The Baxter of California After Shave Balm is our best aftershave balm because it is free from alcohol and it helps to condition skin after shaving. It cools and calms the skin with this aftershave lotion. This aftershave balm helps to nourish and hydrate and gives off a freshly shaved skin. It also protects against all kinds of irritation and has been made with aloe vera, glycerin and allatonin to help calm a post-shave skin.
Top Pick: Baxter of California After Shave Balm
Our step-up pick is the Gentlemens Refinery ‘Unscented’ After Shave Balm and it contains 100 ml and has been made from organic and all-natural materials. It does not have a greasy formula and absorbs quickly and is made by experts to normalize and sooth the skin and heal it from shaving irritation. Overall, it is great for sensitive skin and does not have any fragrance.
The budget pick is the Nivea for Men After Shave Balm and it contains 3.3 oz and is free from alcohol. It is great for use on sensitive skin and contains chamomile extract to help calm down and soothe the skin right after shaving. It can also cure razor burn to improve the skin condition.
A Little Background
Shaving is a necessary grooming practice for most men. Since the beginning of the modernization of humanity, mankind has always depended on better grooming practices when it comes to their daily work. Gone are the days where people are okay with men growing beards. Today, most people think that growing beards may be unnecessary and of high maintenance and at times, can be a bit distracting, unless you really want to keep it as a signature look. For those who want to maintain a youthful appearance, they usually shave and spend a lot of time in the bathroom with a razor and shaving cream.
Not everyone has the same type of skin. For instance, people can have either oily or dry skin or even ones in between. Depending on your skin type, you may be okay for most types of products but at times, sensitive skin can have more problems in the long run. Not only are they often dry in appearance, but they can also be too troublesome when it comes to grooming and maintenance.
Everyone lives in a different climate and weather condition, so skin dryness and oiliness may change. For instance, people who often live in the snow cold and dry countries in the north often experience dry skin which can be bad when it comes to shaving. A lot of people with dry skin cannot use alcohol based products as it can be bad for their skin. On the other hand, some people who live in humid areas are better when it comes to personal grooming, as most of them will have normal to oily skin due to sweating a lot. Weather makes a difference in your skin type, especially the climate. For instance, people who live in super summer countries will often sweat and have a healthy skin type while those who live in colder regions might have a dry and sensitive skin.
Some razors might have design flaws that can cut through the skin. It is important that when you shave, you will have to pick the best razor that is okay for your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Some razors do not have safety features and can lead you into disastrous results and injuries on your skin. A lot of people value safety when it comes to shaving and you should not compromise your skin’s safety and security just because you want to save budget on a cheap razor. In this case, the quality and the safety of the razor design plays a big role when it comes to shaving. However, when the going gets tough, you can’t always choose a good razor that has all the bells and whistles.
People who always tend to panic and have no choice but get into the morning rush might run into accidents while shaving. For instance, if you are a busybody who often goes to work and have very little time in the bathroom and for personal hygiene, then you might tend to just rush shaving and as a result, you might get small cuts and uneven shaving. In fact, if you do not have a steady hand, this could be a big problem for you. This is why more and more people want to use aftershave formulas so that their skin will still feel moisturized and cool even after the shaving process.
Aftershaves come in a variety of forms. There are lotions for use in after shaving process that are more suitable to people who have oily or normal skin as they are one of the most common ways to hydrate the skin after shaving. Some others use a fragrant cologne style aftershave splash which might contain alcohol and antiseptic, which can be bad for sensitive skin, so only some people use it. Other types of aftershaves include gels for humid climates, tonics and what not.
An aftershave balm is the most ideal thing to soothe any sensitive and dry skin. This is because they provide your dry skin with enough moisturizing power as compared to the above mentioned aftershave formulas. People with dry skin lack moisturizers and they need to be soothed and calmed with the help f a formula that does not contain alcohol or irritants that can possibly harm the skin. Make sure that you purchase and use an aftershave balm if you have a dry or sensitive skin.
How We Picked
An aftershave balm must be picked in terms of the following criteria:
Is the aftershave balm good for sensitive skin? You would want to have an aftershave balm that is very okay to use for sensitive skin and does not contain alcohol or similar irritants. Make sure that the aftershave balm you will buy is very safe to use for dry and sensitive skin so that you will not be wasting your money and damaging your skin.
Does the aftershave balm come with good packaging? The aftershave balm must come in an easy to use container so that when the going gets tough, you can easily rush in the morning or late at night and apply the aftershave balm with each after shave moment to revitalize your face.
What do the reviews and comments say about the aftershave balm? In general, there should be enough good sides to the aftershave balm and the negatives should be kept to a minimum when it comes to buying an effective aftershave balm. Take note of photos and evidences on the review site so you can make a fair judgment when it comes to choosing and purchasing the best aftershave balm.
What is the price of the aftershave balm? In general, an aftershave balm is not very expensive as it is a supplemental help to make your skin more revitalized and soothed after every shave you make. Not a lot of aftershave balms are in the market because they are specifically made for sensitive skin. What you will mostly find are aftershave lotions and splashes but they do not work for sensitive and dry skins.
What are some of the ingredients used in the aftershave balm? Most aftershave balms will have essential oils such as tea tree oil, chamomile, olive oil and many others. These ingredients help to make the aftershave balm very effective when it comes to soothing down your skin from shave burns and razor damage. The aftershave balm ingredients should be all natural and have very little chemical content in general.
Our Pick
Top Pick: Baxter of California After Shave Balm
The Baxter of California After Shave Balm is our best aftershave balm and in terms of it ingredients – the aftershave balm is made with aloe vera, glycerin and allatonin to help calm a post-shave skin. It is safe to use on sensitive skin because it is free from alcohol.
On its effectiveness, it gives off a freshly shaved skin and generally it will allow a better and more revitalized skin as it cools and calms the skin with this aftershave lotion. It also helps to condition skin after shaving so it is recommended that you use it every after shaving.
In addition to its other great features, the Baxter Shave Balm is an aftershave balm helps to nourish and hydrate. Likewise, this formula allows you better effect when it comes to revitalizing the skin as it protects against all kinds of irritation.
The Baxter of California is truly a great solution for preventing razor burn and shaving irritation. As for the contents of the aftershave formula, it contains 4 fluid ounces of aftershave balm so you can use it on the go.
In terms of its content, the Baxter of California Balm has a soothing formula for the best post-shave experience. In addition to its soothing formula, it also gives hydration and soothing to the skin to protect it from irritation due to daily shaving.
As for its ingredients, the said aftershave balm contains tea tree leaf oil, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, glycerin, allatonin and other organic silicones to soothe skin after shaving. In addition to its ingredients, it also has a cooling menthol.
When it comes to the texture of this aforementioned aftershave balm, it does not have a greasy feel but keeps you hydrated so it is very safe to use and very convenient as an aftershave balm.
Overall, the after shave balm is greatly recommended for those who shave on a daily basis. In fact, most outbreaks from razor bumps can be prevented using this aftershave balm. All in all, the After Shave Balm Baxter of California is ideal for those with super sensitive skin.
Flaws but Not Dealbrakers
The only complaint about the Baxter of California After Shave Balm is the cap design that can be hard to close and open at times and is not a major con.
Step-up Pick
Gentlemens Refinery ‘Unscented’ After Shave Balm
When it comes to our step-up pick, the Gentlemens Refinery ‘Unscented’ After Shave Balm is our choice as it is a great balm for sensitive skin and does not have any fragrance. In terms of its ingredients, it has been thoroughly made from organic and all-natural materials. When it comes to contents, the one pack of the said aftershave balm contains 100 ml.
How trusted is it? Well, it is made by experts to normalize and sooth the skin and heals it from shaving irritation and this has been thoroughly tested and approved by dermatologists worldwide. When it comes to the texture and the feel of the said aftershave balm, it generally does not have a greasy formula and absorbs quickly, which most people like when it comes to choosing the best aftershave balm in general, since they do not want a very messy after shave balm to use.
The Gentlemens Refinery Balm moisturizes and heals skin after shaving. In addition to all of those neat features, this balm is also free from alcohol so it is okay to use for people with very sensitive skin. Furthermore, the Refinery ‘Unscented’ Balm has an unscented formula because some people just do not want a scented balm as their preference.
As for the ingredients used into making this Gentlemens Shave Balm contains jojoba oil, shea butter, glycerin, stearic acid, acacia gum, xantham gum, olive oil unsaponifiables, distilled water, allatonin and arginine.
All in all, the ‘Unscented’ After Shave Balm made by Gentlemens Refiner can eagerly help seal and restore the skin, so it is our recommended step-up pick for those with bigger budgets.
Budget Pick
Nivea for Men After Shave Balm
As for the budget pick, we chose the Nivea for Men After Shave Balm which contains chamomile extract to help calm down and soothe the skin right after shaving. In addition to its contents, it is also safe to use for sensitive skin as it is completely free from alcohol.
One pack of this aftershave balm contains 3.3 oz and in terms of its usefulness it can also cure razor burn to improve the skin condition. The Nivea Shave Balm works great for use on sensitive skin. This aftershave balm greatly improves the defense of the skin so you can use it on a daily basis if you have a sensitive skin.
Looking closer, the formulas of the Nivea balm is made from soft balm that is easy to absorb. It is able to soothe your skin from harmful irritations so it is greatly recommended for people with sensitive skin types.
All in all, the Nivea After Shave Balm keep your skin moisturized and in terms of its contents it is enriched by vitamins and moisturizer. You should not worry because this is a trusted brand and it has been thoroughly tested by dermatologists worldwide. The product is made in Germany.
Aftershave Balm with Included Mud Mask
Health and Beauty After-Shave Balm
When it comes to products such as an aftershave balm, you would want something that has a unique feature and one such is the Health and Beauty After-Shave Balm which is ideal for sensitive skin and acne skin.
This item product kit comes as an aftershave balm with accompanying purifying mud mask and it is also an original product that is made in Israel. When it comes to its overall effects when it comes to curing the skin, it greatly reduces shaving irrigation and treats any accumulated damage to the skin such as from stress, smoking and alcohol.
The included item which is the super convenient and ideal purifying mud mask can help soothe and relax skin and remove makeup residue and absorb oil as well as hydrate the skin while cleaning it up. As for its ingredients, this Health and Beauty Balm comes with a UV filter and made with Dead Sea minerals so it is very healthy and authentic and good for those who are looking for a better formula when it comes to choosing the after shave balm that is perfect for any type of skin.
Furthermore, the Health After-Shave Balm includes vitamin A and E vitamins for a healthier skin. In addition to that, the balm is made from legitimate and authentic natural sea mud which has been enriched with olive oil, jojoba oil and Aloe Vera. All in all, the After-Shave Balm by Health and Beauty is a very considerate product when it comes to a unique product for an after shave balm to protect your skin from harm and irritation.
Best Olive Oil Aftershave Balm
Aphrodite After Shave Balm 100g
The Aphrodite After Shave Balm 100g contains 100 grams. As for its effectiveness, this after shave balm leaves a firmer coat for your skin to make it more relieved from irritation as a whole.
When it comes to the contents of the after shave balm, it gives off a hydrating formula and feel to the skin. As for its good effects, the said after shave balm helps and soothes your skin from after shave burns. Furthermore, when it comes to the ingredients, the Aphrodite 100g contains provitamin B5, vitamins E and F as well as organic olive oil.
In terms of safety, it is okay to use for sensitive skin as it is completely free from paraben. As an effect, it greatly cures damaged skin with ingredients such as lemon balm, centella, magnolia and chamomile for its ingredients. Another important thing about this great aftershave balm is that it has anti-inflammatory and soothing feel to restore your skin from shaving dangers.
Ideal Aftershave Balm for Sensitive Skin
Gillette Series Aftershave Balm Sensitive Skin
If you have a sensitive skin, you may want the Gillette Series Aftershave Balm Sensitive Skin which contains 75 ml so you can get more balm in one go.
Do know that this is a scented aftershave balm for those who want a little bit if flavor and cologne touch without the alcohol because of its sensitive skin compatibility. It is also part of the cool wave series and as said earlier, the Gillette Series great for sensitive skin. It is important to know that the mentioned fragrance is only light which is perfect for those with sensitive skin. As a whole, the Gillette Aftershave Balm for Sensitive Skin soothes any newly-shaved skin and moisturizes as well.
Best Glass Bottle Aftershave Balm
Proraso New Aftershave Balm Protective 100ml
You can buy the Proraso New Aftershave Balm Protective 100ml if you want something that uses a glass bottle for its contents for those who like it the old-fashioned way. Contrary to what it looks like, it is free from alcohol so it is very safe to use for sensitive skin.
As for its contents, the said aftershave balm contains 100 ml per bottle. As for its usefulness, it is greatly ideal for soothing and revitalizing the skin after shaving.
Contrary to what it looks like, the Proraso Balm Protective does not have any artificial coloring and it also contains Aloe Vera and vitamin E for its content and ingredients. Overall, this aftershave balm is super ideal for many skin types. For safety, it does not have silicones and parabens and the said formula is non-greasy and not creamy so you do not get a sticky feel, which most men like.
Aftershave Balm made with Essential Oils
Bulldog Original After Shave Balm 75ml
The Bulldog Original After Shave Balm 75ml is an ideal aftershave balm if you are looking for content with essential oils. One pack of this contains 75 ml and as for its safety it is free from artificial coloring, synthetic fragrance, parabens and sodium laureth sulfate.
The Bulldog After Shave Balm helps in soothing the skin, reducing redness and revitalize the skin overall after shaving. As for its contents, the said balm has been tried, tested and made with 8 essential oils as well as Aloe Vera, green tea extract, cucumber and chamomile. It is made in the UK as a high quality product.
It is also certified cruelty-free and is approved by the Vegetarian Society. In terms of its ingredients, it also contains glycerin, Rosa eglentaria seed oil, citrus lemon peel oil, Artemisia vulgaris oil, Pelargonium graveolens oil, lime oil, Bergamot peel oil, Treemoss extract, citronellol, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, linalool, limonene, Juniperus virginiana oil, Pogostemon cablin leaf oil and many other essential oils.
Best Aloe Vera Aftershave Balm
Bluebeards Revenge Post Shave Balm 100ml
The Bluebeards Revenge Post Shave Balm 100 ml is for those who want an aftershave balm that is like an aftershave scented splash, it comes with a scent. It has been made with witch hazel and Aloe Vera which makes your skin nourished after shaving.
One pack of this contains 100 ml and it leaves your skin smooth and fresh. In addition to its quality, it has also been rewarded in the FHM Grooming Awards 2014 so it is a tried and tested product.
In addition to being an aftershave balm, it also helps to reduce beard growth. For the ingredients of the Bluebeards Revenge Balm includes allatonin, glycerin, Aloe Vera leaf extract, linalool, limonene, hamamelis virginania, psedoalteromonas ferment extract and many others.
Best Cooling Formula Aftershave Balm
Nivea Men Sensitive Cooling Aftershave Balm
The Nivea Men Sensitive Cooling Aftershave Balm is a tried and tested after shave balm that has a cooling formula. It is available in pack of 3 or pack of 1. When it comes to its contents and safety for those with sensitive skin, this Nivea Sensitive Cooling Balm does not contain any alcohol and has a no-burning formula.
One pack of this balm contains 100 ml and this is made with a cooling formula to soothe irritation and gives a cooling sensation to the skin which refreshes your after-shave experience. As an aftershave balm, it is compatible even with sensitive skin. In addition to that, this formula has been dermatological tested and approved.
The Nivea Men Sensitive Balm is a great aftershave balm which contains soja oil, glycine, tapioca starch, linaool, limonene, Chamomilla, glycerin and many other extracts for its ingredients.
The Competition
Other after shave balms that did not make it to our list aren’t worth mentioning with the negative comments they received. In fact, there are not too much aftershave balms in the market because they are only made for sensitive skin. You will mostly find aftershave splashes and after shave lotions out there but aftershave balms are very rare to find.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the advantages to using an aftershave balm?
A: According to Ask Men , an aftershave balm can help to reduce the irritation to skin. In addition to that, an aftershave balm helps soothe the skin and it can also cure razor bumps and other skin damage. Furthermore, a balm used after shaving can help to prevent skin aging by giving remedy to skin irritation. Moreover, the balm also gives a protective layer against ingrown hairs, razor bumps and razor burns.
Q: What are the different types of aftershave formulas out there?
A: According to Men’s Journal , when it comes to skin care and after shaving formula – there are many lotions which are good for oily and normal skin and in addition to that, tonics are ideal for those who often experience shaving cuts and are made with witch hazel and antiseptics.
However, most people agree that after shave balms are ideal for people with dry and sensitive skin because they lubricate and replenish the skin. However, in terms of other climates, after shave gels are also good for cooling burning caused by shaving and ideal for humid climates.
Q: How do you choose an effective aftershave?
A: According to Reward Me , you should pick based on your skin type. However, as a warning, do not pick alcohol-based formulas for dry skin. You should make sure that the formula is non-greasy but can still moisturize and calm the skin. Do know that aftershave splashes can be used other than aftershave balms, if you want to have a cologne scent, but this is not recommended for dry skin as it contains alcohol and similar irritants.
Wrapping It Up
All in all, the Baxter of California After Shave Balm is our best aftershave balm because of its effectiveness in moisturizing the skin and being friendly towards dry and sensitive skin.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.