BABOR

BABOR Men Calming After Shave Fluid

Name: BABOR - Men Calming After Shave Fluid
Brand: BABOR

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Glycerin + 12 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Concentrated with a blend of Siberian Ginseng, Taurine and Hops, the fluid promotes skin regeneration after undergoing minor cuts or nicks during shaving.”

Source: Skinstore

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": biosaccharide gum-1, glycerin.

When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~1.4–2.1%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~1.3–1.9%

Magnesium aspartateKey activeEffect: MediumMight be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and calm down inflammation in skin~0.15–0.6%

Biosaccharide gum-1Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin~0.1–0.45%

GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.1–0.4%

Plankton extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.35%

PantolactoneKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.05–0.2%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~5.6–8.5%

Sorbitol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~2–3%

Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~0.35–0.85%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.15–0.6%

Zinc gluconateUnder-dosedTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.15–0.55%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.1–0.45%

Copper gluconateUnder-dosedTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing~0.05–0.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Parfum + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~3.9–5.9%est.

Acanthopanax senticosus root extractA plant extract that might have antioxidant propertiesHigh~0.5–1.1%est.

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.85%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.35–0.75%est.

PullulanCreates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effectHigh~0.35–0.75%est.

Humulus lupulus extractHops extract. Can contain common irritants and allergens geraniol, limonene, linaloolHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.75%est.

TaurineCould be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, evening out the skin tone and neutralizing free radicals, but more research is needed to confirm its effectivenessMedium~0.2–0.75%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.65%est.

Zinc gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skinMedium~0.15–0.55%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.15–0.6%est.

Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.1–0.45%est.

Plankton extractCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Copper gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missingMedium~0.05–0.25%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.2%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.01–0.05%est.

Comedogenic

2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

2 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Plankton extractCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.1–0.35%est.

Chlorella vulgaris/lupinus albus protein ferment—2/5~0.95–1.45%est.

Alternatives

The closest match we found

Nivea MEN Sensitive Post Shave Balm

Closest match54% match

$8.99

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Butylene glycol~5.6–8.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Alcohol denat.~3.9–5.9%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.

Polyglyceryl-5 laurate~2.4–3.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Polyglyceryl-5 laurate

Sorbitol~2–3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Sorbitol

Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Panthenol~1.4–2.1%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Glycerin~1.3–1.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Chlorella vulgaris/lupinus albus protein ferment~0.95–1.45%

Comedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

More about Chlorella vulgaris/lupinus albus protein ferment

Acanthopanax senticosus root extract~0.5–1.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have antioxidant properties

More about Acanthopanax senticosus root extract

Carbomer~0.45–1.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Propylene glycol~0.35–0.85%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol

Parfum~0.35–0.75%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Pullulan~0.35–0.75%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Mattifying

Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect

More about Pullulan

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Taurine~0.2–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

Could be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, evening out the skin tone and neutralizing free radicals, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness

More about Taurine

Disodium edta~0.15–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Magnesium aspartate~0.15–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Might be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and calm down inflammation in skin

More about Magnesium aspartate

Zinc gluconate~0.15–0.55%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Zinc gluconate

Nannochloropsis oculata extract~0.15–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A microalgae extract that helps to attact water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Nannochloropsis oculata extract

Triticum vulgare protein~0.15–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Triticum vulgare protein

Pentylene glycol~0.15–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Biosaccharide gum-1~0.1–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin

More about Biosaccharide gum-1

Lactic acid~0.1–0.45%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid

Glucose~0.1–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose

Humulus lupulus extract~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Hops extract. Can contain common irritants and allergens geraniol, limonene, linalool

More about Humulus lupulus extract

Plankton extract~0.1–0.35%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Plankton extract

Sodium benzoate~0.05–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Copper gluconate~0.05–0.25%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-blemishAnti-oxidationExfoliationEvens skin tone

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing

More about Copper gluconate

Pantolactone~0.05–0.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Pantolactone

Potassium sorbate~0.05–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Citric acid~0.01–0.05%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Ingredient list view

Water, Butylene glycol, Alcohol denat., Polyglyceryl-5 laurate, Sorbitol, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Glycerin, Chlorella vulgaris/lupinus albus protein ferment, Acanthopanax senticosus root extract, Carbomer, Propylene glycol, Parfum, Pullulan, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium hydroxide, Taurine, Disodium edta, Magnesium aspartate, Zinc gluconate, Nannochloropsis oculata extract, Triticum vulgare protein, Pentylene glycol, Biosaccharide gum-1, Lactic acid, Glucose, Humulus lupulus extract, Plankton extract, Sodium benzoate, Copper gluconate, Pantolactone, Potassium sorbate, Citric acid

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	BABORMen Calming After Shave FluidYOUR PRODUCT	NiveaMEN Sensitive Post Shave Balm	EISENBERGCalming After-Shave Gel for Men	TIGIBed Head For Men Balm Down Cooling Aftershave
Match	—	54%	53%	41%
Price	—	$8.99	$68.78	$16.85
Shared key ingredients	—	3 of 7	3 of 7	3 of 7
Key difference	—	—	Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7	Oatmeal Extract
Irritancy	High	Medium	High	High
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	Contains drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: Bed Head Balm Down Cooling Aftershave Ernest Supplies Cooling Shave Cream

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Product summary

"BABOR - Men Calming After Shave Fluid" is effective for: Moisturizing

Ingredient callouts

Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 1.40% - 2.10% concentration. In this concentration, Panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
Humectants (glycerin 1.30% - 1.90%, pantolactone 0.05% - 0.20%, panthenol 1.40% - 2.10% and biosaccharide gum-1 0.10% - 0.45%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.