Thread: Alcohol-based?

Greetings everyone, newbie here from KC…
Curious on your opinions regarding alcohol-based aftershaves.


I've read that alcohol-based aftershaves are bad for your skin after shaving, that it is really a misdirected historic "hangover" from when barbers used an alcohol base to sanitize straight razors (and faces?) between clients. Also that the best aftershave is cold water or witch hazel at the most.


I suspect this is an ancient conversation, but what are your opinions on this?


Looking through the "Shave of the day" galleries I see a lot of alcohol-based aftershaves, so apparently people like and use them. In the past I always used Old Spice aftershave, and know I'll miss the scent once I phase it out. Personally i'm always fighting razor burn, not sure if alcohol helps or makes that worse.

I used alcohol-based aftershaves in the past, but I switched to better, non-alcohol products because I didn't like having my face feel like it was on fire after a shave. Now, I always use cold water and witch hazel after a shave. I may also put on a bit of aftershave balm once in a while.

Your use of aftershave depends on what you want out of it. Products with a high alcohol content can dry out the skin and further irritate razor burn. However, some people use them because they have always used them (i.e., habit), they enjoy the scent, or they've gotten used to the burn. If you want to hydrate your skin, then use a non-alcohol or low-alcohol-based aftershave balm or lotion for best results.

I use a cold water towels for a couple of minutes just after the shave. Then piddle around getting dressed, clean up, whatever and then go with the Pinaud Clubman. I do have some nonalcohol balms that I use on occasion. I do this more in the winter when the air is dry. The best I have is Kenneth Cole Black. Cools, calms and smells great. It leaves no sticky feeling like some. It is expensive so I only use it state occassions.

Most true AS preps contain alcohol. It's a convenient carrier. It dries fast and has anti bacterial benefits and it's cheap. Even many of the balms have it too. You have to search to find those without it.

I only use alcohol based aftershaves and have done so for about 50 years. It is a part of my shaving ritual. I am crazy about the scents and love the "burn".

I found that aftershave balms are pretty soothing if you get a little burn going. I am actually in a quest for an Old Spice alternative for a balm.

IMO, if your face is on fire after using an alcohol based AS, you are either allergic to one of the ingredients or you need to learn how to shave properly.

+1 to what Theseus said, I use it as an indicator of a good shave. No Burn=Good Technique

Originally Posted by JoeSomebody

+1 to what Theseus said, I use it as an indicator of a good shave. No Burn=Good Technique

I guess yeah that makes sense. I use Alum as my indicator.

I use alcohol based aftershaves exclusively. The harmful effects of alcohol are greatly over stated, primarily by those trying to sell you an expensive alcohol free substitute.