Toxic Tuesday: Men’s Products
We’re seeing more and more guys who have low and troubling sperm counts.
We love the scent of men’s care products, that woodsy and spice scent from deodorants, shaving creams, and cologne. I used to linger a little longer in my Father’s hugs just cause he smelled so yummy. I recall when my Mom worked at the cosmetic/fragrance counter at Holt Renfrew, she would smell divine with the collective layers of fragrance she shared with her customers. But these products can be just as harmful to men’s reproductive health as they are to ours.
Federal researchers published a study last year showing that phthalates, a family of compounds used in plastics, piping and cosmetics, can interfere with the hormone testosterone, likely playing a role in the international drop in male fertility.
The average male uses three to six cosmetic products every day and many of these personal care products contain more than 96 different chemicals. Most of them are absorbed into the skin, inhaled or ingested. Of these 96 chemicals, the researchers tested, one in three significantly changed the swimming behavior of sperm.
What most men don’t know that many of these toxic chemicals are left off the product labels due to loopholes in product labeling of fragrances. One of these main products is called DEP that is commonly found in men’s care products.
Here is our list of safer alternatives:
Heavily scented body wash can contain synthetic fragrance endocrine disruptors. For a swap try Art of Sport – This men’s line include has all the great scents but is derived from ingredients like citrus, vanilla, and eucalyptus. Free of parabens, alcohol talk, and petrolatum.
Most deodorants contain parabens, triclosan, phthalates, propylene glycol, and aluminum. We love @Native as a safer alternative and are free of toxic chemicals.
Looking or an alternative to shaving gel? Try Badger Organic Pre-Shave Oil – Made with organic extra virgin olive oil and other extracts, it protects the skin and reduces irritation. For a product that goes right into the pores, you want to make sure you reduce toxins.
These small changes can have a huge impact in male factor parameters.
Give some of these new products a try and if you’re not sure, try the @ThinkDirty App to check your products.
We’d love to hear suggestions! Also, we often turn to our colleagues @drlorashahine and @clearskindoc to offer additional suggestions.