Gents, Your Junk Deserves Organic

All the stuff you scrub on, rub in, and lather up, should be as chemical free as the food you eat.

Demand for organic has been on the rise for years, and has been focused on what we put in our mouths. People have come to have high expectations for what we consume; whether it’s organic, free-range, non-GMO, locally grown, or farm-to-table. And it’s all for good reason; there are lots of studies that show how beneficial organic can be.

But what about the products you use on your body? For whatever reason consumers haven’t demanded the same in what we put on our skin. This is a big deal as at least 60% of what goes on your skin is absorbed into your body. Meaning if you put on some toxic stuff, it’s getting inside. And while some toxins aren’t harmful right away, they can accumulate in your body. This accumulation can cause all kinds of problems.

Unfortunately lots of people assume that if something is mass produced it’s safe. The fact is that 90% of the products available have not been tested by the FDA and thousands of ingredients banned in other countries are still used in the USA. Luckily, naturally based products have come a long way. You can now find products that are as effective as chemical alternatives and won’t have long term impacts.

To take care of some of the legwork, these are a few commonly used toxins to steer clear of:

1. Parabens - A common preservative in personal care products. The chemical can potentially effect hormones by pairing with internal hormone receptors
2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfates - Creates suds (lather) to make users think that the products are more effective. The problem is that it’s corrosive, wearing away the protective lining of your skin.
3. Mineral Oil - Used to bind moisture to skin and much cheaper than natural alternatives. The negative is that it’s a byproduct from crude oil.
4. Aluminum - Mostly used in antiperspirant deodorants despite being classified as a neurotoxin. While there are no proven side effects, we recommend not gambling with the consequences.