A caveat: This formula has a pinch of artificial fragrance, so if that puts you off, take note. However, that same scent gives my mind so much peace. For some reason, it feels like a mother’s embrace, which makes this product doubly soothing.
Best Aftershave for Bumps and Ingrown Hair Prevention: Bevel Bump Control
Bump Control
Why it’s great: This product is as much a regular exfoliant and toner as a post-shave, which helps ensure that your hair follicles are always unencumbered. For bump-prone skin, I suggest using it as your go-to exfoliant a few times a week to prevent pore clogging and ensure oil balancing.
Its potent combination of astringent witch hazel and exfoliating glycolic acid helps you from buying a standalone post-shave product (ahem: budget-minded guys or minimalists). It’s also among the easiest to layer beneath your moisturiser, not to mention one of the best bargains on this list.
I do think it could smell a little cuter. Not that it stinks, but it’s not exactly menthol or lavender. Still, it’s great that this one lacks any artificial fragrance.
Best Aftershave for Razor Burn Prevention: Bevel Post-Shave Balm
Post-Shave Balm
Why it’s great: Bevel might possibly have the best range of beard and shave products in the whole industry, which explains why they’ve got two on my list here.
This post-shave cream has all the heavy-hitting ingredients that are sure to thwart any potential redness and bumps from forming—and reduce existing inflammation, too. I’d soon use this as an everyday moisturiser, too, especially in winter (as it does wear a bit heavier than others on this list).
Best Aftershave That's Also a Great Moisturizer: Aesop Neroli Post-Shave Lotion
Moroccan Neroli Post-Shave Lotion
Why it’s great: Aesop's full range of shaving products is great, but it wouldn't be complete without the excellent Neroli Post-Shave lotion. It's lightweight, great for those with oily skin, but it's still hydrating enough for those with dry skin thanks to the addition of several nourishing oils. We especially love the woodsy smell, and even if you haven't shaved today, the lotion makes a great daily moisturiser that absorbs super quickly into the skin.
Best Aftershave for Everywhere: Anthony After Shave Balm
After Shave Balm
Why it’s great: Heads, shoulders, knees, and toes—wherever you just shaved would be a great place to apply some of Anthony's After Shave Balm. This use-everywhere lotion has vitamins A, C, and E, which work in tandem to hydrate and restore the skin's natural barrier after you just dragged a sharp-ass razor over it. This aftershave is especially hydrating, so it's great for those with dry skin or to use during the winter when the face (or other freshly shaved areas) take a beating from the brutal cold.
Best Aftershave Splash: Supply Healing Post-Shave
Healing Post Shave
Why it’s great: This is like breaking open a fresh aloe pod and rubbing the gel right on your skin—plus, it’s got the toning and purifying powers of witch hazel to top things off. You can even use it as a quick cleansing and healing agent for shave cuts.
Personally, I’m a fan of this head-clearing white birch and sage scent (it smells like fresh laundry), but the brand offers a fragrance-free option, too, if you want to spray on something totally neutral. (I’d even use that one as a recovery for minor burns or sun-scorched skin, too.)
Best Aftershave Lotion: Marlowe Post Shave Lotion
Post Shave Lotion
Why it’s great: A go-to for my bald-headed brother, who likes to lather his dome with Marlowe after a full head shave. He’ll even use it as a routine lightweight, breathable moisturiser in the days after a shave. Given the large amount of real estate up top, he can’t be too careful in terms of keeping things balanced 24/7, especially in the day post-shave. Marlowe remains his ol’ reliable and has long topped this aftershave list in the same “best post-shave lotion” category.
Best Aftershave Cream: SheaMoisture Post Shave Restoring Cream
Post Shave Restoring Cream
Why it’s great: SheaMoisture’s formula is for all hair types and will be especially remedial for ingrown-prone curly-haired guys. The aforementioned trio of hero ingredients works overtime to keep skin calm, cool, and collected—ensuring it stays nourished and bump-free with each shave. This one doubles as a daily redness- and acne-mitigating booster, applied ahead of a go-to night moisturizer. I like it as a same-day soothing agent in the hours leading up to a shave; it will soften hair, cushion skin, and reduce the risk of bumps and redness after the fact.
How to Pick the Best Aftershave for You
For insight on choosing the best aftershave and active ingredients, we spoke with Alex Hughes and Alyssa Bachowski, who are both senior barbers at Fellow Barber in NYC.
Balms, Lotions, Splashes… Which Aftershave Is Best for You?
It’s too easy to confuse the different types of post-shave products out there and to determine which of them—balm, lotion, cream, splash—is best for your skin type. Truth be told, it’s often dependent on the formula itself since not all products labeled “balm” are going to be dense and heavy (as you might otherwise expect).
Hopefully, you have a facial moisturiser that satisfies those defensive needs; you need an aftershave to prevent irritation, bumps, in-growns, and the like. Your skin might be sensitive for a few days after shaving (especially if you shave infrequently), so it’s most important to prioritize the particular ingredients.
