Many men shy away from skincare products because they simply don’t know enough about what goes into them. It can be overwhelming to look at the ingredients list of a bottle of shampoo or skin cream and see dozens of complicated ingredients you’ve never heard of. Plus, how can you know which ones are beneficial and which ones are doing more harm than good? It’s not always a simple process, but Anthony is here to make things just a little bit easier for you. Not only are all of our products free of toxic ingredients and harmful chemicals, but they’re also specifically formulated using the most effective natural ingredients on the planet.
So, what are some harmful skincare ingredients to stay away from? What are some great skincare products that don’t have any harmful ingredients? Finally, where can you find the best skincare products on the market (hint: It’s Anthony!)?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, so let’s get started!
Toxic Ingredients and Harmful Chemicals to Avoid in Men’s Skincare
Parabens: The Sneaky Preservatives
Parabens prevent the growth of mold and bacteria in skincare and beauty products. They extend a product’s shelf life, making it “safe” to use the product over a period of months or even years. Common types include methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.
So, what’s so bad about an ingredient that makes your skincare products last longer? The main issue is that parabens are endocrine disruptors, which means they mimic some of the body’s natural hormones and can interfere with your real hormonal balance. Research has linked parabens to potential reproductive issues, although the extent of these risks is not fully understood. Additionally, both men and women with sensitive skin often find parabens irritating.
In our experience, it’s always best to look for products labeled as “paraben-free.” That way, you don’t have to read through every ingredient on the packaging just to avoid them.
Phthalates: The Invisible Fragrance Boosters
Phthalates (pronounced “tha-layts”) are commonly used as plasticizers in packaging and as fragrance stabilizers in skincare products. They make perfumes last longer and improve the texture and fragrance of certain lotions and creams.
Like parabens, phthalates are endocrine disruptors that can wreak havoc on your reproductive system. They are specifically linked to reduced sperm counts in men and early onset puberty in pre-teens. What makes phthalates even worse is that they’re usually hidden behind seemingly safe-sounding terms like “fragrance” or “parfum.” This makes it difficult to identify them on the labels of many products.
However, it’s important to note that the word “fragrance” is often used on the label of products to indicate that it has an alluring aroma. However, if you see “fragrance” in the ingredients list, this could be a major red flag. This distinction is important, as many completely safe products use the word fragrance to describe the effects of the product.
In general, it’s a good idea to avoid ambiguous terms like “fragrance” in the ingredients list and instead opt for brands and products that list the specific names of each and every ingredient.
GMOs: Hidden Additives With Unclear Risks
There’s been a lot of talk about whether or not Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are actually bad for you. They have been shown to help increase yields in many different products and ingredients, even improving product performance in many cases. GMO-derived soy or corn is often used in moisturizers and facial cleansers, for example.
While GMOs themselves aren’t necessarily harmful to the skin, their production often involves pesticides and chemicals that can linger in the final product. These substances can irritate sensitive skin and have long-term environmental impacts.
If you’re concerned about harmful skincare ingredients, look for non-GMO skincare products. Non-GMO products are generally cleaner and more aligned with sustainable practices.
DEA: The Foam Enhancer With a Dark Side
Diethanolamine (DEA) is used to produce that foaming effect you see in many shampoos, cleansers, shaving creams, and similar products. It also acts as a pH adjuster, helping other ingredients perform better.
While you might like that extra-foamy effect, it comes at a cost. DEA can form harmful compounds called nitrosamines when it reacts with other ingredients. Nitrosamines are known carcinogens and have been linked to liver and kidney damage. If that weren’t enough to stay away from it, DEA is known to cause skin and eye irritation in many people. We recommend always checking potential skincare products for DEA before making a purchase.
Triclosan: The Antibacterial Overachiever
Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent commonly added to products like hand sanitizers, toothpaste, and deodorants to kill bacteria and prevent infections. Sounds great, right? Well, despite its benefits, triclosan is an ingredient that you should avoid like the plague.
This component has been linked to hormone disruption in men and women, to say nothing of its harmful effects on the environment. Studies suggest that triclosan can interfere with proper thyroid function, reproductive health, and even contribute to antibiotic resistance (a growing problem worldwide). Despite being banned in some countries, triclosan is still found in many products made in the United States.
To minimize exposure to harmful chemicals, stick to antibacterial products with safer, more natural alternatives.
Gluten: A Surprising Skin Irritant
Gluten, derived from wheat, barley, or rye, is frequently added to skincare products to thicken the product, and occasionally as a moisturizing agent in its own right. However, a large percentage of the population is naturally sensitive to gluten.
For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, even topical exposure to gluten may cause adverse reactions like skin irritation or rashes. While the risk is relatively low for those without sensitivities, it’s worth noting that gluten-free skincare products are generally better tolerated by men with sensitive skin.
If you’re looking to avoid gluten, check product labels carefully or opt for skincare brands that specifically advertise their gluten-free formulations.
How to Avoid Harmful Ingredients in Your Skincare Routine
With so many toxic chemicals lurking in skincare products, it’s vital to stay informed and alert when choosing products. Here are some tips to keep yourself (and your skin) safe and healthy:
- Always check the ingredient list on your products and specifically look for major red flags like parabens, phthalates, and triclosan.
- Select transparent brands like Anthony, which provides a full disclosure of ingredients and prioritizes clean formulations.
- Avoid products with synthetic fragrances or ambiguous terms related to scent-related ingredients, as these can be deceptive ways of hiding harmful chemicals.
- Be on the lookout for non-GMO, gluten-free, and paraben-free certifications so you can rest easy knowing that you’re making safer choices for your skin and the rest of your body.
With Anthony, we prioritize transparency, ensuring that you know exactly what’s in each skin or hair care product we offer. Additionally, all of our products have no parabens, phthalates, GMOs, DEA, triclosan, or gluten, are allergy and dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and responsibly made in the U.S.A.
Take Advantage of Natural, Healthy Ingredients With Anthony
Are you looking for men’s skincare products that are free of toxic, unhealthy ingredients? Do you want to know that you’re using safe, environmentally-friendly skincare products? Finally, are you looking for natural skincare products designed just for men? If so, Anthony is the solution.
We offer everything you need to build your perfect skincare routine — without all the unnecessary chemicals and additives. Check out our Face, Shave, and Body collections to find the best products for your needs!
Want to learn even more about ingredients to avoid in skincare? If so, be sure to check out the great products and solutions available at Anthony today!
