Witch Hazel

[FatBoyFan]

Dear ATG,
On a different thread I started the topic of witch hazel vs alcohol based aftershave was mentioned. Rather than diverting that thread topic I will ask my question here. I was not aware of witch hazel aftershaves and I keep witch in the house.
I would appreciate recommendations for Artisan Aftershaves that use witch hazel instead of alcohol. If it helps your recommendations I really enjoy the citrus of Stirling Arance Mandarini. I also have clones of Creed Aventus Stirling Executive Man and a new one I really like called Spartacus from Ariana and Evans.

Thanks for taking the time to assist me.
FBF

 

[Zorro]

i just use a bottle of witch hazel from the chemist / supermarket as a post-shave splash.

It works well, dries quickly and doesn't have any lingering scent of its own, so you can use an eau de toilette soon afterwards

 

[Burgundy]

Typically, witch hazel is made by steam-distillation in alcohol. However, you will also come across the likes of Thayer’s that also make a product - sometimes marketed as ‘toner’ - without alcohol by making a water-based extract.

I wouldn’t worry too much about the skincare properties of aftershave. Historically, it was as much antiseptic as anything.

My $0.02: Assuming you’re not sharing razors or cutting yourself regularly, a light moisturiser is more than enough as post-shave. Save the money for decent fragrance which, invariably, aren’t created (or cynically duplicated) by soapmakers.

 

[Randy]

Save the money for decent fragrance which, invariably, aren’t created (or cynically duplicated) by soapmakers.

Oh yes!!

 

[FatBoyFan]

Burgundy, your two cents are greatly appreciated. I actually just got a small sample bottle of Aventus to compare to my clones. If I do like it much more than the clones I will have to spend some $ and get a real bottle.
This whole shaving journey is only six months old for me. Do get me wrong I wet shaved just not correctly. These artisan soaps are awesome and I am enjoying the different scents. I just learned how the House of Creed is which is kind of cool.
Thanks,
FBF

 

[MntnMan62]

I use plain unscented witch hazel as a step in my aftershave process. I apply and leave it on without rinsing. And then afterwards I use a scented aftershave. I imagine most, but not all, of my aftershaves have alcohol. I don't find that approach to be drying however if I do notice my skin feeling too dry I will utilize a balm.

 

[SpeedyPC]

@FatBoyFan you might want to try DIY witch hazel aftershave, that doesn't clash with any fragrance or cologne.

It's very cheap and very easy to create your own. Try my witch hazel aftershave recipes below, it's fantastic for all year round throughout the whole season.

T.N. Dickinson Witch Hazel Astringent mixed into the 240ml bottle with Plunkett's Vita E Pure with Rosehip Oil (10 drops), Natural Plant Glycerine (20) & Tea Tree Oil Antiseptic (5)

 

[Randy]

@FatBoyFan you might want to try DIY witch hazel aftershave, that doesn't clash with any fragrance or cologne.

It's very cheap and very easy to create your own. Try my witch hazel aftershave recipes below, it's fantastic for all year round throughout the whole season.

T.N. Dickinson Witch Hazel Astringent mixed into the 240ml bottle with Plunkett's Vita E Pure with Rosehip Oil (10 drops), Natural Plant Glycerine (20) & Tea Tree Oil Antiseptic (5)

Don't give away your recipe like this.

 

[SpeedyPC]

Don't give away your recipe like this.

I don't care, really.

 

[TobyC]

Top 5 Alcohol-Free Witch Hazels

After shaving, apply witch hazel or aftershave to prevent razor burn. Witch hazel works as an anti-inflammatory and the alcohol-free versions can help reduce swelling. Aftershave is an alcohol-based antiseptic that’s primary use is to kill bacteria. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can use either – but not both – after your shave.


.

 

[Doum]

I like thayers unscented witch hazel. I put it in a small spray bottle and use it as an aftershave. I like that i can smell my shaving soap after a shave for a few hours. So far i've restrained myself to buy the matching aftershave.

 

[SpeedyPC]

I like thayers unscented witch hazel. I put it in a small spray bottle and use it as an aftershave. I like that i can smell my shaving soap after a shave for a few hours. So far i've restrained myself to buy the matching aftershave.

T.N. Dickinson Witch Hazel is a lot cheaper than Thayers

 

[FatBoyFan]

I have a bottle of Dickinson’s in the house at all times. I have never tried it after a shave. I will give it a shot. Thank you very much.
FBF

 

[DesertIguana]

Use it, it is cheap, smells like old barbershop.

 

[SpeedyPC]

@FatBoyFan

WARNING!!... Clubman Pinaud Lilac Vegetal strongest men's perfume.