Best aftershaves for men: what to choose

Which type of aftershave should you choose?

Start with what you need the product to do. For dryness, choose a moisturizing lotion. For irritated skin, avoid fragrance and alcohol rather than choosing a product for its scent. Aloe vera gel is another option for soothing razor burn.1

Should you choose Clinique Post Shave Soother?

Clinique For Men Post Shave Soother is an aloe lotion designed to soothe razor burn and dryness with lightweight hydration. Clinique lists it for combination, oily, and very dry to dry skin. Clinique calls its lotion Post Shave Soother, a name that gets straight to the job without a committee meeting.3

The deciding detail is alcohol: Alcohol Denat. appears second in the ingredient list, despite the lotion being fragrance free. If your skin is already dry and irritated, choose an alcohol free alternative. Clinique describes a cooling tingle, but stop using a product that causes burning, itching or a rash. Check the package ingredient list when buying because Clinique's formula can change.134

What does aftershave do for men?

A moisturizing aftershave replenishes moisture and helps soothe skin after shaving. The blade can cause tiny cracks in the outer skin layer, moisture loss and inflammation. A hydrating lotion or gel helps soothe the skin and support its protective barrier. Choose a soothing aftershave formulated to reduce irritation rather than assuming every product called aftershave serves the same purpose.15

How to use aftershave

1. 1Soften your beard first. Shave at the end of a shower, or hold a warm, damp washcloth against the area before shaving.
2. 2Apply moisturizing shaving cream or gel. Leave it on for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the hair before using the razor.
3. 3Shave in the direction your hair grows. Use light strokes, rinse the blade frequently and aim to cover each area once.
4. 4Rinse away the shaving cream. Finish with a cold water rinse or a cool, damp washcloth.
5. 5Apply your moisturizing aftershave or moisturizer. For Clinique Post Shave Soother, smooth a small amount onto the freshly shaved beard area and follow with moisturizer.

Use aftershave after shaving rather than tying it to a morning or evening routine. Clinique directs daily use immediately after shaving. If razor burn develops, avoid shaving the affected area until it clears. Keep your razor dry between uses and replace a disposable razor after 5 to 7 shaves; a soothing finish does not replace good shaving technique.135

What should sensitive skin avoid?

Choose gentle shaving products and avoid fragrance and alcohol when your skin is dry or irritated. Fragrance is the most common cause of contact dermatitis from cosmetics, meaning skin inflammation caused by contact with a product. 'Unscented' is not the same as 'fragrance free': fragrance can be added to mask the smell of other ingredients. Prefer a fragrance free label when avoiding fragrance.24

What if aftershave seems to cause spots?

Shaving creams and aftershaves can contain oils that clog pores. If spots start appearing while you use a product, consider whether that product is contributing. Look for labels such as 'oil free', 'noncomedogenic' or 'won't clog pores'. Stop using the suspected product and allow 4 to 6 weeks for product related acne to clear. If your skin has not cleared within 6 weeks, see a dermatologist.6

Can aftershave prevent ingrown hairs?

A soothing aftershave is part of a shaving routine, but recurring razor bumps need attention to how closely you shave. Razor bumps, also called pseudofolliculitis, develop when hairs become trapped beneath the skin. Curly hair is more prone to this. Unlike razor burn's blotchy rash, razor bumps look more like small pimples.17

For recurring ingrown hairs, avoid stretching the skin tight and consider a single blade. Leaving about 1 mm of stubble instead of pursuing a completely clean shave can help prevent hairs being cut too short. Shaving frequency needs adjustment too: shorter intervals can limit hairs curling back, while shaving every second day can help people whose hairs retract beneath the skin after a close shave.57

How long should irritation take to settle?

Razor burn usually lasts a few hours to a few days. Ingrown hair inflammation can take 4 to 6 weeks to settle after stopping shaving, waxing or tweezing. If bumps continue despite changes to your shaving habits, see a dermatologist: persistent bumps can leave dark marks and scars. Prescription treatment is sometimes needed for more severe cases.157

When should you stop using an aftershave?

Stop using an aftershave that triggers burning, itching, swelling or a rash. A reaction can start quickly or develop after repeated use; a cosmetic allergy can also appear after years without problems. A dermatologist can investigate recurring reactions with patch testing. Get medical advice if irritation does not settle within a few days or looks infected. Seek emergency care for breathing difficulty or collapse.14