We are regularly asked what exactly the difference is between a classic alcoholic after shave, cologne and eau de perfume. It's also quite confusing. All three contain alcohol, have a scent and are usually used after shaving. Did you know that there are also alcohol-free after shaves. We have listed it in this blog.
Why do we use an after shave?
The pH value of your skin is approximately 6. Applying shaving soaps increases the pH value to 10 to 11. In addition, the skin is slightly damaged by shaving. The after shave treatment is aimed at normalizing the skin again. Using an after shave in combination with alum and possibly talcum powder ensures that the skin returns to normal pH value step by step. The alcohol in the after shave disinfects, invigorates and closes the pores.
Many of our customers also use an old-fashioned after shave because it simply feels nice on the skin and because it is a permanent part of the shaving ritual.
What is an after shave?
Apply after shave to the freshly shaved skin. If you have sensitive or dry skin and quickly suffer from dry or chapped skin after shaving, you should stay away from an after shave . If you have normal to oily skin, you can use an after shave. Many of our customers swear by the stimulating and cooling effect of the alcohol in the after shave. The alcohol stings a little at first, the freshly shaved skin is shocked and the pores start to close. The rapid evaporation of the alcohol provides a cooling effect on the skin.
Compared to a cologne and perfume, an after shave contains very few fragrance ingredients, approximately 3%. It is precisely the fragrance ingredients that can irritate the skin considerably after shaving. Because it contains little odor, it can be used after shaving. It provides a pleasant cooling effect. Some after shaves also contain a low percentage of nourishing oils. Because it contains so few fragrance ingredients, the scent will quickly diminish or disappear after application to the skin.
Classic barbershop after shave
The classic barbershop after shaves are of course often found at traditional men's hairdressers or barbers. After shaving, the barber splashes a lot of after shave onto the skin for a fantastic fresh and invigorating feeling. In the good old days, alcohol after shave was also used to disinfect the newly shaved skin.
These after shaves all have a recognizable classic men's scent. Many of these shaving products contain menthol and/or eucalyptus. This of course provides an extra invigorating effect.
Artisan after shave
The basic ingredient of all after shaves is denatured alcohol. Alcohol is denatured with a very light dose of the non-toxic Methanol. This gives it a bad bitter taste and makes it unpleasant to drink.
Many traditional shaving manufacturers use so-called organic or organic alcohol. This is made from 100% organic raw materials. According to enthusiasts, this alcohol is less sharp or 'square' compared to common synthetic alcohol. This makes this alcohol feel softer on the skin. The German Meissner Tremonia uses pure organic alcohol in their after shave products.
After shave without alcohol
Do you want a refreshing feeling on the skin after shaving, but not the stinging and drying effect of alcohol? Then use an alcohol-free after shave. Various shaving brands, such as the American Zingari, have after shaves with Witch Hazel and Hamamelis virginiana.
Witch hazel also has a cooling and astringent effect, but it does not sting or dry out the skin.
What is a cologne?
A cologne contains more fragrance ingredients, 5% to 10%. You will continue to smell the scent for several hours after spraying. The smell diminishes during the day. Many of our customers prefer a cologne instead of a perfume because it smells much less strong and lingers less long. You should not apply cologne to freshly shaved skin. The fragrance ingredients may irritate shaved skin. A few puffs on the back of the neck or on the wrist is sufficient.
The well-known classic English brands such as Taylor of Old Bond Street, DR Harris, Geo F Trumper and Truefitt and Hill have a cologne following the shaving soap or shaving cream. After shaving you can use a cologne in the same scent.
What is an eau de perfume?
A perfume contains the most fragrance ingredients, 10% to 20%. A men's perfume lasts and smells all day long. You should also not apply perfume to freshly shaved skin. The scent comes into its own on warm parts of the body: wrist and neck.
