Men’s Health Month typically focuses on moustaches, Movember, and the prostate. Sure, that little gland is important, but so is the skin! After all, it’s the body’s biggest organ. Here’s how to keep your skin happy and healthy by avoiding common chemicals in conventional shaving and skincare products.

Common Chemical Culprits

For many men, daily shaving is highly irritating, either because of the chore itself or as a result of subpar shaving products that contain a slew of chemicals that can trigger skin reactions. Then, to calm down your sensitive skin, chances are you’ll smear on some other goop that also contains chemicals that do more harm than good.

Talk about a vicious cycle.

Whether or not your skin is irritated by shaving, chances are you use shower gel, soap, aftershave, or some other skincare products almost daily. Here are ten common chemical culprits to watch out for in these products:

1. Alcohol – a common preservative in skincare products but very drying to the skin, leaving it feeling uncomfortable and stretched
2. Artificial fragrances – can contain carcinogens and irritants and may even trigger allergic reactions
3. Cocamide DEA – common in foaming skincare products, this is banned in some countries as it is linked to cancer.
4. Formaldehyde – a known carcinogen and skin sensitiser, allergen, and irritant, this preservative is still found in many skincare products
5. Mineral oil – a petroleum byproduct that can clog pores and lead to acne and other skin issues
6. Parabens – hormone disruptors linked to skin irritation
7. Phthalates – sometimes in the product, often in the packaging, these chemicals are hormone disruptors and carcinogens
8. Propylene glycol - a synthetic ingredient used to keep products from drying out, it can cause skin irritation and may be toxic if ingested
9. Sulphates (SLS, SLES) – strip the skin of natural oils and make skin dryness and flare-ups more likely
10. Triclosan – an antibacterial agent linked to hormone disruption and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Of course, these ten types of chemicals are not the only nasties in men’s skincare products. There are tonnes of other potential skin irritants, carcinogens, and sensitisers to look out for.

The best approach, then, is to look for products that only use safe, approved, non-irritating ingredients.

Better Alternatives for Sensitive Skin

Effective and safer options do exist, for cleansing, shaving, moisturising and more.

Look for men’s skincare products with Soil Association certified organic ingredients that are free of dyes and synthetic chemicals. And, to keep it green and ethical, look for products in recyclable or reusable packaging from B Corporations with Leaping Bunny certification.

Some of our favourite brands include:

• Weleda
• Green People
• Jason
• Viridian
• Balmonds
• P’URE.

And finally…

Remember that healthy skin starts from inside, with good hydration and good nutrition. Check those boxes for fatty acid, vitamin and mineral intake and your skin will thank you for it.

Now you know what to avoid and what to look for, you can be part of the ‘clean grooming’ movement this month and beyond. And even if you’re growing a Movember moustache, you’ve still got to wash your hair, right?