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Oily skin still needs moisture after shaving, but the wrong aftershave can sting, irritate or feel greasy.[1] Below are dermatologist tips for oily skin and the oil-free, fragrance-free options that passed our check.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| # | Form | Size | Scent | Key ingredients | Skin type (stated) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lotion | 3 oz | Fragrance-free | Ceramides, Niacinamide | All |
| 2 | Lotion | 16 oz | Fragrance-free | Petrolatum, Sorbitol | Sensitive |
– not stated in the listing · Specs as stated by the maker; check the label before you buy · Not a treatment for any skin condition
Choosing an aftershave
- Dermatologists suggest a soothing aftershave; if one burns or stings, stop using it.[2]
- Alcohol and fragrance can sting freshly shaved skin, and fragrance is a common cause of skin reactions.[3]
- A cosmetic aftershave can’t legally claim to treat skin conditions.[4]
- Tea tree oil can irritate skin and cause allergic reactions in some people.[5]
- For oily skin, dermatologists suggest products labeled “oil free” and “noncomedogenic.”[1]
- Wet your skin and hair first, use a shaving cream or gel, and shave in the direction the hair grows.[6]
This guide is general information, not medical advice.
Our Picks: Aftershaves for Oily Skin
In our October 2026 review, all six previous picks failed our check (no alcohol base, fragrance, essential oils, menthol or harsh preservatives), so we removed them:- Imperial Barber Alcohol-Free Aftershave – It is alcohol-free, with witch hazel, and it’s a watery splash rather than an oil. But Imperial’s alcohol-free aftershave gets its scent from bergamot essential oil.[7]
- Lather & Wood After-Shave Balm – It’s a coconut-oil balm that lists sandalwood oil, fragrance oil and alcohol.[8]
- Bulldog Original Aftershave Balm – “No synthetic fragrance” doesn’t mean fragrance-free. Bulldog says its scent is a blend of essential oils, and the list includes parfum, limonene, linalool, citronellol and geraniol.[9] Essential oils used for scent are fragrance ingredients and can cause reactions.[3]
- Tend Skin Solution – Isopropyl alcohol is the first ingredient, followed by aspirin. It isn’t a moisturizer.[10]
- Proraso After Shave Lotion – Denatured alcohol is the first ingredient, followed by fragrance, menthol and eucalyptus oil.[11]
- Gillette After Shave Gel Sensitive – Despite the name, alcohol denat is the second ingredient, and it lists fragrance.[12]
1
CeraVe® PM Facial Lotion Oil-Free, Non-Comedogenic Post-Shave Moisturizer
Currently unavailable
- CeraVe calls this ultra-lightweight face lotion oil-free and non-comedogenic, which matches the AAD’s advice for oily skin.[13][1]
- It has no added fragrance, and the ingredient list has no denatured alcohol.[13]
- Glycerin, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and three ceramides support the skin barrier.[13]
- CeraVe labels it for evening use, so if you shave in the morning, add an oil-free sunscreen.[13][1]
2
Vanicream® Moisturizing Lotion Non-Comedogenic Fragrance-Free Post-Shave Lotion
Currently unavailable
- This lotion isn’t marketed as an aftershave, but Vanicream says it is non-comedogenic and that you can use it on your face.[14]
- It is free of fragrance and masking fragrance, with no botanical extracts or essential oils, and the ingredient list has no denatured alcohol.[14]
- Note for oily skin: petrolatum is the second ingredient, so it feels richer than CeraVe and isn’t labeled oil-free. It suits oily skin that is also dry or irritated, or drier areas such as the neck; otherwise choose CeraVe.[14][1]
Explaining Oily Skin
You don’t need an alcohol-based aftershave for oily skin. Dermatologists say harsh products can irritate the skin and trigger more oil, and they advise against oil-based and alcohol-based cleansers for oily skin.[1] Oil isn’t all bad. It helps protect the skin, and people with oily skin tend to have thicker skin and fewer wrinkles.[1] Oily skin still needs a moisturizer after cleansing, ideally one labeled oil free and noncomedogenic.[1] If you’re concerned about how much oil your skin makes, or you have blackheads or acne, see a board-certified dermatologist.[1]Aftershaves for Oily Skin
So How Should You Choose Aftershaves for Oily Skin?
- Choose Light, Oil-Free Textures – Pick a lightweight lotion or gel labeled oil free and noncomedogenic rather than a heavy balm.[1]
- Skip Alcohol and Fragrance – Alcohol and fragrance can sting freshly shaved skin, and fragrance is a common cause of skin reactions.[3] If an aftershave burns or stings, stop using it.[2]
- Combination Skin – If your cheeks are drier than your T-zone, you can use a richer lotion on dry areas and an oil-free one on oily areas.
Features of a Good Aftershave for Oily Skin
- Ingredients – Look for hydrating ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid in an oil-free base.[13] We no longer recommend tea tree oil, which can irritate skin and cause allergic reactions.[5]
- Consistency – A water-based lotion or gel that absorbs quickly suits oily skin.
- Soothing After the Shave – Rinse, hold a cool, damp washcloth on your skin, then apply a soothing aftershave.[2]
- Realistic Claims – A cosmetic aftershave can’t legally claim to treat acne or other skin conditions.[4]
Index Table: Top Rated Aftershaves for Oily Skin
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CeraVe PM Facial Lotion - Oil-Free, Non-Comedogenic Post-Shave Moisturizer |  | CeraVe | |
| 2 | Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion - Non-Comedogenic Fragrance-Free Post-Shave Lotion |  | Vanicream |
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology. How to control oily skin. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology. 6 razor bump prevention tips from dermatologists. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fragrances in Cosmetics. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?). Accessed October 17, 2026.
- NCCIH (NIH). Tea Tree Oil. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Hair removal: How to shave. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Imperial Barber Grade Products. Bergamot After-Shave (alcohol-free aftershave; ingredients). Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Inkeedecoder. Lather & Wood After-Shave Balm (published ingredient list). Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Bulldog Skincare. Original Aftershave Balm (fragrance and ingredients). Accessed October 17, 2026.
- CVS Pharmacy. Tend Skin Care Solution 4 oz (ingredients). Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Proraso USA. After Shave Lotion Refreshing (ingredients and FAQ). Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Procter & Gamble SmartLabel. Gillette After Shave Gel for Sensitive Skin (ingredients). Accessed October 17, 2026.
- CeraVe. PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (ingredients and features). Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Vanicream. Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion (ingredients and FAQ). Accessed October 17, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Removed Imperial Barber alcohol-free aftershave (bergamot essential oil), Lather & Wood After-Shave Balm (sandalwood oil, fragrance oil and alcohol), Bulldog Original Aftershave Balm (fragrance from essential oils), Tend Skin Solution (isopropyl alcohol base), Proraso After Shave Lotion (alcohol, fragrance, menthol and eucalyptus oil) and Gillette After Shave Gel Sensitive (alcohol and fragrance); added CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion and Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion; corrected the tea tree oil and witch hazel recommendation and the balm contradiction; removed product scores; updated the Key Specs table; updated Sources (AAD, FDA, makers)
- Oct 2026: Product picks reviewed and updated; added a Key Specs table; added Sources (AAD, FDA, NIH NCCIH)
- Mar 2022: First published
