I've been shaving for + 50 years and I wouldn't use anything but an alcohol-based aftershave; moreover, if it has a touch of menthol so much the better. I've tried all sorts of alcohol-free balms, witch hazels and other post-shave applications for sensitive skin and none has worked for me. The alcohol-based splashes leave my face feeling clean, soothed and invigorated. My favourite splash is Harris Arlington, but I have a rotation of another dozen alcohol-based splashes including several from TOBS, Trumper, Aqua Velva, M&S, Prada, Alt Insbruck and Bromley. One post-shave product that doesn't work for me at all is alum: it leaves my skin feeling dry and stiff.