What you should know when choosing non-toxic aftershave on Welpr:

  • Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
  • We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
  • The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
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The Welpr Rating is determined by a scoring formula. The formula takes into account the products safety, user satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing. Click here to learn more.
Our Methodology and Ratings

Find Non-Toxic Aftershave

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner - Dickinson's

Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner - Dickinson's
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.85
/5
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Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-1 indicate a top choice for personal care products, have a low potential hazard rating, and good or robust ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/834567-dickinson-s-original-witch-hazel-pore-perfecting-toner/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Vegan label indicates that a brand says their product does not contain animal-derived ingredients, but without certifications such as Certified Vegan, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$4.94

Product Details

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  • Made from 100% natural, distilled witch hazel for a pure, plant-to-bottle formula
  • Cruelty-free product
  • Removes and balances oil, soothes, and refreshes skin without overdrying
  • Dermatologist recommended, suitable for sensitive skin and expectant mothers
  • Fragrance-free, non-irritating, and gentle on skin
  • Helps remove dirt and makeup residue
  • Free from dyes, sulfates, parabens, and gluten
  • Uses sustainably-harvested, organic plants
  • Designed to leave skin soft, smooth, and naturally balanced
  • Positive environmental impact through sustainable practices
  • Packaging may vary

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Refreshing
  • Gentle
  • Effective

Cons Mentioned

  • Drying

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: All Natural Distilled Witch Hazel Containing Natural Grain Alcohol 14%, And Witch Hazel Extract

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Herbal Choice Mari Organic Aftershave - Nature's Brands

Herbal Choice Mari Organic Aftershave - Nature's Brands
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.67
/5
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Certifications

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<p>The USDA Organic certification confirms that agricultural products meet strict organic standards, ensuring sustainable practices from farm to consumer. <a href="https://organic.ams.usda.gov/integrity/CP/OPP?cid=60&nopid=2580002064&ret=Home&retName=Home" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The Leaping Bunny certification assures that products are genuinely cruelty-free, verified through rigorous audits and a comprehensive Supplier Monitoring System. <a href="https://www.leapingbunny.org/brand/natures-brands" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Vegan label indicates that a brand says their product does not contain animal-derived ingredients, but without certifications such as Certified Vegan, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$19.99

Product Details

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  • Moisturizing properties promote long-term healthy skin
  • All-natural, non-GMO, and SLS-free
  • Free from parabens, chemicals, synthetic fragrances, colorants, additives, and synthetic preservatives
  • Cruelty-free, vegetarian, and vegan
  • Packaged in glass for reusability or recycling
  • Made in the USA

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Organic
  • Moisturizing
  • Soothing

Cons Mentioned

  • Oily

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Organic Olive Oil, Purified Water, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Carnauba Wax (Plant Based), Organic Lavender Oil, Organic Sweet Orange Oil, Potassium Carbonate (Natural Earth Mineral), Organic Cedarwood Oil, Organic Lemongrass Oil, Organic Bay Leaf, Organic St Johns Wort, Organic Ylang Ylang Oil, Organic Cinnamon Oil

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Instant Relief Aftershave for Men - Brickell

Instant Relief Aftershave for Men - Brickell
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.65
/5
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on Amazon

Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-4 feature a moderate potential hazard rating and fair ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/966034-Brickell_Mens_Products_Instant_Relief_Mens_Aftershave/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$25.00

Product Details

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  • Features a light, fast-absorbing formula that calms, hydrates, and protects the face and neck.
  • Suitable for men of any age with any skin type, especially those with sensitive skin prone to irritation and dryness after shaving.
  • Contains natural and certified organic ingredients including aloe vera, lavender, vitamin E, and sugar cane.
  • Formulated with 98% natural and 80% organic components.
  • Developed by Brickell, a company known for creating men's skincare and grooming products with natural and organic ingredients.
  • Brickell products are globally recognized and featured in major men’s magazines like GQ, Men’s Health, and Men’s Journal.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Cooling
  • Moisturizing
  • Non-greasy

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis* (Aloe Leaf Juice), Calendula Officinalis* (Calendula Extract), Vaccinium Myrtillus* (Bilberry Fruit Extract), Saccharum Officinarum* (Sugar Cane Extract), Cocos Nucifera* (Coconut Oil), Emulsifying Wax, Glycerin, Lavandula Angustifolia* (Lavender), Acer Saccharinum* (Sugar Maple), Citrus Auranium Dulcis* (Orange Peel Extract), Citrus Medica Limonum* (Lemon Peel Extract), Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), Vaccinium Macrocarpon* (Cranberry Fruit Extract), Stearic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis* (Jojoba Oil), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Glycolic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Malic Acid

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Moroccan Neroli Post-Shave Lotion - Aesop

Moroccan Neroli Post-Shave Lotion - Aesop
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.62
/5
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on Amazon

Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-4 feature a moderate potential hazard rating and fair ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/4605740-Aesop_Moroccan_Neroli_PostShave_Lotion/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The B Corp certification indicates that a company meets high social and environmental standards. <a href="https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/aesop/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The Leaping Bunny certification assures that products are genuinely cruelty-free, verified through rigorous audits and a comprehensive Supplier Monitoring System.</p>
<p>The PETA certification identifies cosmetics, personal-care, and household products as cruelty-free ensuring no animal testing or animal-derived ingredients are used worldwide. <a href="https://crueltyfree.peta.org/company/aesop/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Vegan label indicates that a brand says their product does not contain animal-derived ingredients, but without certifications such as Certified Vegan, it cannot be verified.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$57.00

Product Details

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  • Formulated with botanical oils to hydrate and balance the skin
  • Helps to pacify post-shave irritation
  • Suitable for normal, combination, and sensitive skin types
  • Features a lightweight lotion texture
  • Contains Sandalwood, Neroli Blossom, and Panthenol
  • Emits a woody, exotic, warm aroma
  • Can be used both morning and evening or after shaving
  • Paraben-free, cruelty-free, and vegan

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Moisturizing
  • Soothing
  • High-quality

Cons Mentioned

  • Strong-scented

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Sorbitan Olivate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Polysorbate 20, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Bisabolol, Panthenol, Disodium EDTA, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Oil, Sodium Citrate, Benzalkonium Chloride, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Oil, Methylisothiazolinone, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Farnesol, Eugenol, Linalool, D-Limonene, Geraniol

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Soothing Moisturizer + After Shave - Burt's Bees

Soothing Moisturizer + After Shave - Burt's Bees
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.6
/5
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on Amazon

Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-4 feature a moderate potential hazard rating and fair ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/933849-Burts_Bees_Soothing_Moisturizer__After_Shave_for_Men_2020_formulation/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The CarbonNeutral certification confirms that a business has achieved true carbon neutrality.</p>
<p>The Leaping Bunny certification assures that products are genuinely cruelty-free, verified through rigorous audits and a comprehensive Supplier Monitoring System. <a href="https://www.leapingbunny.org/brand/burts-bees" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
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User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$15.99

Product Details

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  • Soothes and hydrates freshly shaved skin with a blend of aloe, hemp, and other nutrient-rich botanicals.
  • Functions as both after shave and all-day face moisturizer.
  • Features a 99% natural origin formula.
  • Formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS.
  • Hypoallergenic and not tested on animals.
  • Designed for use both morning and night after cleansing and shaving.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Soothing
  • Moisturizing
  • Smells

Cons Mentioned

  • Runny

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Water, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Jojoba Esters, Fragrance*, Sucrose Stearate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Pca, Sucrose Polystearate, Glyceryl Laurate, Kaolin, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Lecithin, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Coumarin, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Aftershave for Men - Era Organics

Aftershave for Men - Era Organics
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.57
/5
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on Amazon

Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-5 feature a moderate potential hazard rating and fair ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/979070-Era_Organics_Aftershave_Shave_Serum/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The PETA certification identifies cosmetics, personal-care, and household products as cruelty-free ensuring no animal testing or animal-derived ingredients are used worldwide. <a href="https://crueltyfree.peta.org/company/era-organics-2/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$19.99

Product Details

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  • Formulated to help get smoother post-shave skin, prevent razor bumps, and calm ingrown hairs.
  • Contains natural and organic ingredients aimed at moisturizing and nourishing the skin.
  • Features a plant-based formula including Ginger, Burdock Root, Black Walnut, and White Oak Bark Extract, known for their soothing and skin-enhancing properties.
  • Designed to exfoliate clogged pores, calm redness and irritation, and deeply hydrate and nourish skin cells.
  • Suitable for all skin types and can be used by both men and women on various shaving areas including the bikini line, armpits, or legs.
  • Free from parabens, sulfates, and other harsh toxins; does not involve animal cruelty in its development.
  • Manufactured in the USA and backed by a customer satisfaction guarantee.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Healing
  • Soothing

Cons Mentioned

  • Painful

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Salicylic Acid, Organic Junglans Nigra (Black Walnut) Extract, Organic Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Organic Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root Extract, Aroma, Arginine, Potassium Sorbate, Organic Quercus Alba (White Oak) Bark Extract

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Cremo

Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Cremo
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.55
/5
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on Amazon

Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-3 feature a moderate potential hazard rating and fair ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/1019596-Cremo_Post_Shave_Balm_Sensitive_Skin/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
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User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$8.99

Product Details

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  • Lightweight formula designed for sensitive skin
  • Helps to soothe and protect sensitive skin from shaving irritation, dryness, and razor burn
  • No synthetic fragrance, formulated with an essential oil blend
  • Hydrates and balances skin post-shave

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Soothing
  • Fragrance-free
  • Moisturizing

Cons Mentioned

  • Thick

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-3 Rice Branate, Glyceryl Dilaurate, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Dimethicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Polyacrylate-13, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Polyisobutene, Citric Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, Helichrysum Angustifolium Flower Oil

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Post Shave Balm - Method

Post Shave Balm - Method
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.45
/5
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Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-3 feature a moderate potential hazard rating and fair ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/959116-Method_Men_Post_Shave_Balm/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Vegan label indicates that a brand says their product does not contain animal-derived ingredients, but without certifications such as Certified Vegan, it cannot be verified.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$8.45

Product Details

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  • Infused with aloe vera and chamomile to soothe and hydrate skin after shaving
  • Fast-absorbing formula helps cool and calm the skin
  • Made with plant-based moisturizers for hydration
  • Dermatologist tested for sensitive skin
  • Cruelty-free and not tested on animals
  • Lightly fragranced with a sea + surf scent

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Moisturizing
  • Refreshing
  • Good-scented

Cons Mentioned

  • Unscented

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Ethylhexyl Palmitate*, Polyglyceryl-10 Distearate*, Glycerin*, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate*, Propanediol*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Cellulose Gum*, Cetyl Alcohol*, Glyceryl Stearate*, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil*, Microcrystalline Cellulose*, Myristyl Alcohol*, Oleyl Erucate*, Phenoxyethanol, Stearyl Alcohol*, Tocopherol*, Xanthan Gum*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract*, Fragrance (Parfum)

Our Product Rating System

Our Product Rating System

First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.

Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.

Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.

Welpr Rating:

5.0/5

The Welpr Rating takes into account 3 things:

  1. Product Safety
  2. Consumer Satisfaction
  3. Ethics & Environment
Product safety

Part 1: Product safety

We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.

Consumer satisfaction

Part 2: Consumer satisfaction

We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).

Ethics & Environment

Part 3: Ethics & Environment

When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.

Common Harmful Chemicals in Aftershave

Chemical Name

Why it’s harmful

Phthalate

Phthalates, linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and cancer, are banned in the European Union but remain prevalent in U.S. cosmetics. They are widely used in personal care products, such as nail polish, fragrances, and eyelash glue and other products. A significant loophole allows phthalates to be added to fragrances without disclosure. Health concerns include endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential carcinogenicity.

Styrene

Styrene is a colorless to yellowish, oily liquid used mainly in plastic, synthetic rubber, and resin production but also as a flavoring agent. Acute human exposure can cause irritation, drowsiness, and vertigo, with skin blistering and dermatitis resulting from long-term contact. It has been linked to increased rates of certain types of cancer, liver effects, and problems with the reproductive system. Animal studies have similarly shown irritation, central nervous system effects, and links to cancers. Styrene's endocrine disruptor activity appears negligible in humans and other vertebrates, but there is evidence of impact in certain aquatic species.

Oxybenzone

2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (Benzophenone-3; BP-3) is a compound used as a UV absorber and stabilizer in plastics, paints, and sunscreens. Human studies have found photosensitivity to it, while non-human animal studies have found that high concentrations contribute to changes in liver weight and disruptions to reproductive parameters in mice and rats. It is identified as an endocrine-disrupting chemical and can affect the behavior of certain fish species. Despite this, it did not induce gene mutations in tests with the bacterium Salmonella typhimurium.

d-Limonene

d-Limonene is a liquid with a lemon-like smell, often used as a solvent to substitute for more volatile and toxic organic solvents. When it comes into contact with air, it can oxidize, and this oxidized form is a known skin sensitizer, capable of irritating skin and eyes. The combination of d-limonene and l-limonene is known as limonene or dipentene. The estimated lethal dose for humans is between 0.5 to 5 g/kg, and studies have shown that it can cause diarrhea and liver effects when ingested in high doses.

Methylene Dichloride

Methylene dichloride, also known as dichloromethane, is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor that is predominantly used as an industrial solvent, in paint strippers, aerosol and pesticide products, and in the manufacture of photographic film. It does not occur naturally in the environment. Short-term inhalation can cause nervous system effects such as decreased visual, auditory, and motor functions, which are reversible once exposure stops. Long-term exposure can potentially target the central nervous system. Studies are inconclusive about its relation with cancer, but have shown liver injury, increase in liver and lung cancer, and benign mammary gland tumors in animals. Some absorbed methylene chloride is metabolized to carbon monoxide. High exposure can cause trivial hepatotoxicity.

Butylated Hydroxytoluene

BHT, a toluene-based ingredient, serves as a preservative in food and personal care products. Safety assessments have noted toxic effects in lung tissue when BHT was applied to rats' skin but considered the low concentrations in cosmetics safe. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) suggests moderate evidence of BHT being a respiratory irritant in humans.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a pungent smell that's naturally produced in small quantities in human bodies and is also known as methanal amongst other names. It's used in the production of various items such as fertilizers, paper, plywood, and urea-formaldehyde resins as well as in some foods and household products like antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics. Exposure to formaldehyde, which can occur through breathing contaminated indoor air, tobacco smoke, or ambient urban air can lead to respiratory symptoms, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and has been linked to lung and nasopharyngeal cancer as well as leukemia. The EPA considers formaldehyde a probable human carcinogen (Group B1) and inhaling it can cause bronchospasm and pulmonary edema. Commercially, it's sold as formalin in solutions of 37%, 44%, or 50% and long-term exposure can cause first-degree burns, skin sensitization, squamous cell nasal cancer, and chronic pulmonary obstruction.

Linalool

Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in many flowers and spice plants, consisting of two enantiomers. It is widely used in commercial products for its pleasant floral and spicy scent, serving as a key ingredient in soaps, fragrances, food flavors, household products, and insecticides. In plants, linalool functions as a metabolite, volatile oil component, antimicrobial agent, and aroma compound. Acute exposure to linalool can lead to central depressive effects with symptoms such as ataxia, reduced motor activity, and respiratory disturbances. Additionally, inhalation, oral intake, or skin absorption can result in irritation, pain, and allergic reactions.

Butylparaben

Butylparaben, a chemical used in various products, has been shown to cause skin irritation in humans and potential sensitization in dermatitis patients. Animal studies indicate that it has low to moderate oral toxicity and can cause damage to the liver, spleen, and thymus. It can also lead to cell proliferation in rats' stomachs, though it was not found to be carcinogenic or mutagenic. However, it may negatively impact sperm viability and activity, as demonstrated in different in vitro and in vivo studies. Lastly, it proposed weaker aquatic toxicity compared to parabens with longer alkyl chains, but still showed estrogenic effects in certain fish species.

Ethyl Acetate

Ethyl acetate is a volatile substance, recognized by the U.N. International Drug Control Programme for its potential to cause narcosis when inhaled. It is also listed as an irritant to the eyes and respiratory tract. Furthermore, when subjected to high concentrations, ethyl acetate can cause adverse effects on the Central Nervous System (CNS).

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About The Author

Camille May

Hey, I’m Camille, co-creator of Welpr and your clean living guide. After selling my last company in the health food space, I went non-toxic to heal an autoimmune condition. It did wonders for my health, but navigating which products to buy wasn’t easy. We created Welpr to make that journey feel a little bit easier. When I’m not working on Welpr, you can find me at the farmers market or unwinding in the sauna, always in bed at 9pm with a good book. I live in my hometown of Austin, TX with my pit bull, Romeo.