After shave is an essential part of any man’s shaving kit or morning shaving routine. It’s important, just as with your razor and the shaving product you choose, to find the right aftershave for your needs, your skin type, and other factors.
If you aren’t using the most effective aftershave for you, it’s time to find the right one. However, finding that right one can be overwhelming when looking at all the choices there are. This guide features our top 7 best aftershaves making it a great place to start.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| Gillette After Shave Gel Sensitive Skin |
| 4.0/5.0 |
| Size: 2.5 oz |
| Type: Gel |
| An affordable favorite, effective at reducing shaving redness, made for Sensitive Skin. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Lubriderm 3-in-1 Men’s Lotion with Soothing Aloe |
| 4.9/5.0 |
| Size: 16 oz |
| Type: Lotion |
| Multi-tasking men’s moisturizing lotion for face and body, and as after shave. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| Brickell Men’s Instant Relief Aftershave |
| 4.9/5.0 |
| Size: 4 oz |
| Type: Balm |
| Effective hydration, masculine scent, quick relief of shaving irritation. |
| Check Amazon |
Buying Guide
There were many factors that went into choosing these best aftershaves for men. Before you read about each one of our choices, take a look at the features we used to compare them. This will help you to understand which features are most important to you when picking the perfect one to add to your shaving routine.
Aftershave Type: There are typically several different types of aftershave. If you’re looking for that old-school “splash” that most barbers end a shave with, you want to find a quality tonic aftershave. When shopping for the best aftershave, you may find that those called “lotions” may be more like a tonic, with less consistency, or more like the lotion we’re more accustomed to with a thicker, smoother consistency.
However, these are not the only two types of aftershaves you can choose from even though they are the most popular. Aftershave gels are not quite as popular but are a great way to get that cooling, refreshing feel you like after a shave. An aftershave balm is usually much thicker than other types and will contain many oils and moisturizers that can help repair and restore after an irritating shave.
Skin Type: Dermatologists agree that there are only four skin types: dry, combination, oily, and normal. Any of these four types can also be sensitive. For dry skin, you’ll want to avoid any aftershaves with alcohol that can dry out your skin further. Oily skin benefits from gels as they don’t contain additional oils. If you have combination skin, you may want to use two different aftershaves. This way, the one you use to remove oil in some areas isn’t drying out others.
With normal skin, you can really choose any type of aftershave that works well and you enjoy using. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to avoid aftershaves with strong scents, alcohol, and other irritants. To be safe, you might want to choose an aftershave specifically formulated for those with sensitive skin or try one that is dermatologist tested.
Ingredients: Many aftershaves still use many ingredients that have been popular in them for years. This includes ethyl alcohol. Years ago, alcohol was used as an astringent, meaning it would keep any accidental nicks and cuts clean and infection-free. However, today we have many more ingredients that can keep nicks and cuts clean without drying alcohol.
Many of the best new aftershaves are ideal because they utilize the naturally beneficial effects of common essential oils, plant-based derivatives like aloe vera, as well as vitamins and minerals that give the skin optimum nutrition. The ingredients used in aftershave should be the ones that help your skin achieve a clean, healthy appearance while also helping relieve the irritation and inflammation that shaving commonly causes.
Scent: Aftershaves are typically scented but many also come in unscented or fragrance-free options. Many men find a lightly scented aftershave a great way to avoid having to use cologne or to also use cologne as a way of creating different levels of scent. If you enjoy the scent of your cologne and wish to leave it as it is, going with an unscented aftershave is probably the best bet.
You would also want to choose a fragrance-free or unscented aftershave if you have sensitive skin. The ingredients used to give aftershave a pleasant scent are usually naturally-based. However, some of them can be drying and irritating to sensitive skin. While not all fragranced aftershaves will irritate sensitive skin, many will.
7 Best Aftershaves Comparison Table
| Product Name | Type | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proraso Aftershave | Lotion | 3.4 oz | Check Price |
| Brickell Men’s Instant Relief Aftershave | Balm | 4 oz | Check Price |
| SHAVEOLOGY Aftershave for Men | Lotion | 4 oz | Check Price |
| Dove Men+Care Post Shave Balm | Balm | 3.4 oz | Check Price |
| Lubriderm Men’s 3-in-1 Lotion | Lotion | 16 oz | Check Price |
| Gillette After Shave | Gel | 2.5 oz | Check Price |
| Thrive Natural Men’s Shave Lotion | Lotion | 2 oz | Check Price |
7 Best Aftershaves: Detailed Review
1. Proraso After Shave Lotion
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5.0
The Proraso brand was created in 1908 by the Martelli family and has been owned by generations of Martellis since. Over the years, new products have been developed and the Proraso After Shave Lotion came on the scene in 1948. It’s been a staple of men’s shaving routines since then, especially when combined with the Proraso pre-shave cream and shaving foam.
Many after shave products claim to cool and tone the skin. However, this after shave lotion contains proven essential oil ingredients. Witch hazel is used to reduce the inflammation of the skin often experienced after shaving as well as kick healing into high gear. The combination of menthol and eucalyptus give you that cooling, refreshing feeling you’re looking for.
The Martelli family is dedicated to providing men with a clean and comfortable shave whether they are at home or at the barber shop. They are also committed to producing cruelty-free products with no animal-based ingredients
This after shave lotion is applied much like a liquid splash that can be massaged into the facial skin to leave it refreshed and free of razor bumps and redness. A small bottle, such as this 3.4 oz. option can last quite a while, even a year or more.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Type: Lotion |
| Size: 3.4 oz |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Contains witch hazel, menthol and eucalyptus oil |
| Professional quality used in barber shops |
| Reduces uncomfortable inflammation |
| Made in Italy |
| No parabens, phthalates, artificial colors or other fillers |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Burning sensation upon application can be strong |
| More an after-shave splash instead of lotion as advertised |
2. Brickell Men’s Instant Relief Aftershave (Top Pick)
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5.0
The Brickell brand started in Matt’s garage by the duo, Matt and Josh, in 2014. They weren’t finding what they were looking for in luxury men’s skin care products, that also appealed to “the everyday man.” After all, not all men can relate to the more expensive brands. Brickell offers the common man an affordable way to experience luxury.
Brickell’s products are always all-natural, vegan, and cruelty-free. Without parabens, glycols, artificial scents, or even gluten, the Brickell Men’s Instant Relief Aftershave helps to reduce shaving irritation as well as skin dryness that some men experience. To achieve this, coconut oil, aloe vera, and other natural hydrators are used.
Enjoy a whiff of peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemongrass in the scented instant relief aftershave. If you prefer an unscented aftershave, that is also available. Both options contain botanical extracts and essential oils such as calming lavender, sugar cane, and vitamin E.
With Brickell’s Men’s Instant Relief Aftershave, you’ll find a soothing hydration that protects against razor redness, ingrown hairs, and other irritations.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Type: Balm |
| Size: 2 oz. or 4 oz. |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Cruelty-Free and Vegan |
| Contains Botanical Extracts and Essential Oils |
| Great for Any Skin Type, Even Sensitive |
| Scented or Unscented |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Doesn’t Help with Acne Issues for Many Users |
3. SHAVEOLOGY Aftershave for Men
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5.0
Many men these days are adding an anti-aging product to their facial skin care regimen. These products are certainly helpful in smoothing the fine lines that can give away one’s age. Wouldn’t it be nice to use an aftershave that doubled as an anti-aging moisturizer? With fewer products to use, your daily shaving routine becomes easier and you’re more likely to use these effective products.
Along with a lifetime replacement guarantee on their SHAVEOLOGY razors, this fast-growing company offers a money back guarantee on their Aftershave for Men with moisturizing lotion and anti-aging Golden Seaweed. You can also use this SHAVEOLOGY aftershave as a daily moisturizer if you don’t have to, or want to, shave every day.
Like many aftershave products, the SHAVEOLOGY Aftershave for Men nourishes and hydrates your skin. However, this product also creates a protective barrier. This barrier keeps bacteria from causing additional irritation after shaving and closes the pores quickly so razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and acne don’t mar your perfect shave.
SHAVEOLOGY produces an entire line of men’s shaving and skin care products. If you’re looking for an effective regimen with products designed to work well together, this company can do that for you.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Type: Lotion/Balm |
| Size: 4 oz |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Anti-Aging Properties |
| Cooling Menthol Sensation |
| Money Back Guarantee |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Strong Perfume Scent |
4. Dove Men+Care Post Shave Balm
Editor’s Rating: 4.1/5.0
The Dove Men+Care line has created an affordable way for men to care for their unique skin needs. The Dove brand is known for its high-quality and effective bath and body products. The Post Shave Balm is no different with a lightweight and non-greasy feel that absorbs quickly.
Shaving can be quite uncomfortable for most men as there are several types of common irritation. Inflammation of the skin is usually caused by the roughness of the razor. This can cause redness and lead to razor bumps. The Dove Men+Care Post Shave Balm helps to relieve the discomfort of shaving with vitamin B5 and other soothing vitamins.
The moisturizing ingredients and lack of alcohol in this aftershave balm help to improve the health and overall look of your skin. Regular use can help to prevent the formation of fine lines which can add years to your appearance.
Dove is widely-known for gentle and effective moisturizers and those included in the Dove Men+Care Post Shave Balm are just as impressive. The Men+Care line of products also includes shave lubricants, shower gels, and body lotions among others.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Type: 3.4 oz |
| Size: Balm |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Quickly Absorbs |
| Alcohol-Free |
| No Additional Face Lotion Needed |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Fewer Naturally Hydrating Ingredients |
5. Lubriderm Men’s 3-in-1 Lotion (Best Value)
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5.0
Lubriderm is a popular skincare brand that was developed by dermatologists to give consumers an easy and affordable way to get the same results as many prescription-only products. The Lubriderm Men’s 3-in-1 Lotion no only gives those results but it is a multi-tasker and can be used as a lotion for both the face and body and also as an aftershave.
Neither men nor women will continue using a lotion product that isn’t effective and doesn’t feel pleasant. This men’s 3-in-1 lotion is lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft and smooth. It doesn’t leave a greasy feeling on the skin as it soothes and moisturizes skin.
For skin that not only looks healthy but feels healthy as well, Lubriderm Men’s 3-in-1 Lotion has the aloe vera and various vitamins and minerals to feed your skin the nutrition it needs. Softening and soothing moisturizers get to work with the first use so great results are seen quickly.
Because this 3-in-1 lotion can be used from head to toe, don’t be afraid to moisturize thoroughly and frequently. Your skin will surely thank you for it.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Type: 16 oz |
| Size: Lotion |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Designed for Face, Body, and After Shave Use |
| Lightweight and Non-Greasy |
| Improves the Look of Skin |
| Fragrance Free or Lightly Scented |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not Specifically Designed as an After Shave |
6. Gillette After Shave (Best Budget)
Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0
Gillette is a brand name known around the world. Users of Gillette products expect quality ingredients and are used to using their effective and affordable products. The Gillette Gel After Shave has been available for years now and has always been a Gillette best-seller. This is because it is cooling and calming while also nourishing the skin.
This after shave gel contains gentle moisturizers that soothe sensitive skin without irritating it with harsh cleansers or scents. In fact, this after shave has a light scent that can easily be used along with your favorite cologne without overpowering it. This subtle scent can leave a man smelling clean and fresh with no overpowering smells.
Gently pat this non-greasy aftershave formula all around your face and neck right after shaving to help calm irritated skin, or use as a moisturizer whenever your skin is feeling dry. This aftershave gel can also be used with a face lotion or moisturizer as well, to increase the amount of moisture you pamper your face with.
The Gillette After Shave Gel not only provides a cool freshness after shaving but can be used long-term, as many men have, with great results.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Type: Gel |
| Size: 2.5 oz |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Cooling, Refreshing Gel |
| Clean, Masculine Scent |
| Made for Sensitive Skin |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Can by Drying for Some Users |
7. Thrive Natural Men’s Shave Lotion
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5.0
If you’re looking for a natural and organic after shave, plant-based and vegan-friendly, then the Thrive Natural Men’s Shave Lotion is ideal. This men’s shave lotion can be applied directly after shaving or when first getting out of the shower if not shaving. It can also be applied at any point during the day should your skin feel dry or tight.
Not only is the Thrive shave lotion an effective and popular vegan choice for shaving men, it is also in a TSA-compliant size and bottle, making it much easier to travel with. Many understand the struggle of bringing all your bath and body products with you on a flight. Another way Thrive makes life easy is that If you aren’t happy with their natural shave lotion, they will refund your purchase.
This non-greasy and lightweight lotion won’t create a “shine” on your face as it reduces the irritation and inflammation of shaving. Made with natural and organic ingredients, the Thrive Natural Men’s Shave Lotion is ideal for many skin types. With a subtle fragrance, it is also enjoyed by those with sensitive skin with great results.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Type: Lotion |
| Size: 2 oz |
| The Pros |
|---|
| No Artificial or Synthetic Ingredients |
| Made in the US |
| 100% Satisfaction Guarantee |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Subtle Fragrance |
Tips for Using Aftershave
Choosing the right aftershave for you is only the beginning of your learning experience. To get the most out of that aftershave, you need to know how to use it properly. An aftershave that is used correctly can help you see the many benefits of using aftershave without any of the uncomfortable side-effects, such as burning.
Apply Aftershave to Your Entire Face: While aftershave is mainly used to help reduce the irritation and inflammation caused by shaving, you will want to apply your new aftershave to your entire face and not just to the areas that were shaved. Aftershave includes ingredients that help the skin to look and feel healthier, can manage oily skin or prevent acne, and many other things. An aftershave applied to your entire face can also function as a face lotion or moisturizer.
Use Very Little: Aftershave is one of those bath and body products that you need very little of to see the best results. In fact, it could be worse than using no aftershave at all if you apply too much of it on a regular basis. The packaging for your new aftershave will usually give you an idea of how much to use. Typically, you only need a small amount, such as the size of a pea, or maybe a dime.
If you are finding that the aftershave isn’t helping like it should, or is even causing more trouble, then you might need to try altering how much of it you use before tossing it aside to try another. It may simply be not enough or too much aftershave being used for ideal results.
Pat It into Your Skin, Don’t Rub: If your skin is already irritated from shaving, the worst thing you can do is irritate it even more by vigorously rubbing in your aftershave. This can often reduce the positive results you would normally see from that same aftershave.
With a small amount, you can spready it out on both hands enough to apply it evenly on your whole face. Apply it with gentle pats all around for total coverage. Most of the work of the aftershave can be seen as it quickly absorbs into your skin, soothing the inflammation, closing pores, and gently cleaning.
Use After Shaving and Before Bed: Most men shave in the morning before starting their day. At this point, it’s common to use aftershave for its many benefits. However, you can also see more benefits of moisturizing face lotions and aftershaves when they are also applied before turning in for the night.
Throughout the night, this aftershave can act in many different ways depending on the type and its ingredients. Many will add moisture. Moisturizing can help keep the signs of aging away for a little longer and also reduce overall redness. If you happen to use an aftershave that also contains anti-aging ingredients, then applying it before bed as well will make it even more effective.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about aftershave and how to use it, which of the best aftershaves for men that we featured above are right for you? Are you looking for anti-aging properties? Perhaps oil control or oily or combination skin? Maybe you’d like a product that can multi-task as a lotion for both the face and body while also functioning as an aftershave?
However you decide upon the perfect aftershave for you, be sure to make it a regular part of your routine so you can see all the great benefits with clean, healthy, toned skin as a result.
