We often receive the question of what exactly the difference is between a classic alcohol-based after shave, cologne, and eau de parfum. It can indeed be quite confusing. All three contain alcohol, have a fragrance, and are usually used after shaving. Did you know that there are also alcohol-free after shaves? In this blog, we have outlined everything.
Why do we use an after shave?
The pH value of your skin is about 6. By applying shaving soaps, the pH value rises to 10 to 11. Additionally, the skin is slightly damaged by shaving. The after shave treatment aims to normalize the skin again. Using an after shave in combination with alum and possibly talcum powder ensures that the skin gradually returns to its normal pH value. The alcohol in the after shave disinfects, refreshes, and closes the pores.
Many of our customers also use an old-fashioned after shave because it simply feels nice on the skin and is a fixed part of the shaving ritual.
What is an after shave?
After shave is applied to the freshly shaved skin. If you have sensitive or dry skin and quickly experience dryness or irritation after shaving, you should stay away from an after shave. If you have normal to oily skin, you can use an after shave without any problem. Many of our customers swear by the tingling and cooling effect of the alcohol in the after shave. The alcohol stings a bit at first, the freshly shaved skin reacts, and the pores start to close. The rapid evaporation of the alcohol provides a cooling effect on the skin.
Compared to cologne and perfume, an after shave contains very few fragrance components, about 3%. It is precisely the fragrance components that can significantly irritate the skin after shaving. Because it contains so little fragrance, it can be used well after shaving. It provides a pleasant cooling effect. Some after shaves also contain a low percentage of caring oils. Because it contains so few fragrance components, the scent will quickly diminish or disappear after application to the skin.
Classic barbershop after shave
The classic barbershop after shaves are naturally often found at the traditional men's barber or barber shop. After shaving, the barber splashes a generous amount of after shave on the skin for a fantastic fresh and invigorating feeling. In the good old days, alcohol after shave was also used to disinfect the freshly shaved skin.
These after shaves all have a recognizable classic men's scent. Many of these shaving products contain menthol and/or eucalyptus. This naturally provides an extra refreshing effect.
Artisanal after shave
The basic ingredient of all after shaves is denatured alcohol (denat.). Alcohol is denatured with a very light dosage of the non-toxic Methanol. This gives it a nasty bitter taste and makes it unpleasant to drink.
Many artisanal shaving producers use so-called organic alcohol. This is made from 100% organic raw materials. According to enthusiasts, this alcohol is less harsh or 'square' compared to conventional synthetic alcohol. This makes the alcohol feel softer on the skin. The German Meissner Tremonia uses pure organic alcohol in their after shave products.
Alcohol-free after shave
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 (Hamamelis virginiana).
Witch Hazel also has a cooling and astringent effect, but it does not sting and does not dry out the skin.
What is a cologne?
A cologne contains more fragrance components, 5% to 10%. You can smell the fragrance for several hours after spraying. Throughout the day, the scent becomes less intense. Many of our customers prefer a cologne over a perfume because it smells much less strong and lasts less long. A cologne should not be applied to freshly shaved skin. The fragrance components can irritate the shaved skin. A few spritzes on the back of the neck or on the wrist is sufficient.
Well-known classic English brands like Taylor of Old Bond Street, DR Harris, Geo F Trumper, and Truefitt and Hill have a cologne that corresponds to their shaving soap or cream. After shaving, you can use a cologne in the same scent.
What is an eau de parfum?
An eau de parfum contains the most fragrance components, 10% to 20%. A men's perfume lasts all day and lingers. A perfume should also not be applied to freshly shaved skin. The fragrance comes into its own on the warm parts of the body: wrist and neck.
