10 Best Aftershave Balms 2024 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed
If, like many men in the UK, you tend to just give your face a quick rinse post-shave, now is the time to up your grooming game with the right aftershave. No, we're not talking about perfumes or colognes; aftershave balms are designed to cleanse pores of bacteria and prevent razor bumps for a much cleaner shave.
Gone are the days of the alcohol sting, as these balms use astringent and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as witch hazel and tea tree oil, making them just as comfortable and effective for those with sensitive skin. Not sure where to start? in this article, we rank the ten best available to buy online from Amazon, Boots, Tesco and more!
Quick List - Top Aftershave Balms
Nivea Men
Alcohol Free With Calming Witch Hazel: The Best Balm on a Budget
Felipe Partarrieu is a dermatologist, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
With Specialist Consultation From Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu
Felipe Partarrieu is a final year dermatology resident, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.
How to Choose an Aftershave Balm in the UK ― Buying Guide
When choosing an aftershave balm, you need to ensure the one you pick has the right antiseptic and moisturising properties for your skin. In this guide we go over everything you need to know when shopping for one online.
Choose an Aftershave Balm With Antiseptic and Astringent Ingredients
Did you know your razor leaves behind tiny microscopic cuts on the skin every time you shave? These can go deep down under the surface of the skin, especially if you use a multi-blade razor. The best way to clean up and care for your freshly-shaven skin is by choosing a balm with antiseptic and astringent ingredients.
Witch Hazel Tightens Pores to Prevent Razor Burn and Ingrown Hairs
Witch hazel may sound like something straight out of your grandmother's medicine cabinet, but believe us when we say this natural astringent should come right at the top of your go-to aftershave ingredients list.
Aftershave balms containing witch hazel constrict the pores, preventing bacteria from getting in and helping you to avoid any post-shave acne or razor bumps.
Witch hazel also has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to soothe irritation as, unlike alcohol, it doesn't sting! Perhaps your nan was onto something after all?
Witch Hazel (WH) extract is derived from hammamelis virginiana, a type of shrub native to North America. This extract contains many compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as gallic acid and tannins, that have a proven effect on reducing facial erythema (redness) on people with sensitive skin.
Its high content of tannins gives WH astringent properties, meaning it has constricting and drying effects on the skin that create an invisible 'film' that can, to some degree, de-grease skin and minimize the look of enlarged pores in the short term. It also contains antioxidants that help prevent widespread inflammation and neutralize free radicals.
Use Tea Tree Oil to Flush Out Bacteria and Treat Acne
Coming in second to witch hazel as a top ingredient to look for is tea tree oil. This ingredient has antimicrobial properties, which is why it's a popular choice for treating acne.
Tea tree oil draws out bacteria to safeguard your skin against infections or further irritation. Best of all, you can often find it paired with witch hazel for 2-in-1 post-shaving skin protection.
Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is obtained by steam distillation of leaves from a tree native to Australia. From the more than 100 molecules that compose this essential oil, Terpinen-4-ol is a major component that exhibits strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tea tree oil exerts antioxidant activity and has been reported to have antimicrobial activity against different microorganisms affecting the skin, properties that support its use for the treatment of acne and dandruff. It also accelerates the wound healing process and exhibits anti-skin cancer activity.
Be Wary of Balms That Contain Alcohol
Although a traditional aftershave ingredient, you may want to leave the alcohol behind the bar. Alcohol does have its benefits – it absorbs quickly, tightens pores and kills bacteria. However, it is also extremely drying to the skin.
Depending on your skin type, using aftershave balms with alcohol could leave you with itching, peeling and flaking, or conversely encourage overproduction of oil and sebum. Of course, the percentage of alcohol in most balms is an almost negligible amount, though if you have particularly sensitive skin you may want to give it a miss.
There is a lot of contradictory information concerning alcohol in skincare. The truth is that avoiding all alcohol is close to impossible, and in many cases impractical. The truth is, not all alcohols are bad. Therefore, it's important to distinguish between the different types of alcohol and their effect on the skin.
Simple alcohols (methanol, ethanol, propanol and denatured alcohol) are primarily used in skincare as solvents and for their antibacterial properties. Although these alcohols can dry out the skin if applied repeatedly or in large quantities, when combined with the right ingredients in the right proportions, they shouldn’t negatively affect the skin.
Seek Out Hydrating Ingredients
A benefit of aftershave balms is that their higher viscosity allows for better delivery of moisturising ingredients. But which ones should you choose?
Aloe Vera Is Great for Soothing Irritation
After blasting your face with hot water from the shower to soften up the hairs, dragging a blade across the surface and using astringents to draw out any remaining gunk, your skin will likely be in need of some serious TLC!
A top choice we recommend for promoting skin healing is aloe vera. The gel of the aloe vera plant has been used for centuries to treat skin irritations such as sunburn or bug bites. This is because it does a fantastic job of soothing and cooling, all while creating a barrier to further protect the skin.
The dermatological use of Aloe vera comes from ancient history, with records stating that Greeks, Egyptians and Romans applied Aloe vera to alleviate skin irritation, wounds and sunburn. Aloe vera contains 75 potentially active constituents, including vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, salicylic acid and amino acids.
Although evidence is not conclusive, research suggests that the combination and synergism of these ingredients, rather than a single one, exerts its effects on the skin from antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. It also has an inhibitory action on fungi, bacteria and viruses.
Plant Oils and Shea Butter Moisturise While Treating the Skin to Vitamins
For those who prefer more naturally-derived ingredients in their skincare, there are plenty of great options when it comes to hydration. While you'll find a whole host of aftershave balms heralding the benefits of cedar wood extract or Japanese moss, when it comes to moisturisation these ingredients can't be beat!
Shea butter is the name of the vitamin-rich fat that comes from the nut of the shea tree. It has a superior moisturising ability that can last for hours, and is a natural anti-inflammatory that may help to reduce any shaving-induced redness and swelling.
Plant oils are another good choice for adding hydration back to the skin. In particular avocado and sunflower seed oil contain vitamins A, E and D, which are useful in encouraging the speedy regeneration of skin cells to heal dry and chapped skin.
The use of shea butter, derived from the African tree Vitellaria paradoxa, in skincare, is attributed to its hydrating qualities and anti-ageing effect. Shea butter contains fatty acids, allantoin, vitamins E, A and D, that have been shown to improve the skin barrier, helping to hydrate, plump, and protect the skin.
It also contains phenolic components that exert anti-oxidant effects. Research shows that shea butter extract reduces, in a dose-dependent manner and to a significant degree, the levels of inflammatory molecules in the skin.
Fatty Alcohols Help Lock in Moisture
This advice may seem contradictory to what we just said, but in fact, fatty alcohols aren't really alcohols at all. At least not in the same way as ethanol, or gin.
Cetearyl alcohol, sometimes referred to as cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol, is the name given to a waxy substance similar to the fats found in coconut oil. These are often used in cosmetic products to help create a smoother, creamier consistency.
This will allow your aftershave balm to glide on easily and evenly coat the skin, sealing in any other active ingredients and improving absorption.
Fatty alcohols are among the most commonly used ingredients in personal care. Most are derived from plant essential oils. In skincare formulation, fatty alcohols serve as emulsifiers, allowing the water and oil to mix and giving cosmetics rich consistency substances; and as emollients making the skin feel soft and smooth shortly after by flattening the skin cells (corneocytes) and filling the spaces between corneocytes to
Humectants Draw in Moisture From the Air to the Skin
Glycerin is a type of molecule known as a humectant. Humectants don't just sit on top, they actively draw moisture from the surrounding environment, deep down into the lower layers of the skin.
Glycerin is a terrific ingredient to have in your aftershave balm, as it's likely you'll be shaving in a steamy bathroom with plenty of moisture droplets in the air. If your chosen balm includes glycerin in the ingredients, instead of immediately drying your face with a flannel, leave your skin damp after rinsing off and apply the balm directly on top.
Humectants are substances, both natural and man-made, that attract moisture when applied to the skin. Glycerin, urea and hyaluronic acid are humectants commonly found in skincare products.
In most cases, humectants draw water from the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) into the epidermis. When relative air humidity is higher than 70%, (such as after a rainy day, in tropical climates or in a steam-filled room), humectants can draw water vapour from the surrounding air.
Fragranced or Fragrance-Free? Consider Sensitivities as Well as Scent
Colloquially, the word aftershave is often used interchangeably with cologne to describe fragrances for men. In reality, these products are and do very different things. That said, many men do prefer their aftershave to have a bit of a scent.
Whether or not to choose fragranced skincare can be a controversial topic. This is because fragrances can be derived from a variety of natural and synthetic sources, some of which may cause issues for those with sensitive skin.
If this is a deciding factor for you, check to see whether your aftershave balm is fragrance-free or not. Perhaps it goes without saying, but if it is scented, make sure it's one you like before you're stuck with your least favourite smell wafting up your nostrils all day.
Fragrances are used to cover the unpleasant 'chemical' scent many molecules and mixes might otherwise have. Dermatologists agree that fragrances are a leading cause of allergic reactions on the skin, but not all people are at risk.
People with atopic dermatitis have an increased risk of becoming sensitised to fragrances due to their disrupted skin barrier function, so they should stick to fragrance-free products. To identify fragrant ingredients, look out for other words in the ingredient list like eugenol, geraniol, citronellol, linalool and limonene.
10 Best Aftershave Balms in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm | | Alcohol Free With Calming Witch Hazel: The Best Balm on a Budget | |
2 | Le Labo After Shave Balm | | An Aftershave Balm That Helps Improve Skin Tone | |
3 | L'Occitane Homme After-Shave Balm | | A Lightly-Fragranced Luxury Balm | |
4 | No7 Men Sensitive Care Post-Shave Recovery Balm | | A Healing Balm for Sensitive and Acne-Prone Skin | |
5 | Ultra Bee Razor Bump Balm | | Protect Delicate Skin Against Inflammation | |
6 | Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Aftershave Gel | | Witch Hazel Based Balm With a Sandalwood Aroma | |
7 | Men's Master Soothing Aftershave Balm for Sensitive Skin | | Cooling Menthol to Soothe Irritated Skin | |
8 | Jack Black Post Shave Cooling Gel | | Lightweight Balm With Sage and Lavender | |
9 | Dior Sauvage Aftershave Balm | | A Signature Scent as an Aftershave Balm | |
10 | Shea Moisture Tea Tree Oil and Shea Butter After Shave Elixir | | A Hydrating Anti-Bacterial Aftershave |
Alcohol Free With Calming Witch Hazel: The Best Balm on a Budget
Nivea Men offers incredible value for money with their aftershave balm, proving that you don't need to spend a fortune to achieve excellent results from your skincare. If you suffer from itching and redness post-shave, this is the one for you.
Their sensitive formulation is alcohol-free, instead using witch hazel to defend against bacteria build-up and soothe inflammation. Chamomile is another top ingredient for those of us with sensitive chins. It's packed full of anti-oxidants and doesn't smell half bad either!
An Aftershave Balm That Helps Improve Skin Tone
We love this aftershave balm from Le Labo for its skin-boosting ingredients. Their plant-based formula contains sodium hyaluronate and niacinamide, two ingredients you'll want to look for if you're trying to heal acne scarring or want to prevent the onset of wrinkles and fine lines.
Like glycerin, sodium hyaluronate draws in moisture to the lower layers of the skin, while niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that helps minimise enlarged pores and improve uneven skin tone.
A Lightly-Fragranced Luxury Balm
Ooh la la! Here's a bit of French skincare for your grooming regime. If you would like to treat yourself to a more luxurious product, this may be the one for you! Lightly fragranced with a herbal aroma of lavender and eucalyptus, it has a creamy texture that melts readily into the skin to avoid any unnecessary discomfort from rubbing and scrubbing.
Although it does contain a little alcohol, it mainly relies on birch sap as its primary antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient.
A Healing Balm for Sensitive and Acne-Prone Skin
If you suffer from acne, eczema or dry skin, shaving can be a hazardous task. When selecting an aftershave balm, we recommend choosing one that helps heal and repair any nicks or cuts that may occur when shaving chapped skin.
No.7's Sensitive Care aftershave balm contains vitamin B5 to replenish the skin's natural barrier and help speed up recovery. It's also hypo-allergenic and free from any alcohol or fragrances that may cause further irritation.
Protect Delicate Skin Against Inflammation
If you're looking for something a little bit different, you might want to try Ultra Bee's Razor Bump Balm. Made from natural beeswax, this is one of our top picks for especially sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
Beeswax has anti-inflammatory properties and creates a barrier against fungi, pathogens and allergens that can trigger existing skin sensitivities. Best of all, if you decide to pack in shaving altogether, you can even use it as a softening beard balm and conditioner!
Witch Hazel Based Balm With a Sandalwood Aroma
Fancy adding a bit of old school charm to your shaving routine? Taylor of Old Bond Street's balm is another fine option for chaps that are into fragranced aftershaves, as their sandalwood gel is rounded out with top note of lemon and base notes of precious woods, amber and musk.
The vintage design may lead you to expect a more old-fashioned formulation, but in fact, they've forgone any harsh alcohols in favour of witch hazel and calming aloe vera!
Men's Master Soothing Aftershave Balm for Sensitive Skin
Cooling Menthol to Soothe Irritated Skin
This aftershave balm by Men's Master is formulated to feel cooling and soothing on freshly-shaven skin. It achieves this through a combination of tea tree oil and menthol extract, leaving behind a light tingling sensation. Whether or not you find this unpleasant will depend on your personal preference. However, it certainly beats the traditional aftershave sting!
For those interested in skincare, it also contains D- panthenol, a nutrient derived from vitamin B, which is thought to boost collagen and elastin to improve skin elasticity.
Lightweight Balm With Sage and Lavender
For those wondering, no, this line of men's grooming products doesn't have any affiliations with Tenacious D. This particular Jack Black's concerns are purely with ensuring you get the closest and most comfortable shave possible.
Their Post Shave Cooling Gel is a lightweight, alcohol-free balm that works to calm inflammation and prevent razor burn. While it's free of any perfumes or artificial fragrances, it does contain sage and lavender for a mild botanical aroma.
A Signature Scent as an Aftershave Balm
Dior's incredibly popular fragrance is now available as an aftershave balm. For those not already initiated, Sauvage has a rugged intensity, combining notes of sandalwood, tonka bean and spicy mandarin for a hint of freshness.
Gents who like their aftershave to have a lingering aroma won't be disappointed. However, the scent is significantly less potent than other products in this fragrance line, making it more suitable as a subtle finishing touch.
Shea Moisture Tea Tree Oil and Shea Butter After Shave Elixir
A Hydrating Anti-Bacterial Aftershave
Shea Moisture are best known for their hydrating haircare products, and it's this focus on moisturisation that does lead one to wonder why they chose to include alcohol in their aftershave balm. However, the addition of aloe vera, shea butter and glycerin more than makes up for this.
One thing you can guarantee is that your skin will be thoroughly purged of any pore-clogging bacteria. This balm contains a trifecta of antibacterials and anti-inflammatories to banish any nasties that may have been lurking on your razor.
Benefits of Aftershave Balm
Whether you already use it or not, you've no doubt heard of aftershave before. Aftershave is most commonly available either as an aftershave splash or aftershave balm. Both are used post-shave to rehydrate, calm irritation and cleanse pores of any bacteria that may have transferred from your skin or the razor.
Aftershave balm differs from splash in that it contains little to no alcohol, making it less drying and much less likely to sting. Balms also have a higher viscosity which is easier to apply, and they are better adept at locking in moisture than splashes.
Complete Your Shaving Routine
You're all sorted with the perfect balm to finish off your routine, but have you got the right razor, shaving gel and moisturiser? Check out the links below for more product recommendations that will help you give your skin exactly what it needs.
Summary
With the right aftershave balm, your skin will be looking smoother and feeling much better. No one likes itchy stubble or ingrown hairs, so do yourself a favour by picking up one of these fantastic options before your next shave!
Author: Wren Mann
Top 5 Aftershave Balms
No. 1: Nivea Men ｜Sensitive Post Shave Balm
No. 2: Le Labo ｜After Shave Balm
No. 3: L'Occitane Homme｜After-Shave Balm
No. 4: No7 Men ｜Sensitive Care Post-Shave Recovery Balm
No. 5: Ultra Bee｜Razor Bump Balm
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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