Barbers and beard-groomers in the olden days used after-shaves that were more likely to irritate the skin rather than settling the open pores post-shave. But the times have changed. Skincare and grooming products have a renewed formula and aftershaves too have been revamped, customizing them to particular skincare conditions. Gone are those times when you had to use a stinging aftershave that you dreaded. Our list includes a bunch of some of the best aftershaves for men to provide a purpose of caring for skin rather than hurting it more.

Aftershave is intended to soothe and calm the skin post-shaving with a razor blade. It also helps to shut the pores, which aids in the prevention of ingrown hairs. Though not an alternative to colognes, aftershaves are the perfect pick for an aro attic scent with the goodness of skin-settling ingredients.

Discussing the versatility of aftershaves, our contributor Dr. Zeeshan Afzal, MD - Welzo Medical Officer, an online healthcare platform, says, “Aftershaves can also be used by women with strawberry skin. It may help with razor bumps, but results can vary depending on the product and individual skin.”

We've done the legwork for you and tried out the top aftershaves, and selected 13 aftershaves you must have in your kit for a skin-soothing experience!

• 1
  Best Overall

  NIVEA MEN Sensitive Soothing Post Shave Balm

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This Nivea for men after shave balm sets the ideal goal of relaxing men's skin by incorporating invigorating ingredients like vitamin E, chamomile extracts, and witch hazel extracts. Without the harshness of drying alcohol, the lightly-scented balm immerses quickly into the skin without any greasy or sticky feel on the cheeks. Many reviewers swear they felt a calming sensation after applying this balm post-shave. The temperate, holistic nature of NIVEAs’ aftershave is what makes it gain the top spot on our checklist.

2

Best for Daily Use

Old Spice Atomizer Original After Shave Lotion

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With such a high success rate, it's no surprise that Old Spice skincare product has risen to the top of the list for the majority of men. The after shave lotion is specially designed to leave your skin feeling refreshed and invigorated. Usually, razor blades tend to leave wounds and bring redness to the skin and that's where this spicy-scented lotion can help to cure the cuts and nicks. Just rub on the aftershave lotion for the best original scented aftershave for men on our list!

3

Best Paraben-Free Balm

PRORASO After Shave Balm

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The Proraso After Shave Balm remains cruelty-free and is made without the use of parabens, mineral oils, and silicones to achieve a skin-safe formulation. In other words, it won't harm your precious skin. Infused with green tea and oats, the enriched mix gives an emollient and calming effect. It's an excellent approach to relieving redness or irritation produced by shaving. Additionally, the wonderful formulation is also topped with tantalizing scents of lime and apple that will certainly give a refreshing feel after every morning shave.

4

Best Travel-Friendly

Pacific Shaving Company Caffeinated After Shave Balm

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Pacific Shaving Company is the perfect pick for travelers seeking the ultimate aftershave companion for soothing results. The balm comes fortified with antioxidant-rich, naturally-derived caffeine, aloe, and spearmint for a cooling and palliative experience when used every morning. The aloe is great for moisturizing dry skin (and we think it feels lavish, too). It is available in five sizes for personal preference. The best part is, this balm comes in TSA-friendly size, which lets you take the after shave balm, and much more on the road without having to squeeze big bottles in your luggage!

5

Best Scented Aftershave

Clubman Reserve Whiskey Woods After Shave

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A splash of this aftershave will surely revive your senses and capture a swirl of invigorating energy. With a combination of the musky scent of whiskey with tobacco leaf and sweet notes of bergamot, a unique woodsy aroma is created. It makes for a great choice to use while grooming for special occasions. The fragranced liquid is free of parabens, but unfortunately, the alcohol base might itch for some individuals with sensitive skin. If one is comfortable with the slight burn, they can opt for this smokey aftershave!

6

Best With Menthol Cooling

Gillette Series Cool Wave After Shave Splash

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Gillette Cool Wave aftershave for men was released in 1993, so its old-school vibe makes sense. The product’s chemical characteristics made in combination with moisturizers have a minimal stinging effect on the skin. The fragrance's longevity is increased by Gillette's use of hydrogenated castor oil as a carrier rather than glycerin. If you use enough of it, it can last for three or four hours thanks to excellent projection. Finish your shave with this crisp and light-scented aftershave that refreshes newly shaved skin!

7

Best for Sensitive Skin

Harry's Post-Shave Balm

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Harry's, a cult-favorite brand, has been crafting skincare products for a long time, particularly for men. The creamy texture of Harry's Post-Shave Balm with aloe and cucumber extracts glides on smoothly and rapidly absorbs into your pores. This aftershave balm is suitable for guys who have dry or mixed skin. It also contains aloe vera extracts, which are excellent for moisturizing dry skin and cooling inflammatory skin. Free of parabens, dyes, and formaldehyde, the aftershave is the pick for sensitive skin seeking a non-aggravated post-shave balm!

8

Best for Dry Skin

BRUT Classic After Shave

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Infamously launched by the design house of Faberge in 1964, this aftershave brings back the masculine feel of the predominant ages. Infused with menthol, you sure are to be refreshed in the morning or evening before heading out for the day. In hindsight, the liquid possesses a blend of citrus top notes with hints of charming spicy woods. It is recommended for evening wear and is easily one of the best men's aftershave.

9

Best Oil-Based Tonic

Lucky Tiger After Shave and Face Tonic

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This new spin on a classic 1935 aftershave tonic cleanses and shaves your skin while calming, toning, and revitalizing it. Enriched with tantalizing aloe vera, calendula, and chamomile, contain nourishing qualities that soften even the toughest skin and stubble. Additionally, borage oil, aloe vera, and calendula are combined to cool and restore your skin. The clean scent is perfect for any time of the day and comes in this nifty bottle for easy splash-and-go use!

10

Best Splurge-Worthy

Jean-Paul Gaultier Le Male Aftershave Lotion

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Apart from being splurge-worthy, many professional men groomers tend to opt for this classy aftershave. Jean-Paul Gaultier Le Male Aftershave Lotion comes in a 125 ml bottle filled with lavender, mint, orange flower, cinnamon, vanilla, amber, and tonk - to soothe the olfactory senses. The blend produces a full-body scent that will draw attention to your presence. The cult-famous bottle is definitely a scandalous pick if you choose to use or gift this eye-catching men's lotion to your loved ones!

11

ZENNUT Shaving Kit

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This wholesome kit comes with a straight razor, a pre-shave oil 15ml, two shaving creams 30ml, an after-shave balm 15ml, and a shaving soap as a bonus for the ultimate shaving experience. Since we are focusing on the aftershave section, we liked to point out its features. The balm moisturizes, comforts, and relaxes the rough skin, and helps you avoid the stinging feeling after shaving. It's formulated with long-lasting citrus notes of sweet orange to smell ever-so-fresh, making this men's aftershave the perfect gift set for yourself!

12

The Art of Shaving 2 in 1 After-Shave Balm

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The Art of Shaving 2 in 1 After-Shave Balm enlists all the things that a man needs after shaving - moisturization and skin restoration. This aftershave balm contains skin-plumping shea butter and essential oils. It comprises the dual benefits of balm and moisturizer that help restore and prepare the skin. Unscented and alcohol-free, the fragrance-free balm is the perfect addition to the closets of sensitive skin individuals. Check out this pick for the best after shave for men with sensitive skin!

13

Lather & Wood Shaving Co After-shave Balm

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Made with star ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, witch hazel extracts, and goodness of vitamin E,  each work together to create this ultra skin-restorative and anti-aging skin balm for men. Lather & Wood Shaving Co After-shave Balm is particularly prepared with genuine sandalwood to deliver moisture and nutrition to your skin. The formulation boasts the exclusion of nasties like mineral oils, phthalates, synthetics, sodium lauryl ether, sulfates, and propyl parabens. The best unscented after-shave balm is ideal for all skin types and will become a staple in your grooming regimen.

Before you head out to the checkout zone for your picks, we would like to give you a headstart on how to first get the best ones in your pocket. Read on for a simple guide on how to choose the best aftershaves for men.

Here are some factors to scope and scout for the best aftershaves for men:

Scent
The fragrance your aftershave emits does matter when heading out for the day or on a date. Those who prefer a scented aftershave must be sure to check the labels if they have sensitive skin. Usually, men's grooming brands tend to have an alternate unscented version to suit the needs of sensitive skin types. These are frequently beneficial for guys with sensitive skin, as scents may occasionally cause discomfort. You can also select an unscented aftershave to layer your cologne over a soothing lotion or balm.

Skin Type
Understand your skin’s suitability. Alcohol-free moisturizing aftershave balms will be the ideal choice for dry skin seeking hydration from over-shaving or rough stubble situations. Gels and liquids are excellent alternatives for men with oily skin since they do not leave the skin greasy or clog the pores. Balms that are completely alcohol-free are ideal for those with sensitive skin. Since this type of skin is easily inflamed, consider hypoallergenic or dermatologist-tested products. Individuals with normal skin can dabble between balms and gels for their preferred skincare routine.

Our contributor Dr. Zeeshan Afzal says, “Even women can shave and use aftershave products if they find them beneficial for their skin. These products are not just for men and can be used to make the skin feel soft and smooth on a regular basis.”

Try before Purchase
If you tend to experience discomfort after using aftershave products, try to take a break for a week before trying a new product. Sensitive skin individuals must do a patch test before applying directly on the face to avoid redness and itchiness. So, take precautions and try your products beforehand to avoid any future predicaments.

Whether you fancy using creams, lotions, or balms, aftershaves come in various forms but are all administered in the same way. You have to first completely shake the container, then squeeze a penny-sized amount onto your hands, press your palms together, and massage into your skin to reap the benefits and enjoy its cooling effects. These outlined products consist of the perfect balance of skincare and fragrance making it the ideal aftershave for you. Hope you pick the best aftershaves for men who are important in your life and gift one to your loved one too!

Contributor: Dr. Zeeshan Afzal, MD, Welzo Medical Officer