Best Aftershave Balms of 2025

Phoebe Cooper Avatar
Phoebe Cooper
Last Updated: 2 Feb 2025

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Aftershave balms are a must-have for any man who values his skin. These products are designed to soothe and moisturise the skin after shaving, reducing irritation and preventing razor burn. Aftershave balms come in a variety of scents and formulations, so there is something to suit every skin type and taste. They can be used on their own or in combination with other shaving products, such as gels or creams, to provide a complete shaving experience. Whether you are a seasoned shaver or new to the game, an aftershave balm is an essential addition to your grooming routine.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

NIVEA MEN Sensitive Pro Ultra Calming Balm Cover #TOP 1
NIVEA MEN Sensitive Pro Ultra Calming Balm
ftb score rating icon 9.9
NIVEA MEN Protect & Care Post Shave Balm Cover #TOP 2
NIVEA MEN Protect & Care Post Shave Balm
ftb score rating icon 9.8
BULLDOG Sensitive After Shave Balm Hydrates & Soothes Cover #TOP 3
BULLDOG Sensitive After Shave Balm Hydrates & Soothes
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Aftershave Balms

NIVEA MEN Sensitive Pro Ultra Calming Balm

White
150 ml (Pack of 1)
NIVEA MEN Sensitive Pro Ultra Calming Balm Cover
NIVEA MEN Sensitive Pro Ultra Calming Facial Balm (150 ml), Aftershave Balm Enriched With Hemp Seed Oil And Vitamin E For Stress-Minimising Face Care

The NIVEA MEN Ultra Calming Balm is designed specifically to soothe and relieve the signs of skin stress, such as dryness and irritation after shaving. Enriched with 100 percent organic hemp seed oil and vitamin E, this balm is both vegan and microplastic-free, making it kind to your skin and the environment. Its non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, ensuring you won’t feel sticky or oily, even if you have facial hair. Dermatologically approved for sensitive skin, it helps you maintain visibly healthy skin throughout the day.

What We Like
Soothes shaving irritation
Vegan and eco-friendly formula
Fast absorbing, non-greasy texture
Suitable for sensitive skin

NIVEA MEN Protect & Care Post Shave Balm

81300-04500-01
white
100 ml (Pack of 1)
NIVEA MEN Protect & Care Post Shave Balm Cover
NIVEA MEN Protect & Care - Replenishing Post Shave Balm - Beard Care - Enriched With Aloe Vera & Pro-Vitamin B5 - Instant Hydration & Protection - Reduces Redness - All Skin Types - 100 ml

The NIVEA MEN Post Shave Balm offers non-greasy moisturisation, ensuring your skin feels soft and hydrated after shaving. This fast-absorbing formula not only soothes irritation but also reduces tightness, providing comfort after your shave. Infused with Aloe Vera and Pro-Vitamin B5, it works to calm and rejuvenate your skin, leaving it feeling refreshed. By incorporating this balm into your grooming routine, you can experience a close shave without the worry of dryness or irritation.

What We Like
Non-greasy and fast-absorbing
Soothes skin irritation
Contains Aloe Vera
Reduces tightness after shaving
#TOP 3

BULLDOG Sensitive After Shave Balm Hydrates & Soothes

107908166
After Shave Balm
100 ml (Pack of 1)
BULLDOG Sensitive After Shave Balm Hydrates & Soothes Cover
BULLDOG SKINCARE - Sensitive After Shave Balm For Men Hydrates & Soothes 100 ml

The BULLDOG After Shave Balm is designed to gently soothe your skin while providing all-day hydration. This vegan product is made without any animal-derived ingredients, making it suitable for conscious consumers. It is also free from harmful chemicals like parabens and synthetic fragrances, ensuring a safe application on your skin. Additionally, its lightweight and non-sticky formula means it dries quickly, leaving your skin feeling soft and refreshed without any greasy residue. Enjoy a comfortable shaving experience with this effective balm.

What We Like
Gently soothes skin
Vegan and cruelty-free
Chemical-free formulation
Quick-drying and non-sticky

L'OCCITANE L'Occitan After-Shave Balm 75ml

Navy
99 g (Pack of 1)
L'OCCITANE L'Occitan After-Shave Balm 75ml Cover
L'OCCITANE Homme L'Occitan After-Shave Balm 75ml | Spicy & Woody Scented | Vegan & 97% Readily Biodegradable | Luxury & Clean Men's Beauty Aftershave Balm for All Skin Types

The L'OCCITANE After-Shave Balm is a luxurious product designed for all skin types. With its delightful lavender and spice scent, it provides a refreshing experience post-shave, soothing your skin and leaving it pleasantly fragrant. Weighing just 99g, it is lightweight and easy to carry, making it convenient for travel. The navy colour adds a touch of elegance, ensuring it looks good on your bathroom shelf. Plus, being vegan and 97% readily biodegradable means you can enjoy this premium aftershave while being kind to the environment.

What We Like
Refreshing lavender and spice scent
Lightweight and travel-friendly
Elegant navy colour
Vegan and eco-conscious
#TOP 5

BOSS Bottled Aftershave Balm for Men

118552
75 ml (Pack of 1)
BOSS Bottled Aftershave Balm for Men Cover
BOSS Bottled Aftershave Balm 75ml

BOSS Bottled Balm is an exquisite aftershave balm designed for the modern man. Its clean lines and elegant style make it a classic choice for everyday use. This oriental balm not only soothes your skin post-shaving but also enhances your fragrance, helping it last throughout the day. By applying this balm right after shaving, you can enjoy a refreshing, hydrating experience while maintaining that iconic BOSS scent. It's the perfect gift for him, combining practicality with luxury.

What We Like
Elegant and stylish design
Enhances fragrance longevity
Soothes skin after shaving
Ideal everyday gift
#TOP 6

Avon Care Men Sensitive After Shave Balm & Moisturiser

100 ml (Pack of 2)
Avon Care Men Sensitive After Shave Balm & Moisturiser Cover
2x Avon Care Men Sensitive 2-in-1 After Shave Balm & Moisturiser - 100ml(200ml)

The Avon Care Men Balm is a versatile 2-in-1 after shave balm and moisturiser designed specifically for sensitive skin. With a 100ml size, it's perfect for providing soothing relief after shaving, reducing irritation and leaving your skin feeling refreshed. The moisturising properties help to hydrate your skin, ensuring it stays soft and smooth throughout the day. This product is ideal for those looking for a convenient solution to enhance their shaving routine while taking care of their skin.

What We Like
Soothe sensitive skin
Hydrating moisturiser
Convenient 2-in-1 product
Reduces shaving irritation
Generous 100ml size

Proraso Refreshing Aftershave Balm with Eucalyptus Oil

8004395001101
600 ml (Pack of 1)
Proraso Refreshing Aftershave Balm with Eucalyptus Oil Cover
Proraso Aftershave Balm, 100ml, Refreshing Alcohol-Free Post Shave Balm with Eucalyptus Oil and Menthol Invigorates Skin, Made in Italy, Green

The Proraso Aftershave Balm is designed to provide immediate relief after shaving. It is alcohol-free and enriched with Eucalyptus Oil and Menthol, which helps to moisturise and restore your skin's balance. This balm offers a revitalising effect that combats post-shave irritation while hydrating your skin. Its fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula combines the benefits of a balm and a cream, ensuring you receive soothing comfort right after your shave.

What We Like
Alcohol-free formula
Fast-absorbing and non-greasy
Hydrates and refreshes skin
Reduces post-shave irritation
Made in Italy

Hawkins & Brimble After Shave Balm for Men

HAW003
1 count (Pack of 1)
Hawkins & Brimble After Shave Balm for Men Cover
Hawkins & Brimble After Shave Balm for Men -125 ml Post Shaving Cocoa, Almond & Olive Oil Moisturising Skin Protection | Premium British Grooming & Skincare with Natural Ingredients (Post Shave Balm)

The Hawkins & Brimble Balm is designed for easy absorption, effectively replenishing the moisture lost during shaving. This makes it ideal for those with normal to dry skin, helping to calm discomfort and promote a healthy appearance. The nourishing blend of olive oil, almond oil, and cocoa not only soothes but also hydrates your skin, ensuring a smooth and balanced complexion. Additionally, it is cruelty-free and made from natural ingredients, giving you peace of mind about what you apply to your skin.

What We Like
Non-greasy formulation
Nourishes and hydrates skin
Suitable for all skin types
Cruelty-free and natural
#TOP 9

L'OCCITANE Homme Cap Cedrat After Shave Balm

20AR075HC20
Cap Cedrat
75 ml (Pack of 1)
L'OCCITANE Homme Cap Cedrat After Shave Balm Cover
L'OCCITANE Homme Cap Cedrat After Shave Balm 75ml | Fresh & Invigorating Scent | Vegan & 97% Readily Biodegradable | Luxury & Clean Men's Beauty Grooming for All Skin Type

The L'OCCITANE After Shave Balm is a refreshing solution for your post-shave routine. It is designed to be applied over the face and neck, particularly soothing any areas of irritation you may have. This balm not only moisturises your skin but also helps prevent feelings of tautness, ensuring comfort after shaving. Its rapid absorption leaves no oily residue, making it ideal for daily use. Experience a luxurious and clean grooming product suitable for all skin types.

What We Like
Fresh and invigorating scent
Vegan and biodegradable
Moisturises and soothes skin
Absorbs quickly, non-oily
Suitable for all skin types
#TOP 10

Scottish Fine Soaps Thistle & Black Pepper Aftershave Balm

A01803
Clear
1 count (Pack of 1)
Scottish Fine Soaps Thistle & Black Pepper Aftershave Balm Cover
Scottish Fine Soaps - Thistle & Black Pepper Aftershave Balm - Post Shave Balm for Men - Soothing Milk Thistle Extract - Sensitive Formula - Vegan Friendly - 75ml

The Thistle & Black Pepper Balm by Scottish Fine Soaps offers a refreshing and soothing effect, perfect for protecting your skin after shaving. Enriched with soothing milk thistle extract, it hydrates quickly without leaving a greasy residue, making it ideal for sensitive skin. This premium product also delivers a velvety sensation, leaving your skin feeling soft to the touch. With a commitment to being paraben-free and cruelty-free, you can feel good about using this aftershave balm on your skin.

What We Like
Soothes and hydrates skin
Suitable for sensitive skin
Non-greasy formula
Paraben-free and cruelty-free
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does aftershave balm do?

Aftershave balm is designed to do the same job as lotion – soothe the skin after shaving. However, balm generally doesn't contain alcohol, so is much gentler on the skin. Aftershave balm is also more moisturising than lotion, as it has a creamier consistency.

2. What is the difference between aftershave lotion and aftershave balm?

Aftershave Balms are traditionally very creamy and are much milder in scent than Lotion. Although sometimes containing alcohol, the levels are usually significantly less than Lotions. Rather than being astringently focused, Balms are based more on hydration and replenishing the skin.

3. Should I use balm aftershave?

Aftershave balm works in the same way as aftershave lotion, but it can be a lot gentler to apply to your skin. If you have sensitive skin, we'd always recommend going for a balm over a lotion to help prevent any stinging.

Editor's Notes

During our aftershave balm research, we found 119 aftershave balm products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 47,587 customer reviews through our big data system to write the aftershave balms list. We found that most customers choose aftershave balms with an average price of £11.80.

The aftershave balms are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of aftershave balms, including Nivea Men, NIVEA, BULLDOG, L'OCCITANE, HUGO BOSS.

Written by
Phoebe Cooper Avatar

In 2000, Phoebe Cooper graduated from the University of London as a Pharmacist. She practiced as a Pharmacist for the better part of 2 decades. Phoebe says she has worked in the majority of health sectors and has sufficient accumulated knowledge and experience. In her practice, Phoebe published a series of eBooks, one of which is titled "Good Health Good Living."