Best After Shave 2026: Complete Balm vs Lotion Guide
The right after shave isn't a luxury — it's an essential step that protects, moisturises and soothes your skin after shaving. With over 60 after shave balms and lotions in our collection, 10+ premium brands and 20+ years of experience, the team at The Two Barbers explains which one suits your skin — whether you shave daily or occasionally, whether you're a man or a woman.
Contents
Quick Overview - What You'll Learn
- Balm vs Lotion: Balm moisturises without alcohol (ideal for sensitive skin), lotion refreshes but may sting
- Sensitive skin: Mühle Aloe Vera (from €21), Taylor Jermyn Street (from €22), Baxter of California (from €22) — alcohol-free, no stinging
- Premium options: Castle Forbes (from €44), Truefitt & Hill (from €45), OAK Vegan (€34) — top-quality ingredients
- Proper application: On clean, slightly damp skin — 3 steps for maximum absorption
Why do you need after shave?
After shave is essential because shaving removes a thin layer of skin along with the hair, leaving micro-cuts and irritation. According to Wikipedia, aftershaves have been used for centuries for antisepsis, hydration and skin restoration. Modern after shave balms and lotions offer multiple benefits: they soothe irritation, close pores, moisturise and protect.
According to the experts at The Two Barbers: "The most common question we get is 'do I really need after shave?' — the answer is yes, even if you don't shave daily." Proper post-shave care reduces razor bumps, ingrown hairs and dryness — essential for both men and women who shave their face, legs or underarms. For a complete post-shave routine, see our post-shave skin care guide.
After shave balm or lotion: what's the difference and which to choose?
The key difference: after shave balm is creamy, alcohol-free, focused on hydration and soothing. Lotion is liquid, often with alcohol, focused on antisepsis and freshness. If you have sensitive or dry skin, balm is the way to go. If you have oily skin and want refreshment, lotion does the job.
| Feature | After Shave Balm | After Shave Lotion |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Creamy | Liquid |
| Alcohol | Without (usually) | With or without |
| Feel | Soothing, hydrating | Cool, invigorating |
| Best for | Dry, sensitive skin | Oily, normal skin |
| Season | Winter (moisturises) | Summer (refreshes) |
| Price (from) | €21-€45 | €20-€46 |
| Brands at TTB | Mühle, Castle Forbes, Baxter, Anthony | Taylor, Stirling, Saponificio Varesino |
What are the best after shave balms?
After shave balms are the safest choice for any skin type. According to our customer reviews, the three most popular: Mühle Aloe Vera (from €21) for sensitive skin, Baxter of California (from €22) for everyday use, and Castle Forbes Lime (from €44) for premium quality.
What are the best after shave lotions?
After shave lotions deliver freshness and invigoration — ideal for normal and oily skin. Taylor of Old Bond Street (from €22 cream, from €46 lotion) is a classic British choice, while Saponificio Varesino (from €24) brings Italian artisan craftsmanship. For something more artisan, Stirling Soap Company (€20) offers 20+ scents.
Comparison: The 8 best after shaves by skin type
This table helps you choose instantly. Based on sales data and customer reviews from thetwobarbers.com:
| Product | Type | For skin | Alcohol | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mühle Aloe Vera | Balm | Sensitive | Free | from €21 |
| Baxter of California | Balm | Normal | Free | from €22 |
| Taylor Jermyn Street | Cream | Sensitive | Free | from €22 |
| Recipe For Men | Balm | Normal | Free | from €28 |
| OAK Vegan | Balm | Normal-Dry | Free | €34 |
| Anthony | Balm | Dry | Free | €39 |
| Castle Forbes Lime | Balm | Normal | Free | €44 |
| Truefitt & Hill Trafalgar | Balm | Normal | Free | €45 |
Which after shave for sensitive skin?
If you have sensitive skin (redness, stinging, dryness after shaving), you need an alcohol-free after shave with no fragrances or very mild natural scents. The three best choices according to The Two Barbers experts:
Mühle Aloe Vera (from €21) is the #1 choice for sensitive skin — Mühle is a German house renowned for safety razors and skincare. Taylor of Old Bond Street Jermyn Street Collection (from €22) was designed specifically for sensitive skin — alcohol-free, dye-free, with lavender and patchouli. For a more detailed shaving guide, see our traditional shaving guide and pre-shave preparation guide.
Which after shave is alcohol-free?
Nearly ALL after shave balms in the thetwobarbers.com collection are alcohol-free — that's the main reason balms are more popular than lotions. According to dermatologists, alcohol in after shaves dries the skin long-term, even though it initially feels clean. Balms use natural antiseptics (aloe, chamomile, witch hazel) instead of alcohol. Top alcohol-free picks: Mühle (€21-€22), Baxter (€22), Taylor creams (€22), Castle Forbes (€44).
How do you apply after shave correctly?
Proper application makes a huge difference — a premium after shave on unprepared skin is wasted. Follow these 3 steps:
Rinse with cold water
Immediately after shaving, rinse with cold (not hot) water. Cold water closes pores and reduces irritation.
Pat dry gently — don't rub
Press lightly with a towel. Don't rub — it irritates the skin. Leave slightly damp.
Apply after shave to slightly damp skin
Small amount in palms, spread evenly. Damp skin absorbs better. Don't rub — press gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between after shave balm and lotion?
Balm is creamy, alcohol-free, moisturises and soothes — ideal for sensitive and dry skin. Lotion is liquid, often with alcohol, tones and refreshes — ideal for normal and oily skin. At thetwobarbers.com you'll find 60+ options in both types.
Which after shave for sensitive skin?
Choose an alcohol-free after shave balm. The three best choices: Mühle Aloe Vera (from €21), Taylor Jermyn Street Cream (from €22) and Baxter of California (from €22). Avoid anything containing alcohol or strong fragrances.
How often should I use after shave?
Every time you shave. Even if you only shave 1-2 times a week, applying after shave immediately afterwards is essential to prevent irritation and ingrown hairs.
Can women use after shave?
Absolutely. Alcohol-free after shave balms (Mühle, Baxter) are ideal after shaving legs, underarms or bikini line. The Two Barbers team curates products suitable for both men and women. See our women's shaving guide.
Do I need after shave if I use moisturiser?
Ideally, yes — they do different things. After shave soothes irritation and closes pores immediately after shaving. Moisturiser hydrates deeply. Apply after shave first, then moisturiser if needed. Balms like Castle Forbes and Anthony combine both functions.
Where can I buy premium after shave in Greece?
At thetwobarbers.com you'll find 60+ after shaves from 10+ brands (Mühle, Castle Forbes, Truefitt & Hill, Taylor, Baxter, Stirling, Saponificio Varesino, Anthony, OAK, Zingari Man) — with free shipping over €59 and same-day dispatch before 14:00.
The Do's & Don'ts of After Shave
Do This
- Rinse with cold water before applying after shave
- Apply to slightly damp skin — it absorbs better
- Choose alcohol-free balm if you have sensitive skin
- Have two: balm for winter, lotion for summer
- Use an alum block before after shave (wet shaving)
- Apply a small amount — less is more
Avoid This
- Don't rub your face with a towel — pat gently
- Don't apply to dry skin — you lose absorption
- Don't use alcohol-based lotion on sensitive skin
- Don't skip after shave — even when in a rush
- Don't use expired after shave — replace every 12 months
- Don't apply cologne immediately after — wait 5 minutes
Starter Kit — One After Shave for Every Need
Tip: Free shipping on orders over €59!
The right after shave doesn't have to cost a fortune — a Mühle Aloe Vera at €21 does just as good a job as a Castle Forbes at €44, if it suits your skin. The rule is simple: alcohol-free balm for sensitive skin, lotion for freshness. Start with one and discover what works for you.