Men’s skin care can be a little more neglected than women’s.
There are hundreds of Female care and cosmetic brands out there which cater to the vegan and cruelty-free consumer, but when it come to male brands – it can be hard to find the same variety.
Today I want to share with you some of our favorite aftershaves which are vegan and cruelty-free.
All of these brands are dedicated to men’s skincare and ensuring that the best ingredients are used.
List of Vegan Aftershave Balms
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For Dry Skin |  | | | | |
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For Sensitive Skin | | | | |  |
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Non-Irritating | | | | | |
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Natural/Organic Ingredients | | | | | |
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Soothes Razor Burn | | | | | |
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Anti-Aging | | | | | |
Dr Jon's Anne Bonny Aftershave Tonic
Highly Recommended
The top scorer on our list is Dr. Jon’s Anne Bonny Aftershave Tonic, and it deserves it’s place at the top of our list.
This lotion is made to have a smooth rum scent- which is masculine and clean. Rosewater is used to refresh and cleanse the skin gently, leaving it feeling vibrant.
Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel both act together as hydrating agents, penetrating into the pores and leaving the skin supple and soft.
Alum is used in this tonic to tighten the pores, helping to improve elasticity in the skin and act against the signs of aging.
This company was started by a very passionate man who wanted his daily shave to become more than just a chore. He wanted to create products which would protect and nourish the skin while also being helpful to the environment.
Things We Like
- Great smelling product
- Very effective at smoothing the skin
- Makes the skin feel clean
Things We Don’t Like
- Some have said it can be a little sticky
MEET THE BULLDOG Original After Shave Balm
MEET THE BULLDOG is our top pick for those of you with sensitive skin as is it specifically formulated to be gentle and non-irritating.
It contains essential oils to provide the skin with vitamins and minerals. Aloe Vera and Shea butter act together to provide deep moisturization – to leave skin feeling soft and supple.
Jojoba oil is a special ingredient within this balm, as it is the only oil which closely resembles sebum- the oil which forms out of the gland in our skin. This is great because the addition of this restores the oil balance in our skin without the skin having to overproduce sebum to make up for it – which can cause oily skin.
Sunflower oil is also present in the balm and is full of vitamin E and Omega 6, to keep the skin hydrated and healthy.
Meet the Bulldog aims to design straightforward and effective skincare products which tailor to the specific needs of men.
Unlike other companies, no lanolin or beeswax is used within the products – meaning that the company has been approved by the Vegetarian Society in the UK.
They pack their products with the best natural oils and minerals to ensure the most effective skin treatments.
Things We Like
- The scent is mild and calming
- It absorbs easily and doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy or sticky
- It leaves the skin feel very fresh and clean
Things We Don’t Like
- The smell can seem a little medicinal to some
- It has a fairly runny consistency compared to similar products
Herban Cowboy Dusk Soothing After Shave Balm
Herban Cowboy Dusk Soothing Aftershave Balm has a rich, creamy base which locks in essential moisture to leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated.
With a combination of carrot, cucumber, and shea butter- there is a powerful hydrating quality which others often fall short on, making this ideal for men with dry skin.
This product contains no harmful or synthetic ingredients which make it a perfect fit for those with more sensitive skin.
The scent of this lotion is dusk, which is flavored with all natural ingredients.
Herban Cowboy started by creating natural formulae for men’s skincare. They make all of their products with the recyclable packaging because they believe that a small change between an aerosol and a recyclable bottle can make a big difference to the environment.
The company is also PETA registered as their products are vegan.
Things We Like
- It absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel greasy
- It doesn’t cause a burning sensation when applied
- It’s long lasting- a little spreads a long way
Things We Don’t Like
- The smell has been reported as too strong by some users
- Some say it is a little sticky on the skin
AHAVA Time to Energize Soothing After-Shave Moisturizer
AHAVA Aftershave aims to cool the skin and help to soothe and heal razor burns. It contains a multitude of natural ingredients which combine to offer antibacterial, antiseptic and hydrating qualities.
This lotion is specifically useful in the aid of healing small nicks and cuts which come from shaving.
The combination of Gingko Biloba, Ginger, and Ginseng plant extracts helps to prevent the signs of again- adding elasticity to the skin, and also leaves skin energized, fresh and bright.
Ahava has the philosophy that skincare should be focussed more on active, natural ingredients from the best sources. They source a lot of their ingredients from the Dead Sea.
Things We Like
- Is long lasting
- Gentle and soothing on the skin
- It has a mild scent which doesn’t overpower
Things We Don’t Like
- Some have reported that it can cause allergies
- Some think that the scent is too sweet
Billy Jealousy Shaved Ice After-Shave Balm
Billy Jealousy Shaved Ice After-Shave Balm is a great addition to our line-up and has many great properties for after shave care.
It is made to contain cooling, hydrating and pain blocking qualities which make it ideal for application on small cuts and burns on the skin, working to smooth, soothe and heal the skin.
This formula not only moisturizes the skin but also the beard too – so if you aren’t going for a clean shave, this will work to soften the stubble and leave it feeling touchably smooth.
The cream also restores pH balance to the skin, which helps to prevent bacterial growth and the formation of spots.
The company itself endorses a method known as cosmeceutical skincare – which focusses on adding ingredients which lift, tighten and heal the skin as well as hydrate it.
They also donate a portion of their proceeds to charity – including Big Brother, Big Sister and Green Corps – which emphasizes their support for the arts and the environment.
Things We Like
- Cools the skin quickly
- It’s soothing and makes the skin feel soft
- It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky residue
Things We Don’t Like
- Some have said it’s a little bland
- Some report that it may irritate sensitive skin
Ingredients to Look for When Shopping for Vegan Aftershave
Aloe Vera – Widely known as the go-to natural remedy for cuts and burns, as it is effective in soothing inflammation and calming pains. This makes it a great addition to any aftershave as it will be able to curb that razor burn.
Jojoba Oil – As I said earlier, Jojoba Oil is the only oil that closely resembles the natural oil produced by our skin- sebum. This makes it an amazing ingredient to be featured in skincare as it can prevent spots and oily skin.
Witch Hazel – Witch Hazel is found in a lot of skincare products, because it is amazing at treating blemishes and bruises, stimulating the healing process and also aiding circulation.
Shea Butter – Shea Butter is the ultimate in moisturizers- it penetrates deep into the pores of the skin to give high hydration.
Tea Tree Oil – A natural antiseptic- this is a good addition to aftershave as it helps to kill any bacteria which is trying to infect cute and nicks, and it also gives a great fresh minty scent to the product.
Non-Vegan & Harmful Ingredients to Avoid When Looking for an Aftershave Balm
Lanolin – This is a fatty substance found and extracted from sheep’s wool. Its often used in skin care products as a thickening agent but doesn’t hold any real value.
Beeswax – Comes from bees nests. It forms a barrier on the skin and therefore is used a lot in cosmetic products. It is a useful ingredient in some cases but is to be avoided in vegan products.
Propylene Glycol – This is a crude oil by-product which penetrates deep into the pores of the skin and cleanses it. The problem is that as well as cleansing the skin, it also dries it out.
Aluminum – Although deemed safe in small doses, aluminum is toxic.
Triclosan – This is a rather debated ingredient. It is an antibacterial agent found in a lot of skincare, but it is deemed safe. However, it is fat soluble- which means that it could accumulate within fat cells in the body, and if enough accumulates it could become toxic.