The Pete & Pedro Aftershave Balm is a natural, artisan-crafted, and unscented post-shave moisturizer that is packed with organic ingredients including aloe, vitamins, and essential oils. The balm is very concentrated, so a little goes a long way. It is formulated to soothe, heal, and refresh sensitive skin and razor burn, and it puts all sorts of shaving irritation to rest, including razor burn and redness. The balm is made in the USA and is paraben-free. The key ingredients in the aftershave balm include aloe vera, glycerin, and safflower oil.
In general, aftershave is any kind of liquid, oil, gel, or other substance meant to be put on your body after you shave. The benefits of aftershave depend on exactly what’s in it. Traditional alcohol-based astringent aftershave has acted like a sanitizer for the face after shaving facial hair. When you shave, you often leave behind many tiny cuts and exposed bits of epidermis (skin) and pores that are more likely to get bacteria or other material lodged inside. Typical aftershave contains ingredients known as isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) or ethyl alcohol that are similar to what’s used in hand sanitizer or household cleaners like rubbing alcohol. These ingredients kill bacteria or toxins on your face after a shave. This is why alcohol-based aftershave infamously stings when you put it on your face — it’s antibacterial. But alcohol-based aftershaves can be more damaging to your skin than beneficial when used over time.
Here are some ingredients to look for in an aftershave if you want some of the possible health benefits after shaving:
- Shea butter, a nut-based moisturizer
- Witch hazel, a plant-based astringent alternative to alcohol
- Essential oils for scent and soothing effects (such as lavender oil for relaxation or eucalyptus oil for blood vessel dilation and increased blood flow)
- Vitamin E oil for maintaining healthy skin and immune health
- Chamomile extract
It is important to note that the Scientific Committee on Cosmetic and Non-Food-Products intended for Consumers (SCCNFP) has classified fragrance ingredients as an important cause of contact allergy. Therefore, it is recommended to check the ingredients list of any aftershave product before purchasing it.
