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Best men's aftershave

Anthony’s aftershave balm ($24) was our team’s overall favorite for price and performance.

Why You Should Be Using Aftershave

The best balms for every skin issue, from dryness to razor-bumps

The best balms for every skin issue, from dryness to razor-bumps

March 23, 2026 at 4:34 pm

By

Valet. Staff
@valetmag

Published

March 23, 2026

Published

March 23, 2026

Photography

Courtesy

Note

Items featured in this story are independently selected by the editorial team. Purchasing via our links may earn Valet. a portion of the sale, which helps fund our editorial mission.

There’s a reason aftershave has quietly fallen out of favor: most guys still associate it with that bracing, alcohol-heavy splash their dad slapped on after a shave—the sting, the overpowering scent, the sense that it’s basically optional. It’s not.

Modern aftershave has less to do with fragrance and everything to do with skin recovery—a critical step most men skip entirely. Because shaving isn’t just hair removal, it’s controlled damage. Every pass of a razor creates micro-tears, strips away natural oils, and leaves pores exposed, setting you up for razor burn, ingrowns, dryness and irritation.

A good aftershave steps in to fix all of that. It calms inflammation, disinfects and protects freshly shaved skin, restores hydration to the skin barrier and helps prevent ingrown hairs and breakouts. Think of it less like cologne and more like post-workout repair for your face. One that properly finishes the job your razor started.

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The Best Aftershaves for Men

Anthony after shave balm

Anthony After shave balm,

$24
at
Amazon.com

Editor's Pick

All the picks on this list are good, but this one was the option that seemed to do the most for the best price. Vitamins A, C and E work together to heal skin and replenish moisture. There’s a slight herbal scent that fades quickly so as not to distract from your cologne. And it’s got a cooling sensation that calms the skin after shaving. Like a lightweight lotion, it can be used on your face, your scalp or body—wherever you’re shaving.

For Sensitive Skin

The Greek skincare brand is known for its clean, naturally derived formulas. This soothing balm is free from parabens, mineral oils, silicones and synthetic fragrances. What it does have is a thick, hydrating feel and soothing antioxidants, plus natural extracts to cool and calm irritation.

Korres barber comfort balm

Barber comfort balm,

$30
at
Korres
Bevel bump control after shave

Bevel Bump Control after shave,

$12.95
at
Amazon.com

For Ingrown Hairs

Bevel is specially formulated for melanin-rich skin and textured, curly hair. If you get a lot of razor bumps or irritation after dragging a blade across your skin, this gentle gel after shave not only soothes skin, but also exfoliates with glycolic acid and AHAs to help reduce bumps and ingrown hairs for smoother face and neck.

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Best Old School Splash

This old school Italian barber favorite is packed with skin-saving ingredients. The glycerin-rich formula uses sweet almond oil and oatmeal extract to soothe and hydrate without disturbing the skin’s pH. There’s also green tea which is full of naturally healing antioxidants and polyphenols.

Proraso after shave balm

Proraso After shave balm,

$16
at
Amazon.com
Supply post shave spray

Supply Post-Shave spray,

$14
at
Amazon.com

Best Lightweight Option

Packed with the toning and purifying powers of witch hazel and aloe, this easy spray can be misted onto your face for a refreshing final step in your shaving routine. The natural scent is smoky and herbaceous and it works like a toner that also helps calm redness and close pores.

Best Smelling Bottle

If you’re looking for an aftershave that smells like, well, aftershave … this is your answer. Santa Maria Novella’s take is a moody, rich bouquet of tobacco notes and a hint of vanilla and fresh citrus peel. Plus, the milky fluid emulsion boasts astringent, emollient and refreshing properties to calm skin (without any bracing alcohol).

Santa maria novella tabacco after shave lotion

Tabacco after shave lotion,

$65
at
Santa Maria Novella

What to Look For (And Avoid)

Yes

+ Aloe vera (soothing, anti-inflammatory)

+ Witch hazel (gentle astringent)

+ Vitamin E (repair and hydration)

+ Tea tree oil or salicylic acid (ingrown hair prevention)

No

+ High alcohol content (dries and irritates)

+ Heavy synthetic fragrance (can trigger sensitivity)

Men's Shaving
The Best Shaving Cream for Your Skin
Good/Better/Best: Multi-Blade Razors
How to Maintain Your Beard Trimmer
How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs
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