10 Best Aftershaves For Men Reviewed in 2024 (for Every Skin Type & Scent)

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    If you are looking for the best aftershaves for men on the market today, you have come to the right place.

    There are dozens of products out there, and I believe we have practically tested them all.

    At least any worth considering to make our coveted list 😉.

    After countless hours of research and testing, we have compiled this list of the best aftershave balms, lotions, and splashes for every skin type and preference.

    With our comprehensive reviews and detailed instructions on what you need to consider when selecting an aftershave, you will be sure to find the optimal product for YOU.

    QUICK OVERVIEW: Best Aftershaves

    IMAGE PRODUCT
    10 Best Aftershaves For Men Reviewed in [year] (for Every Skin Type & Scent) 1
    Proraso Aftershave Lotion
    • Free of harmful synthetic ingredients
    • Nice cooling sensation
    VIEW ON AMAZON →
    10 Best Aftershaves For Men Reviewed in [year] (for Every Skin Type & Scent) 2
    Art of Shaving Aftershave Balm
    • Great moisturizing properties
    • Large variety of scents including unscented
    VIEW ON AMAZON →
    10 Best Aftershaves For Men Reviewed in [year] (for Every Skin Type & Scent) 3
    Bay Rum Aftershave by Barbary Coast Shave Co.
    • Very minimal all-natural ingredients
    • Great antiseptic properties
    VIEW ON AMAZON →
    10 Best Aftershaves For Men Reviewed in [year] (for Every Skin Type & Scent) 4
    Baxter of California Aftershave Balm
    • Moisturizes and cools skin
    • Alcohol-free aftershave balm
    VIEW ON AMAZON →
    10 Best Aftershaves For Men Reviewed in [year] (for Every Skin Type & Scent) 5
    Proraso Aftershave Balm (Protective and Moisturizing)
    • Soothes and repairs skin
    • Non-greasy balm
    VIEW ON AMAZON →
    10 Best Aftershaves For Men Reviewed in [year] (for Every Skin Type & Scent) 6
    Truefitt & Hill Trafalgar Aftershave Balm
    • Skin nourishing ingredients
    • Very pleasing scent
    VIEW ON AMAZON →
    10 Best Aftershaves For Men Reviewed in [year] (for Every Skin Type & Scent) 7
    Lucky Tiger Aftershave and Face Tonic
    • Tones & tightens skin
    • Suitable for all skin types
    VIEW ON AMAZON →
    10 Best Aftershaves For Men Reviewed in [year] (for Every Skin Type & Scent) 8
    Clubman Pinaud Aftershave Lotion
    • Very economical
    • Soothers tender skin
    VIEW ON AMAZON →
    10 Best Aftershaves For Men Reviewed in [year] (for Every Skin Type & Scent) 9
    Geo F. Trumper’s West Indian Lime Skin Food
    • Leaves skin moisturized but not greasy
    • Skin-nourishing properties
    VIEW ON AMAZON →
    10 Best Aftershaves For Men Reviewed in [year] (for Every Skin Type & Scent) 10
    Nivea Men Q10 Energy Double Action Balm
    • Fights the signs of aging
    • Leaves skin feeling smooth
    VIEW ON AMAZON →

    Use the table of contents below to jump to the sections most important to you.

    Post Content

      What to Look for in an Aftershave (According to Your Skin Type)
      Top 10 Best Aftershaves of 2024 Reviewed
      Video Review of the Best Aftershaves of 2024
      Ingredients to Look for in Aftershaves
      How to Use Aftershaves
      Why Use Aftershave
      The 3 Types of Aftershave (Splash vs. Lotion vs. Balm)
      Important Related Articles
      Best Aftershaves for men feature

      Top 10 Best Aftershaves of 2024 Reviewed

      1. Proraso Aftershave Lotion

      Proraso Aftershave Lotion

      Specs

      Recognition: Best Aftershave Lotion
      Type: Lotion
      Scent: Menthol
      Alcohol: Yes
      Paraben-Free: Yes
      Ingredient Highlights: Witch Hazel, Eucalyptus, Menthol
      Good For: Normal or Oily Skin
      Price: $$
      Five Word Summary: Mio Dio, che brillante dopobarba

      Overview

      Made in Italy from a company founded in 1908, this is a product that falls into the category of a true classic.

      Proraso Aftershave Lotion has been one of the best aftershaves for men all around the world for countless years.

      Most Popular Products

      "#1 Butterfly Safety Razor" "Best Shaving Kit""Top After-Shave Balm"
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      Still, don’t be fooled by the name “lotion”.

      As we’ll explain later, aftershave lotions are more like splashes, as opposed to a creamy post-shave balm.

      So, if you’re one of those guys that enjoy the burning, tingling sensation you get from a high-quality brand, you’ll love this formula from Proraso as the hint of menthol provides a refreshing cool to the face.

      You will also benefit from the purifying properties of ingredients like eucalyptus and the anti-inflammatory properties of the witch hazel.

      It’s 100% free from parabens, artificial colors, silicones, mineral oils, and other undesirables, making it the best aftershave for black skin.

      It is also sure to leave you feeling like a million bucks when you make it part of your skin-care regimen.

      Skin Type

      Proraso states that this is for “all skin types”.

      I would question that.

      While there’s no doubt this is laced with wonderful natural moisturizers, it does contain alcohol.

      And quite a lot of it.

      So if you have dry skin, this is not a suitable choice.

      Simply because the cells that already lack hydration will be dehydrated further by the alcohol content, and your acid mantle will be stripped away, which would have acted as a natural moisturizer.

      That same alcohol content does, however, make it a good selection if you know you have oily skin, as the alcohol will cut through the fats secreted onto the surface.

      Fragrance

      There’s no doubt that this is a classic, but the menthol scent does give it something different from the more traditional aftershaves.

      That menthol fragrance isn’t subtle, though.

      So, this menthol aftershave is destined to clash with any cologne that doesn’t also register on the ‘minty’ scale.

      With a fade time of about two hours, you either need to have the luxury of a very relaxed morning routine or not be concerned about wanting to wear cologne.

      Conclusion

      We rate virtually all of the shaving products from Proraso quite highly, as we’ve yet to come across a bad one.

      They even made our list of the best pre-shave oils.

      If you have normal to oily skin, you’ll want to enjoy the anti-bacterial benefits of alcohol for the low price and high quality you’ve been searching for.

      This is the best traditional product out there on the market.

      Proraso also has another post-shave lotion with shea butter and sandalwood oil instead of the eucalyptus and menthol.

      See the consensus of over 1,000 customer reviews here on Amazon.

      Pros

      Great astringent properties
      Free of harmful synthetic ingredients
      Nice cooling sensation

      Cons

      Can be overly drying for certain skin types

      2. Art of Shaving Aftershave Balm

      Art of Shaving Aftershave Balm

      Specs

      Recognition: Best Aftershave Balm
      Type: Balm
      Scent: Sandalwood, Lemon, Lavender, Unscented, & More
      Alcohol: No
      Paraben-Free: Yes
      Ingredient Highlights: Sandalwood
      Good For: Dry or Sensitive Skin
      Price: $$$
      Five Word Summary: Art of Shaving’s Hydrating Masterpiece

      Overview

      The Art of Shaving is hands-down one of our favorite male grooming companies, producing an extensive line of excellent shaving creams, pre-shave oils, and other related products.

      They even made our list of the best shaving creams for men.

      These guys truly know what they’re doing when it comes to getting high-quality shave creams, and their balms continue this pattern of excellence.

      It comes in a nice compact 3.4oz glass bottle, which has a great aesthetic, but you may have some difficulties getting the last bit of post-shave balm out of the bottle.

      But if you’re looking for a sensitive post-shave balm, I recommend you go with the unscented version of best aftershaves, as even the essential oils that provide the various scents can be irritating to the most sensitive of skins.

      These balms are alcohol-free, so they won’t dry you out, and they’re non-comedogenic, so they won’t block pores and cause any acne breakouts or other skin problems.

      The shea butter and glycerin do a great job at moisturizing throughout the day, while the addition of vitamin C helps to revitalize and nourish your skin, as well as repair any damage to the skin after shaving.

      It also has a variety of other oils and extracts that improve the elasticity of your skin, helping to alleviate the signs of aging.

      Skin Type

      As one of the best aftershaves, this balm has been created with dry skin in mind, although it is undoubtedly an excellent choice for the ‘best for sensitive skin’ balm or anyone looking to purchase a sensitive post-shave balm.

      Thanks to its 0% alcohol content, there won’t be any further dehydration to your skin cells as a result of alcohol’s diuretic properties.

      It is also free of antiseptic and artificial dyes, making it a great aftershave for sensitive skin.

      The large selection of moisturizers (all-natural ingredients) is a critical element of this balm’s success, but it is the large quantity of sandalwood oil that makes it so refreshing and hydrating.

      Fragrance

      All Scents Here on Amazon

      Out of the three scents, we find the sandalwood to be the most pleasing and most manly.

      So, if you’re looking for a particular fragrance, The Art of Shaving has got you covered, as its balms are available in 5 different scents, plus an unscented version that’s perfect for all you cologne wearers.

      If you like to wear cologne and enjoy The Art of Shaving’s Sandalwood scent as much as we do, you can also pair this shave balm with The Art of Shaving’s Sandalwood & Cypress Cologne.

      They really complement themselves nicely.

      Still, despite lavender typically being considered a more feminine smell, we always know plenty of men who love this scent as well.

      No matter what scent you choose, you can feel comfortable in the fact that you’ll be getting one of the best aftershaves on the market.

      Conclusion

      This is definitely in the higher end of the price range but as it’s backed up by The Art of Shaving’s reputation for shaving excellence, it’s more than worth the added price and is guaranteed to be one of the best you’ll ever try.

      With its outstanding list of ingredients that provide so many benefits to your skin and the practically exhaustive list of available scents, this is hands down the best aftershave balm on the market today.

      See what hundreds of customers have to say about it per the Amazon customer reviews here.

      Pros

      Great moisturizing properties
      Large variety of scents including unscented
      non-comedogenic

      Cons

      Pricey

      3. Bay Rum Aftershave by Barbary Coast Shave Co.

      Bay Rum Aftershave by Barbary Coast Shave Co.

      Specs

      Recognition: Best Aftershave Splash
      Type: Splash
      Scent: Bay Rum
      Alcohol: Yes
      Paraben-Free: Yes
      Ingredient Highlights: Glycerin, Bay Oil
      Good For: Normal or Oily Skin
      Price: $$$
      Five Word Summary: Caribbean cool with vintage appeal

      Overview

      Barberry Coast is one of the numerous different companies that produce the ever so popular ‘Bay Rum’ aftershaves but don’t dare group them all as the same, as Barbary Coast’s aftershave ranks above the rest.

      While you can expect a 4-ounce bottle to cost a couple of extra dollars than others, we find the price is well worth it for one of the finest, all-natural handmade aftershaves on the market.

      Suitable for vegans and with no GMOs, synthetic chemicals, or artificial colors, this is truly about as natural as you can get.

      As you may know, we are big proponents of an organic aftershave due to its superior performance, health benefits, and environmental friendliness.

      Better still, it contains pure glycerin which helps nourish the skin and eliminate the drying effects most alcohol-based aftershaves have.

      Skin Type

      Splashes lend themselves to oily or normal skin.

      That’s because their alcohol content can evaporate what little moisture there is if your skin is dry, and can neutralize the precious protective oils needed to help sensitive skin.

      So immediately this stands out as one of the best aftershaves for oily or normal skin.

      But don’t rule it out immediately. It has a high glycerine content, which is a brilliant natural moisturizer, is also paraben-free, and contains no synthetic dyes.

      So it might not be a total ‘no-go’ for dry or sensitive skin types.

      Fragrance

      This is probably the most classic smelling product on our list, and in fact, the bay rum fragrance is the oldest of all scents.

      But there is also a lot going on!

      It contains orange, rum, wood, cinnamon, and many other notes which dominate and fade at different times of the day.

      So you may struggle to match it with an existing cologne.

      It is also a strong scent, it’s not subtle.

      The world will know you are wearing an aftershave!

      Which we love, but it does mean you may need to avoid this aftershave if you were hoping to wear your ‘special occasion’ cologne, as both will be impaired.

      It is no wonder why it has been the most commonly searched aftershave scent online for many years.

      Conclusion

      If you are looking for a classic ‘splash’ aftershave, you cannot do any better than this one.

      So, if you’re looking for something with a classically masculine scent in an all-natural aftershave and won’t leave your skin dried out, look no further than Barbary Coast Shave’s Bay Rum Aftershave.

      Check the hundreds of Amazon customer reviews here.

      Wait! Use This Promo Code: PRIMPREP for a one time 10% discount on all Barberry Coast products on Amazon

      Pros

      Great antiseptic properties
      Very minimal all-natural ingredients
      Contains glycerin to counter drying of alcohol

      Cons

      High alcohol content may sting slightly

      4. Baxter of California Aftershave Balm

      Baxter of California Aftershave Balm

      Specs

      Type: Balm
      Scent: Lime
      Alcohol: No
      Paraben-Free: Yes
      Ingredient Highlights: Tea Tree Oil, Glycerin, Menthol
      Good For: Dry or Sensitive Skin
      Price: $$
      Five Word Summary: Beautifully Balanced Balm by Baxter

      Overview

      Practically all of Baxter of California’s products seem to be well-loved by a vast number of men.

      They even made our exclusive lists of the best face lotions for men and the 5 best bar soaps for men, and this excellent aftershave balm is no exception.

      One of the bestselling and best-reviewed aftershave products on Amazon, this incredible alcohol-free product from Baxter Of California is one of our favorites.

      In fact, we’ve yet to find anything about it that we didn’t like.

      It comes in a 4oz tube which I appreciate as the tube makes it easy to squeeze out every last drop of the balm, unlike the glass bottles can be a little cumbersome.

      With natural ingredients like tea tree oil, this post-shave balm will help soothe, nourish and heal your skin.

      The part we like best is the addition of menthol, which provides an incredibly pleasant cooling effect that almost immediately eliminates any feelings of skin irritation.

      This balm has a unique formula that is a bit thicker than most, meaning one small tube should last you for many months.

      Skin Type

      There’s no doubt that this is one of the best aftershaves crafted for dry or sensitive skin.

      If the old-fashioned image of aftershave makes you wince in pain, rethink what an aftershave should be; and you’ll have this balm in mind.

      It is alcohol-free, paraben-free, and contains only mild natural ingredients.

      On top of that, it is loaded with glycerin, aloe vera, and allantoin to calm sensitive skin and hydrate dehydrated cells.

      Weather Factors

      If you live in colder, more aggressive weather climates, this is one of the best aftershaves for you.

      You can feel the thick, moisturizing layer protect your skin and nourish it.

      So where cold weather and the elements could damage your skin, here you will feel a maintained healthy look and feel, thanks to the protection given to your acid mantle.

      Fragrance

      The scent is subtle and relatively short-lasting, so you will be clear to use this aftershave with a cologne.

      But the fragrance is an enjoyable one, albeit not a ‘classic’ after-shave.

      Lime and menthol make this such a refreshing and uplifting aftershave to use.

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      You will feel cleansed and protected – ideal for anyone that has mentally created a barrier between shaving and healthy, pain-free skin.

      Conclusion

      As it received outstanding marks from our own personal testing and the stellar reviews it has received from numerous customers on Amazon, you can feel confident you’re getting a high-quality product, backed up by Baxter’s reputation for superior shaving products.

      See the consensus of hundreds of Amazon reviews here.

      Pros

      Moisturizes and cools skin
      A little goes a long way
      Trusted brand

      Cons

      A few people don’t find the smell appealing

      5. Proraso Aftershave Balm (Protective and Moisturizing)

      Proraso Aftershave Balm, Protective and Moisturizing

      Specs

      Type: Balm
      Scent: Amber & Musk
      Alcohol: No
      Paraben-Free: Yes
      Ingredient Highlights: Vitamin E, Licorice Extract
      Good For: Dry or Sensitive Skin
      Price: $$
      Five Word Summary: altro brillante dopobarba di Proraso

      Overview

      Proraso has already made our list of the best aftershaves for men with their aftershave lotion, but we had to put them on again, as this is stellar as well.

      Similar to the lotion, the balm comes in a 3.4oz glass bottle.

      The balm contains aloe vera which soothes the skin, plus vitamin E to help repair and protect.

      Not only that, but the addition of licorice extract helps to calm the skin, reducing redness and skin irritation.

      This alcohol-free balm has a very creamy texture but is guaranteed not to leave you feeling greasy like so many other balms.

      Skin Type

      The more gentle sibling of the lotion variety, this is one of the best aftershaves designed with dry and sensitive skin types in mind.

      It is free from alcohol and parabens, which will immediately mean anyone with dry or sensitive skin sits up and takes notice.

      To have such a classic aftershave cater for more delicate skin is a brilliant thing, and you should take full advantage.

      Key Ingredients

      As well as being laced with glycerin and aloe vera, both of which benefits have been discussed, other ingredients play a big part in this aftershave’s success.

      Fragrance

      Despite being an aftershave for dry and sensitive skin, there are no scents that suggest this is ‘medicinal’.

      The smell is an understated musk scent that offers a more ‘classic’ feel to this balm.

      Musk isn’t a note that fades quickly though.

      So if you wanted to wear cologne on top, you would be well advised to wear one which compliments it nicely.

      Conclusion

      Proraso Protective Aftershave Balm costs a bit more than the popular products from Nivea Men and other major brands but is very reasonably priced for a top-shelf balm.

      For those who want to try out an Italian brand but want to avoid an alcohol-based post-shave lotion, this Protective and Moisturizing balm from Proraso is the perfect aftershave alternative.

      All in all, it’s an outstanding way to provide a little facial pampering and ensure your post-shave is as pleasant as possible.

      See what so many other customers have to say per the Amazon reviews here.

      Pros

      Soothes and repairs skin
      Non-greasy balm
      Italian quality

      Cons

      Can be difficult to dispense with glass bottle

      6. Truefitt & Hill Trafalgar Aftershave Balm

      Truefitt & Hill Trafalgar Aftershave Balm

      Specs

      Type: Balm
      Scent: Woody
      Alcohol: No
      Paraben-Free: Yes
      Ingredient Highlights: Aloe Vera, Glycerin, Lanolin
      Good For: Normal or Oily Skin
      Price: $$$
      Five Word Summary: Prince Harry’s Preferred Aftershave (apparently?!)

      Overview

      Those in the know are usually aware that the Brits tend to dominate the world of high-quality shaving products.

      From straight razors to shave soaps, preshave oils, etc., British shaving products remain a step ahead of most of the rest of the world.

      Still, there’s only one British shaving company that can claim to be the Official Shaving Line of the British Royal Family—and that’s Truefitt & Hill.

      So, if you want to experience what it feels like to be a king, there’s nowhere else to look.

      In truth, we probably could have included several different Truefitt & Hill products on our list of best aftershaves for men, but in the end, we decided to go with the aftershave balm that’s part of the company’s Trafalgar line of shaving products.

      This balm contains aloe vera and lanolin to provide hydrating, soothing, and nourishing effects to the skin, guaranteeing it will leave your face feeling smooth and comfortable.

      However, this is another product that does contain a small amount of alcohol, so it may not be the best choice for men with dry skin.

      Skin Type

      There are trace amounts of alcohol in this aftershave, meaning it doesn’t lend itself to be used by anyone with, particularly, dry skin.

      Aloe vera, lanolin, and the absence of parabens mean it’s an option for sensitive skin types thanks to their soothing and cooling properties.

      As it is part of the Official Line of Shaving Products to the Royal Family, it can’t be that aggressive – those folk need caring for.

      Weather Factors

      This aftershave contains lanolin, which we’ll discuss soon.

      But it has terrific waterproofing properties.

      So if you do live in wet and cold climates, this is one of the best aftershaves that will help slow the signs of aging.

      No wonder the Brits put it in their aftershave, you barely get a dry day there.

      Key Ingredients

      We’ve already discussed the benefits of ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin, which are part of the makeup of this balm.

      There is an additional ingredient that is of note, though;

      Fragrance

      This line of products has been in production since 1805!

      And the scent hasn’t changed much in that time.

      One reason we chose the Trafalgar over the other Truefitt & Hill products was due to its nice spicy and woody scent, which we feel stands head and shoulders above most of its competitors.

      Nonetheless, Truefitt & Hill’s 1805, Ultimate Comfort, Grafton, and other aftershave balms are all exceptional products and work just as well—we just weren’t as wild about their scents.

      Conclusion

      Overall, this is one of the best aftershaves and an outstanding shave balm, but it does come with a slightly higher price tag than most, as you can expect to pay around $50 for a 3.4-ounce bottle.

      In truth, it doesn’t provide any better nourishment or protection than many of the cheaper products on this list.

      Still, if you’ve got the extra cash to spend, you’ll likely find it well worth the price.

      Check out how other customers have reviewed this product here on Amazon.

      Pros

      Skin nourishing ingredients
      Waterproof
      Very pleasing scent

      Cons

      Expensive

      7. Lucky Tiger Aftershave and Face Tonic

      Lucky Tiger Aftershave and Face Tonic

      Specs

      Type: Splash
      Scent: Citrus
      Alcohol: No
      Paraben-Free: Yes
      Ingredient Highlights: Witch Hazel, Chamomile, Borage Oil
      Good For: All Skin Types
      Price: $$
      Five Word Summary: A basement brew gone global

      Overview

      Lucky Tiger is a leading name in men’s shaving and grooming products, which produces several different varieties of aftershaves.

      However, for our money, the original Lucky Tiger Aftershave & Face Tonic is the pick of the litter.

      The labeling looks more like an ancient eastern medicine, but this aftershave is actually produced right here in the old USA, more specifically, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

      The 8oz bottle is made out of plastic, so you can be rest assured if it happens to fall off the counter, it won’t break into a million shards of glass on your bathroom counter.

      It contains witch hazel, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is excellent for helping tone and tightening the skin.

      It also contains chamomile, aloe vera, calendula, and a variety of other ingredients.

      Also, this product is sure to leave your skin feeling relaxed and refreshed, while the added vitamin A helps to repair the skin following your shave.

      It is alcohol-free, which makes it one of the best aftershaves for those with dry or sensitive skin.

      Skin Type

      A man by the name of Benjamin Clarke began creating this aftershave as his trademark scent for his barbershop.

      Ben was an amateur scientist who tried many recipes before deciding on this one (the essentials of which still form the core of the aftershave).

      As a scientist, Ben was keen to create an aftershave that would be suitable for all, and he did!

      This tonic can be used by anyone, although as it does have a hint of alcohol, the driest of skins should probably avoid it.

      Fragrance

      It has a quite light citrusy scent, with hints of orange, grapefruit, and tangerine, which is definitely not overpowering and quickly fades away after use.

      This means it can be used freely by cologne wearers and non-cologne guys alike.

      In truth, this is a classic aftershave in virtually everything but the scent.

      Conclusion

      This is truly an exceptional splash after-shave at a very reasonable price.

      Based on its ingredients, it is basically suitable for all skin types.

      Obviously for various reasons, one may prefer an alcohol-based aftershave – then this would not be the aftershave for you.

      See the consensus of hundreds of customer reviews on Amazon.

      Pros

      Tones & tightens skin
      Durable plastic bottle
      Great value for the price

      Cons

      The scent is not pleasing to some

      8. Clubman Pinaud Aftershave Lotion

      Clubman Pinaud Aftershave Lotion

      Specs

      Type: Splash
      Scent: Barbershop
      Alcohol: Yes
      Paraben-Free: Yes
      Ingredient Highlights: None
      Good For: Normal or Oily Skin
      Price: $
      Five Word Summary: Chuck Norris in a bottle

      Overview

      If low price is your ultimate deciding factor, look no further than Clubman Pinaud Aftershave Lotion—the best-selling and most well-reviewed aftershave on Amazon.

      It comes in both 6oz and 12.5oz bottles.

      This aftershave contains merely alcohol, water, some sort of mystery scenting agent, and chemical colorants.

      So from an ingredients perspective, I can’t say it offers much besides the anti-bacterial benefits of alcohol.

      Like all other alcohol-based aftershaves, you’ll get that refreshing tingle as you apply it.

      Skin Type

      This isn’t the most sophisticated aftershave on the market.

      Its blend is basic, to the point, and no-frills.

      So you will need oily or normal skin, not to be concerned by its lack of subtly.

      Fragrance

      This ‘no fuss’ after-shave splash also applies to the scent.

      You will know for sure you are wearing it, and so will the next 5 blocks down if you apply just a bit too much.

      So while it does offer a classic ‘spit n sawdust’ fragrance, it does mean you can’t combine it with cologne.

      Conclusion

      Still, where this product excels is in terms of price.

      While we can’t say this is truly one of the best aftershaves on the market, it’s undoubtedly the best you’ll get for such an extremely low cost.

      With countless stellar reviews on Amazon, we’ve yet to come across an aftershave with so many dedicated fans.

      I will also say they did make the honorable mention on our list of the best mustache waxes.

      Check out the over 2,000 customer reviews here on Amazon.

      Pros

      Very economical
      A simple list of ingredients
      Receives five stars from thousands of customers

      Cons

      Contains some questionable chemical colorants

      9. Geo F. Trumper’s West Indian Lime Skin Food

      Geo F. Trumper’s West Indian Lime Skin Food

      Specs

      Type: Balm
      Scent: Barbershop
      Alcohol: Yes
      Paraben-Free: Yes
      Ingredient Highlights: Glycerin, Menthol, Citronellol, Lemon peel
      Good For: All Skin Types
      Price: $$
      Five Word Summary: The Jack of all trades

      Overview

      While not technically an aftershave, we had to include this fantastic product on our list of the best aftershaves for men due to the enormous number of men who swear by it for this purpose.

      In truth, this is an all-around men’s facial moisturizer/protectant.

      It can be used both before and after shaving or just as a general facial lotion.

      Geo F. Trumper’s Skin Food is a unique gum and glycerin-based balm that works to seal the skin after exfoliation (which happens as a result of shaving).

      Its unique formula leaves the skin feeling smooth and dry, and it won’t make your face greasy or clog your pores like so many others do.

      That being said, although it doesn’t have a drying effect, it does still contain a small amount of alcohol, so if you’re in the market for an alcohol-free product, we’d suggest looking elsewhere.

      Skin Types

      In truth, it’s not clear precisely what this ‘aftershave’ is.

      It can be a pre-shave, moisturizing lotion and tonic.

      For that reason, it is arguably the most universal ‘aftershave’ you could find when it comes to appropriate skin types.

      The alcohol content is minor, meaning only the very driest skins will be offended by it.

      It isn’t greasy, so won’t add to already oily skin, and it is free of parabens – making it an option for sensitive skin, too.

      Fragrance

      The light West Indian Lime scent is one of our favorite things about this product, as it makes it stand out from many of the overpowering or ultra-masculine scents you typically find in the aftershaves.

      Still, it’s also available in several other choices of fragrance if you’re not wild about the idea of smelling like a lime.

      The scent doesn’t try too hard, that’s what you may love about it.

      A subtle, clean, fresh fragrance that will sit on for about 2-3 hours but won’t dominate or ruin a cologne.

      Overview

      We found Geo F. Trumper’s Skin Food to be an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin, or anyone looking for something much more than just your basic aftershave balm.

      This is another product that falls into that average price range for a 3.4oz bottle, making it not only affordable but also one of the best aftershaves you’ll find because it can actually offer so much more. ­­

      Check out other unbiased reviews here on Amazon for this brand.

      Pros

      Skin-nourishing properties
      Leaves skin moisturized but not greasy
      Only require a small amount

      Cons

      Small bottle for the price

      10. Nivea Men Q10 Energy Double Action Balm

      Nivea Men Q10 Energy Double Action Balm

      Specs

      Type: Balm
      Scent: Fresh
      Alcohol: Yes
      Paraben-Free: No
      Ingredient Highlights: Coenzyme Q10, Caffeine
      Good For: Normal or Oily Skin
      Price: $
      Five Word Summary: Not brilliant, but not bad

      Overview

      When deciding which products would make our list of the best aftershaves, we almost left Nivea out of the list, as in truth, there are probably hundreds of better products out there.

      However, there’s a considerable number of men who swear by Nivea Men aftershave balms, and at just a few bucks per bottle, you really can’t beat it for the price.

      Skin Types

      This is a mainstream aftershave, certainly not an artisan or cleverly crafted.

      It’s for that reason you shouldn’t go near it if you have sensitive or dry skin, as it contains too many ingredients which won’t do you any favors (parabens and synthesized chemicals).

      To call it the ‘McDonalds’ of aftershaves would be unfair, but as it is inexpensive and used by so many men, you can’t ignore that it clearly does what is asked of it for normal skin.

      Fragrance

      Some describe the scent as a classic aftershave fragrance.

      Others believe it to smell cheap and not too dissimilar to some bathroom cleaning products!

      Either way, it isn’t a fragrance that lingers.

      So after the initial impact of the aftershave, you will be free to apply your more tried and trusted cologne.

      Conclusion

      All in all, Nivea Q10 Energy should leave your skin feeling healthy and refreshed — just don’t expect it to work as well or smell as nice as the more expensive products.

      Still, if you’re looking for a cheap aftershave balm that gets the job done, you could probably do a hell of a lot worse.

      Check out the many customer reviews here on Amazon for this brand.

      Pros

      Fights the signs of aging
      caffeine gives your skin a lively glow
      Leaves skin feeling smooth

      Cons

      Contains questionable chemicals

      Apart from the above aftershaves that made our list of the best aftershaves, there are a few more worthy of note:

      • Solo Noir Brave Aftershave Toner
      • Jack black post-shave cooling gel
      • Dior Sauvage After Shave Balm
      • Santa Maria Novella Vetiver Aftershave
      • Terre d’Hermès After-Shave Balm

      These may not have made our top-10 list of the best aftershaves for one or more reasons, but they’re also great after-shaves in their own rights, and you should probably check them out too.

      Video Review of the Best Aftershaves of 2024

      7 Best Aftershaves for Men in 2019 (For Every Skin Type and Preferred Scent)

      What to Look for in the Best Aftershaves (According to Your Skin Type)

      Aftershave Selection based on Skin Type

      Dry Skin


      Going to be characterized by rough, sometimes flaky, skin.

      It can be prone to peeling and may feel and look a little dull.

      1. Contains Moisturizing Agents

      Obviously, you’re going to need a moisturizing aftershave for your shaving routine, full of natural oils to try and restore hydration into the skin cells.

      This doesn’t mean that you should use a moisturizer in place of an aftershave.

      When comparing aftershave vs. moisturizer, moisturizers will boost dry skin whereas the best aftershaves soothes irritation after your shave.

      2. Avoid Alcohol

      But also, avoiding anything with alcohol is key.

      Why is alcohol a problem for dry skin? 

      Well, it’s a diuretic.

      Which means it makes the body expel more water than it takes in.

      Just think back to the last time you had a few beers and you couldn’t wait for the cab ride home to be over so that you can run indoors and have a pee.

      And what happens the next day?

      Your pee is a deep, golden brown color because you’re so dehydrated and your head is pounding from the lack of fluid in your body.

      So if you know you have dry skin, keep an eye on the alcohol content of your best aftershaves.

      Ideally, you’ll be using one which is entirely free of it for your skincare routine as well as your shaving one!

      We have included whether a product contains alcohol in our reviews so you can quickly identify the best choice for you.

      3. Be Wary of Astringents

      You also need to be aware of astringents.

      These contain skin healing properties and will help repair the skin cells (it’s derived from the Latin word adstringere, which means “bind together”).

      They appear naturally and are utilized in many best aftershaves to heal cuts and nicks.

      Sound good eh?

      Well, generally, they are.

      But they can cause inflammation too.

      So while they may help repair cuts, razor burn, or razor bumps, they will irritate the skin or cause ingrown hairs, and that benefit is negated.

      If you have ingrown hairs, be sure to get the best aftershave for ingrown hairs.

      Oily Skin


      You’ll know if you have oily skin, as you’ll be able to see the sheen shortly after washing and you may also be able to feel it, too.

      You’ll likely have visible pores and be prone to blackheads.

      Oily skin isn’t an affliction!

      It just needs a slightly different care routine.

      1. Alcohol Based Aftershave

      In contrast to dry skin, you should favor alcohol in your shaving routine.

      This will dry out the oils and take away some of that glossy finish after you’ve freshly shaved.

      A toning splash or tonic with alcohol should be your go-to choice.

      2. Moisturizing Properties

      It’s essential you also use the best aftershaves that contain moisturizers.

      This may seem counterproductive, but if you have effectively stripped layers of moisture with alcohols (to eliminate oils), you will need to rehydrate.

      Glycerine is an ingredient you should pay particular attention to.

      It derives from plant oils and repairs and replenishes dehydrated skin cells.

      Also, patchouli essential oil helps repair dry, cracked, and acne-prone skin.

      Sensitive Skin


      If your skin is often itchy, particularly after washing, it is more than likely sensitive and needs a little more delicate care to prevent skin irritation.

      Oils like neroli and bergamot help reduce pain and inflammation.

      Other indicators will be bumps and rashes from razor burn, and a stinging sensation when you apply products that aren’t suitable.

       1. Limited Alcohol

      You’re going to want to use a mild aftershave, with limited alcohol content, as that will be an irritant.

      2. Avoid Parabens

      Parabens are also something to avoid.

      These are synthesized preservatives used in lots of cosmetics, designed to prevent the development of bacteria.

      The problem is they kill ALL bacteria, even the ones that are good for you.

      They are also very aggressive, which for your sensitive skin is bad news.

      If an aftershave is paraben-free, they are likely to boast about it, so keep an eye out for those all-important two words.

      Alternatively, you can check the ingredients and preferably go for products that have all-natural ingredients.

      Anything that ends in ‘paraben’ is, well, a paraben.

      For example, Butylparaben.

      But they also can be listed under the name Alkyl parahydroxybenzoates.

      We have labeled each of the best aftershaves on our list, whether they are paraben-free, so you can easily identify which ones you should consider in your shaving routine.

      3. Consider Unscented

      Additionally, you might want to be looking at using an unscented aftershave. 

      This is because most of what is used to produce fragrances in the best aftershaves are most likely irritants.


      The 3 Types of Aftershave (Splash vs. Lotion vs. Balm)

      What is an aftershave? What is aftershave for? Is aftershave necessary?

      Well, if you’re wondering how to use aftershave or how to apply aftershave, it is literally what you apply to your face ‘after you shave’.

      Traditionally, that meant something alcohol-based that stung like mad, especially on a razor burn, and that pain made you feel like it must be working and closing everything up.

      In fact, the original aftershaves were rum-based, which is why many of the brands that play on the ‘classic barber’ theme often include notes of rum.

      You no longer need to seek that burn, though, given the vast array of selections available.

      Here are the three categories of the best aftershaves…

      1. Splash Aftershave


      Aftershave Splash

      Splash is liquid-based – with alcohol as the primary ingredient.

      Hence the brand name!

      Think Macauley Culkin in Home Alone.

      Shaves (despite being 10) and splashes on the liquid-based aftershave.

      In the movie, he screams, which seems a bit over the top.

      But to be fair to him, he did have two felons attempting to burgle his home and kill him.

      He was probably a bit tense.

      2. Aftershave Lotion


      Lotion Aftershave

      Why use aftershave lotion?

      Generally a bit more viscous than the more familiar splash.

      They contain less alcohol and may offer more moisturizing properties than their liquid counterparts.

      It’s fair to say that aftershave lotions haven’t yet taken off in a big way.

      But we love them, and many of the big brands are realizing their potential.

      So, can you use lotion as aftershave?

      Yes, you can also use your regular lotion as an aftershave to help reduce razor burns.

      However, they might not be as effective as the best aftershave lotions.

      3. Aftershave Balm


      Aftershave Balm

      If you like the sting of a splash, you won’t get that rush here!

      Balms are calming and soothing and are generally alcohol-free.

      The focus is on restoring moisture and replenishing that all-important acid mantle.

      Because of their texture and consistency, those with oily skin might want to avoid them.

      Having said that, the best balms will dry quickly and aren’t designed to leave a sheen or gloss.


      Important Related Articles

      Be sure to check out these vetted lists of the best products to keep your skin looking and feeling its best, along with detailed guides on selecting the best one for your specific needs.

      10 thoughts on “10 Best Aftershaves For Men Reviewed in 2024 (for Every Skin Type & Scent)”

          1. As was I. But I went with the Barbary Coast bay rum aftershave and it has been amazing to use!

            Your website was invaluable for me when selecting the products that have gotten me started with wet shaving.

            1. So happy to hear that our site has been so helpful. We work very hard on researching and testing these products and it is really great to know it is appreciated.

              1. ordered couple of products (TofBst. soaps and clubmen aftershave) after reading your reviews. was not disappointed, have to say, you guys got all the things right.

                I really love your site and definitely look forward for more quality reviews!

              2. Thanks so much for the shout out! I’m glad we were able to help you pick the right products. We do a lot of research and testing to make sure we make the right recommendations. It’s good to hear its paying off!

        1. Rick Grossheider

          Sort of sad you did not include Sampson’s All Natural After Shave Balm. After using Sampson’s, Pinaud and others were removed from my shelf and not touched my face again. Perhaps you omitted Sampson’s because they are not sold on Amazon. I won’t use any other, don’t need to. Sampson’s does not have a strong scent, which many guys likely prefer. But to me, getting my face back in shape and feeling great quickly is of primary importance.

      1. Ben, you just got me into wet shaving!!! Thanks very much! Your posts are extremely good and helpful. I´ve spent a couple of hours enjoying their reading. I have very sensitive skin, and since I´m new to safety razors, I´ll go with the Edwin Jagger DE89 with the Wilkinson blades (should I go to a more sharp blades like Feather?), and either the Pacific or Taylor for sensitive skin shaving cream. Finally, could you please recommend me a sensitive skin lotion for the after shave? Best, Manuel

        1. Hi Manuel,

          So sorry for the delayed response. Been a little busy on my side. Good choice on the DE89.

          Try out the Wilkinson blades first and see how you like them. If you aren’t getting the closest shave or have to make a lot of passes to get that smooth shave then maybe you want to consider trying the Feather blades. Here is a cool little sample pack they sell on Amazon with 6 different kinds of blades including Feather so you can try them all out and see what works best.

          Both are great choices in terms of the shaving cream, but personally I am currently using TOBS for sensitive skin and loving it! I have struggled with sensitive skin and acne my whole life and this has been providing me with a great shave without any irritation of breakouts. With 4.6 stars, it seems I’m not alone on this one 😉

          I currently don’t use an aftershave splash. Instead I use an aftershave balm. Check out this article on the best aftershave balms. I am currently using the Proraso Aftershave Balm which I am really enjoying.

          Let me know what you end up going with!

          Cheers,
          Ben

      2. If you have oily skin the only answer is the Jack Black “All Day Oil-Control Lotion”.I use an astringent with salicylic acid first then the Jack Black I have sensitive & oily skin and these are the only products “I have found” on the market. It would be nice if other manufacturers would bring some answers to the market.

      3. I miss the excellent Swiss and German aftershaves in your list. Especially the Swiss Pitralon belongs in any top ten list!

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