) to calm and heal skin while fighting aging. There's a reason this post-shave is a best-seller!
Best Scented Aftershave
Pro: Stellar ingredients, without harmful chemicals
Con: The smell isn’t for everyone
While you’ll see that most aftershaves have some sort of fragrance in their ingredients lists, most don’t last long or are strong enough to be noticed. However, this winning option holds its woodsy smell all day long. Along with witch hazel, aloe, and vitamin E, this balm also has coconut oil for extra smooth and soft skin. Plus, reviewers say the company has excellent customer service, and a representative of the brand reaches out for feedback with every purchase. No wonder this aftershave is a hit on Amazon!
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Looking for more? Check out these other aftershaves that'll turn you into a smooth operator in no time.
Best Unscented Aftershave
Pro: A little dab goes a long way
Con: It’s not as cheap as its competitors
Guys who want to keep their manly natural scent will be happy to discover this aftershave from The Art of Shaving. The effective formula has shea butter to moisturize your skin, and it works as an anti-inflammatory that's known to help minimize certain skin conditions, like blemishes and irritation. Plus, this unscented balm has vitamin C to give your skin a bright, healthy glow. While the price tag might look high, you get way more balm for your money over our splurge option, and it only requires a small amount per shave.
Here are a few more unscented aftershave options if you prefer the fragrance-free life!
Best Aftershave Splash
Pro: A citrus- and sandalwood-scented splash, without the alcohol sting
Con: The scent doesn’t last
This small American business has made a big splash with its great-smelling aftershave. From the cool-yet-simple packaging to the story behind the name of this aftershave (named after the citrus pioneer with the world's largest grapefruit grove), this post-shave product is as charming as it is effective. With witch hazel (which has astringent properties) instead of alcohol, the splash won’t give your mug a harsh sting you’d expect, while organic aloe works as an anti-inflammatory to soothe the skin.
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