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How to Choose the Best Aftershave for Your Skin

Shaving can leave your skin feeling smooth, but it can also cause irritation, dryness, or even breakouts. Many men use aftershave to help prevent these common skin problems caused by shaving. However, while the right aftershave product can soothe your skin and offer protection against ingrown hairs, redness, and breakouts, using the wrong products can make these problems worse.


The key is to choose the best aftershave based on your skin type. If you do not know your skin type yet, take a moment to take the quiz below first, then proceed to the rest of this guide to better understand your options.

Treat aftershave as a product in your skin care regimen.

The best aftershave for you will depend on which of the 16 skin types you are.

You can use a serum instead of aftershave.

What is aftershave?

What Is Aftershave, Anyway?

Aftershave is a skin care product designed to soothe and protect the skin after shaving. When you shave, the razor removes not just hair but also some of your skin’s natural oils and the outermost layer of skin cells. This can leave your skin more susceptible to irritation, redness, and even infection if you nick yourself. Aftershaves are designed to help with all of this by calming the skin, disinfecting small cuts, and sometimes hydrating or tightening the skin.


However, using the wrong type of aftershave could make inflammation and redness worse instead of better. For example, many aftershaves contain astringent ingredients like alcohol or witch hazel. While these ingredients can help to reduce excess oil and prevent bacteria from getting into the skin and causing infections or breakouts, they aren’t helpful for every skin type.


If your skin tends to be dry or sensitive, for example, astringents in aftershave can make your skin feel tight, dry, and irritated. Instead, a hydrating aftershave or even a skincare serum tailored to your Baumann Skin Type would be better for your skin. 

types of aftershave

Types of Aftershave

There are several types of aftershave, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The best aftershave for you will depend on your skin type.

  • Tonics. Also called “splashes,” these are liquid aftershaves that typically contain astringents like alcohol. Tonics can be good options for oily types, as astringents can help to reduce excess oil, but they are not the best fit for dry or sensitive skin types because they can cause dryness or stinging.

  • Balms. These are rich, creamy, and moisturizing. Balms can be great for dry or sensitive skin because they can help to hydrate and soothe the skin.

  • Lotions. These have a thinner consistency than balms but can still provide moisture. Depending on the ingredients, lotions can work for a variety of skin types.

  • Gels. Lightweight and cooling, gels can be a good pick for sensitive or even oily skin. Many also have anti-inflammatory ingredients to help calm redness.

Choosing the Best Aftershave

My favorite aftershave for men is the Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar because it has antiaging, healing and soothing ingredients.  It is a bit expensive, however, you can use it as an aftershave and an anti-wrinkle serum.  If you have oily skin, it can also function as a moisturizer.

They key to choosing the best aftershave for you is to know your skin type. Treat aftershave products as a step in your skin care regimen.

Best Aftershave for Dry Skin

Dry skin types are going to do best with a hydrating aftershave that does not contain harsh astringents like alcohol or witch hazel, since these can cause more dryness and flaking. Alternatively, if you already use a serum that works well for your skin type, you can use this instead of a dedicated aftershave product.


Some examples of hydrating products for dry skin after shaving include:

Best Aftershave for Oily Skin

Oily skin can typically tolerate classic aftershave tonics or splashes better than dry skin, and these products may help with excessive oil and breakouts. Look for a product that contains salicylic acid for extra acne protection. You can also use a serum, cleaning oil, or micellar water that is a match for your skin type. A few options include:

Best Aftershave for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin types should avoid harsh astringents and fragrances in aftershave products. Instead, look for products that contain calming anti-inflammatory ingredients or use a skin-soothing serum that is already in your regimen instead of aftershave. Some products that can work for sensitive skin after shaving include:

What to Apply After Aftershave

After shaving and using an aftershave or serum, follow with a moisturizer to lock in moisture and help to prevent ingrown hair and other common skin issues that go hand-in-hand with shaving. If you are shaving in the morning, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Bottom Line

The right aftershave can make a big difference in how your skin feels and looks after shaving. Remember to treat aftershave products as a step in your skin care regimen and make sure they are a match for your Baumann Skin Type to see the best results and avoid unwanted side effects like breakouts, redness, and dryness. Keep in mind, too, that aftershaves are not a must-have. You can use a serum that you already have instead of buying another product, as long as it’s right for your skin.

Level up your skin care knowledge with medical advice from dermatologists

What’s the best aftershave for nicks and cuts?

Look for aftershave products that don’t sting, such as alcohol-free balms or those with soothing ingredients like aloe vera.

What’s the best aftershave for razor burn?

Look for aftershaves with calming and anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or allantoin. Avoid products with alcohol, fragrances, or menthol, as these can make razor burn worse.

What’s the best aftershave for ingrown hair?

The best aftershaves for ingrown hair contain exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid.

Best References and Scientific Publications on Aftershave

  1. Baumann L. Antiaging Ingredients in Ch. 37 of Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology Ed 3. (McGraw Hill 2022)
  2. Baumann, L. Ch. Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients (McGraw Hill 2015)
  3. Hamza, M., Tohid, H., & Maibach, H. (2015). Shaving effects on percutaneous penetration: clinical implications. Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 34(4), 335-343.
  4. Francis, C. M., George, R., Sankar, A., Ancy, I. J., Mathews, M. M., & Badmanaban, R. (2023). Formulation and evaluation of herbal aftershave gel. Journal of Innovations in Applied Pharmaceutical Science (JIAPS), 47-50.
  5. Wuyts, L., van Hoof, T., Lambert, J., & Aerts, O. (2017). Allergic contact dermatitis caused by aftershave creams containing Glycyrrhiza inflata. Contact Dermatitis (01051873), 77(1).

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