Thread: aftershave balm vs. aftershave emulsion

hey guys,

i certainly understand what a balm is, but i've seen that acca kappa and i coloniali have aftershave emulsions...in looking up what an emulsion is, I've found the literal definition but when it comes to balms vs. emulsions what's the difference? just need to shake the emulsion to mix it up before use? pros/cons? anyone prefer one over the other?

interested to see what anyone has to say about this!

From what I understand an emulsion is an oil (jojoba, aloe) in a base (witch hazel, alcohol) usually somewhere between a splash and a balm. Think vinaigrette in texture. I have been making my own since I started straight shaving using jojoba, aloe, witch hazel, essential oils and tea tree oil along with a couple of other ingredients. While some ingredients settle out it usually isn't difficult to mix them and an emulsifier could be utilized to eliminate this trouble, but some consider that to be an extra (unnecessary) ingredient and could be harmful.
I have found myself more recently going to a separate splash and balm using corn husker's lotion as a balm and witch hazel for a generic astringent or a more specific splash for scent if I so choose. My reasoning behind this change is to avoid the chance of adding too much and making my skin oily especially in the summer months where my skin isn't as chapped. I will switch around on occasion, but generally don't.

Unless you meant to type emollient; that's a horse of a different color.

Originally Posted by deighaingeal

an emulsifier could be utilized to eliminate this trouble, but some consider that to be an extra (unnecessary) ingredient and could be harmful.

+1, and the very reason I don't use neither emulsions or balms.

interesting, i've tried aftershaves and balms and i really prefer the balms. call me a wimp but i don't enjoy the stinging from aftershaves with alcohol in them. so is an emulsion kind of more liquid-y/less viscous than a balm but pretty much the same idea? sounds like emulsion might have the potential to be more oily than a balm?

Hey jmbbabson, I like your profile pic... Go Cadets!

Originally Posted by str8fencer

+1, and the very reason I don't use neither emulsions or balms.

Emulsifiers shouldn't be prese4nt in emulsions. If you worry you could always make your own. My balm isn't a true balm, but if I remember correctly it does contain emulsifiers. There are many natural emulsifiers available and while they may list a chemical emulsifier name in the ingredients It may have been derived from a natural source.

Research it or email the company for specs.

Originally Posted by jmbbabson

interesting, i've tried aftershaves and balms and i really prefer the balms. call me a wimp but i don't enjoy the stinging from aftershaves with alcohol in them. so is an emulsion kind of more liquid-y/less viscous than a balm but pretty much the same idea? sounds like emulsion might have the potential to be more oily than a balm?

They don't have to be oily. I have very oily skin and cannot use most balms without being careful. The corn husker's isn't oily at all.
Definitely a lower viscosity more like a milk in that aspect.
If you are only using a balm you are not cleaning, I would recommend a good astringent. If you need an astringent with less stinging go for thayer's witch hazel alcohol free, possibly with aloe. That is my go to for less sting.

yeah i've been using an alum bloc for about a year and plan on trying witch hazel next

I use alum rinse , then pat dry, followed by Witch Hazel cucumber, let it dry and then rinse off. Followed by a facial toner or splash (no alcohol) , Then I apply a balm or milk, or emulsion (based on the type of shave i just had ). If I want a scent I will take a couple of sprays of cologne.