Top Aftershave Brands for a Refreshing Post-Shave Experience

In the world of men's grooming, selecting the right aftershave can elevate your daily routine and enhance your skin's health. With countless options on the market, finding the perfect fit can be daunting, but some brands consistently stand out for their quality and effectiveness. Renowned names such as Acqua di Parma, Proraso, and Baxter of California offer exceptional aftershaves that combine soothing ingredients with invigorating scents. Curious to find out which brands made our definitive list of the best aftershaves available? Read on below to discover our top recommendations.

Illustration of aftershave

Best brands of aftershave in 2025

Nivea Men

Nivea Men, established in 1922, has become a leading global brand in men's skincare, offering a wide range of aftershave products known for their mild and nurturing formulas, with a significant contribution of around 20% to the total Nivea sales. In the UK, 41% of male cosmetics users use Nivea Men, demonstrating high brand loyalty as 88% of users are likely to use the brand again. Nivea Men aftershaves often include ingredients like chamomile and vitamin E to soothe and moisturize the skin, with some products specifically formulated for sensitive skin without alcohol. Many users consider Nivea aftershave a go-to product for solid hydration and no irritation.

Proraso

Proraso, established in 1908 by Ludovico Martelli in Italy, is a renowned brand, particularly known for their aftershave products that have been a staple in barbershops since 1948. They offer a range of formulations, including refreshing menthol and eucalyptus, nourishing sandalwood and shea butter, and soothing sensitive skin options with green tea and oatmeal. In 2017, the company's turnover reached 61 million euros, marking an 18% increase from the previous year, demonstrating its enduring popularity and market position as a leader in men's grooming.

Gillette

Gillette, a brand founded in 1901, has established itself as a leading producer of aftershave products, holding a 14% market share in the global shaving market in 2022, and is known for its diverse range including balms, lotions, and splashes like the popular Cool Wave; with 89% of consumers expressing brand loyalty in 2023, Gillette continues to innovate and offer solutions for post-shave care, as evidenced by their introduction of Sun Up aftershave lotion in 1963 and the more recent Series line for sensitive skin, aiming to provide a protective moisture barrier and keep skin fresh-looking.

The Art of Shaving

The Art of Shaving, established in 1996, is renowned for its premium aftershave balms, formulated with high-quality botanical ingredients and essential oils to soothe and hydrate skin. Their aftershave balm helps restore skin elasticity, provides a protective moisture barrier, and reduces the appearance of aging. Many users report that the balm leaves their skin feeling moisturized and soft, with some stating it is the only balm they will purchase, despite it being at a higher price point. The brand offers a range of scents such as sandalwood, lavender, and bergamot & neroli, catering to diverse preferences, and often comes dermatologist-tested and free of synthetic dyes and alcohol. The Art of Shaving aftershave balms have been known to provide moisturization for up to 8 hours.

Baxter of California

Baxter of California, established in 1965, is a pioneer in men's grooming, offering a top-notch aftershave balm that soothes irritation and redness with aloe vera and chamomile, while menthol provides a cooling sensation; the alcohol-free formula is suitable for all skin types, helping to prevent ingrown hairs and leaving the skin refreshed and touchably soft. It is made in the USA, with the 120ml product costing around $18. You can explore their other products and learn more at their official website.

L'Occitane

L'Occitane is a renowned producer of aftershave balms, with their L'Occitan and Cade lines being particularly popular for their soothing and moisturizing properties, often using natural ingredients, as the company's "Clean Charter" emphasizes formulas with at least 95% natural origin ingredients for leave-on products. Many users report the balms effectively reduce razor burn and leave a light fragrance, and the brand is committed to sustainability. You can find their aftershave products for more information.

Taylor of Old Bond Street

Taylor of Old Bond Street, established in 1854, is a renowned British brand producing high-quality aftershaves, some of which are alcohol-free and formulated for sensitive skin with natural ingredients. The brand offers classic scents like Sandalwood and Jermyn Street, with the Jermyn Street aftershave being a clear spray featuring notes of bergamot, lemon, lime, and lavender, followed by geranium, neroli, and amber, resting on a base of musk, patchouli, and vanilla. This exquisite fragrance is available in a 3.5 fl oz bottle.

Bulldog Skincare

Bulldog Skincare, founded in 2006 in the UK, offers high-quality aftershave balms with natural ingredients like aloe vera, camelina oil, and green tea, providing soothing and moisturizing benefits. Their aftershave balms are alcohol-free, ensuring they do not dry the skin, and the Original Aftershave Balm boasts 96% natural origin ingredients. With a global presence in over 17,000 locations, Bulldog Skincare has established itself as a trusted brand in men's grooming.

Aesop

Aesop, established in 1987 in Melbourne, Australia, is renowned for its high-quality skincare, haircare, and fragrance products, with their aftershave lotion, particularly the Moroccan Neroli Post-Shave Lotion, being a popular choice for its blend of botanical oils like sandalwood and neroli blossom, and its calming effect on the skin; the brand experienced substantial growth, with revenue exceeding $750 million in 2023, representing a 20% annual increase, and was acquired by L'Oréal in a $2.53 billion deal, which will further support their expansion globally. Its post-shave lotion is suitable for normal, combination, and sensitive skin, providing a light, soothing finish without alcohol, and is ideal for calming post-shave irritation with a long-lasting woody, warm, and spicy scent. You can explore their post-shave products for more details.

Creed

Creed, established in 1760, is a luxury fragrance house renowned for producing high-quality aftershaves with a rich heritage, initially starting as a tailoring company that supplied scented leather gloves to King George III. Their fragrances, often categorized as Eau de Parfum, typically contain around 10-20% fragrance oils, though the exact percentage isn't standardized, and are celebrated for their complex and long-lasting scents, using exquisite ingredients. Creed aftershaves, like their popular Aventus, are considered some of the best in the market and have garnered a dedicated following for over 260 years.