Men’s Grooming Goes Green

Over the last 20 years, men’s daily use of personal care products has nearly doubled, according to the Environmental Working Group. Men apply shaving cream to their face, splash on cologne, shower with body wash, style their hair with wax and use strong antiperspirants without realizing that they might be exposing themselves to a host of toxins.

The most prevalent health culprits are hormone-disrupting phthalates and fragrance extenders that have been shown to inhibit testosterone levels and reduce sperm count. Preservatives such as formaldehyde, known to cause cancer, are also commonly used.

The effects of grooming routines extend beyond the individual because fossil fuels are expended to transport these products and discarded plastic containers accumulate in landfills, eventually degrading into microplastics that pollute waterways and contaminate the human food supply.

To mitigate these adverse effects on human and planetary health, consider using the following eco-friendly, organic and cruelty-free products.

•   Reusable safety razors crafted from bamboo or metal and fitted with recyclable metal blades provide a close shave without contributing to the 2 billion disposable razors that end up in landfills every year and take more than a century to biodegrade.

•   Electric shavers are reusable, reduce water use and have a lower carbon footprint than disposable razors.

•   Sustainably sourced beard-softening oils such as jojoba, argon or meadowfoam are infused with organic and vegan botanics by companies such as Copper Johns.

•   Aluminum-free deodorants maintain freshness throughout the day using bacteria-fighting activated charcoal, natural clays and botanical additions like coriander. Antiperspirants that inhibit perspiration by blocking pores with aluminum-based ingredients should be avoided.

•   Natural body washes and soaps with ingredients such as Jimmy Red corn, coconut oil and kaolin clay gently clean pores and smooth the skin without employing drying agents. Choose products packaged in natural materials.

•   Chemical-free colognes with natural fragrances derived from essential oils, herbs and spices can be alluring without being overpowering. Some use organic sugarcane alcohol. Noteworthy brands are Dr. Squatch, Henry Rose and unisex fragrances by Heretic.

•   Natural shaving creams formulated with skin-nourishing ingredients such as coconut-derived surfactants, vegetable glycerin, aloe, vitamin E and botanicals provide a close shave, even for sensitive skin.

•   Chemical-free shampoos employ sulfate-free cleaning agents and natural botanicals to nourish the hair. Additionally, zinc and botanical additions like sage and tea tree oil are incorporated to address scalp and dandruff concerns.

•   Hair waxes and pomades should not contain petroleum. Look for ingredients like strong-hold beeswax, or simply choose a water-based product.