Here Are 5 of The Best Aftershaves For Men in 2021

In A Hurry? Our Top Picks:

1. Best Overall: Baxter of California Men’s After Shave
2. Runner-Up: NIVEA Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm
3. Best For Sensitive Skin: Jack Black Post Shave Cooling Gel

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Shaving is an art that involves more than using your razor. It’s what you do before, during, and after the shave that deems the process a success.

Many guys often concentrate on the first two stages and neglect the post-shave phase.

Post-shave products are equally important for the overall quality of your shave. In this guide, I’ll review 5 of the best aftershaves for men.

I’m aware that with the numerous products available, finding the right one can be daunting.

Included is also a buying guide on what to look for in aftershaves.

5 Best Aftershaves For Men – Reviews and Top Picks of 2021

1. Baxter of California Men’s After Shave Balm

Key Features:

• Alcohol-Free
• Main ingredients include allantoin, tea tree oil, and aloe vera
• Contains menthol that provides a mild scent and a cooling sensation

Are you in search of the best aftershave balm to relieve you of ingrown hair, irritation, and razor burns?

Well, not many options in the market are able to challenge the Baxter of California Men’s After Shave Balm. Right from its design to the scent, this balm displays greatness.

Three features qualify this product as the leading and best on my list. For starters, its unique combination of ingredients is magical.

Allantoin is popularly rising among the ranks thanks to its capability of improving the overall health of the skin. Add this powerful ingredient to the likes of aloe vera, menthol, and tea tree oil, and you’re good to go.

Aloe vera is a hydrating agent, tea tree oil tones, and cleanses the skin, while menthol is a cooling agent.

Secondly, Baxter aftershave balm works excellently with all skin types. It is alcohol-free, meaning you won’t have to worry about inflammation and irritation like with some products. Also, its unique moisturizers also make it perfect for guys with oily and sensitive skin.

Finally, this balm helps solve one of man’s worst shaving menace – ingrown hairs. Tea tree oil is the ingredient entrusted to deal with this menace.

Ingrown hair is normally unsightly and uncomfortable. How does tea tree oil treat this problem?

Tea tree oil possesses astringent properties that prevent skin pores from getting infected. It also doubles up its anti-inflammatory feature to prevent the area from becoming red and visible.

If you’re looking for these three properties in an aftershave balm, then today is your lucky day.

2. Proraso Aftershave Lotion

Key Features:

• Light-bodied for a soothing and refreshing feeling.
• Unique formula

Men characteristically love compact items that don’t weigh them down while traveling. Proraso kept this theory in mind when designing their aftershave product.

What you’re settling for with this product is a traditional, light aftershave splash characterized by its cooling and sensational scent.

The light formula of the aftershave is the epitome of attraction. It will cool and tone your skin without leaving the greasy feeling. Simply splash a little on your face, rub it and go about with your daily activities.

Witch hazel, a true astringent, is also added to the formula. It will immediately tone and clean your skin upon application. Alcohol and menthol prove useful for their cooling sensation and enticing scents. They will relieve you of any irritation.

3. NIVEA Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm

Key Features:

• Cheap Pricing
• Excellent for men with sensitive skin
• Alcohol-free
• Light, enticing scent

When Nivea is mentioned, what comes to mind is premium quality and phenomenal scent. Top that up with a cheap price tag, and you get the Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm. 

The powerful combination of this balm consisting of vitamins, astringents, and moisturizers will relieve your skin of irritation and other aftershave-related problems.

If you want an aftershave that gets the job done without giving your wallet a beating, then here is your product.

When I say this product is cheap, I don’t mean that its quality is poor, but that it is priced right. On top of being alcohol-free, the aftershave also contains a very powerful moisturizer.

Its formula isn’t so heavy to leave you feeling sticky but rather light enough to provide your face with ample moisture. It will work perfectly to relieve you of the unsightly and unpleasant symptoms of razor burns.

That’s not all; the Nivea Post Shave Balm does a lot more for your skin. Its Vitamin E is a powerful anti-inflammatory that keeps the skin cool and calm. Its witch hazel acts as an astringent to keep your skin toned and clean.

Finally, this balm will relieve your skin of irritation, leaving it looking young and healthy.

4. Clubman Pinaud Virgin Island Bay Rum Cologne

Key Features:

• Classic Ray Bum scent
• Good for sensitive skin
• Proudly made in the USA.

One sniff of this aftershave, and you’ll absolutely love it. The Bay Rum Aftershave features a warm and classic scent that is neither too vague nor overbearing.

Nothing screams masculine more than the scent of rum. But aside from its scent, a number of other reasons also qualify it to among the bigwigs.

This aftershave is light, making it ideal for men who don’t want to apply anything too oily or thick on their skin. You’ll not be left with the resentful greasy feeling. The alcohol present in this aftershave serves to clean, relieve, and tone the skin of razor burns.

Secondly, the product’s price is fair, considering there is 11 ounce of substance in it. You should be able to use it daily comfortably, not sparingly.

Thirdly, this aftershave packs with it a lot of benefits. It smells nice, relieves the skin of razor burns, and also cools and tones the skin. For its price, you’re getting more than what you pay for.

Finally, the aftershave is proudly made in the USA, meaning that you should erase any doubts you have about its quality.

5. Jack Black Post Shave Cooling Gel

Key Features:

• Free from alcohol, fragrance, and artificial colors
• All-natural ingredients
• Helps to treat irritation from sunburn

I know how problematic finding the right skincare product can be if you have sensitive skin. That’s why my last product favors guys with sensitive skin.

The Jack Black Post Shave Cooling Gel is tremendous in relieving the skin from post-shave problems like razor burn and ingrown hairs.

The price of this product is slightly high. But as I always say, there is no harm in spending extra cash for quality. A big secret to the success of this product lies in its ingredients.

Its formula is both alcohol and fragrance-free, meaning discomforts from irritation and inflammations are foreign with the product.

Some of its ingredients include aloe vera and chamomile and botanic substances like lavender, sage, and rosemary. Chamomile and aloe vera have been used for centuries as natural medicines.

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How To Choose The Best Aftershaves For Men?

1. Type of Aftershave

There are three categories of aftershaves

Splash

Splash aftershave is the oldest and most common type of aftershave. It’s liquid-based and contains alcohol as its primary ingredient.

Just as its name suggests, splash aftershave is to be splashed and rubbed on the face. Be careful of its alcohol-content.

Lotion

Lotions are new and gaining massive popularity. They are ideal for dry skin since their less alcohol content helps to rejuvenate the skin. Always go for lotions with natural ingredients.

Balm

Aftershave balms act as perfect alternatives to splash. They have lots of natural ingredients and focus on moisturizing the skin.

Contrary to splash, these have a calming and soothing feeling courtesy of their alcohol-free content.

Balms generally dry quickly and don’t leave behind gloss or sheen. But their texture and consistency make them a big No for those with sensitive skin. They also contain lots of natural oils like castor oil and coconut oil.

2. Skin Type

Your skin type will hugely affect the type of aftershave to go for. Different skin types have different requirements.

Oily Skin

You know you have oily skin when you notice sheen after washing. You’ll also likely have visible pores and blackheads. Oily skin isn’t a disorder; it simply means that your skin needs special care and attention.

What aftershaves do you go for if your skin is oily?

Firstly, alcohol in aftershaves is your friend. It will dry out the excess oils and carry with it some of your glossy finishing. A tonic with alcohol is your go-to choice.

Secondly, use aftershaves with moisturizers. While this may seem counterproductive, moisturizers help to hydrate the moisture stripped off by alcohol.

Glycerine is the most common type of moisturizing agent used in aftershaves. It’s derived from plants and helps to replenish dehydrated skin cells.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is normally rough and sometimes flaky. It’s prone to peeling and may feel dull at times.

These characteristics make moisturizers in your aftershave compulsory. These are full of natural oils that will restore hydration back to your skin cells.

Contrary to oily skin, avoid alcohol if you have dry skin. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it will make your body repel more water.

That’s why you always feel the urge to pee after a night spree of drinking. The pee is normally golden brown in color, meaning that you are dehydrated.

That’s not all, be aware of astringents also. Astringents contain skin healing properties that assist skin cells in repairing themselves. They also help to heal nicks and cuts. 

While they’re good and obviously beneficial to your skin, astringents can inflame dry skin. While repairing cuts, they’ll also irritate your dry skin. So, you’re better off without them.

Sensitive Skin

How do you know your skin is sensitive?

If it gets itchy, particularly after washing. Sensitive skin is also indicated by rashes, bumps and a stinging sensation after using some products.

Sensitive skin requires a more delicate skincare routine. For starters, you’ll need to use a mild aftershave with limited alcohol content. Alcohol will most likely irritate you.

Secondly, avoid parabens. Parabens are synthesized preservatives used to prevent the development of bacteria.

The issue is that they kill all bacteria, even those beneficial to your skin. Moreover, they are aggressive, which is bad news for your sensitive skin.

Paraben-free products are normally indicated, so keep an eye for them.

Lastly, consider unscented products. Most of the ingredients used to create fragrances are normally irritants.

Normal Skin

Normal skin doesn’t have acne issues or irritation from environmental factors.

With this, you can use almost every product on the shelf. However, be aware of those products designated for dry skin. Using these will leave your skin oily, which may lead to irritation.

3. Ingredients

It’s important for you to be cautious about the ingredients used to manufacture a product that you’re about to apply to your skin.

The cosmetic industry uses hundreds of ingredients to manufacture their products. Some are good; some are not. Here are a few of each category.

Beneficial Ingredients

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera packs with it lots of healing properties. It soothes the skin, alleviates rashes, and heals sunburns. The subtle oils found inside aloe vera (the same used for making tequila) helps to trap water and hydrate the skin.

One great thing with aloe vera is that it’s all-natural, and no side effects are associated with it. Grab yourself a branch of the plant, break it open, and apply its sap on your skin.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel, popularly known as ‘winter bloom,’ belongs to a group of flowery wood plants called Hamamelidaceae.

The ‘witch’ in its name shouldn’t draw any imagery of witchcraft. Instead, the plant leans more to the world of medicine.

Witch hazel is beneficial for anyone who experiences inflammation or rashes after shaving. It keeps the skin supple and toned while simultaneously reducing the size of its pores. It soothes the skin and lacks the stinging feeling associated with alcohol-rich aftershaves.

Lastly, witch hazel also speeds up the repair process of damaged skin cells – a reason why more brands are leaning more towards its use and away from alcohol.

Glycerin

Glycerin is the most common type of moisturizer found in aftershaves.

It’s a best friend for guys with dry skin. It draws water molecules from the plasma and also prevents loss of moisture from the skin through evaporation.

Sandalwood

Did you know that sandalwood is the second most expensive wood on the planet, only second to the African Blackwood?

The tree has been used for religious and medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. But what does it offer to aftershaves?

Sandalwood oil heals scar tissues. So if your skin is characterized by eczema, spots, and blemishes, no ingredient could be better. The oil also has incredible hydrating properties making it ideal for dry skin.

Caffeine

The same caffeine used in making your favorite coffee brand is also used in the cosmetic industry.

A reason for this is that it’s naturally anti-inflammatory. Caffeine helps the skin look tight, toned, and not flushed. 

It acts as an excellent ingredient for those looking to freshen up their day.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus packs with it lots of benefits (thanks Australia). Its antibacterial property is the most useful in aftershaves.

Any potential bacteria infections are dealt with the toxicity of eucalyptol (singular for eucalyptus). All bacteria are killed and reducing the risk of spreading to other areas.

This ingredient is ideal for anyone with a history of infections or spots from shaving.

Tea Tree Oil

Another ingredient from Australia, tea tree oil, has been used for centuries to cure a range of ailments.

There are different schools of thought about the use of this plant. But one this is constant – tree tea oil is an effective wound healer. And this property makes it useful for aftershaves.

The oil is acidic and kills infection-causing bacteria. It is also anti-inflammatory and acts as an excellent ingredient for both sensitive and dry skin types.

Menthol

Menthol can be extracted organically or made synthetically. Menthol is popular in chilies.

Do you know the feeling of ‘hotness’ that occurs when you eat chilies even though there isn’t any temperature change occurring?

Menthol is responsible for that.

How is it essential in aftershaves?

It provides the skin with an instant cooling sensation, preventing any physical or chemical change from occurring.

If you normally experience a burning sensation after shaving, this is the ingredient to always check out for.

Harmful Ingredients

Alcohol

Don’t go for alcohol-based aftershaves unless you have oily skin. Alcohol tightens and dries the skin, peeling it in layers.

Moreover, it will leave your skin red and stinging. Quality aftershaves are alcohol-free or contain very little percentages of the substance.

Artificial Fragrances

Artificial fragrances are normally used to create the desired scents. The problem lies with the toxins, carcinogens, and allergens found in them.

So unless the scents from aftershaves come from the natural oils found in their ingredients, keep off!

Acetates

Acetates are very common in skincare products. They are a form of Vitamin E, popular for removing nail polish.

So imagine what they’ll do to your skin. Acetates can cause allergic reactions and immune-related infections.

4. Aftershave Scents

Scented or unscented – which one should you go for?

The choice is entirely yours, but there are a few things you need to know.

Scented

Scented aftershaves use essential oils like vanilla, lavender, menthol, and rose for their fragrance. Quality aftershaves will use one or more of these for a lovely scent.

Unscented

Unscented aftershave products are ideal for men with sensitive skin. An unscented aftershave guarantees you no inflammation.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best overall product was pretty difficult. I was tone between Nivea and Baxter of California.

At the end of the day, Baxter of California Men’s After Shave Balm scoops the award for the best overall product – but not far ahead of NIVEA Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm.

If your skin is sensitive, I’d highly recommend the Jack Black Post Shave Cooling Gel.

But that isn’t to dispute the other two products as less effective. My list contains 5 of the best Aftershave products that you’ll come across.

Remember, aftershaves are of no lesser importance than shaving soaps creams. Their contribution to a successful shave is immense. Ensure you add them to your skincare routine.

Which is your favorite product from my list? Let me know.