Without the best bay rum aftershave lotion, shaving is not complete. Bay rum is a classic post-shave smell that is increasingly popular today. After washing, it is one of the oldest scents, dated from the Antilles in the sixteenth century.
Without the aftershave of bay rum, men in the 1800s and early 1900s could not picture their everyday grooming routine. I saw my dad obsessing about this when I was a child. And when I was just 10 or 12 years old, I used to add a little bit of this lotion to my hands. It sounds nuts, I know, but I couldn’t wait for my beard to grow. Just so enticing was the spicy, sensuous aroma of bay rum.
Finally, when I turned 18, my dad brought me my first glass. Ah! My! What a sense of belonging at that moment I had. Since then, over the years, I have used uncountable bay rum labels. Some were fantastic, some were all right, and some were just plain poor.
If you too are looking for suggestions for the perfect finishing touch on the Top 12 best bay rum aftershave, you have come to the right spot.
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Top of the List
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Clubman Pinaud Virgin Bay Rum
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Bay Rum Aftershave Splash for Men
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Barberry Coast
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Runner up
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GABELS Bay Rum After Shave Lotion
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1800s Bay Rum
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Genuine Ogallala Bay Rum Regular
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Original Bay Rum After Shave Pour
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Captain’s Choice
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Bay Rum Balm
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Gilbert Henry
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Bay Rum Aftershave
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Hurricane Series
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Best Aftershave for Sensitive Skin
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Grand Bay
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Bay Rum Aftershave
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Taylor of Old Bond Street
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Aftershave Tonic
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Bull and Bell
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Moisturizing and Nourishing for Beards
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Proraso AfterShave
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After Shave Lotion
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Well Master Comb
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1- Clubman Pinaud Virgin Bay Rum -Top of the List
Clubman Pinaud Virgin Island Bay Rum Cologne, with the bay tree’s fragrance, is a formula of traditional spices to give a distinctive aroma appropriate for all occasions.
This can soothe the skin after shaving cologne and treat post-shaving irritations while leaving a soothing tingle behind! Splash this aftershave freely all over the body to continue your day after your workout at the gym, after your run and suddenly feel refreshed! Hold up all day with your sophisticated fragrance!
Clubman After Shave Special Reserve has a rare mix of ingredients that helps tone the skin, soothe it and avoid shaving pain from erupting. This antiseptic agent works wonderfully to offer a pleasant cooling effect while conditioning pores and treating post-shaving blues such as razor nicks, cuts, burns and itch for the most sensitive of skin right after a shave. For each shaving routine, a definite must-have!
However, one of the timeless flavouring ingredients for men is Bay Rum, and Pinaud Clubman, Virgin Island Bay Rum, does the job of providing it! It offers a wonderfully rich, deep scent of dark rum with strong overtones of cloves, cinnamon and spices, infused with the essence of the bay tree, showing you that intoxicating blend of aromatic delights. With this ultra-masculine splash, unleash the timeless gentleman in you a guaranteed classic winner!
Pros
- Aftershave didn’t feel as zingy
- The smell is like pungent clove
Cons
- smells mostly of alcohol
2- Barberry Coast – Bay Rum Aftershave Splash for Men
Barberry Coast Bay Rum Aftershave is formulated from the best, purest ingredients, and our meticulous methods guarantee optimum harmony with natural oils, extracts, and absolutes. The effect is a superior shave that soothes and infuses a soothing, moisturised tone to the skin while removing burns and bumps from the razor.
No artificial additives and no artificial colours. Formulated with a unique combination of all-natural tropical spices & oranges, essential oils and extracts from the West Indian Islands and bay leaves’ essence. -Vegan, no GMO oils, and Free Paraffin.
The beautifully masculine bay rum smell of Barberry Coast is a finely formulated mix of all-natural oils, extracts and absolutes – entirely free of all unnatural fragrances, colours and preservatives. You never have to think about what your skin can do with synthetic and unsafe substances.
Pros
- Stuff Doesn’t burn your face
- Less overpowering and outstanding tones.
Cons
- The smell doesn’t last for long.
3- GABELS Bay Rum After Shave Lotion – Runner up
GABELS bay rum aftershave has the hairdressing scent of the retro 1800 that we all enjoy. You’ll even see a couple of these bottles in a barbershop, even now. Over the years, it is one of the few laurel brands to have retained the consistency of their label.
GABELS’ signature fragrance comes from laurel oil. Also, bay oil, sucrose acetate, SD-40 alcohol and food dyes are included. A noticeable touch of clove is present in it, but it is not overwhelming at all. The scent is suitable for men who enjoy the traditional Cologne/aftershave fragrance to modern deodorants’ odour.
I did not see on the packaging any objectionable ingredients. It does burn due to the alcohol content. The burn is not unbearable, however. On your skin, it is very soothing.
There is an on-point combination of all components in the mix. When applied directly after wet shaving, the skin is soothed by businesses and corporations. It also seals the pores to reduce shaver-induced skin irritation.
This bay rum would be enjoyed by those who want masculine, subtle aromas that linger on the body instead of an intense smell. While the scent is not that greasy, for 7-8 hours, it remains with you. What’s even cooler, whenever you like, you can re-apply it a couple of times. Your skin should not get irritated by it.
Since the fragrance is very light, you can need to use a substantial amount to produce a robust and long-lasting scent. The positive news is that aftershave is not at all pricey. So you don’t have to smash the bank to smell like a handsome, trendy hunk.
Pros
- This thing can also be used as a sent for the slight fragrance compared to the aftershave lotion
- You’ve got to deal with a fatty odour. After a clean shave, it is discreet yet soothing
Cons
- The smell is very light.
4- Genuine Ogallala Bay Rum Regular – 1800s Bay Rum
The authentic Ogallala Bay Rum Toiletry Company’s craft items are among the finest shave bottles online, situated in the charming old cowboy village of Ogallala, Nebraska.
Genuine Ogallala, which, of all the items on this list, undoubtedly has the best and long-enduring fragrance. This spice includes only all-natural ingredients, such as witch hazel, bay oil, cinnamon, rosemary, clove oil, orange, lime, ginger, sage, and wintergreen.
Furthermore, to make this one of the deepest perfumes of any post-shave rum we have ever experienced, all these essential oil blends. On the other hand, they also produce a fragrance that is not quite what you expect a laurel rum might smell (although it’s somewhat similar), but it’s also quite good. While the scent is undoubtedly good, some issues prohibit it from being the first on this list.
Second, since it does not include glycerin, this substance appears to dry the skin a bit more than those on this list (although witch hazel does have some excellent nutritional properties for the skin).
The other major thing is that it does not sound exactly like it should be an aftershave rum. Although it smells nice, you may be a little disappointed if you look for a real rum scent bay rum.
Pros
- A vintage bottle with a screw cap indicates aristocracy, and the design will undoubtedly interest people
- The designers, in my view, simulated Bay Rum’s organic smell as near as possible
Cons
- Bottel backing is not very good
5- Captain’s Choice – Original Bay Rum After Shave Pour
Captain’s Choice is one of the most recommended aftershave lotions for men who enjoy bay rum’s classic aroma. It has a perfect cinnamon note and several prominent notes of clove.
The shortage of high-quality aftershaves in the industry disappointed Scott Brennecke in 2011.
Before he could begin selling it, he spent four exhausting months attempting to refine his bay rum. In the wet shaving culture, this touch of bay rum is a standard option because of the distinctive bite sensation (perfect burn). Similar to pepper but the flesh, it is an extreme burn.
This sensation begins gently and rapidly becomes something you don’t think you can manage. It has been identified by the men who liked the sense as (addictive). It has a classic laurel rum scent with only a hint of clove.
Pros
- A welcoming feature is still the sweet smell of sandalwood
- This item is absorbed reasonably readily into the flesh
Cons
- Little bit burning sensation
6- Gilbert Henry Bay Rum Balm
While a perfectly natural bay rum aftershave splash is not brutal to find, discovering a genuinely natural bay rum aftershave balm is something different.
But that is just what it is it only uses aromatherapy-quality herbal essential oils and is free of parabens and other unnecessary chemicals.
Personally, thanks to the aloe-based, which hydrates and soothes the skin without leaving a greasy or sticky stain, I love to relieve pain and discomfort less than stellar shaves afterwards.
Of course, the lack of alcohol undoubtedly means that the rum sticker on the bay doesn’t warrant it, but the scent is also just as you would imagine.
That said while I and many others like the scent of this particular product, it has a much more pungent smell of clove than many other products, with quite a few reviewers claiming that the smell of clove was a little too overwhelming.
Pros
- I think getting a pump cap is fantastic
- With clove and sandalwood foundation, you have citrus, authentic West Indian bay leaf and allspice
Cons
- Too much clove fragrance in this
7- Hurricane Series – Bay Rum Aftershave
I loved how you could splash your face with it. For a (pump) system, manufacturers may have quit but opted not to. I guess it is easier to reveal a 70-year-old formula in a bottle (made by hand).
I was expecting premium ingredients from the Hurricane collection, considering the heritage. Yeah, Guess? There are some special ingredient categories that you can find there. Next, a luxury community of bay leaves occurs. The Hurricane Series is responsible for smelling those things.
The fragrance is what you desire and believe it to be. It overwhelms you instantly. The treble of herbs and bay leaves in the aroma can be easily seen. I go too far that this is a (sensual) scent, intended to do everything for men with ambition and drive.
A regular component of these lotions is SD-40 alcohol. You know what you’re doing with alcohol now, don’t you? For the record, for notches and slices, it acts as an antiseptic.
Pros
- I was drawn to the style of the bottle at first sight
- With this lotion of the Splash kind, the burn is intense; no consistency has been compromised
Cons
- Bottel cost you more than $50
8- Grand Bay – Best Aftershave for Sensitive Skin
Enthusiasts will recall the Dominica Bay Rum classic. Because it was no different from aftershave, it had an obvious solution. It vanished (to the sorrow of its fans) from the shelves for a bit, but don’t worry; it came back under the name Grand Bay. (Although the language is becoming cumbersome, particularly on Amazon. (Grand Bay Bay Rum)?
The smell is an elegantly straight bay rum that has not been added to anything else. Water, alcohol, and Dominica Bay tree oil are the same ingredients. There is a downside to the simplicity; the odour only lasts for half an hour before it disappears. Since it’s mostly alcohol, proper dosage is available.
You can do this better if you have delicate or dry skin, mainly when there are no other ingredients to soften the alcohol burn. And, regardless of the skin condition, a skin-based moisturising cream is prescribed after application.
Pros
- Nice traditional blend
- Classic laurel scent
Cons
- Too specialised. It is maybe boring for some
9- Taylor of Old Bond Street – Bay Rum Aftershave
Shaving enthusiasts will know Taylor from Old Bond Street without a doubt. The name alone feels British, and since 1854 they have been manufacturing good quality shaving products. That tradition is continued by their bay rum, with the slogan traditionally mixed for the discerning gentleman.
There is a sharp trap of alcohol above the usual web, so be careful. The pure bay leaf with clove and citrus additions is scented, which becomes comparable to a soft but spicy bay leaf after application. Most fade after about an hour, so if you want to retain the scent, you may want to carry the bottle around. It can be used for aftershave or cologne, Taylor says.
Some caution is required about ingredients. Water, alcohol and essential oils, plus chemicals derived from essential oils, are the expected combination. You do not need to worry about that. It includes some preservatives; consult your dermatologist if in doubt, as always.
Pros
- Excellent alcohol trap
- Nice bottle.
Cons
- Very short-term odour
- No counterweight for the alcohol
10- Bull and Bell – Aftershave Tonic
The Bull and Bell Bay Rum is an after-shave specially formulated to alleviate burns so the skin should not dry out.
As it is typically handmade to moisturise the skin and has a calming effect, followed by a perfume that lasts all day it is ranked as the Best Bay Rum Aftershave.
This new twist on a classic scent contains bay leaf aromas, citrus zest blasts, and rum mixed in a soothing fragrance subtly distinct from any other Bay Rum. This tonic for aftershave is handmade by artisans using only the finest ingredients available.
It is made from an aloe and hazel mixture, but it is not sticky and can also be used for all beginners. As it is versatile and does not irritate, it can be used for persons with delicate skin.
Pros
- Light & pleasant essence made from clean ingredients
- The scent lasts for an hour or two then fades away
Cons
- It was shattered in the packaging which had no padding
11- Proraso AfterShave – Moisturizing and Nourishing for Beards
While softening the skin and promoting elasticity calms and soothes any post-shave pain or inflammation, the skin is nourished and supple, with Sandalwood’s warm and woody smell.
Cruelty-free, with 97% renewable ingredients, with no parabens, phthalates, silicones, mineral oils, chemical colours or sodium laurel sulfate, of course. Originating in Italy, Proraso has for decades been innovating professional goods of the highest quality in the shaving world and has grown to become a staple of Italian culture.
The Martelli family values remain right from the first product — Pre-Shave Cream — in 1948, to produce competent, premium products that offer a pleasurable and impeccable shave, in the barbershop and at home.
Pros
- Pure sandalwood as a scent element
- The scent does last decently and isn’t too overpowering
Cons
- Alcohol-based it burns
12- Well Master Comb – After Shave Lotion
An inexpensive aftershave that is common because it does not produce a burning effect on the skin is the Master Bay Rum. Thanks to the excellent wrapping with no leaks and the slight odour, it comes first.
Odour-sensitive individuals usually enjoy this aftershave. It is an ideal product for those with allergic skin because it doesn’t cause inflammation or redness.
You would undoubtedly have witnessed the kick of alcohol in areas where you were rough on your razor if you tried some aftershave. Some aftershaves stress this kick, while others leave it low, to have a relatively surprising end-of-shave feeling.
In the final camp, Master Bay Rum disappears. When it is added without even poking, the alcohol offers water. The fragrance still has some warmth, with a bit of darkness; it’s typically bay rum with a cinnamon taste.
Pros
- Glycerin helps hydrate the skin
- Excellent price for quantity
Cons
- Stronger alcohol burning
Things consider before Buying Bay Rum.
The original aftershave mix of bay rum used to contain West India bay leaf extract. The distinctive heavenly fragrance of bay rum originates from this unique shape of bay leaves. Today, the issue is that most new firms use synthetic chemicals to imitate the classic old version’s scent profile.
Rum, to be more precise, Jamaican rum, is another central element. Again it has been replaced by grain alcohol or SD-40 alcohol for most brands. Some traditionally incorporated additives have also been swapped with chemicals in the recipe.
I’m asking you all of this to help you appreciate how tough it can be to find a commodity that is similar to “authentic,” if not entirely authentic.
And here are a few things to watch out for when picking aftershave for a bay rum:
Ingredient
Rum and bay leaf oil/extract are the first things to look for on the bottle. If the producer states that the bay leaves are produced in the Caribbean or the Virgin Islands, you are looking at a premium commodity.
Check the names and quantities of substances contained in it as well. See individual traces of chemicals are present in most goods. It would help if you were satisfied with it as long as there is a proper mix of chemical and natural components.
Natural vs Chemical Ingredients
While it’s all right to have mild chemicals in the mixture, if you have a severely irritation-prone face, I would say that you keep away from all the chemicals and go all-natural. You will surely get your hands on a bay rum blend made only from essential oils, plant extracts, filtered water, and spirits with a little extra effort. No parabens or any other aggressive chemicals were added.
Moisturiser
Having moisturising ingredients such as witch hazel extract, aloe vera, glycerine, and Vit-C is also essential for the recipe. Moisturising chemicals, even though you do not have dry skin, are vital. The truth is, your skin can turn numb and dry with rum, SD-40, and grain alcohol. Your skin requires the skin-soothing moisturisers mentioned above to fight the damaging effects of alcohol.
Skin Typ
You have dry skin because the jawline, lips, and neck are full of blackheads, whiteheads, or blemishes. In any case, going for a robust alcohol-based beverage is okay. It’s good for greasy skin to dry out.
In the other hand, the alcohol concentration should be very poor if the target shaving area is dry and flaky.
Fragrance
Either the genuine mix smells spicy or woodsy. Others often characterise a heavy, earthy fragrance.
There are two kinds of bay rum aftershave fragrances in terms of strength – one that strikes the nose on a humid summer day like a hurricane—two, a lovely sweet scent that goes on for hours.
Form 1 is the original bay rum scent. Your neighbours will know when you splash it on your forehead.
The impact would, however, disappear too quickly. On the other hand, those who enjoy a soft, perfume-like odour, the more new, trendier musks are not overpowering and acceptable.
FAQ’s
What is Bay Rum?
Bay rum is a fragrance consisting of bay leaves, rum and other local spices from the Caribbean. Cinnamon, clove, allspice (think apple pie), oak, sweet vanilla, eucalyptus, musk, and other spices are widely known scents.
What is Bay rum alcohol?
A mixture of alcohol and natural extracts, such as bay rum, menthol and eucalyptus, is Alcoholado, Alcolado or Bay Rum. Locally, it is used to treat fever, body aches, bites of insects and more.
Does bay rum smell good?
To give the bay rum aroma its distinctive woody, soft, and spicy smell, West Indies bay leaf, spices, and Jamaican rum combine. Bay rum is a perfect summertime aroma because of its island taste, but it’s a beautiful year-round sporting smell. Bay rum’s history is as manly as it smells.
Is Bay Rum antibacterial?
BAy rum oily or flaky scalp offers vivid shine to your hair and serves as an insect repellent, particularly effective moth deterrent. It has beneficial antimicrobial properties. Antibacterial immune support May help clear.
How do you use bay rum?
Shake well and rub a little before spraying every evening on your scalp. Keep this on, don’t wipe yourself off. 4. Then you should also spill one tiny bottle of bay rum into your shampoo and one into your conditioner (use the empty bergamot essence one).
Final Verdict
You do better than anyone else what your skin wants. So pick a mix on your skin that not only smells like heaven but looks like heaven as well. As the former brings back fond memories of my youth and teenage years, I choose bay rum to daily aftershaves.
In addition to this, the disinfectant and soothing agents work on my skin like a charm. It gives my morning a great kick-start. From the endless options available on the market, I have narrowed down the choices to just 5. After reading my reviews, I genuinely hope to find the best bay rum lotion for your needs.
I have a detailed shopping guide to help you find a decent product on your own if you are still unsure.