Is aftershave perfume?

What is the difference between aftershave and perfume?

The distinction is purpose and formula, not simply the word on the bottle. Cologne style aftershaves are light fragrances; moisturizing aftershaves are emollients, meaning products that soften and moisturize skin. In the US, scented aftershave and perfume are both cosmetics, so the grooming shelf is not a separate legal universe.23

Those concentration ranges describe fragrance categories, not every bottle called aftershave. For a light scent, cologne style aftershave fits that purpose. For longer lasting scent, eau de parfum or parfum is the clearer choice. For comfort after shaving, choose a gentle moisturizer rather than selecting by perfume strength.14

What should you apply after shaving?

For most people, a moisturizer is more helpful than an alcohol based aftershave. Alcohol based splashes can dry and irritate skin. Shaving itself can create tiny cracks in the skin's outer layer and cause moisture loss, so adding fragrance is not the same as replacing that moisture.24

1. 1Rinse your skin after shaving, or apply a cool, damp washcloth.
2. 2Apply a gentle moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. Choose a fragrance free product, especially if your skin is dry or sensitive.
3. 3If the area is irritated, avoid products containing fragrance or alcohol and pause shaving there until the irritation clears.

Apply the moisturizer when you finish shaving, whether you shave in the morning or later. A regular moisturizing routine can also be used twice daily after cleansing. A scented aftershave does not replace that step merely because it is applied at the same point in the routine.4

How can you tell whether aftershave contains fragrance?

Read the ingredient list rather than judging by how strongly the product smells. On US cosmetic labels, a whole scent mixture can appear as "Fragrance", which is a remarkably small name for a crowded formula. An unscented product can still contain fragrance added to mask the smell of other ingredients.3

If fragrance bothers your skin, look for fragrance free products and check the ingredients carefully. If you already know which fragrance ingredient you are allergic to, ask the manufacturer about it when the label does not give enough detail. A faint scent is not a reliable way to identify a suitable product.3

What if aftershave causes a rash?

Stop using an aftershave that causes burning, itching or a red, scaly rash. Fragrance can cause contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin reaction, including eczema around the beard and neck. An allergic reaction can be delayed, so a product you have used before can still be responsible. Irritation and allergy are not interchangeable diagnoses; a clinician can investigate suspected fragrance allergy with patch testing.45

For irritated skin after shaving, a cool washcloth and moisturizer can help. Seek medical care if the rash does not improve within a few days or looks infected. Do not assume every rash after shaving is simply razor burn.2