A Close Shave for Men

 Over his lifetime, the average man spends 9,000 hours shaving. Shaving cream and aftershave were designed to make the process easier and more pleasurable, but conventional products may be doing more harm than good.   Because men’s grooming products are applied to skin that is abraded during shaving- the closer the shave, the more abrasion- their ingredients are readily absorbed. Once in the bloodstream, they are carried throughout the body to various organs, including the brain, liver, and kidneys. 

  Some researchers believe adverse reactions such as dermatitis, skin dryness, photosensitivity and irritation of the eyes and upper respiratory tract are only a few of the consequences of using conventional grooming products. Consumer advocates assert some cosmetic ingredients are carcinogenic or affect nervous system and reproductive systems. 

 Currently, Health Canada believes the chemical concentration in cosmetic products is too low to cause cancer. However, most research into the health effects of grooming aids focuses on short-term sensitivity rather than long-term systemic risks from the cumulative effects of daily exposure. In addition, the majority of these ingredients have been evaluated for safety- alone or in combination- by government or other public institutions. Synthetic fragrances found in most men’s grooming products are a major concern as they cause about 30% of all adverse reactions. A single fragrance may contain 100 chemicals, many of which have been identified as toxic substances. By law, cosmetic labels must list all ingredients, however, fragrances are exempt because their ingredients are considered trade secrets.    Conventional manufacturers also use a host of chemicals that act as penetration enhancers, emulsifiers, disinfectant, and preservatives. Other ingredients add body to foams and gels, keep products from melting or freezing in extreme temperatures, or make the product more visually appealing.  Ingredients to avoid: 1.3 Dimethylol-5.5-dimethyl (DMDM) hydantoin, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, Cocamide ot Laramide Diethanolamine (DEA), Diazolidinyl Urea, Food, Drug & Cosmetic colors (FD&C), Formaldehyde, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laureth or Sodium Lauryl Sulpahte, and, Triethanolamine (TEA). June 2007, Alive Magazine. Written by Harriet Cooper.