We’ve got the ideal balm for every skin issue, from dryness to razor-bumps.

Remember when you slapped your dad’s aftershave playfully when you were a teenybopper, and perhaps shrieked in horror because of the sting? It hasn’t changed much since you grew a stubble and needed to shave regularly? Believe it or not, most men we know skip the aftershave regimen post shaving to avoid the momentary burn. It’s the alcohol in the liquid and it’s there for a reason.

If the sting is not your thing… then we suggest you go for an aftershave balm. Just as effective as lotions, balms hydrate the skin, soothe the irritation and, well, generally smell awesome.

What does aftershave balm do?

It hydrates your skin

Balms don’t use alcohol, since it dries out the skin. Aftershave balm acts like a high-grade moisturizer—much like a winter balm or a night cream—by forming a thick, protective layer over top the vulnerable skin. Your pores should already be tightening (from the cold splash of water you applied, as per your diligent shave regimen), and now the post-shave product can form a thick, defensive, and nourishing layer over top it all.

THE BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MANY AFTERSHAVE BALMS AND A STANDARD MOISTURIZER WILL BE THE INCLUSION OF INGREDIENTS LIKE ALOE OR EUCALYPTUS, FOR THIS VERY REASON.

It stops the spread of bacteria

Aftershave also prevents the spread of bacteria and neutralizes the odds of infection, razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and more. Since most aftershave balms these days aren’t centered on skin-drying ingredients like alcohol, they often include ingredients like tea tree oil, which naturally neutralize bacteria and prevent post-shave breakouts. Primarily, you can minimize bacterial threats by following a proper shave regimen and practicing good razor hygiene.

It soothes and calms the skin

Don’t confuse the hydrating function of aftershave with its ability to soothe and calm your skin. You just shed the uppermost layer of your cells, and that raw, vulnerable skin is in need of some serious care. Aftershave halts the burn and turns it into a tingle, relieving you of immediate pain and preventing redness and irritation for the days ahead. The big difference between many aftershave balms and a standard moisturizer will be the inclusion of ingredients like aloe or eucalyptus, for this very reason.

The Best Aftershave Balm for Every Skin Type

Here’s a prescriptive guide to the kind of aftershave you should use based on your skin type.

For oily skin: Pick a natural skin toner—something with witch hazel or rose water. You can use this between shaves too, to help balance the pH levels in your skin.

We are in love with Calvin Klein Eternity For Men Aftershave Balm for this very reason. We say it is refined, distinctive, timeless. This skin-caring formula moisturizes and soothes skin, while being lightly scented with the distinctive and timeless fragrance of ETERNITY MEN.

For dry skin: Pick a nourishing balm, since it will double down on restoring moisture levels while it shields, tones, and soothes the skin.

While Acqua Di Gio Aftershave Balm, by Giorgio Armani will do the trick for any skin-type, it is particularly well suited for dry skin.

For normal skin (not too dry, not too oily): Choose a light lotion that subtly tones and soothes skin, without suffocating your pores. 

Marks & Spencer’s Autograph line of aftershave balm and fragrances are perfect for everyday use and skin nourishment.