When Was Aftershave Invented?

"Aftershave," which was used by the Romans as an antiseptic and anesthesia was made with medicinal herbs and spices. In 1709, Italian Giovanni Maria Farina, developed a fragrance he named "Kolnisch Wasser," which meant Cologne water. He was living in Germany at the time and name it after his hometown Cologne.

When did aftershave become popular?

In fact, even at the height of the beard movement a number of aftershave lotions and scents were available. From the 1820s right through the rest of the century, a popular product was Rowland's Kalydor, advertised widely in various newspapers and publications. A variety of testimonials accompanied the advertisement.

What is the purpose of after shave?

Do I need aftershave? The purpose of using an aftershave is to re-hydrate the skin once you've shaved, quite literally after the shave. This is because shaving can dry out the skin and cause it to feel tight and even a little prickly. That uncomfortable feeling is caused by a lack of moisture in the skin.

Sarah Jenkins

Sarah Jenkins

Senior Technology Editor & AI Specialist

Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.