Finding Ethical Men’s Skincare
Ethical skincare is a growing trend that emphasizes the use of natural, sustainably-sourced, and cruelty-free products. This trend has made its way into all the crevices of life including men’s skincare. Ethical products are not only better for the environment and for animals, but they can also be more gentle and effective on the skin than harsher, more traditional skincare formualtions.
Why choose ethical skincare?
One of the main reasons is for the planet. Our mother earth. The beautiful world we get to live on. Ethical skincare does more to protect this planet by minimizing its impact than traditional skincare. Traditional skincare products tend to be formulated with harmful synthetic ingredients which when washed down the drain, can have extremely adverse effects on the earth. These ingredients seriously harm the wilderness, they flood waterways contaminating the ecosystem of aquatic life.
On the other hand, ethical skincare products are intentionally crafted with natural ingredients. Natural ingredients come from the earth and thus are biodegradable and definitely safer for the environment. This is because natural ingredients are often derived from plants and other natural sources, making them free from harmful chemicals and synthetic additives. They’re made of what the earth loves, ingredients that actually drive ecosystems, not destroy them.
Think of the animals. Many skincare products in the past have been safety tested on animals. These tests have been responsible for countless animals suffering and for some, resulted in horrid painful deaths. Ethical skincare products are almost without fail cruelty-free, meaning they are not tested on animals at any stage of production. This includes every individual ingredient also not being animal tested.
Not only are ethical skincare products better for the environment and preferred by animals, but they can also be more gentle and effective on the skin because they are made of the things that your skin has evolved over time to love. Many synthetic ingredients are harsh and irritating to the skin compared to their natural counterparts. This harshness causes redness, dryness, and all sorts of other negative side effects which are easily avoidable. Why risk harm when you can opt for natural ingredients? These tend to be gentler and more nourishing, working with your body to soothe and protect its skin.
So, what should you look for in an ethical men's skincare product?
Here are a few tips to help you choose the best products for your skin:
Look for natural ingredients: Natural ingredients are typically gentler and more nourishing for the skin since they comle from nature and your skin is, well, natural. Natural ingrients like aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea are ideal for daily use.
Avoid synthetic ingredients: Synthetic ingredients, such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, are harsh and irritating to the skin, in particular when used over and over. What’s more, is they can also be harmful to the environment. If you see these ingredients, it’s best to pass.
Choose cruelty-free products: I mean why not? There are so many other safety testing methods available, why choose products that harm innocent animals when you have other options? Look for the Leaping Bunny or PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies logos, which guarantee that a product is cruelty-free.
Consider sustainability: Choose products that are packaged in sustainable materials, such as glass or recycled plastic. There are even some products that now come in biodegradable packaging. Do something good for the planet, and reduce your carbon footprint a little.
Look for additional benefits: In addition to being ethical and natural, choose products that offer additional benefits for your skin, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Active ingredients offer you the best chance for the skin of your dreams.
If you’re officially sold on ethical men’s skincare, there are a number of brands out there creating products that are ready to be added to your shelf. Check out Brickell, Kiehl's, or Ursa Major. Each of these brands has a wide range of products and they are ready for you to hop on the ethical skincare bandwagon.
Ethical men's skincare is an important and growing trend that emphasizes the use of natural, sustainably-sourced, and cruelty-free products. These products are not only better for the environment and animals, but they can also be more gentle and effective on the skin. By choosing ethical skincare products, you can feel good about your skincare routine.
Here’s a short list of some of our favorite ethical men’s moisturizers:
Brickell Men's Products Daily Essential Face Moisturizer: This moisturizer is formulated with natural and organic ingredients, including aloe vera, jojoba oil, and green tea all of which create a soothed and hydrated face. Brickell never formulates with harsh chemicals (like sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances) so you can be confident that you are choosing the best product for your face. You can even further reassured because the Brickell’s brand is a certified B Corporation, which means that it meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20: This moisturizer is also formulated with natural and organic ingredients, like aloe vera, soy, and green tea. But what actually makes this product stand out is that is it contains SPF 20. Sunscreen is by far the most vital part of any skincare routine because it protects the skin from its number one enemy, the sun. The sun's harmful UV rays wreak the most havoc on the face, resulting in premature aging and wrinkling. Jack Black is also certified B Corporation, so it is committed to using sustainable and ethical sourcing practices.
Bulldog Original Moisturizer: This moisturizer is formulated with aloe vera, green tea, and camelina oil, all of which are natural, making them ideal for any skin type. This moisturizer is free from harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, and it is also a certified B Corporation, so, same as above, they are a brand that is committed to using sustainable and ethical sourcing practices.
