Taking Care of Your Skin and Animals: Top 5 Best Vegan Aftershaves

Vegans don’t support animal cruelty or animal exploitation. They avoid buying products that use animal-based ingredients. They fight against this by shifting consumer demands, and the market reacts to what the consumers want and don’t want. Not only do they advocate for animal rights, but the environment. 

Countless vegan products use eco-friendly materials if you’re concerned about the planet. However, buying vegan or non-vegan aftershaves is up to you and your values. The above products are for you if you want to help stop the mistreatment and abuse of animals.

Read on if you have further questions regarding these products. We’ll answer if all aftershaves are vegan and the proper shaving process to keep your skin healthy. We’ll also establish if aftershave is good for your skin, and the areas you can safely apply aftershave without side effects.

Are all aftershaves vegan?

The common misconception is that all perfumes are vegan. After all, it’s just water and fragrances, right? This isn’t always the case. Most high-end perfumes test their ingredients on animals or use animal-based ingredients. Therefore, perfumes aren’t vegan or cruelty-free. That said, there are vegan products available to purchase. 

With more people embracing veganism, substitutions are becoming more widespread. You can make more ethical choices for perfumes and makeup by purchasing these alternative products.

Studies prove that animal testing correctly predicts a human reaction to cosmetics up to 60% of the time. In other words, animal testing is an insufficient way to gauge the safety of a product. Furthermore, it’s expensive and cruel to the test subjects.  

Currently, several countries are undergoing reforms regarding animal testing. Despite this progress for cosmetics, animal testing remains a part of the tradition in many areas.

Be sure to research the brands to confirm they follow the correct procedures. Check the labels so you’re not inadvertently supporting animal testing by purchasing non-vegan products. 

Aftershaves and perfumes remain a tricky subject for vegans. Some may use animal-derived ingredients without directly harming the animals. For example, beeswax is a frequent ingredient that doesn’t harm the bees but still originates from an animal source. 

Why do companies use animal products anyway? Aftershaves and perfumes often rely on animal products as fixatives. These ingredients help stabilize the volatile components, making the scent last longer. Other times, animal products act as a base note to support the entire smell. However, a rich odor doesn’t always mean better. 

Some are hesitant to use synthetic alternatives, but several are safe for us while avoiding expensive and harmful natural animal sources. It ultimately depends on your ethics and values. Vegans tend to avoid animal exploitation regardless whenever possible.

What should men put on after shaving?

Caring for your skin allows you to look healthier. Your face will look clearer and younger by following a simple skincare routine twice daily. You can make simple changes to your lifestyle that ensure your skin looks great for years to come.

Firstly, you should cleanse the area you shave. Soap dries out your skin, leaving you rough and raw. Instead, opt for cleansers without fragrances or dyes. Washing your face rinses excess oils off so you won’t feel as irritated. This process also minimizes the risk of bacteria going into your open pores that cause acne. 

After washing your face, apply normal shaving cream, shaving with the grain of your beard in short strokes over an area no more than once. Don’t apply too much pressure to the razor, reducing the chance of ingrown hairs and irritation. Once you’re done shaving, apply a soothing aftershave balm.

Aftershaves are frequently alcohol-based which dries out your skin. Find an aftershave with moisturizer or aloe vera for healthier skin. Additionally, these ingredients protect against wrinkles and keep your skin hydrated.  

Is aftershave good for your skin?

Aftershave poses no harm, acting as a disinfectant and soothing your skin. As we established, aftershaves can be in liquid, oil, gel, balm, or cream form. Aftershave is meant to be put on your body after shaving as part of your early morning ritual to treat your sensitive skin. 

That said, it depends on the ingredients the aftershave uses. Many aftershaves act like a sanitizer if they have alcohol within the formula. After shaving, you leave many tiny cuts that bacteria can infect. Alcohol kills the toxins after you shave; thus, aftershaves are antibacterial. 

Aftershave can be more damaging when used over time. Be sure to opt for a product that has moisturizers or other essential oils that protects your skin. 

A few other benefits of aftershaves include reducing itching or swelling from skin damage and ingrown hairs. Additionally, it reduces breakouts, razor burn, and bumps. Of course, aftershave protects your skin health and makes you smell good which is a win-win.  

Avoid aftershave with artificial fragrances because of the risk of allergic reactions. Shea butter, witch hazel, essential oils, vitamin E, aloe vera, green tea, and the like have countless health benefits. 

Overall, you don’t have to use aftershave, but it provides more moisture and protection. You can use aftershave on the days you don’t shave for a little boost to keep your skin healthy.    

Can I put aftershave on my pubic area?

Scented hair and skin products contribute to irritation and itching that you’ll notice a couple of days after shaving. Since you’re shaving a sensitive area, it’s important to take the proper steps to ensure that you won’t experience intense side effects. Look for shaving gels, foams, and creams that are designed for sensitive skin. 

Gentle, unscented soaps and aftershaves are the best bet to avoid dryness and irritation. You should remember to stay moisturized after shaving to reduce bumps and itchiness. A moisturizer heals and makes shaving more tolerable the next time. If you’re hesitant to apply aftershave in such a sensitive area, try a sample size first to gauge your action. 

If the area you tested, for example, the inside of your arm, reacts negatively with redness or irritation, then you probably won’t be able to use the product below the belt. Use an aftershave that has calming ingredients like cucumber, oatmeal, and aloe vera. 

Of course, don’t ignore painful symptoms and heed any allergic reactions. If you have sensitive skin, use fragrance-free products that are designed specifically with natural ingredients that heal and repair after shaving.