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15 Best Aftershaves for Sensitive Skin

 
15 Best Aftershaves for Sensitive Skin
15 Best Aftershaves for Sensitive Skin [ Photo ]
Published Feb. 27, 2022

Not everyone uses an aftershave, but it might be a good idea if you have irritation and sensitivity after shaving. However, many aftershaves can sting and burn sensitive skin, worsening problems you’re trying to repair. That’s why you must choose an aftershave that’s good for your sensitive skin.

Those with sensitive skin need a soothing aftershave balm, lotion, or spray that will soothe irritated skin. Ideally, you’ll choose one without added fragrance.

While aftershave usually comes with an added scent, this is less important than having a product that will treat and relieve irritated skin. In fact, perfumes in aftershave can be horrible news.

We’ll dive into some of the details about aftershave and how to choose the right one shortly. But first, let’s look at some of the best aftershaves for sensitive skin.

1. Blu Atlas Aftershave 

Named #1 by Observer, Forbes, Men’s Journal, and D Magazine - Blu Atlas Aftershave has everything you’d want in a high-quality aftershave–all-natural products, super hydrating ingredients, soothing emollients, and a fantastic price. We feel it’s easily one of the best aftershaves for sensitive skin.

It’s a creamy butter that relies on the power of shea and aloe to moisturize and soothe. Shea butter glycerides take center stage with fatty acids that keep water from escaping the skin and drying it out. It’s an occlusive that protects your freshly-shaven skin from irritants in the environment.

Aloe barbadensis leaf then swoops in to relieve any burn and help prevent ingrown hairs from forming. It moisturizes, traps hydration in the skin, and features antioxidants to prevent skin damage. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals that can boost your skin’s protective barrier for less irritation now and in the future.

Finally, rose flower water rich in vitamin C improves the health, vitality, and elasticity of freshly-shaven skin. Most importantly, it’s an anti-inflammatory that can soothe irritated skin before it can turn red or form ingrown hairs. Rose water has also been clinically proven to aid the healing of cuts, burns, and scars, so it’s an excellent ingredient to have on hand if you nick your neck while shaving.

Can you believe that this product with hundreds of 5-star reviews and all-natural ingredients is only $19? And you can subscribe for monthly shipments, so you never run out.

2. Kiehl’s Ultimate Razor Burn & Bump Relief

While Kiehl’s doesn’t offer the same all-natural relief as Blu Atlas’s aftershave, this is still a formidable product for post-shave sensitivities. It’s hypoallergenic and tested on sensitive skin, so most should be able to use it without harsh side effects.

It’s aftershave in the form of a healing balm featuring ginger root and willowherb extracts, known for cooling the skin. It also has super hydrating properties with humectants that trap moisture against the skin.

This creamy ointment tackles bumps and lumps caused by ingrown hairs. It can also relieve redness and cool the burn that can otherwise irritate your skin.

You don’t get the same value as you would with our first choice, but if you’re a Kiehl’s fan, it’s a product worth trying.

3. Weleda Men’s Aftershave Balm

Weleda’s all-natural skincare line features this cooling aftershave balm for men (although women could use it too for sensitive, razor burned areas). It goes on smooth and cool without a sticky or greasy residue that some aftershave lotions feature. So if you have oily skin prone to breakouts, you can use it without fear.

We like Weleda’s focus on using nature to heal the skin. The key ingredient in this product is biodynamic aloe loaded with minerals, vitamins, and enzymes to trap moisture in your skin, boost your skin’s protective barrier, and prevent further irritation.

Jojoba seed oil is another essential shave-soothing product on here. It absorbs into your skin rather than sitting on top, so you can use it without oiliness.

Finally, a touch of myrrh offers astringent and antiseptic benefits that can make pores look smaller, reduce your likelihood of developing ingrown hairs, and prevent shaving cuts from getting infected.

4. Nuxe Men Multi-Purpose Aftershave Balm

Those with oily or combination skin will appreciate that Nuxe Men’s multi-function aftershave offers 24-hour hydration without clogging pores. It’s hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it’s perfect for sensitive skin.

In clinical trials, 100% of participants who used this aftershave balm reported feeling a reduction in razor burn after use. Additionally, 95% said their skin felt softer afterward. These results result from the humectant and emollient-rich formula infused into the ointment.

Hornbeam extracts, sandalwood, and oak extracts offer cooling properties and a pleasant aroma to help you feel clean and fresh after your shave. Then, baobab leaf extracts lock in hydration for up to 24 hours while other ingredients like licorice extracts and chestnut oil smooth the skin.

5. Marlowe Aftershave Lotion

If you need a non-comedogenic, lightweight aftershave lotion, give this one a try. It absorbs quickly and efficiently into the skin, so you can apply it and forget it for the rest of the day. But just because it’s not as heavy as some other aftershave balms on our list, that doesn’t mean it’s any less effective.

It contains plenty of ingredients proven to soothe irritation and improve skin texture. Willow bark and algae extract hold moisture and relieve irritation. Passionflower and green tea extract infuse vitamins and antioxidants into the skin’s defensive layer to protect against further damage. The result is softer, less irritated skin with long-lasting hydration.

The price is great too. It might not be heavy enough for those with particularly sensitive and dry skin, but it works if your needs are mild.

6. Anthony Aftershave Balm

This soothing aftershave balm is a cooling lotion that focuses on restoring your skin and reducing post-shave irritation. It’s loaded with vitamins A, E, and C to build up the moisture barrier, and aloe and botanical extracts keep water from escaping your skin.

It’s a good option for all skin types, including sensitive ones. It’s formulated to target some of the most common skin issues for sensitive skin, including burn, bumps, and redness. Plus, it’s dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin and doesn’t contain phthalates, triclosan, GMOs, DEA, or any of the other ingredients that could irritate your susceptible skin barrier.

7. Bevel After Shave Balm

Ingrown hairs are extremely common for black men, so this shave balm was created by a black man seeking a better option. He was tired of dealing with his curly hair diving back into his skin follicles with no product that could adequately heal and prevent it.

So he created Bevel, a shaving company with African American skin in mind. Of course, anyone with sensitive skin can enjoy this aftershave balm, but it’s specifically made for those who have ingrown hairs and related irritation. It’s easily one of the best aftershaves for sensitive skin if you have curly hair.

It features powerful exfoliants AHA and BHA that prevent clogged pores and encourage hair to grow in the correct direction. It finishes with a shea butter foundation that locks in moisture, neutralizes bacteria, and generates healthier skin to minimize irritants.

8. Burt’s Bees Men’s Aftershave

If you have dry, sensitive skin, you might need a lightweight occlusive that will keep moisture inside the protective barrier. Burt’s Bees Men’s Aftershave features beeswax that prevents water loss without weighing down the skin like Vaseline can.

We love that this is a 99.9% natural product that doesn’t contain fragrances that might irritate your skin. It’s also pretty affordable and easy to find.

While the beeswax will keep moisture in your skin, reviews say it didn’t have enough hydrating ingredients to stand on its own. If you need calming, ultra-hydrating ingredients for your sensitive skin, you might want to start with a heavier moisturizer and then seal it in with beeswax. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re a fan of Burt’s Bees and their all-natural promise, you might find it’s a good fit.

9. The Art of Shaving Unscented Aftershave Balm

This is a higher-end aftershave balm that has somewhat of a cult following. The Art of Shaving products are reminiscent of barber days, and they tend to hold up well to scrutiny. Their aftershave balm is highly moisturizing and delivers excellent results without weighing down your skin.

It contains shea butter and grapeseed oil extract, which feature emollient and humectant properties. They’ll help hydrate and smooth skin for long-lasting hydration after your shave.

The Art of Shaving offers many aftershaves and shave creams in different scents, and they all smell incredible. You’re welcome to give these a try on your sensitive skin, as they aren’t synthetic. But we recommend using the unscented version for the safest results.

10 Dr. Carver’s Miracle Repair Serum

Dr. Carver’s Miracle Repair Serum addresses razor burns, bumps, ingrown hairs, and other skin irritation that’s common for post-shave, sensitive skin. It’s a pretty heavy product that offers extreme benefits for days when your skin is particularly sensitive. But it’s a little too heavy for day use, so you’d want to use it at night for best results.

Antioxidants like white tea, blueberry, and cypress berry do most of the heavy lifting here. They help prevent damage, exfoliate the skin, and chase free radicals from pollution and light damage. The caffeine in white tea also helps lift the hairs for a closer shave, minimizing their risk of turning backward to grow into your follicles.

As we mentioned, this is a pretty intense repair serum, and it works! But it’s probably not best for those with oily skin or those who only need mild soothing properties.

11. Bump Patrol Aftershave Razor Bump Treatment

With a name like Bump Patrol, you know this aftershave will do its best to target those pesky ingrown hairs that plague your sensitive skin. It’s gentle enough to use on the most sensitive skin, including bald heads, faces, armpits, and pubic areas. You can even use it with clippers when you’re trimming if need be.

It’s a dermatologist-recommended product for men and women. It’s generally safe for sensitive skin and doesn’t contain those ingredients that might irritate and inflame. However, it does have isopropyl alcohol to shrink those pesky bumps, but make sure your skin won’t react poorly to it before you use it.

The brand guarantees smoother, less bumpy skin in less than 48 hours, with the best results occurring within a week of your first application (if used regularly). It also tightens your pores and improves the appearance of your skin.

12. Aqua Velva 5 in 1 Aftershave Balm

Let’s go back to our roots and look at one of the most iconic aftershaves in the business. This

5-in-1 balm moisturizes, soothes the burn, prevents bumps, fades redness, and helps to fight ingrown hairs. Because it treats the top five irritants that those with sensitive skin complain about, it seems to cover all the bases.

This aftershave balm doesn’t have a scent as strong as the Aqua Velva liquid aftershave of old, so it shouldn’t bother mildly sensitive skin. But make sure you like that scent before buying it because it’s one-of-a-kind.

13. Marie Venoique Louis Pierre Aftershave Tonic

Check out this higher-end aftershave tonic from Marie Veronique Louis Pierre. It’s got a lot of the good and none of the bad that might irritate your skin. The green tea leaf is excellent for soothing, hydrating, lifting, and promoting skin health. It also features antioxidants that heal and protect.

If your sensitive skin has thrown off your pH balance, this might be an excellent option to regulate it again. It uses apple cider vinegar and a variety of trace minerals to help restore balance and order to your skin. An improved pH balance could significantly reduce irritation after shaving.

14. Ursa Major 4-in-1 Essential Face Tonic

We like this all-natural high-end aftershave that’s great for oily sensitive skin. It doesn’t contain alcohol to act as an astringent; instead, it focuses on natural hydration to help balance out oil production.

Beta hydroxy acids gently exfoliate and prevent ingrown hairs and clogged pores, which will ideally reduce your skin’s need to produce oil. If your oily skin is giving your trouble post-shave, try this one on for size.

15. Proraso Aftershave Splash

This Italian skincare brand offers luxury skincare options on a budget. We love this liquid aftershave that hydrates the skin and cools irritation. And it does it with 98% natural ingredients without cruelty to animals. It uses witch hazel as the primary ingredient for cooling skin and toning pores.

This is a more traditional aftershave that you splash on to skin rather than massaging it in like a lotion. It also contains a mild fragrance, so keep that in mind before buying.

Why You Need to Use Aftershave if You Have Sensitive Skin

Aftershaves might seem like an outdated step in the shaving process, but we’re not talking about the heavily-perfumed aftershaves of yesteryear. We’re referring to the hydrating balms, creams, ointments, and lotions that the latest skincare brands have developed.

Today, the best aftershaves for sensitive skin help prevent painful and unsightly issues that arise post-shave. Here are just a few reasons that a good aftershave can boost your skincare regimen for the better.

Keep Skin Healthy

The key to preventing razor burn, breakouts, and bumps is to raise healthy skin. Cleansing it regularly and keeping it healthy are the right places to start.

A quality aftershave will help to improve your skin’s overall health and vitality. It will include ingredients that boost the protective barrier, promote collagen production, reduce signs of aging, and brighten your skin tone.

If you have sensitive skin, those benefits probably sound pretty good!

Hydrate Skin

One of the most important things you can do after shaving is hydrating your skin. You can find aftershaves to achieve this very purpose with moisturizing ingredients designed to replace hydration that shaving might have stripped away.

Most aftershaves on our list have humectants or occlusives, which attract moisture and prevent it from escaping. A nourished, moisturized top layer means you have a more robust defense against irritants like razor burn and bumps.

If you don’t want to use an aftershave, at least use a good face moisturizer to keep your skin healthy and hydrated post-shave.

Antibacterial

The skin can be a breeding ground for bacteria, and it doesn’t help that your razor has probably gathered some bacteria while sitting on the shelf. The last thing you want is a skin infection because bacteria makes its way into a small cut or ingrown hair.

A lot of aftershaves have antiseptic, astringent properties. These ingredients target bacteria while tightening pores so that bacteria can’t become embedded in your skin.

Calm Irritated Skin

How many times have you finished a shave with burning, red, irritated skin? A good aftershave can fix that. It will have cooling ingredients like menthol or aloe to calm and normalize skin so you can start your day without the burn.

Smooth Skin Texture

As you age, your skin’s texture changes. You might have acne scarring, razor bumps, or damage. Shaving regularly is one of the worst things you can do for your skin’s texture, but a moisturizing aftershave can help. The right emollients can help to smooth out rough bumps and patches for smoother, healthier-looking skin.

How to Choose Aftershave for Sensitive Skin

Now that we’ve convinced you that aftershave is a non-negotiable step in shaving, let’s talk about how you can choose the right aftershave product. Because everyone’s skin is different, you need to research and select products that will benefit your specific skin. Here are some things to look for.

Know Your Skin Type

There are five skin types: normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. You can also have sensitive skin alongside the other four types of skin, i.e., oily, sensitive skin or dry, sensitive skin.

Chances are you know your skin type, but if you don’t, do a little research. You can look for aftershaves formulated for you when you know your skin type.

Know Your Toners and Astringents

Toners and astringents can play essential roles in aftershave products. They tighten pores, exfoliate the skin, and soak up excess oils. They also have antiseptic properties to prevent the spread of bacteria.

It’s crucial to recognize toners and astringents in aftershave because not all skin types will tolerate them well. If you have dry, sensitive skin, you likely won’t do well with witch hazel, types of dry alcohol, menthol, phenoxyethanol, and a few chemical ingredients.

Seek Hydrosols

Many plant-based ingredients are hydrolyzed, meaning they were extracted using a steam distillation process. Floral waters, herbal distillates, and essential waters are examples of hydrosols. They’re basically diluted essential oils, which are great for sensitive skin. It offers the benefits of these plant products without being heavy, comedogenic, or intensely scented. They’ll also hydrate your skin for longer because they’re water-based.

Choose Products with Humectants

Humectants are your best friend in any skincare product. They’re ingredients that can hold a significant amount of water and keep it against your skin, where they can improve your skin’s protective barrier.

Hyaluronic acid is an excellent example of a humectant and one of the most commonly found humectants in skincare. It can hold up to 40 times its weight, so you’re getting ultimate hydration there. Seaweed, glycol, lactic acid, urea, honey, and various other ingredients are also humectants.

Select Ingredients for Sensitive Skin

Look for the words “sensitive skin” on the aftershave label. If it’s been dermatologist-recommended for sensitive skin, that’s even better. But you can also select good products for sensitive skin by knowing which ingredients to use and avoid.

Avoid products that will dry the skin at all costs. Ethyl alcohol, parabens, phthalates, fragrances, and a long list of other ingredients can be bad for your sensitive skin. Seek ultra-hydrating products instead. Jojoba oil, aloe vera, chamomile, tea tree oil, shea butter, grapefruit seed extract, and various other ingredients will restore moisture and health to your skin.

Avoid Heavy Fragrances

Everyone loves a great-smelling product, but your sensitive skin might not be up for it. Fragrances often contain alcohol and other stinging properties that dry and irritate your skin. Unscented products are best, but if you want a fragrance, look for products that have no added fragrances and have a scent from the essential ingredients used.

Consider Natural Products for the Best Results

The choice between natural and chemical products is often up to personal preference. Some of the best dermatologist-recommended products out there are chemical-based.

But for sensitive skin, we feel better about using natural ingredients. You’re less likely to run into irritants that can worsen skin conditions, and you get a better idea of which ingredients are in each aftershave. The list is shorter, so you can research individual components to see if they could irritate your skin and deliver the results you want.

Do your research and weigh the pros and cons before deciding which aftershaves are best for you.

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