6 Grooming Swaps to Try
Grooming products are usually the last thing we think about on our list of to-dos. It isn’t until we run out that we make it a priority to get more. That is maybe one of the reasons there has been a surge of subscription-based companies selling grooming products. The cost of using these companies can be more than a little effort in planning ahead to save money and time. That’s really what we want right (besides it being effective). I’ll walk through some alternatives to some of our typical buying habits of just grabbing the red bottle with the dude with the funny commercials from the grocery store shelf to swaps that can be cheaper and less damaging over time.
#1 BODY WASH GEL FOR BAR SOAP
The main task of soaps is to provide proper hydration to your skin and remove dirt and oils. Picking the right soap depends on your skin type. Soaps can be more drying than body washes, so make sure you choose a bar with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin[1]. But just like body wash gels, body soaps should not be used on your face unless you get one specifically for that. Body washes have a lot more unnecessary ingredients that aren’t doing your skin any favors. Many body washes contain synthetic detergents, while bar soaps use fats to clean dirt. These artificial ingredients can cause skin irritation for sensitive skin types [2]
Ingredients you should look for are glycerin, botanical oils, shea butter, cocoa butter, aloe vera, and moisturizing vegetable oils (olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil)[3]. These ingredients provide the cleaning, vitamins, and the moisturizing you need.
If you have acne-prone or oily skin, you may want to opt for a potent detoxifier like activated charcoal, which draws oil and dirt out of doors, helping to reduce breakouts[4].
There are also several ingredients to avoid since these ingredients are related to birth defects, cause skin conditions, such as dermatitis, can irritate the eyes, and are associated with increases in cancer[5]: Fragrance, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, triclosan, SLS
I recently had some breakouts of dermatitis and saw that propylene glycol was an irritant, when I checked my cabinet, I found several products have propylene glycol as an ingredient in addition to some other ingredients on the list above.
Bar Soaps
Dr.Brommers–I do advise caution on using this on acne-prone skin, as olive oil can have a pore-clogging effect for some people.[4]
byHumankind– natural soap that comes in a brick so it last longer and is easier to grip.
Bulk Bar Soap Option– to cut down on costs and save on cost per bar of soap
If you do buy bar soap, I would recommend buying in bulk to get the most savings. If you do that, the cost can be the same or cheaper, depending on what you use and how often you wash. Keeping your soap dry and out of the way of the shower will preserve it. I would recommend some sort of stand for the soap to allow it to dry. If you do want to take your soap to the gym for after you shower; keep in mind that if you leave your soap in a soap container closed it will likely deteriorate faster if it was left out to dry at home.
Having bar soap is especially handy when traveling since you can’t bring your normal size body wash as a carry on during your weekend trip, and TSA doesn’t have an issue with bar soap.
Soap Bag– good for when soap gets thin and starts to break into thin pieces, this will help to contain the soap pieces for longer use
#2 MULTIBLADE TO SAFETY RAZOR
So many shaving commercials out there are saying that you need more blades on your razor for less irritation, is this true or is it just a clever marketing scheme to get you to buy more blades? One reason some of this big companies don’t market safety razors is because there isn’t as much money to make as in those disposable razors. That’s a sign of a good deal for you. Hard to prove the later but what if I said that one blade was all you need. A safety razor uses one dual-sided blade, virtually two blades in one, so your blade lasts longer. The blades are a one size fits all so not brand specific. The handle itself is metal and doesn’t need to be replaced. Instead of using a gel, a brush and bar of soap are used to make the lather. It’s a little more time-intensive process, but you get a better, closer shave, and you feel pretty manly using the single blade technique. But probably the most significant benefit is the amount of money you save. The only cost you have after buying a starter set is the blades and soap, which last a long time. I’ve had my safety razor seven years and still in great shape. My cost average over the last 7 years for shaving my face have been $16. Compare that to just buying a set of disposable blades and you’ll see how much you can save.
This is the razor I have. If you have thicker hair, you might want to try a heavier razor.
Next you’ll need a bar of soap to lather on your beard, a brush to apply, and potentially cup to make the lather. Avoid buying a badger hair brush, a synthetic like the one below will do just fine. Most badger brushes are from China where they don’t enforce animal cruelty laws.Your brush should last a long time if you wash it after every use.
Blades: Sample Pack- Not all blades are the same, best to try a sampler back to see what feels right for you
Soap: Option
Now I’m not saying you can’t use a gel to shave with, but the traditional method is with a brush and soap puck.
You can substitute buying a cup for a old cofee mug, that works just as well.
Now that you have all the gear, now time to actually save. The technique is different that a typical razor. Check out this video for how to shave using a safety razor.
Lastly don’t forget about the after shave. Maybe, this is just may sense of smell, but this one smells like fruity pebbles. Sounds weird, but smells great. After Shave
#3 REGULAR DEODORANT FOR NATURAL DEODORANT
Like most guys, we have probably used the same deodorant, since well, forever. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Well, most “deodorant” are actually antiperspirants that use aluminum to block sweat glands. Aluminum compounds are what causes the yellowish stains on your shirt. Most of what you are buying are the grocery store is an antiperspirant. A deodorant on the other hand doesn’t block the pores, but instead masks the sweat with essential oils and other natural fragrances. Below are some alternative deodorants to keep your shirts crispy white, are also effective at blocking odors, and use natural ingredients.
Make sure to check the labels and avoid these ingredients:
Triclosan: likely to be harmful to the immune system, is an endocrine disruptor, and an environmental toxin
Phthlate- harms male reproductive system development and potential endocrine disruptor
Parabens: As mentioned above, they are preservative that might have a link to breast cancer
Propylene Glycol: As mentioned above is a petroleum based product that can irritate skin. Now I want to clarify use of Proplyene Glycol, it is a widely used chemical in a number of beauty products. It is regarded by the FDA as generally safe for use. The two reasons I mention it is because if you have sensitive skin or have noticed a mild allergic reaction to some products you use, it might be related to PG.
Also, a number of products below use propylene glycol in their ingredients, but they derive it from plants, not petroleum.
Deodorants
Refillable Deodorants
With refillable deoderants you get one container that you use and get replacement deodorant sticks. Makes sense, why not save on buying a new container and just buy the deodorant. That’s really all you need. No reason to buy a container every time.
Myro – the most masculine scent is cabin #5
Regular Deodorant
Toms of Maine– this is probably the most affordable on the list. Only downside is they aren’t refillable
#4 MOISTURIZER/ TONER/ CLEANSER
Whatever you put onto your skin ends up directly in your body, so you only want to use products that are going to be kind to your skin and your health. Below is a list of some skin care brands that use more natural ingredients to keep you looking good.
Top 5 ingredients to avoid:
As mentioned above you want to avoid SLS, Triclosan, Fragrance, and Parabens. But when it comes to skin care you also want to avoid BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and Vitamin A which is found to be a carcinogen. The problem with Vitamin A is that sunlight exposure reacts with the vitamin to produce the negative effects. Products with retinyl or retinol which are ingredients of Vitamin A are used in anti-aging products. If you have products with it, avoid using it for other than your face, and use only at night.
When picking products out yourself review the EWG CERTIFIED list of products, they are tested by organics.org and come without any fake Amazon reviews.
Brickell -is a mens skin care company that provides a wide variety of products for men of different skin types using organic ingredients.
Seed Phytonutrients– is a smaller US based brand that operates as a independent offshoot of L’Oreal. They work with local farmers in Pennsylvania for their products and use manufacturing processes that extract the oils and ingredients in a natural way without harsh chemicals. They also work with Terra Cycle on a recycling program for the plastic in their bottles.
Thrive– is a startup company that works with local farmers in Costa Rica for its unique natural ingredients. They plant their ingredients in previously degraded lands restoring biodiversity to the area. They have daily face balms with SPF that are reef safe to keep your skin protected from the sun’s rays outdoors.
Journeyman- was started by two friends from Southern California that wanted to create effective premium products that are good for you and smell great. They give back to the environment by being apart of 1% for the planet, which gives 1% of profits to environmental nonprofits.
#5 Shampoo and Conditioner
Buying shampoo and conditioner is one of those things you typically don’t give much thought to in the store. You typically just grab whatever. But there is much more to it that something just to get you clean. Your hair type should be a factor in picking out products in addition to looking for ingredients to keep your hair and scalp healthy. I think by now you’ll see that these same a pattern that these same chemicals you should avoid show up in a number of beauty products : SLS, Parabens, Fragrance, Phthalates, and Tricloson.
Quick Tip#1- You don’t need to wash your hair more than once every other day or a few times a week (even with oily hair). Too frequent washing can cause hair damage and dry, itchy scalp. If you do shower everyday due to working out, you don’t need to wash your hair too, rinsing your hair will help it clean and preserve the oils that keep your scalp from drying out. How often you choose to wash your hair depends a few different factors, but try out going a little longer between shampoos to see if you notice any difference.
Quick Tip #2- As you look for products keep in mind that the words “organic” and “plant-are terms are not regulated and there is no requirement for them to prove they are natural so always check the ingredients to make sure what you get is actually what they claim.
I’ll provide some suggestions of companies to check out below, but here are some ingredients you should look for as you pick out shampoo and conditioners. Now a product will likely not have all of these, but having a few should be a step in the right direction.
Rosemary- Rosemary can protect against hair loss and promote hair growth
Coconut oil- Coconut oil improves the strength of your hair and helps protect from damage caused by blow drying
Olive Oil- if you have dry hair this will help bring back much needed oils
Jojoba Oil- Jojoba can help get rid of dandruff, promote hair growth and keep your hair thick.
Honey- Helps get rid of itchy and flaky scalp by hydrating your hair and skin. It can also add shine to dull hair
There are two different routes you can go when it comes to shampoos and conditioners. You can go the with traditional bottled lotions or you can use bar shampoos. Bar shampoos are different from from liquid shampoos. They are made with vegetable oils. These oils don’t remove the natural oils from your hair so with bar shampoos you don’t need a conditioner.
Shampoo & Conditioners
by Humankind -bar shampoo option
They reduce single use plastic with its packaging. Their shampoo bars come with a tray to help keep the bar lasting longer. Even if you don’t decide to use the shampoo bar for regular use. It could be a good idea for traveling so you don’t have to go out at purchase those little 3oz bottles or be stuck using whatever you find where you’re staying.
Maple Holistics– Good for dandruff reduction
Maple Holistics is a New Jersey based company that provides reasonably priced premium products that are naturally sourced and cruelty free. They also offer a cool program if you return your bottles to them for recycling they will send you a free bottle for every six you send back. Recycling program
Brickell- Good All around Shampoo and Conditioner
Brickell provides natural effective ingredients for a healthy scalp. Their shampoo uses amino acids to increase volume and tea tree oil to reduce irritation and their conditioner uses aloe for moisturizing and borage oil to promote hair growth.
If you suffer from a lot of dandruff or seborrheric dermatitis(flaking on scalp) then there is a natural product by the company Jason. They have been around since the ’50’s providing safe and natural ingredient products
Looking for a simple, effective natural ingredients from a US based company. Then Ursa Major may be worth checking out. They offer their a trial kit to test out your products to see what you like before spending the money for a full size bottle
References:
[1] https://www.birchbox.com/guide/article/bar-soap-vs-body-wash
[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/mild-soap
[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/soap-for-dry-skin#how-to-choose
[4] https://www.bustle.com/p/the-4-best-natural-bar-soaps-16965945
[5] https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dangerous-beauty-products_b_4168587? guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAGCWmkE38TMvN1TyzDsej1SXWXA4iY98zAEsP7MVHmVkSaUBx6nHOsjfrk4drJEP-l4jMuUqRxBbIkzSp-hUw9d4JU4Z19FZSOhAe0yxJ4qwq5yyWquggX1I1Yk8bTWuZNgxFV8VwYG_A-ezl47UlhAJ2VsXCKc8zlls3pCjAs1h
*I am not a dermatologist so, check with your doctor regarding your skin care routine and if these products are right for you*
