We regularly get the question what exactly the difference is between a classic alcohol-containing after shave, cologne, and eau de parfum. It is quite confusing. All three contain alcohol, have a scent, and are usually used after shaving. Did you know there are also alcohol-free after shaves? In this blog, we have laid it out clearly.
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. In addition, 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 a 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 pleasant on the skin and because it is a fixed part of the shaving ritual.
What is an after shave?
You 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 just fine. Many of our customers swear by the tingling and cooling effect of the alcohol in the after shave. The alcohol stings briefly at first, the freshly shaved skin is startled, and the pores begin 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 components, about 3%. It is precisely the fragrance components that can irritate the skin significantly after shaving. Because it contains little fragrance, it can be used well 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 components, the scent will quickly diminish or disappear after application on the skin.
Classic barbershop after shave
You naturally encounter the classic barbershop after shaves a lot at the traditional men's hairdresser or barber. After shaving, the barber splashes plenty 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 briefly.
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 sharp or "square" compared to common synthetic alcohol. As a result, this alcohol feels 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 (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%. The scent stays noticeable for several hours after spraying. During the day, the scent fades. Many of our customers prefer a cologne instead of a perfume because it smells much less strong and lasts less long. You should not apply cologne on freshly shaved skin. The fragrance components can irritate the shaved skin. A few sprays behind the neck or on the wrist is enough.
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 parfum?
A perfume contains the most fragrance components, 10% to 20%. A men's perfume lasts all day and lingers. You should also not apply perfume on freshly shaved skin. The scent comes into its own on the warm parts of the body: wrist and neck.
