Why Alcohol-Free?

[Hansel]

I'm actually pretty new to the whole aftershave thing...To be honest I haven't even bought any yet! So far, I've used just plain drugstore Witchhazel to get the irritation to go away, and just the other night I bought a bottle of 70% Isopropyl rubbing alcohol and thought about adding a bit more alcohol content to the Witchhazel.

So, before I do something I might regret, why is alcohol free something I hear mentioned so often, and what is the highest alcohol content I would ever want to go with if I mix my own? I'm really not much one for perfumey scents since they tend to give me a runny nose, so I think the store brands are right out.

 

[mmack66]

The alcohol in Witch Hazel and 70% Isopropyl alcohol are likely completely different and may not mix properly. Aftershaves and colognes use Ethyl alcohol and Witch Hazel does as well.

 

[scottb]

"Alcohol-free" gets good hype because alcohol can dry out the skin and stings when slapped on after a shave (Of course, of lot of us like the sting, but that's purely subjective.)

But, alcohol is also astringent and a disinfectant, which is good, so a lot of companies will make a point to add something similar--usually witch hazel, which is a lot gentler. Others have tried tea tree or triclosan, but it's usually WH.

I think the amount of alcohol depends on your skin and what you like. I don't feel right if I don't get a little burn, but I know a lot of guys only use balms because that's not their thing.

Hope this helps.

 

[Go West Young Man]

I tend to dry skin a lot of the time, and anythng alcohol-based strips even more oils from my face leading me to have to apply that much extra moisturizer to compensate. I figured out that a non-alcohol-based balm just works better for me.

 

[rafikz]

I tend to dry skin a lot of the time, and anythng alcohol-based strips even more oils from my face leading me to have to apply that much extra moisturizer to compensate. I figured out that a non-alcohol-based balm just works better for me.

Exact same thing for me.

If I use a splash, I have to use more moisturizer than usual, and even to reapply throughout the day, which is annoying

Too bad, I have AV "Green"; love the scent, I have to use it as a light EDT

 

[Boba Fett]

The alcohol in Witch Hazel and 70% Isopropyl alcohol are likely completely different and may not mix properly. Aftershaves and colognes use Ethyl alcohol and Witch Hazel does as well.

They are both alcohols. Won't be a problem. Mix to your hearts content if you so wish.

 

[luvmysuper]

"Alcohol-free" gets good hype because alcohol can dry out the skin and stings when slapped on after a shave (Of course, of lot of us like the sting, but that's purely subjective.)

But, alcohol is also astringent and a disinfectant, which is good, so a lot of companies will make a point to add something similar--usually witch hazel, which is a lot gentler. Others have tried tea tree or triclosan, but it's usually WH.

I think the amount of alcohol depends on your skin and what you like. I don't feel right if I don't get a little burn, but I know a lot of guys only use balms because that's not their thing.

Hope this helps.

+1
It's a Your Mileage May Vary thing.
Some like the alcohol, some don't.
You have to see for yourself exactly what works for you.
If the witch hazel doesn't give you any problems, you seem to be ok with the alcohol level there (about 14 %) so stick with that.

 

[Obsessed]

I tend to dry skin a lot of the time, and anythng alcohol-based strips even more oils from my face leading me to have to apply that much extra moisturizer to compensate. I figured out that a non-alcohol-based balm just works better for me.

I have dry, sensitive skin, and before I started wetshaving, alcohol-based aftershaves were a complete no-no for me. Now that I use better quality shaving creams or soaps and use better preparation techniques, I find that I can use them from time to time, at least in the summertime, particularly those that contain some skin care ingredients (e.g., Speick). Even now, though, they just dry my face out too much if I use them too often.

 

[cvac]

Applying your alcohol based AS with wet hands to a wet face and only using a small amount will go a long way toward making it more tolerable. Wet your hands and face, put a quarter sized amount of AS in the cup of your palm, rub your hands together, then pat it on with fast, gentle patting motions over your face.

I would not tamper with your witch hazel. You'll regret it later. If you want an alc. based AS, buy one from the drugstore. You can try applying one after the other, or mixing a little bit of each in the palm of your hand.

Some guys can't take alcohol or can only take it on their faces in moderation. It will dry some guys out too much or cause irritation beyond the initial sting when applying it.

I like to use a low alcohol aftershave and follow it up with alc. free witch hazel and a balm. Sometimes I just go without the AS and only use the WH and balm.

 

[sanuginz]

I actually like the high alcohol splash. I do apply to wet face and not wet hands after some thayers. It gives me nice moisture all day especially SCS splashes with panthenol and castor oil.

 

[kingfisher]

Don't mix rubbing alcohol with your witchhazel.

If you want to make a nice homemade aftershave using witchhazel, do it this way (approximate ratios):

3 parts witchhazel
1 part aloe vera gel
a little bit of glycerin
A few drops of essential oil for scent (if desired). Peppermint EO works really nicely here.

Good to go.

 

[Blondie]

If you get around the internet and research skin care, this is one of the only places you will find that advocates using an alcohol based aftershave. I have also read some sites that say certain types of alcohol are ok, and others are a no-no. However, as I sit here sipping my alcohol, I can't say they are bad. I typically use an alcohol based splash immediately after the shave, and then finish with a balm for the best of both worlds.
If you are considering an after shave though, it is a moral imperative that as a member of this site you have to try Aqua Velva. And Clubman. And AV Musk. And Proraso. And Lilac Vegetal, and the list goes on and on and on....

 

[Matt S]

If you get around the internet and research skin care, this is one of the only places you will find that advocates using an alcohol based aftershave. I have also read some sites that say certain types of alcohol are ok, and others are a no-no. However, as I sit here sipping my alcohol, I can't say they are bad. I typically use an alcohol based splash immediately after the shave, and then finish with a balm for the best of both worlds.
If you are considering an after shave though, it is a moral imperative that as a member of this site you have to try Aqua Velva. And Clubman. And AV Musk. And Proraso. And Lilac Vegetal, and the list goes on and on and on....

I almost bought some Aqua Velva today simply from reading posts on this board. Although at this point, I am worried I may like it too much, and then I would just be depressed when it disappears from the shelves. I saw some big bottles today at Target though.