Something after the shave does two jobs: it settles the skin and, for many people, leaves a scent they like. The mistake is treating the two kinds the same. A lotion or splash is thin, often built on alcohol, and gives you a bracing, tightening finish and the stronger scent. A balm or gel is thicker, moisturises and calms, and is the better choice if your skin is dry or easily irritated. Pick a splash for the ritual and the scent, a balm for comfort — and if your skin is sensitive, start with an alcohol-free balm. These are worth a look.
Lotion, balm or gel?
- Lotion / splash. Thin and quick-drying, frequently alcohol-based; gives a cooling, tightening feel and the most noticeable scent.
- Balm. Creamier and slower to absorb; adds moisture and calms irritation, usually with a milder scent.
- Gel. Light and water-based; a middle option that cools without much residue.
- Alcohol-free. The safer default for sensitive or dry skin; check the label, not the word ‘sensitive’.
How to use after-shave
Apply to freshly shaved skin and let it absorb; a splash is dabbed or splashed on, a balm is worked in like a light moisturiser. If it stings sharply rather than tingles, your skin is telling you the alcohol or a component is too much — a fragrance-free, alcohol-free balm is the fix.
Aftershaves worth considering
Gillette After Shave Gel
Choose this if you want a familiar, widely available cooling gel that is easy to re-buy.
It is a gel-format after-shave from a mass-market brand, so it is cheap to replace and stocked almost anywhere.
The trade-off is a mainstream, off-the-shelf formula: nothing particular for sensitive or dry skin, and its scent is generic.
Clubman Pinaud Classic After Shave Lotion
Choose this if you want a traditional barbershop splash and the classic Clubman scent.
It is a classic alcohol splash with the old-fashioned barbershop scent, which is exactly why people buy it.
The trade-off is the alcohol and the strong, old-school fragrance; on dry or reactive skin it can sting, and the scent is not for everyone.
NIVEA MEN Sensitive Post Shave Balm
Choose this if your skin is sensitive and you want an alcohol-free balm without a strong scent.
It is an alcohol-free balm aimed at sensitive skin, which makes it the sensible starting point if splashes sting — and it comes in a multipack.
The trade-off is that it does little for anyone wanting a scent, and the multipack ties you to buying several at once.
Proraso After Shave Lotion
Choose this if you want a classic Italian splash with a cooling eucalyptus-and-menthol finish.
It is the traditional Proraso splash built on eucalyptus oil and menthol, giving a sharp, refreshing chill.
The trade-off is the cooling intensity and the alcohol base: the menthol hit is bracing, and sensitive skin may find it too much.
Jack Black Post Shave Cooling Gel
Choose this if you want a premium, clear cooling gel rather than a creamy balm.
It is a clear, water-based cooling gel from a premium grooming brand, so it cools without leaving a heavy residue.
The trade-off is price: you pay a premium for the brand, and a gel soothes less than a proper balm on dry skin.
Harry’s Post-Shave Balm with Aloe
Choose this if you want a straightforward aloe balm for everyday comfort.
It is an aloe-based balm that calms and moisturises, sold in a two-pack, which suits regular use.
The trade-off is a mild formula with little scent, and the two-pack is more than a first-time buyer needs.
Cremo Cooling Post Shave Balm
Choose this if you want a cooling balm at a budget price.
It is a mint-cooling balm that gives the fresh finish of a splash with more moisturising than an alcohol lotion.
The trade-off is the menthol-style chill, which some skins find too tingly, and a mild, short-lived scent.
Edge+ Cooling Post Shave Lotion
Choose this if you want a light cooling lotion with a eucalyptus and tea tree scent.
It is a lotion with eucalyptus and tea tree, giving a fresh, slightly medicinal scent that finishes cleanly.
The trade-off is a light lotion: less moisturising than a balm, so dry skin may still want more.
Before you buy
- Match the format to your skin: splash for the scent and the ritual, balm for dry or easily irritated skin.
- Sensitive skin: choose a fragrance-free, alcohol-free balm rather than a splash.
- A balm is a light moisturiser; if your skin is dry you may still want a cream on top.
- Check the label for alcohol if splashes sting you.
After-shave is the finishing step. If you want to deal with nicks and razor burn first, our alum block guide covers the step that comes just before it.
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