Benefits Of Using Aftershave

Aftershave isn’t just “a scent.” The real benefits of using aftershave are: calming irritation, reducing razor burn, helping prevent bumps/ingrowns, and restoring moisture after shaving.

Written by Dave C. I’m the owner of Viking Beard Brand, and I’ve tested a ton of aftershaves and post-shave products over the years. This guide focuses on what actually works to reduce irritation, razor burn, and bumps.

How to Use Aftershave (Correctly) in 60 Seconds

1. Rinse with cool water after shaving to calm the skin and remove leftover lather.

2. Pat dry (don’t rub). Your skin should be slightly damp, not dripping.

3. Apply a nickel-sized amount of aftershave (less is more).

4. Press, don’t slap—gently pat it into the shaved area.

5. If your skin feels tight 2–3 minutes later, top with a lightweight moisturizer (especially in winter).

Pro tip: If you get irritation often, your “aftershave” might be fine but it could be that your blade, prep, or technique is the real problem.

Best Aftershave for Your Skin Type

Sensitive / dry skin:

• Go alcohol-free (look for soothing ingredients like aloe, glycerin, panthenol, allantoin).

• Avoid heavy fragrance if you react easily.

Oily / acne-prone skin:

• Look for light, non-greasy formulas.

• Ingredients like witch hazel can feel great post-shave (but patch test).

Razor bumps / ingrowns:

• You want calm + gentle exfoliation, not a face torch.

• Focus on proper shave technique, and consider a post-shave product designed for bumps (not a high-alcohol splash).

Alcohol vs Alcohol-Free Aftershave

Alcohol-based aftershave can feel great if you like that classic “clean” finish, and it can help reduce bacteria after shaving. The downside is that alcohol can also dry out skin and make irritation worse if you’re sensitive. If you often feel burning, tightness, or flaky skin after shaving, switch to alcohol-free aftershave (usually a balm or lotion). Alcohol-free formulas focus more on calming and rehydrating—think aloe, glycerin, panthenol, and allantoin. Quick rule: normal/oily skin can usually handle alcohol, while dry/sensitive skin almost always does better alcohol-free.

Aftershave Balm vs Splash (What’s Better?)

Aftershave splash is a thinner liquid (often alcohol-based) that dries quickly and leaves your skin feeling refreshed. It’s usually best for normal to oily skin or for guys who don’t get much irritation. Aftershave balm is thicker, more like a light moisturizer, and it’s designed to reduce redness and restore moisture—making it the better choice for dry, sensitive, or winter skin. If you’re prone to razor burn or your face feels tight after shaving, pick a balm. If you just want a quick post-shave finish and your skin stays calm, a splash can work great

Why Do Barbers Use Aftershave? 💈

Barbers use aftershave because it helps the skin recover immediately after shaving—when the face is most prone to irritation. Shaving can leave tiny nicks and micro-irritation, and aftershave helps clean the area, calm redness, and reduce that “raw” feeling.

Aftershave is also part of the barbershop finish: it gives a clean, refreshed result and can add a subtle scent 😎.

Quick rule: If you’re dry/sensitive, go alcohol-free balm 💧. If you’re normal/oily and want that classic barbershop feel, a light splash can work great ✅

Is Aftershave Better Than Moisturizer?

Not really — they do different jobs. Aftershave is a post-shave recovery step: it helps calm irritation, reduce redness, and make your skin feel clean and comfortable right after shaving. Moisturizer is for all-day hydration: it keeps your skin barrier strong and prevents dryness and flaking over time.

If your skin feels tight or dry after shaving, the best routine is actually both: use aftershave first, then apply a light moisturizer a minute or two later. If you have oily skin and don’t get irritation, aftershave alone might be enough. If you have dry or sensitive skin, an alcohol-free aftershave balm can sometimes replace moisturizer — but most guys still get the best results using a simple moisturizer after

Men's aftershave is not just a grooming product but also a skincare product that offers a wide range of benefits for men. From preventing razor burn to fighting off bacteria, aftershave can help to improve the overall health and appearance of your skin. So, next time you reach for your aftershave, remember that it’s not just a fragrance, but also a product that can help to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

One pro tip is also remember that when your shaving always use a top quality razor to shave with to reduce the amount of irritation on your skin.

Aftershave History

Aftershave has been around for a long time for one simple reason: shaving can irritate skin. Long before modern skincare, barbers used post-shave splashes to help clean the skin, calm redness, and reduce the risk of infection from tiny nicks and razor irritation.

Early aftershaves were often alcohol-based, because alcohol evaporates fast and has antiseptic properties. That “sting” people associate with classic aftershave is basically the trade-off: it disinfects, but it can also be drying—especially for sensitive or dry skin.

Over time, aftershave evolved from a basic barber splash into a wider range of products: balms, lotions, and alcohol-free formulas designed to soothe inflammation and restore moisture. Today, the main purpose is still the same—help your skin recover after shaving—but you can choose the type that matches your skin (balm for dry/sensitive, lighter splashes for normal/oily)

FAQ

Do I need aftershave after every shave?
If you get irritation, redness, or bumps—yes, it helps. If your skin is never bothered, it’s optional.

Is aftershave the same as cologne?
No. Cologne is for scent. Aftershave is meant for post-shave skin (even if it smells good).

Is alcohol aftershave bad?
Not always, but it can be rough on dry or sensitive skin. If you feel burning + tightness afterward, switch to alcohol-free.

Aftershave vs moisturizer—what’s better?
They do different jobs. Aftershave calms post-shave stress; moisturizer maintains hydration all day. Many guys use both

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