The hydrating balm provides skin with a burst of rejuvenation post-shave, and is scented with vetiver, green bergamot and Sichuan peppers to make you feel one with nature—even when you’re working a 9 to 5.

Aloe vera: By far, aloe vera is the best instant skin soother and works to cool the skin after a shave.Tea tree oil and witch hazel form a dynamic duo to cleanse and nix bump-causing bacteria, while shea butter softens and hydrates the skin.

Using a shaving cream or lotion not only makes for a friction-free shave; it softens the hairs on your beard or stubble and lubricates the area too, which makes it easier to glide a razor over. Aftershaves can also be formulated with antibacterial ingredients so that if a cut does occur, bacteria won’t find its way inside and cause acne or further irritation. Allantoin: Ideal for those with dry, sensitive skin that’s prone to itchiness, allantoin is a common aftershave ingredient that helps relieve everything from razor burns to diaper rashes.

This aftershave relies on allantoin—an extract from the comfrey plant—to hydrate and calm irritated skin. That’s just what the folks at Jean Paul Gaultier intended to do with this expertly crafted aftershave balm.

You won’t find any stinging or burning with this formula, just a decadently scented soother that will keep skin clear and free of redness and irritation. Depending on the formula you choose (and your skin type), an aftershave can have irritating side effects. Top-of-the-line aftershaves will generally stay away from the nasty stuff and only use premium ingredients. No, no, we now have Blu Atlas Aftershave, which uses all-natural ingredients to reduce irritation and puffiness while hydrating your skin as well. They offer an effective way to get rid of the irritating side effects shaving can bring on, such as itchiness, redness, burns, inflammation, irritation, cuts, ingrown hairs, nicks and scrapes.This goes for all skincare products, but especially for aftershaves, which are meant to be used on freshly shaved skin when the skin is raw and susceptible to irritation. Also, if you’re prone to nicks and cuts, the alcohol in an aftershave can cause some serious stinging, so it’s best to stick to alcohol-free aftershave formulas. If you’re using an aftershave splash, you may find that your skin is craving a little moisture due to the aftershave’s astringent, often stripping properties, in which case applying a moisturizer can help soothe your skin.

Take a dime-sized amount of product into the palms of your hands and rub your hands together to emulsify the product. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll also want to steer clear of formulas that contain synthetic fragrances.

If you got carried away with shaving and are experiencing razor burn, here are some ingredients to look for in an aftershave.