What You Need to Know About Aftershave

Aftershave refers to any liquid, oil, gel, or other formulation applied to the skin following shaving.

Applying aftershave is part of the routine for many people. In general, there’s little harm in using aftershave to disinfect or calm the skin after shaving.

However, some aftershave products can irritate the skin or even be harmful.

Below is a guide to what aftershave does, which ingredients are beneficial (and which to avoid), and whether aftershave has uses beyond treating freshly shaven skin.

Benefits of aftershave

As the name suggests, aftershave is used to care for your skin after a shave.

The specific benefits depend on the product’s ingredients. Traditional alcohol-based astringent aftershaves have long been used as a facial sanitizer after removing facial hair.

Here’s the reason: shaving frequently leaves tiny nicks and exposes superficial layers of skin and openings in pores that are more vulnerable to bacteria and debris.

Common aftershaves contain isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) or ethyl alcohol — compounds similar to those in hand sanitizers or rubbing alcohol.

These alcohols eliminate bacteria and contaminants on your face after shaving. That’s why alcohol-based aftershaves famously sting when applied — they’re antibacterial.

Still, repeated use of alcohol-based aftershaves can be moreharmful than helpful to your skin in the long run.

More natural aftershaves — such as those made with jojoba oil or coconut oil, or moisturizing agents like lotions or aloe vera — can protect against infection while preserving skin hydration.

Other potential benefits of aftershaves with natural ingredients include:

• reducing itchiness and swelling from skin trauma and ingrown hairs
• helping close pores to keep out bacteria, dirt, and irritants (which may lower the risk of breakouts, razor burn, or razor bumps)
• supporting faster healing of shaving nicks
• preventing follicle inflammation (folliculitis) by creating a protective layer over opened pores
• aiding the regeneration of skin tissue to maintain skin health
• imparting a pleasing scent to the skin

Which ingredients belong in aftershave?

Alcohol-based aftershaves will kill certain bacteria, but they don’t provide lasting skin benefits.

Avoid aftershaves that contain undisclosed “fragrance” blends. Many fragrances include unlisted components that can trigger allergies or irritation.

Consider these ingredients if you want an aftershave that offers healthful advantages:

• shea butter, a nut-derived moisturizer
• witch hazel, a gentler alternative to alcohol
• essential oils for aroma and calming effects (for example, lavender for relaxation or eucalyptus for increased circulation)
• vitamin E oil to support skin health and immunity
• chamomile extract for calming irritated skin
• aloe vera to hydrate and soothe burns or damaged skin
• glycerin for skin moisturization
• natural fragrances such as green tea, cedarwood, anise, or oatmeal

Is aftershave required?

Using aftershave is optional. It can be helpful, but it’s not essential for a healthy shaving routine.

If you’re focused on moisturizing or protecting your pores from folliculitis or irritation, rinse your skin after shaving to help close pores and consider applying a natural oil like coconut or jojoba.

Cold water followed by an oil can form a protective, moisturizing barrier, supporting skin health while reducing irritation and infection risk.

Can you apply aftershave when you haven’t shaved?

Yes. Many ingredients found in aftershave are beneficial even when used outside of a post-shave context.

Moisturizing components such as vitamin E oil, shea butter, and aloe vera are useful additions to a regular skincare regimen.

Aftershave and acne

Alcohol-based aftershaves can kill bacteria that contribute to inflamed pimples.

Other components, like tea tree oil and witch hazel, also have antiseptic qualities that may help reduce acne severity and clear clogged, infected pores that lead to new breakouts.

How to apply aftershave

There’s an ideal moment in your shaving routine to apply aftershave. Follow these steps:

1. Complete your usual shaving process, whether on the face, legs, underarms, or another area.
2. Rinse the shaved area with cold water until all shaving cream, gel, or residue is removed.
3. Gently pat dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing, which can irritate or damage skin.
4. Place a small amount of aftershave in your palm (roughly the size of a dime).
5. Rub the product between both hands to distribute it evenly.
6. Apply the aftershave uniformly across the shaved surface.

Takeaway

Aftershave can provide short-term antiseptic benefits when used immediately after shaving, but frequent use of harsh alcohol-based products may damage your skin over time.

For better outcomes in moisturizing, healing, and calming post-shave skin, choose an aftershave with natural, plant-derived ingredients.

Or skip aftershave altogether: when you already use a quality moisturizing shaving cream, lotion, oil, or other hydrating product, aftershave isn’t always necessary.

Find what works best for your skin and don’t hesitate to try several options until you discover the right fit.