When reaching for your favourite fash wash or now Activated Charcoal scrub you may have seen that many grooming labels these days say things like “Paraben Free,” “Sulfate Free,” and “Non-GMO“.
It‘s important that as people who use a product or service we understand that not all ingredients/substances are beneficial and often can do more harm than good.
To help make things a little easier when standing in the men’s grooming aisle we’ve compiled this list to help you choose the best product for your budget and body.
Natural
Essentially, this can be a bit of a cop-out for brands whose ingredients don’t qualify as organic. The term should be treated with a degree of caution. If eco-credentials are what you seek, look for the ‘Australian Certified Organic’ logo or those of ‘Aus-Qual’, ‘NASAA’ Certified Organic or the ‘Bio-Dynamic Research Institute’. These standards apply to cosmetics too.
Animal Testing
There’s no law against throwing an image of a fluffy bunny on your packaging and hoping people will guess that means it hasn’t been tested on animals. But what you should be looking for are the ‘Choose Cruelty Free’, ‘Leaping Bunny’ and ‘PETA’ logos, which take some earning through strict qualification checks.
Fair Trade
Not that we doubt the morals of the fine professionals who work in advertising, but some products have been put to the public with all sorts of promises that no one was fucked over in getting it to your bathroom. Easy to claim, hard to prove. Look for the Fairtrade International symbol which covers the wages, working conditions and terms of exchange.
The good, the bad, and the get-out-of-my-bathroom
Phthalates: These solvents can be found in hair and fragrance products and have been found to cause endocrine disruption that can reduce your fertility. Several have been banned in Australia so err on the side of phthalate-free.
Parabens: This preservative is another endocrine disruptor. In animals anyway. The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has determined that while methylparaben and ethylparaben are safe to use in cosmetics, subject to concentration limits, five other parabens are banned in cosmetic products: isopropylparaben; isobutylparaben; phenylparaben; benzylparaben; and pentylparaben.
PABA: Primarily used in sunscreens as UVB filters, PABA and its derivatives have been found to cause thyroid and endocrine issues. Go for PABA-free products.
Acetyl glucosamine: This primary constituent of hyaluronic acid is a proven skin-repairer and in large quantities can even assist in wound healing.
Glycolic or lactic acid: Complexion-friendly alpha hydroxy acids which exfoliate dead cells without damaging the skin underneath.
Ethanol/ethyl alcohol: Those with sensitive skin would do well to take their alcohol from the bar instead as these as they can be drying and irritating.
Alpha lipoic acid: Yes please for its anti- inflammatory properties and antioxidant punch.
Benzoyl peroxide: Battling acne of any description? Meet your new best friend.
Ceramides: Long-chain skin lipids which restore the skin’s barrier and retain moisture.
Glycerol/glycerine: Prevents dryness and scaling as a skin-repairer.
Hydroquinone: Inhibits the production of melanin, which means fewer dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Lauric acid: Found in cleansers, it can be antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
Menthol: That tingly feeling is actually a sign of irritation.
Mineral oil: Sounds like something a greenie would picket but actually moisturises without irritation. Avoid if you have oily skin.
Niacinamide: You and I know it as vitamin B3 and it helps the skin cells fight the signs of ageing.
Oxybenzone: Excellent protection against UVB and some UVA rays.
Resveratrol: It stimulates and protects the body’s master antioxidant, glutathione.
Retinol: A molecular drill sergeant that inhibits skin cells functioning abnormally.
Sodium laureth sulfate: A cleansing agent that can be more irritating than Kevin Hart.
