After Shave Care for Men

There are four main types of aftershave; tonics, balms, gels, and lotions. Each formula has a different texture and ingredient list to suit different skin concerns and types.  

• Tonics: Use an aftershave tonic to tone and balance skin after shaving.

• Balms: Ideal for dry, sensitive skin, balms are typically creamier and more nourishing to help comfort skin after shaving. 

• Gels: Lightweight and cooling, aftershave gels provide a fresh texture that helps reduce feelings of heat or tightness. 

• Lotions: A blend between a tonic and a balm, aftershave lotions hydrate and soothe skin with intense moisture while still feeling relatively light. 

Alcohol in aftershave can give skin a temporary tightening feel, help cleanse minor shaving nicks and remove excess surface oil. This can leave skin feeling fresh, clean and less greasy after shaving.  

The stinging sensation often comes from alcohol contacting freshly shaved skin and stimulating nerve endings. A brief sting is common, but prolonged burning, redness or discomfort may mean the formula is too harsh for your skin. In that case, choose an alcohol-free aftershave or post-shave balm to help calm and comfort skin.

A men’s aftershave balm or lotion should help calm, hydrate and protect freshly shaved skin.  

Look for soothing ingredients such as panthenol, allantoin, aloe vera or Life Plankton to help reduce the feeling of tightness and discomfort post-shave. Hydrating glycerin and hyaluronic acid help replenish moisture, while ceramides and niacinamides help support the skin barrier and leave skin feeling more balanced.

Whether men need both an aftershave and a face moisturizer depends on the type of aftershave used and how skin feels after shaving.  

A hydrating aftershave balm or lotion may be enough if it contains moisturizing and soothing ingredients designed to calm tightness, dryness and razor discomfort. However, if skin still feels dry or tight, follow with a face moisturizer to support longer-lasting hydration and barrier comfort.  

If using an alcohol-based aftershave, a moisturizer is recommended afterward as alcohol can leave skin feeling dry or tight.  

Razor bumps and ingrown hair can be caused by clogged pores, dead skin buildup, shaving too closely, dull or dirty blades and hair that curls back into the skin.  

Aftershave cannot fully prevent ingrown hairs, but the right formula can help support post-shave care by helping to calm irritation, reduce the feeling of tightness and keep freshly shaved skin feeling resilient and awake. 

To help reduce razor bumps and ingrown hairs, cleanse before shaving, exfoliate a few times a week, use a sharp blade and moisturize after shaving.