The Best Aftershave Balm For Men (+ Splash, Milk, Gel) Updated For 2024

What is the best aftershave balm for men? There is a surprising amount of choice in aftershave products, and some widely available aftershaves are actually pretty good (probably because many “megamart” razors and shaving foams are so bad).

Here is a look at the different types of aftershaves, particularly aftershave balms, and the research on which may rise above the rest. This is a major update of an article that first appeared on Sharpologist several years ago!

[Note: Amazon, Oneblade, and PAA links are affiliate. Some Geni.us links may be affiliate.]

Contents – Skip To:

Criteria To Judge The Best Aftershave Balm For Men (And Why Trust Sharpologist?)

Best Aftershave Balm For Men

• Barrister And Mann
• Burke Avenue
• Castle Forbes
• Cremo
• OneBlade
• Pacific Shaving
• Proraso
• The Art Of Shaving

Best Aftershave Balm Alternative (Splash, Gel, Milk)

• Antica Barberia
• Ariana And Evans
• Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements
• St. James Of London
• Taconic Shave

What Is Aftershave?

Balm vs. ?

“Good” vs. “Bad” Ingredients

How To Apply Aftershave

What Are The Best Aftershave Balms For Men? The Criteria And Research: A Buying Guide

What is the best aftershave balm for men? As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, there are actually a lot of good aftershaves out there. I will no doubt neglect some from this list (feel free to suggest alternatives in the comments section!).

Unlike a lot of other “best aftershave” lists from large consumer or fashion websites that concentrate on sponsorships or just what is available on Amazon, Sharpologist specializes in getting the best, most enjoyable shave possible. The criteria for selecting these products include:

1. Superior performance to relieve after shave discomfort based on the personal experience of Sharpologist‘s editor (me!), contributors, and readers who have actually purchased and used the products–plus over ten years of research from specialty discussion forums and review sites.
2. Available in a variety of scents (you won’t use even the best product if you don’t care for the smell) or very mildly scented (or no scent at all).
3. Time on the market.
4. Availability.
5. Price.

Products are listed in alphabetical order. I’ve listed the product ingredients when found on the brand’s website.

What Is The Best Aftershave Balm For Men?

Let’s first list the best aftershave balm. As discussed later a moisturizing balm has a thicker consistency and is often white in color. There is typically little or no alcohol, so they normally don’t sting, though other ingredients with antiseptic properties might be included. Balms are pretty common so this list is has a mix of products that more widely available (“megamarts,” drugstores/chemists, and some mid-tier retailers at “the mall”) and generally relatively inexpensive; and products that are more likely in the specialty niche and more commonly available from online sources vs. “brick and mortar” stores. Here are some of the best aftershave balms you can buy.

Barrister And Mann aftershave balm

Barrister And Mann aftershave balm. Available in many of Barrister And Mann’s popular scents, and unscented. Better known for their alcohol-based aftershave splashes, Barrister And Mann introduced balms after COVID-related supply issues made cosmetic-grade alcohol more difficult to obtain. Like Barrister And Mann’s other products, their balms perform very well.

Ingredients: Aqua, Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride, Squalane (Olive), Polyacrylamidomethylpropane Sulfonic Acid, Aveena sativa (Oat) Kernel Protein, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Fragrance, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (and) Maltodextrin, Polysorbate 80, Saccharide Isomerate, Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Seed Extract, Garcinia indica (Kokum) Butter, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Theobroma grandiflorum (Cupuacu) Butter, Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Sorbic Acid, Propanediol, Water, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract, Ocinum Sanctum Leaf Extract

Burke Avenue 3 in 1 Face Balm

Burke Avenue 3-In-1 Daily Moisturizer. Produced by “Craig The Barber” Whitely (who wrote an article for Sharpologist about his experiences developing the brand), this aftershave balm hydrates particularly well and is absolutely amazing for it’s performance without a lot of additives and for dry skin or for those in dry climates!

Ingredients (partial): Aloe Vera & Peppermint Oil, Avocado Oil, Carrageenan Extract & Squalene, CoQ10, Vitamin E, Sodium Hyaluronate & Green Tea Leaf Extract, Lemon Peel Oil & Geranium Oil.

Castle Forbes Aftershave Balm

Castle Forbes Aftershave Balm. Available in Lavender, Lime, Cedarwood/Sandalwood, and 1445 scents, Castle Forbes balms strike an almost perfect balance for me and others between scent, skin feel (not sticky at all!), and performance. If you normally don’t use a “regular” fragrance (cologne or EdT) I think these balms (particularly 1445) can provide a somewhat persistent but subtle background scent for you.

Cremo Cooling Post Shave Balm

Cremo Cooling Post Shave Balm. Cremo is a well-regarded skincare brand in the industry and is a personal favorite of mine in the hot/humid Summer months where I live. Just enough Menthol peppermint oil to provide a mild cooling sensation without over-doing it, plus Tea Tree and Shea butter for moisturization. Cremo shave creams are also excellent.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Glyceryl Dilaurate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Dimethicone, Methyl Gluceth-20, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Calophyllum Inophylum (Tahitian Tamanu) Seed Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil, Menthol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Isopentyldiol, Disodium EDTA-Copper, Fragrance (Parfum).

OneBlade Aftershave Balm

OneBlade Black Tie After Shave Balm. Part of OneBlade’s excellent Black Tie line, their aftershave is essentially unscented. An excellent performer, this aftershave both moisturizes the skin and calms irritation quite well.

Ingredients: Water, Carthamus Tincorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Polyacrylate-13, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Kaolin, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, SyriCalm CLR (Phragmites Communis Extract, Poria Cocos Extract), Ubiquinone (CoEnzyme Q10) Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender Oil), Aspalathius Linearis (Red Tea) Extract, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Chondrus Crispus (Seaweed) Extract, Polyisobutenes, Polysorbate 20, Penoxyethanol

Pacific Shaving Company Caffeinated Aftershave Balm

Pacific Shaving Company Caffeinated Aftershave Balm. Another product found in some “brick and mortar” stores that conditions the skin very well.  I reviewed this product a while back. Pacific Shaving Caffeinated Shave Cream is also excellent.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Plant derived), Glyceryl Stearate (Plant derived), Cetearyl Alcohol (Plant derived), Glycerin (Plant derived), Cetearyl Glucoside (Sugar/Corn derived), Caffeine, Argania Spinosa Kernal (Organic Argan) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Organic Jojoba) Seed Oil, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Crambe Abyssinica (Abyssinian) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Camellia Oleifera Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate (Coconut derived), Xanthan Gum (Natural thickener), Menthol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin

Proraso Aftershave Balm For Sensitive Skin

Proraso Aftershave Balm for Sensitive Skin. Not to be confused with Proraso Aftershave Lotion (which is actually more like a splash). Proraso sensitive skin balm has a bit of an odd ingredient mix but is surprisingly good and comparatively inexpensive.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water/Eau), Eythylhexyl Palmitate, Octyldodecanol, Glycerin, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Tochopheryl Acetate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Menthyl Lactate, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Carbomer, BHT, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylpenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Coumarin, Isoeugenol.

The Art Of Shaving After Shave Balm

The Art of Shaving After-Shave Balm. Available in their recently expanded line of scents, plus Unscented. The Art of Shaving sometimes takes some heat from the shave nerd community but their aftershave balms are actually pretty well thought-of. They have a lot of good ingredients and work well for calming irritated skin.

Ingredients (Unscented): Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Isohexadecane, PEG-4 Olivate, Isopropyl Isostearate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Silica, Tapioca Starch, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl Lactate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sodium PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Cera/Wax, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, PEG-4 Dilaurate, PEG-4 Laurate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, PEG-4, Equisetum Hiemale Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caramel

Best After Shave Balm Alternative (Splash, Gel)

While this article concentrates on the best aftershave balms, there are other formats and sub-categories worth mentioning.

An aftershave splash has a runnier consistency compared to balms, and many have levels of alcohol that may be considered too high for good skin health. However there are some excellent low/no alcohol splashes.

An aftershave gel is (perhaps counter-intuitively) lighter-feeling than a balm as well and generally has a “weaker” ingredient strength (though this may be by no means a bad thing).

Antica Barberia Aftershave Gel

Antica Barberia Aftershave Gel is a lightweight aftershave gel with skin moisturizing and soothing properties. It’s derived from wheat germ oil containing a high concentration of Vitamin E for a strong antioxidant effect, and cold-processed witch hazel leaves used for the treatment of skin inflammation and irritation.

The formula also contains no dyes or preservatives.

Ingredients: Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Paraffinum Liquidum, Isopropyl Myristate, Ceteareth-20, Laureth-3, Allantoin, Menthol, Carbomer, Glycine Soja Oil, Profumo/Parfum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bha, Bht, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Tetrasodium Edta, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Acetate, Citral, Eugenol, Linalool, Limonene.

Ariana And Evans (A&E) Aftershave Splash & Skin Food

Ariana & Evans (A&E) Aftershave Splash & Skin Food.  A&E continues their shaving line that is notable for their scents into their aftershave line as well. They’re choc-full of skin-friendly elements.

Ingredients: Aloe, Glycerin, Rose water, Emulsifying Wax, Rosehip Seed Oil, DMAE, MSM, Vitamin E, Sunflower Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Hibiscus Sabdariffa, Organic White Willow Bark Extract (Salix Alba), Tea Tree Leaf Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia), Provitamin A, Vitamin B3, Vitamin C Ester, Provitamin B5, Organic Neem Seed Oil, Organic Rosemary Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus, Lecithin, Organic Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate

Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements Star Jelly

Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements Star Jelly. Available in a number of PAA’s long list of scents, plus scent-free. Star Jelly feels like a balm going on but then dries on the skin like a splash. A scent-free sample size is also available.

Ingredients: Deionized Water, Perfumers Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Methicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Allantoin, Menthol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin

St. James Of London Aftershave Gel

St. James Of London Aftershave Gel. Available in Black Pepper & Lime, Lavender & Geranium, Cedarwood & Clarysage, Mandarin & Patchouli, Tonka & Tobacco Flower, and Sandalwood & Bergamont scents. I often take a small bottle of St. James Of London aftershave gel when I travel: it seems to be the most tolerant of a wide variety of environmental conditions and situations. A completely unique skin-feel for me.

Taconic Shave Aftershave Splash

Taconic Shave. Taconic Shave’s line of aftershave splashes are comparatively mild but still quite pleasant and effective. I particularly enjoy them in the Summer months when I’m looking for something lighter to start the day with. It’s available in several scents including Lavender Lime, Urban Woods, Excalibur, Bay Rum and Eucalyptus Mint.

Ingredients: Organic Herbal Extract (Aloe Vera infused with Witch Hazel, Japanese Honeysuckle, Chamomile Flower, Willow Bark, Calendula Flowers, Goldenseal, and Lavender Buds), Glycerin, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Allantoin, Proprietary Fragrance/Essential Oil Blend, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol and Menthol.

What Is Aftershave?

An aftershave is a skincare product that are applied immediately after shaving to provide some combination of shave irritation relief (think razor burn), skin moisturizing, and protection from the elements.

Although references to after shave preparations (for hygienic rather than cosmetic purposes) go back to the ancient Roman Empire (some say even earlier), the modern “aftershave” as part of a grooming routine can probably be traced back to about 1830. The Hungarian Cavalry was busy spending months in the field far from the attention of barbers, yet regulations required them to have a clean shave. Skin infections were a very real problem for them.

A well-known perfume and cologne maker from Paris, Edouard Pinaud, was contacted to see if he could come up with something to make life a little more pleasant for the troops. This resulted in the creation of one of the first, longest-lived, and best loved men’s fragrances commercially available, Lilac Vegetal. [Note: Amazon links are affiliate.] It could be used both as an aftershave and a body splash between baths, and was wildly successful, so much that it is still in production today, almost 200 years later.

There are some that dispute the story but Napoleon III granted the title of “Royal Parfumer” to Pinuad soon after, so he must have done something right.

What An Aftershave Product Is Not (e.g. Aftershave Cologne)

This article is not about those products that are primarily scent-related: colognes, eau de toilette, eau de parfum, etc. But under certain conditions you can modify a cologne or EdT to behave in a “healthier” manner.

Aftershave Lotion Types: Balm Vs. ?

Aftershaves can be divided into two broad categories, balms and splashes, but there are also some “hybrid” products to consider.

Balm And “Balm Form”

Balms have a thicker texture and the best post shave balm typically provides more relief from shave irritation and razor burn (redness), and act as a moisturizer to the skin (particularly in cold or dry climates). Generally, a little goes a long way to relieve discomfort on the skin.

Splash

More of a liquid texture, splashes are more watery and generally contain a combination of toners, astringents, and hydrosols to cleanse and provide some degree of antiseptic or antibacterial protection to the skin. This skincare product is more popular with those with oily skin or in hot, humid climates and in some cases can be effective at combating razor bumps or ingrown hairs.

Gel

Aftershave gel was originally created to disinfect the little nicks and cuts one can get from shaving, and to soothe the skin but is now formulated to soothe and cool the skin after shaving, and generally doesn’t contain alcohol, making it gentler than balm . Aftershave gel is often made with ingredients such as Shea Butter, Grape Seed Extract, Irish Moss, and Jojoba Oil to revitalize skin and restore elasticity. It is ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin, and is designed to provide a crisp and clean sensation. It is typically a semi-solid, creamier, and thicker than aftershave lotion.

Milk

Aftershave milk is a white, milky lotion designed to soothe post-shave skin. It contains a natural, mild antiseptic that helps to calm the skin, limit the effects of razor burn, and moisturize dry or chapped skin. The lotion comes in an easy-to-use squeeze bottle or pump bottle, and is lightly scented.

Common Aftershave Formulas And Properties

Both balms, gels, milks, and splashes often use some kind of humectant to increase the effectiveness of other ingredients. A humectant is an ingredient used to increase the skin penetration and activity time of another ingredient, preventing dryness. They’re also used to minimize the dehydrating effect of some other active ingredient. Examples of humectants include glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, lactic acid and urea.

There are also cross-over ingredients that might be used in a balm or a splash. A moisturizer is not the same as an aftershave balm: an aftershave balm contains additional ingredients.

“Can I use an after shave balm as a moisturizer?”

Yes, absolutely. 

“Can I use a face moisturizer as an after shave balm?”

Maybe.

By the way, a moisturizer is not a single ingredient but a combination of ingredients like oils and humectants working together. Moisturizers are specially designed to make the external layers of the skin softer and more pliable by increasing the skin’s water content. It does that not by putting water into the skin, but by reducing evaporation. 

Toners and astringents are designed to cleanse the skin and shrink the appearance of pores. Astringents are the strongest form of toner, often containing a high proportion of alcohol (up to 60%). Mild astringent solutions are used in the relief of minor skin irritations like superficial cuts, rash from allergies, insect bites, acne, or fungal infections like athlete’s foot. They can also help heal scars.

They are commonly recommended for oily skin as they are drying, but keep in mind that the removal of oil from the skin can lead to excess oil production as the skin tries to compensate and prevent moisture loss. Topically applied astringents cause a mild coagulation of skin proteins and will dry, harden, and protect the skin.

Astringents are best applied only to problem areas of skin to prevent excessive dryness.

Some common toners include alum, oatmeal, acacia, yarrow, witch hazel, distilled vinegar. Astringent preparations include silver nitrate, potassium permanganate, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, and especially alcohol.

Hydrosols are the product of essential oils usually obtained by steam distillation from aromatic plants. Hydrosols go by other names including floral water, herbal distillates, hydrolate, herbal water and essential water. Because hydrosols are produced at high temperatures and are somewhat acidic, they tend to inhibit bacterial growth but they’re not sterile.

Hydrosols can also help the skin get back a normal pH by being more acidic, where shaving soaps and creams may be more alkaline. The traditional hydrosols most associated with shaving are rose and lavender. Rose distillates are known to be mildly antibacterial, while lavender distillates are mildly antiseptic.

By the way, its a good idea to keep hydrosols refrigerated, like milk. They’ll last longer, and they can feel nice in the heat of the summer.

Quality Aftershave: The “Good” Vs. “Bad” Aftershave Ingredient Debate

Over the past few years there have been many additions to the list of ingredients that may be found in the best aftershave for men (particularly balms) to relieve discomfort. Ingredients to look for: aloe vera, chamomile, tea tree oil, calendula, witch hazel, lavender, jojoba oil, rose oil distillate, and various vitamins, Shea butter, fractionated coconut oil, glycerin, squaline, allatoin, panthenol, pea extract, green tea, sodium lactate, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, oat protein.

Ingredients and additives to avoid: high concentrations of alcohol and/or lemon oil (especially if you’re looking for the best aftershave for sensitive skin), camphor, or eucalyptus; grapefruit (if you’re going to be outdoors a lot) and grapefruit seed extract, and lanolin.

(Click For Full Size Image)

Some readers may disagree with grapefruit seed extract being on the “avoid” list, but hear me out. While grapefruit seed extract does have some general health benefit, they are minimal in an aftershave’s topical skin application. Grapefruit seed extract is also often produced using chemical preservatives like Methylparaben and Triclosan.

Alcohol in particular should be treated with caution. There are a lot of aftershave preparations out there, particularly in the splash category, that contain way too much alcohol. Yes, some men have been taught to “love the burn” and yes, alcohol can help clean and kill surface bacteria from a shaving cut. But far too many alcohol-based aftershave products do little or nothing to nourish the skin. Go alcohol free. Don’t agree? Change my mind in the comments section.

How To Use Aftershave

An aftershave skincare routine is a fairly simple and easy one, and should be a mandatory part of your shaving routine:

1. Rinse the shaved area with warm water and keep wet (it doesn’t have to be “dripping” wet but moist)
2. Optional: clean the shaved area with a low/no alcohol toner or witch hazel soaked on cotton round, then rinse with cool water, again keeping the area moist.
3. Apply dime-size amount of aftershave to a palm and rub hands together.
4. Massage the aftershave into moist skin with upward motions.
5. If you’re applying multiple products use the thinnest consistency first then apply thicker products.

Conclusion

Proper aftershave selection and care is part of an essential aftershave skincare routine. Don’t just grab for the cheapest “faceburner” in the grocery store for your shaving experience; consider your skin type and environmental conditions, then select the best aftershave that will work with you and for you. The products on this list will give you great results.

Do you know of a great performing aftershave? Leave a comment below!