Issue 12: Toxic-Free for Gentlemen

Personal Care Products for Men

Welcome back Frens. I hope all of your Thanksgivings (U.S. Frens) were enjoyable.

Today I'm going to address the gentlemen and a few products that are specific to men. Ladies, this information will be good for you as well. Especially if you have young sons who are influenced by media and marketing. Devil's little brother went through a VERY strong Axe Body Spray phase that was difficult on all of our olfactory senses.

The Trouble with Strong Scents

A majority of women I've known don’t like a man who smells like he doused himself in cologne. In fact, like most fragrances, cologne gives me a headache and I can't be around it at all. My daughters turn their noses up at it as well.

Research shows correlation between olfactory senses and choosing a compatible mate as well. How can the ladies rely on their senses if you're drowning out your natural scent with fake fragrance?

“In humans, sex attractant pheromones create an emitter-receiver relationship that increases the level of sexual attractiveness in the emitting individual.” Source

Common Products

Marketing targets men from a young age to buy the “manly” smells.

Old Spice advertises it's scents saying things like “brush up on your swagger” and “smell confident.”

I've seen so many of these kinds of advertisements. Don't fall for it. Always cross reference the Dirty Dozen before buying your products.

I won't get into the details about the toxicity in common products because I've covered that pretty extensively already. But things like hair gel, mousse, pomade, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, lotions, body wash, cologne, shaving cream, after shave/cologne should all be checked against the dirty dozen for hazardous chemicals.

I would rethink the razors you use as well. That little strip of lubrication on them can't be toxic-free. I advise using one without that.

What to Wear Instead

My favorite thing is when Devil showers and smells faintly of his shaving cream but with his natural scent coming through too. This is because his shaving soap is made from natural ingredients and is toxic-free.

He uses the same soap as me, a tallow based, toxic-free, lightly scented soap.

He doesn't use cologne and never has. I will admit, it took me some time to get used to this once we started dating. Most of the men I had dated previously used cologne. Devil showered in vinegar. While I'm glad the vinegar days are behind us, I'm really glad to smell his natural musk these days.

Product Suggestions

Some of the following links are affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission. It doesn't change the price for you. Thank you.

Shampoo and Conditioner: Puracy

There are more recommendations in Issue 7.

Soap: Check out the Farmers for good toxic-free options. They make it by hand.

I also like Becky’s Tallow Treasures, a tallow-based soap company. (Not an affiliate).

Shave Cream and Supplies: Devil buys his shaving supplies from Sudsy Soapery. They also sell soaps. (Not an affiliate, but we enjoy their products)

Balms, Lotions, Skin Care: I’ve said it before, I'll say it again we love Balm of Gilead. I'm not affiliated with them, but their products are GREAT. They sell things tailored to men as well.

We have some of their Cedar and Black Spruce balm. It smells good but it is strong. FYI. The Manuka Honey balm is Devil's favorite.

Hair Products: I've had decent luck with Andalou Naturals hair products for myself and would recommend them as a toxic-free option. Here are some links for convenience.

Gel

Styling Cream

Hairspray

They also have a men’s line. Here is a starter kit from this brand. Andalou Men.

Deodorants:

We really like Crystal deodorant. It's salt based and works really well.

I know other people have enjoyed Native deodorant, though we haven't personally tried it. I've heard a lot of good things.

The thing you want to most avoid is aluminum in deodorant. It's a common ingredient in antiperspirant.

As I'm not a man, I realize this list is not extensive for all of the things you gents might be looking for. If you need any further help researching your products or want to find something more specific, please reach out. I'm happy to use my resources to get you what you need!

Next week: toxic-free babies and kids.

See you then!

Angel