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What Is The Best Aftershave In 2020?

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There is a surprising amount of choice in aftershave products, and many widely available aftershaves are actually pretty good (probably because many “megamart” razors and shaving creams are so bad). Here is a look at the different types of aftershaves and some that rise above the rest.  This is a 2019 update of an article that first appeared on Sharpologist several years ago.

What Is Aftershave?

Aftershaves are the products that are applied immediately after shaving to provide some combination of irritation relief, 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” 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 be clean shaven. 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. 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 “Royale Parfumer” to Pinuad soon after, so he must have done something right.

Balm vs. Splash vs. ?

Aftershaves can be divided into two broad categories: balms and splashes. Balms have a thicker consistency and typically provide more irritation relief and act as a moisturizer to the skin (particularly in cold or dry climates).  Generally, a little goes a long way on the skin.

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. They’re more popular with those with oily skin or in hot, humid climates.

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. 

Both balms 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. 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.

There are also a some sub-categories, like milks and gels. An aftershave milk generally has a consistency between that of a balm and a splash, and usually has some specialized ingredients. 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).

Toners and astringents are designed to cleanse the skin and shrink the appearance of pores. Astringents are the strongest form of toner, containing a high proportion of alcohol (20-60%). Mild astringent solutions are used in the relief of minor skin irritations like superficial cuts, rash from allergies, insect bites, 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 drying.

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

Hydrosols are the product of essential oils (Wikipedia. Here are a couple great articles about essential oils, one from Better Mind Body Soul and one from Daily Detox Hacks) 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.

“Good” vs. “Bad” Ingredients

Over the past few years there have been many additions to the list of ingredients that may be found in better aftershave products (particularly balms).  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 to avoid: high concentrations of alcohol, camphor, or eucalyptus; grapefruit (if you’re going to be outdoors a lot) and grapefruit seed extract; and lemon oil (if you have sensitive skin), 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.

I think 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.  Don’t agree?  Change my mind in the comments section.

What Are The Best Aftershaves?

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!).  There are also some suggestions for specific circumstances. My criteria for selecting these products include:

  1. Superior performance (based on my own experience and what I have researched on review sites and forums).
  2. Available in a variety of scents (you won’t use even the best product if you don’t care for it’s smell) 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.

Amazon and PAA links are affiliate.

Balms

Let’s first list some really good balms.  As mentioned earlier a balm has a thicker consistency and is often white in color.  There is typically little or no alcohol, though other ingredients with antiseptic properties might be included.  Balms are pretty common so this part of the list is divided into products that more widely available (“megamarts,” drugstores/chemists, and some mid-tier retailers) 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.

Mass-Market

Baxter of California After Shave Balm. Mildly cooling with Menthol, it also features tea tree oil, aloe vera and allantoin.  Consistently highly-rated, affordable, and respected. Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 80, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Methyl Gluceth-20, Parfum / Fragrance, Menthol, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Linalool, Tetrasodium Edta, Citral, Benzophenone-4, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Limonene, Peg-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Trideceth-6, Geraniol, Citronellol, Coumarin, Ci 42053 / Green 3, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid

Cremo Skin Clearing Post Shave Balm.  Unscented to minimize possible skin reactions this balm also features a reasonable amount of glycerin plus aloe and just a little Salicylic Acid for its skin-clearing properties. Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Aminomethyl Propanol, Allantoin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Tocopheryl Acetate, Isopentyldiol, Salicylic Acid, Polyacylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20.

Cremo Cooling Post Shave Balm is a personal favorite of mine in the hot/humid Summer months where I live.  Just enough Menthol to provide a mild cooling effect without over-doing it, plus Tea Tree and Shea butter for moisturization.  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).

Nivea For Men Post Shave Balm – Sensitive. This unscented balm is widely available and also regarded as an excellent value (“best bang for the buck”) for its performance. Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Isopropyl Palmitate, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract , Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf Extract , Tocopheryl Acetate, Tapioca Starch, Triceteareth-4 Phosphate, Maltodextrin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Piroctone Olamine, Fragrance.  Additional Information.

Pacific Shaving Company Caffeinated Aftershave Balm. Another more widely available product that conditions the skin very well.  I reviewed this product several years agoIngredients: 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

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 not too many “bad” 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

Specialty

Burke Avenue 3-In-1 Face Balm.  Produced by “Craig The Barber” Whitely (who wrote an article for Sharpologist about his experiences developing the brand), Burke Avenue 3-in-1 Face Balm is just a bit heavy for me personally in the most humid Summer months but this stuff is absolutely amazing 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.  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.

Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements (PAA) “Mysterium Serum.”  PAA offers a seven day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with it.  Ingredients:  Water, Aloe Vera Juice, Shea Butter, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Olive Squalane, Vegetable Glycerin, Natural Vegetable Emulsifying Wax, Vegetable Stearic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Allatoin, Pea Extract, DL Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B), Safflower Oil, MSM, Green Tea Extract, Silver Dihydrogen Citrate, Citiric Acid

Proraso Aftershave Balm for Sensitive Skin.  Not to be confused with their Aftershave Lotion (which is actually more like a splash). Proraso’s 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 Stray Whisker “After Balm And Post Shave Moisturizer created quite a stir in the niche’ community when it debuted in 2016.  Though other excellent competing products have appeared since, and some have an issue with the amount of alcohol in the mix, it continues to maintain an excellent reputation with a devoted fan base.  Very mildly cooling with just a bit of Menthol.  Ingredients: Purified Water, Alcohol, Almond Sweet Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Vegetable Glycerine, Caprylic Triglyceride, Shea Butter, Macadamia Oil, Jojoba Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Stearic Acid, Aloe Vera Juice, Caprylyl Glycol, Witch Hazel Extract, Carbomer, Ceteareth 20, Fragrance, Mono-Diglyceride, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Vitamin B5, Vitamin E Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydrolysed Marine Collagen, Menthol

Village Barber Aftershave Balm. Another long-established, excellent artisan product.  I first tried it in 2012 and it still has a place in my shave den. Ingredients: Purified Water, Sunflower, Vegetable, Oil, Vegetable, Glycerin, Cetearyl, Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric, Triglyceride, Almond, Sweet, Vegetable, Oil, Shea, Vegetable, Butter, Natural, Vitamin, E, Macadamia, Vegetable, Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Stearic, Acid, Caprylyl, Glycol, Carbomer, Ceteareth-20, Dimethicone, Sodium, Hydroxide, Lavender, Lavandula, angustifolia, Juniper, Juniperus, communis, Patchouli, Pogostemon, cablin, Geranium, Pelargonium, graveolens, Chamomile, Anthemis, nobilis, Benzoin, Styrax, benzoin, Sandalwood, Santalum, album, Myrrh, Commiphora, myrrha, Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus, globulus, Frankincense, Boswellia, carterii, Clove, Eugenia, caryophyllus, Cypress, Cupressus, sempervirens, Peppermint, Mentha, piperita, Thyme, Thymus, serpillum.

Splashes

Splashes may have 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:

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

Lucky Tiger Aftershave And Face TonicSharpologist has discussed Lucky Tiger before, and this splash works very well as both a cleanser to pick up any lather residue after the shave and as a moisturizer.

Taconic.  Taconic’s line of aftershave splashes are comparatively mild but still quite pleasant and effective.  I enjoy them in the Summer months when I’m looking for something “light” to start the day with.  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.

The Rest

Some aftershave products resist “pigeonholing.”

DR Harris Aftershave Milk. Generally “below the radar” and perhaps not quite as good as it was before a reformulation a few years ago, DR Harris’ Aftershave Milk still has a devoted following.

PAA Star Jelly.  Available in a number of PAA’s long list of scents, Star Jelly feels like a balm going on but then dries on the skin like a splash.

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.

Conclusion

Proper aftershave selection and care is part of an essential shaving routine.  Don’t just grab for the cheapest “faceburner” in the grocery store; consider your skin type and environmental conditions, then select a product 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!

Author

Shave tutor and co-founder of sharpologist. Also check out my content on Youtube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!View Author posts

35 thoughts on “What Is The Best Aftershave In 2020?”

  1. I just started wet shaving and collecting vintage razors and memorabilia about 6 months ago and it’s fair to say I got a little carried away with spending money but on the flip side I’ve tried quite a few balms and splashes. My favourite balm right now is from this little artisanal shop called Purely Wicked in St.Thomas Ontario Canada that’s just called “Aftershave Balm” it’s much much thicker than anything I’ve tried before but it last for days, smells great and is reasonably priced. I use it as a pre-shave as well, best decision I ever made. As for my splash, Old Spice original scent is my favourite still. I know it has more alcohol than an Irish diet but the Mrs loves it, my daughter asks when I don’t use it ” Daddy why aren’t you spicy today?” and it’s just an all around classic. So there it is folks, my thoughts on the matter.

  2. I’m guilty of loving the aftershave splashes that give that wake-up sting. Floris Elite, Fine Vetiver, Trumper Limes, DRHarris Arlington among others. Bracing and smells good too. Old school shaving and old school aftershave splashes are best.

  3. Great Article! Thank you. I’m trying to decide between Nivea Cooling Sensitive Skin Balm (have it and love it) and Cremo Cooling Balm (don’t have it but love their matching non-lathering cooling creme when used as a pre-shave layer especially when brushing on lesser-performing soaps). Do you have a preference between these two?

    1. The best Shave Buutter I have ever ussed is the cheap Cocoa Butter lotion from the Dollar Tree. It works better thn anything I have ever shaved with. For aftershave balm, again, from the Dollar Tree,. thier Diabetic Moisturizing lotion. $1.00 a botle and makes your skin glow and feel like a million bucks. I think it even dewrinkles some… MY all-time favorite aftershave….Pinaud Osage Rub.

  4. Yo hi mantic!
    Great article, but if you were to choose between nivea post shave balm and that of doves, which of them would u go with . I read dove one has ceramides in them that moisturises the skin more.

    1. Best balms, easy…Gillette, and Afta. Inexpensive, works great, and is available pretty much anywhere shave stuff is sold.

      Best aftershave: no contest, Pinaud Bay Rum. Close second to Lilac Vegetal and Clubman.

  5. Based purely on this article, I order the Proraso white aftershave balm and tried it last night – it did not disappoint. Excellent performance that exceeded my expectations, and the scent was surprisingly good IMHO.

    I have the Proraso Red aftershave as well – not nearly as effective as the white balm, but the scent is just incredible. I wonder about combining them, let the red settle in a bit and then apply the white balm.

  6. What works best for me is the swedish classic splash “HEGA Rakbalsam”, widely available in Sweden, also very cheap.

  7. I just got new Pinaud aftershave called Drakkon Noir. I gotta say, it’s really nice. Not overpowering, and on the neutral-side with just a little floral, musk and earth tones. Feels great as a splash. I think it’s gonna be my new every day splash.

  8. After reading your blog, I recently bought the Parker “mild” slant” (AAAHHHH I DON’T NEED ANOTHER RAZOR AND CERTAINLY NOT ANOTHER D*MN SLANT AS I HATE THE BUGGERS!!)

    But I’m a fool for new shaving stuff and I am partial to Parker’s having 4 others a including the “Variant” and being very happy with all of them. I recommend a 24/26C or a 68S open comb to all my new shavers as a great 1st razor. The new Parker “semi-Slant is now my second favorite razor, only the feather AS-D2 costing $125 more is a better shaver. I eats almost any blade including single use Treet black beauties, but Feather, Voskod, KAI and Pol-Sivers are amazing in this razor. Now if i could just sell my two $140 Ikon and RazoRock slants that I used once and opput away in disgust for $50 each…

    1. Are you saying that I shouldn’t be using shave products with Eucalyptus in them?? I love Eucalyptus. Feels soothing, and smells great.

        1. I was a little worried! ? Gotta have my eucalyptus! Great article, by the way. I’ve been comparing over the counter big box store bought products to boutique style/mom-pop shop style aftershave products, both with alcohol and without. I find that with the alcohol splashes, for the big box products, I have to also use a lot of aftershave balm. The mom and pop shop products with alcohol I can get away with a very small amount of balm, in addition. Both big box and mom pop products without alcohol, I find that I don’t have to use an additional product to counteract the drying effect. I’ve got maybe a half dozen or so products left to try so it’ll be interesting to see if the results are consistent with the others.

  9. Lucky Tiger AS/FT gets the nod from this ‘ole marine. It has all the right “stuff” to keep this chiseled face smooth an soft!! It don’t help the looks any, but Mama kept me around for 43 years, so I guess it’s working!! Semper-fi & This We’ll Defend, Mike

  10. I favor old fashion barbershop after shaves. I like Jeris Osage Rub, Clubman’s Original { not Lilac Vegetal}But I also like Aqua Velva Classic Blue and the Aqua Velva Balm. That stuff is super!! Sometimes I just use plain Witch Hazel.

    1. Brian Fiori (AKA The Dean)

      All I typically use is witch hazel, with some glycerin mixed in. I couldn’t care less if it contains alcohol. Shortly after spraying the mixture on my face, I follow up with an Aveeno face moisturizer. That should counteract any drying a small amount of alcohol might cause.

  11. I have sensitive skin and my most used aftershave balms are by Stirling. Wholly Kaw also make balms I like. For wide availability I recommend TOBS and Tabac.

  12. Great update. I read your previous article on aftershave some years ago and I saw a video you did also. Thanks for the education.

  13. I like Duke Cannons after shave balm available at Target for only $9.99/6oz. bottle. It’s more on line( $15 or more. It’s soothing and somewhat mentholated. I use it in rotatin with Pacific Caffeinated and Nivia for Sensitive Skin. Of all three, I think I like it best.

  14. Mark,

    You’re killing me with the new razor recommendations lately. I’m enjoying no end your recent semi-slant and blade combo from Parker. It’s fabulous. My budget won’t allow another! All tong in cheek mind you. Love your work.

    1. I got one from Classic Shaving.com called “The Beast” (now called “the Stubby”) and I love it. Big, heavy and decisive. It’s like a Merkur on steroids. My next favorite is my 1909 Gillette Gold ABC razor. I only use Derby or Feather blades.

      I also shave with a Dovo Goldedge, and a Parker Shavette straight razor. Whichever I use, Pinaud Bay Rum tops it off perfectly.

  15. Huh, none of my favorites!

    Here are the ones that stand out for me:

    Balms: L’Occitane Cade balm and Chattilon Lux Skin Salve are both magic as far as I’m concerned. Fairly heavy balms for dry weather/winter, but they absolutely excel then.

    Gel: Dapper Dragon Scale Polish is, I guess, a gel. Or maybe a light balm. Anyway it too is magic but it’s magic for summer. A little menthol, a good dose of aloe. Great stuff. Very small company, they have an Etsy store.

    Splash: Barrister’s Reserve splashes have lower alcohol than a lot of splashes and lots of good skin stuff. And great scents. And I can say the exact same about Chattilon Lux’s splashes: lower alcohol, great skin care, and fantastic scents.

    I’d also throw in Krampert’s splashes, especially Frostbite but the bay rum, too. They just work extremely well for me. Don’t hear much from/about them anymore but those products are top notch.

  16. I prefer splash aftershaves. That having been stated, I never use one which contains alcohol. (I am not going to try to change your mind and you’ll NEVER convince me otherwise. ?) Two brands which I really like are Lucky Tiger After Shave and Face Tonic and Face of Danger by Fieldworks. Both are loaded with the recommended ingredients list in this article. When it comes for the runner up between balms and gels, I actually prefer the latter. Gels get absorbed into the skin more rapidly in my opinion. The two brands I consistently come back to are Jack Black’s Cooling Gel and Kiehl’s Post Shave Repair Gel.

  17. Like to mention Colonel Conk’s aftershave balms. For me, the best balm is their Desert Breeze with eucalyptus and tea tree. These two ingredients, I find, are terrific for my sun damaged skin. The prevent flare-ups caused by shaving and aftershave products that are irritating. A 6oz bottle cost $15.50. A 3.3 oz AOS balm costs $40.

  18. Hi Mark!
    I recently saw an ad for Oneblade and browsed their website https://www.onebladeshave.com/
    Upon viewing, do you have any insights into their product/company? If possible, I’d love to have you review their razor or other products!
    Thanks for all you do!

Comments are closed.