The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Aftershaves for Every Skin Type

When it comes to grooming, an often-overlooked yet crucial part of the process is applying aftershave. For many men, aftershave is just another step in their routine. However, aftershaves serve an essential role, offering many benefits for your skin, especially after the stress of shaving. Choosing the best aftershaves can soothe irritation, prevent ingrown hairs, hydrate the skin, and leave you with a fresh, pleasant scent.

This guide will cover the best aftershaves for different skin types. Whether you have sensitive, dry, or oily skin or are looking for ingredients like aloe vera, witch hazel, or jojoba oil, this guide will help you choose the best aftershave for your needs.

• Why Use Aftershave?
• Best Aftershaves Depending on Your Skin Type
• Long Rifle Hivernant Aftershave
• Naked Armor Solomon Aftershave Bracing and Cooling Toner
• Dovo Citrus Lion Aftershave
• LEA Aftershave Bálsamo Balm
• Edwin Jagger Sandalwood Aftershave Lotion
• D.R. Harris Bay Rum Aftershave
• Barrister and Mann Lavender Aftershave Balm
• Key Ingredients to Look for in Aftershaves
• How to Choose the Right Aftershave for Your Skin Type
• Conclusion: The Key to a Soothing Shave

Why Use Aftershave?

Aftershaves are designed to soothe, disinfect, and hydrate freshly shaved skin. When you shave, the razor scrapes off the top layer of skin along with your facial hair, leaving your skin vulnerable to razor burns, razor bumps, and infection. Aftershave products act as a natural antiseptic and can help calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and protect your skin from environmental damage.

Whether you prefer an aftershave lotion, aftershave balm, or an aftershave splash, each type offers unique benefits depending on your skin type.

Best Aftershaves Depending on Your Skin Type

Now, let's dive into some of the top aftershaves available, highlighting those from Naked Armor that stand out for their quality ingredients and effective results.

1. Long Rifle Hivernant Aftershave

This refreshing aftershave offers a powerful combination of witch hazel and chamomile extract to help reduce inflammation and soothe freshly shaved skin. The witch hazel is a natural astringent that tightens the skin and closes pores, while the chamomile extract provides calming effects for irritated skin. This product is ideal for men who frequently experience razor burns or ingrown hairs after shaving.

Skin Type: Perfect for sensitive skin

2. Naked Armor Solomon Aftershave Bracing and Cooling Toner

A unique blend of cooling and hydrating ingredients, the Naked Armor Solomon Aftershave Bracing and Cooling Toner features tea tree oil and aloe vera for their natural antiseptic properties and moisturizing abilities. This aftershave toner provides a cool and refreshing sensation, perfect for post-shave care, especially if you have oily skin or are prone to razor burn.

Skin Type: Perfect for oily skin

3. Dovo Citrus Lion Aftershave

The Dovo Citrus Lion Aftershave combines a refreshing, vibrant citrus scent with skin-soothing ingredients like Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice to provide a smooth, hydrating post-shave experience. Its lightweight formula helps rejuvenate and moisturize the skin, leaving it feeling soft and refreshed. Ideal for men who enjoy a clean, invigorating fragrance, it also helps calm irritated skin after shaving.

Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types

4. LEA Aftershave Bálsamo Balm

LEA Aftershave Bálsamo Balm is specially crafted to provide intense hydration and soothing relief to freshly shaven skin. Enriched with vitamin E and aloe vera, it helps calm irritation, heal razor burns, and restore moisture to the skin. This lightweight balm absorbs quickly, leaving the skin soft, smooth, and revitalized without any greasy residue.

Skin Type: Perfect for sensitive skin

5. Edwin Jagger Sandalwood Aftershave Lotion

Edwin Jagger's Sandalwood Aftershave Lotion offers a rich and luxurious post-shave experience. Infused with sandalwood's warm and earthy fragrance, this lotion provides hydration and soothing relief for freshly shaven skin. Its lightweight formula helps prevent razor burns and leaves the skin feeling soft, refreshed, and lightly scented with the timeless aroma of sandalwood.

Skin Type: Perfect for normal skin

6. D.R. Harris Bay Rum Aftershave

D.R. Harris Bay Rum Aftershave is a traditional and invigorating post-shave splash with a distinctive bay rum fragrance. This aftershave is infused with aromatic spices, giving notes of Sicilian Lemon Oil, Bergamot, Neroli, and Organic Sweet Orange Oil. It delivers a refreshing and warming sensation, perfect for revitalizing freshly shaven skin. It helps tone the skin, reduce irritation, and leave behind a classic, masculine scent.

Skin Type: Perfect for sensitive skin

7. Barrister and Mann Lavender Aftershave Balm

Barrister and Mann's Lavender Aftershave Balm is formulated to soothe and hydrate freshly shaved skin with its calming blend of lavender and skin-nourishing ingredients, such as jojoba oil. This balm offers a gentle, relaxing fragrance while providing deep moisture to prevent dryness and irritation. It's perfect for reducing post-shave irritation and promoting smooth, healthy skin.

Skin Type: Perfect for sensitive skin

Key Ingredients to Look for in Aftershaves

The right aftershave can make all the difference between a smooth, comfortable shave and one that leaves you dealing with bumps, burns, and irritation. Here are some of the best ingredients you should look for when selecting the ideal aftershave for your skin:

• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice and Aloe Vera Gel: Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, aloe¹ is ideal for calming irritated and freshly shaven skin. It’s an ingredient in many aftershaves, especially for sensitive and dry skin.
• Tea Tree Oil: A great option for men with oily skin types, tea tree oil has natural antiseptic properties that prevent infection and help with post-shave bumps and irritation.
• Witch Hazel²: This is a popular natural astringent found in aftershaves. It helps tighten pores and reduce inflammation, making it an excellent ingredient for fighting razor burns and soothing irritated and sensitive skin.
• Jojoba Oil³: A lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that mimics the skin's natural sebum. It works well for all skin types, providing hydration without clogging pores.
• Vitamin E: Known for its hydrating and moisturizing properties, vitamin E⁴ also acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from environmental damage and keeping it soft after shaving.

How to Choose the Right Aftershave for Your Skin Type

Choosing the right aftershave based on your skin type can help prevent irritation, dryness, or excess oil, leaving your skin balanced and comfortable.
Photo: ©️ Prostock-studio via canva.com

With so many options on the market, choosing an aftershave that suits your skin type⁵ is essential. Here are some guidelines:

• For Sensitive Skin: Opt for alcohol-free, soothing aftershaves with aloe vera, chamomile, and witch hazel. These ingredients help calm the skin and prevent irritation.
• For Oily Skin: Look for aftershave lotions or splashes that contain witch hazel, tea tree oil, or salicylic acid. These ingredients help control excess oil and reduce the likelihood of breakouts without being too overly astringent.
• For Dry Skin: Aftershaves containing moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, and Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice are perfect for hydrating dry skin and preventing razor burns.
• For Normal Skin: Men with normal skin can use a range of aftershaves, from aftershave splashes to balms and lotions. Choose products that provide a balance of hydration and toning.

Conclusion: The Key to a Soothing Shave

Choosing the best aftershave for your skin is essential for maintaining healthy, comfortable skin after shaving. The right product will not only prevent irritation but also offer hydration and a refreshing scent that lasts. The best aftershaves combine premium ingredients like aloe vera, witch hazel, vitamin E, and tea tree oil, delivering soothing, moisturizing, and protective benefits for all skin types.

No matter your skin type, using a high-quality aftershave will ensure you achieve the best results and keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

Essential Naked Armor Reads

Why Does Aftershave Burn? Here are 8 Reasons
How to Use Aftershave
Aftershave Vs. Cologne: Can You Use One for the Other?

References

1. Stordahl, D. (2024, September 4). Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract. Paula's Choice. https://www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary/ingredient-aloe-barbadensis-leaf-extract.html
2. Witch Hazel for the Skin. (n.d). Nivea. https://www.nivea.co.uk/advice/men/witch-hazel
3. Ingredient Spotlight: 12 Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Your Skin, Hair and Beard. (2021, August 5). Otis Skincare. https://otisskincare.com/blogs/news/jojoba-oil-men-healthier-skin-and-hair
4. 7 Amazing Benefits Of Vitamin E For Skin That Men Need To Know. (n.d). Garnier. https://www.garnier.in/men-skin-care/7-amazing-benefits-of-vitamin-e-for-skin-that-men-need-to-know
5. How To Identify Your Skin Type, According To a Dermatologist. (n.d). CeraVe. https://www.cerave.com/skin-smarts/skincare-tips-advice/what-skin-type-do-i-have