3 Truly Eco-Friendly Men’s Skincare Products: Don’t Greenwash Your Grooming Routine
Consumers are getting smarter about their skincare. Even the biggest names are finally scaling back on chemicals in favour of products with fewer chemicals and more ingredients derived from natural and verifiable sources. However, there’s still little regulation and a lot of marketing in men’s grooming with a wealth of claims and certifications that have no real backing. So, what’s the best way to sift through it all? Transparency. Brands that are walking the walk will have all of their ingredients clearly labeled and easy to find while searching online.
There are a handful of certifications that have the backing and rigor to stand up on their own: if an item carries a Climate Neutral, Fair Trade USA, or Leaping Bunny label, for example, there’s a good chance the product is a trustworthy addition to a skincare regimen. A discerning eye is essential regardless, but the following three products are a great starting point when you’re trying to clean up while actually cleaning up.
Ursa Major Forest Fix Deodorant
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Just over the border in Vermont, Ursa Major has a reputation for harnessing the power of plants within its growing skincare line. Its deodorants are free of a long list of additives that can harm your armpits, and this particular scent is derived from citrus and hops, leaving a brisk, woodsy scent in its wake. ($25)
Crown Affair The Hydrating Shampoo
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The journey to healthy hair begins with hydration. This option from Crown Affair restores all that moisture with a medium-thick gel that’s tall on substance and not overly scented.
Although the brand doesn’t carry any of the major certifications, it does have a fairly lengthy “no” list, which notes several chemicals and additives not found in its products. For some companies, it makes more sense to do at least some of the work without spending the time and money on being formally certified. ($55)
OSEA Advanced Protection Cream
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It might sound a little strange to turn to seaweed in a moisturizer, but OSEA has found a sweet spot in a variety of products powered by a few different versions of the ocean plant. This particular moisturizer is an ideal choice for skin that needs more ongoing hydration, and is essentially fragrance-free save for a minor scent that carries naturally from the active ingredients. It’s also an opportunity to support a southern California-based company as the region continues to recover following the devastating January wildfires. (USD $108)
