Note from Erin: I’m welcoming my husband, Will, as a writer again today! I would have fallen over in shock if someone had told me a few years ago that he would be writing a post on natural skincare for men! If you are struggling to get your man to convert to a more natural, non-toxic lifestyle then I hope you will be encouraged by this post!
By Will Odom, Contributing Writer
Our journey into natural living was a slow process. We took it one step at a time, and often my wife had to drag me kicking and screaming. (I still won’t give up my sweet tea; though, I do use organic cane sugar now. A miracle happened and Will gave up sweet tea in summer 2015!)
I quickly realized the benefits of changing our diet and eating whole, healthy foods. While we changed one area at a time, natural skincare seemed to be one of the last frontiers that I had even considered.
I had begun to read the labels on the food we ate in the kitchen and expanded that habit to the items we used in the bathroom. I found that I could not pronounce nor did I know what half of them were.
Over time, I began to realize that the ingredients of what I put on my body are almost (if not equally) as important as the ingredients of what I put in my body.
Growing up, I used traditional soap, shaving cream or other items. To this day, the smell of Coast and Barbasol remind me of my dad. Is it not amazing the memories a simple smell can recreate? But that’s for another post!
Now, I will readily admit that many men will not be bothered by the ingredients of their soap. While men’s skin care has grown over the past few years, many men know nothing of more natural options…options that don’t smell like flowers or their mother’s perfume bottle.
If you are man and are curious about natural skin care…or you care about a man in your life and want him to start using more natural products…or you’re a guy and have no idea what I’m talking about and don’t care…I have some suggestions for you.
Soap
Soap was the first and one of the easiest switches. The stigma around natural soap is that it is not manly enough and all of it smells of roses and lavender.
Well, I’m here to tell you that is wrong, wrong, wrong.
You can naturally knock out that sweaty smell without coming out of the shower smelling like a patch of wildflowers.
There one companies that I would recommend:
Free Reign Farm uses goat milk (from their own goats) in their soaps. Their Lumberjack Pine and Clove Soap have a masculine smell.
I mean, come on, it’s called Lumberjack. You can’t get more manly than that, right?
The Log Cabin Fir, Cowboy Soap, and Mountain Goat are all excellent choices.
And while some men may not like the smell of tea tree, I find their Earth and Sky soap, infused with tea tree and lemongrass, has a clean scent.
They also have a poison ivy soap specially formulated to help the outdoorsman deal with that itchy plant.
You can find all of Free Reign Farms soaps for men in one category on their website.
If your man prefers no smell at all, Free Reign Farm has fragrance-free, unscented soaps as well, especially for those hunting days when he doesn’t want his prey to smell him coming.
Free Reign Farm is offering 10% off your purchase and free shipping on orders over $35 if you use code THH10. Read Erin’s review of their hand-crafted soaps here.
Your guy won’t smell like sweat or flowers, and you know you are taking care of him.
Best part is that I know exactly what is in these soaps and can pronounce all the ingredients.
These are soaps you want to use, not just put in your guest bathroom to look and smell nice.
If you prefer a foaming soap, then this recipe will do the trick nicely, and you can scent it using whatever essential oils you like.
Deodorant
I have to admit that I was hesitant about switching deodorants.
Men sweat…a lot.
So when my wife suggested we try natural deodorants, I didn’t exactly jump at the opportunity.
However, knowing Lexie and Free Reign Farms and trusting their products, I decided to give it a go. I have never looked back. It did take a week or two for my body to adjust to the lack of chemicals found in traditional deodorants, so give it a few days.
I quickly found that both the natural deodorants not only worked, but it worked exceptionally well. And don’t let the scent fool you. It still smells manly enough for daily use.
I also love that Free Reign Farm has introduced a sensitive version of their deodorant. It doesn’t have baking soda, which can cause irritation for some people.
Shaving
I really love the shave soap from Free Reign Farm. It is my favorite and has a great lather! It is really the only shave soap that I use right now and have for quite some time.
I also like using a shaving brush and a shaving bowl. I would like to try a safety razor as well.
If you prefer a more traditional take, then Pacific Shaving Company offers an excellent all-natural shaving cream. A tiny bit takes care of shaving my head and face.
I really like the Caffeinated Shaving Cream that the company offers.
If you prefer a traditional razor, then check out the Dollar Shave Club for great prices on razors. I’ve used them for a few years and like their product.
If you need to shave something other than the face, you can always try the baKblade or mangroomer electric back shaver for a little manscaping.
Facial Hair
If your man doesn’t shave, then I would highly recommend Lusso Sapone Beard Balm or Oil. Both are excellent products that I love. You can also use the Beard Wash and use the Beard Balm as an aftershave lotion on my skin.
Sunscreen
One of the best ways to protect your skin is with a natural sunscreen. There are several to choose from that don’t include a bunch of chemicals:
Dental
While your teeth may not be considered skincare, they are nonetheless very important, and many commercial toothpastes are full of artificial additives and colors.
I use and love Earthpaste from Redmond Trading Company. It does not foam like regular toothpaste, so that may take some getting used to, but it comes in peppermint, cinnamon, wintergreen, and lemon.
I love the peppermint, and our kids love lemon. They have even introduced a whitening paste to their line.
You can find it on Amazon or directly from Redmond.
If you want your man to change to natural skincare, start small by changing one thing in his regime at a time.
* All these products are things I have used or friends have used, so I can vouch for their quality. Not only are you being healthier, but you are also supporting local businesses. You can always look into shampoos or other products for natural skincare for men, but I don’t have experience with those and only wanted to list items that I support. *
Lexie
Thanks so much, Will! I love how Erin and I had to convince both you and Stephen to give Lex:Deo a try, and now that’s what you both use! We have tons of soap and other produts in stock ready for your awesome readers!
Erin
I know! Both our husbands! But now they swear by it!
Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life
Thanks for sharing such a thorough list of resources! You’re right– it’s not always easy getting the guys to get on board, especially with changing up crucial things like deodorant! 😉
Erin
Thanks Lisa. It is challenging, but it is really worth it as well.
Erin
Radiantly You also has some great all natural options (every ingredient listed on the label). We don’t have a “men’s line” yet, but many of the products can be used by men (like the All in One Bar, Dead Sea Mud soap, Tea Tree Shampoo bar, etc.). Hopefully there will be more options in the future! www.radiantlyyou.com/ErinRF
Erin
I hadn’t heard of this. Thanks for sharing!
Tabitha
Great list of natural men’s products, especially the deodorant! So glad there is a natural alternative to the commercial aluminum laden stuff!
Erin
Yes–I am SO glad for a natural alternative as well!
Angie
I’ve recently noticed an increased sensitivity to the products my husband uses, even though he’s used the same stuff, literally forever – possibly because of my own scaling way back on chemicals/dyes/perfumes and partly because of the recent schedule where he has been gone all week and then we see him only on weekends (this pattern is now, thankfully, over!). He’s been very hesitant to jump on the “natural bandwagon” with me. Any tips to help get him on board?
Travis Hanson-Pollock
Thank you for this post! As a guy trying to discover more natural products this is great! There aren’t many articles out there yet on men’s products!
Erin
You’re so welcome! Will is happy to share!
Elizabeth
Hi Erin. Great post and wonderful list. My husband has dry skin so I will let him try to use Sunscreen that you suggested. Do you have any lotion for men that you suggest? Thanks! xoxo
Erin
I would probably suggest the Lexie: Lotion or the Free Reign Farm lotion. The Patchouli or Tea Tree would be manly scents.
Elizabeth
Thanks so much Erin. Will definitely let my husband try it.
Aaron C
I too noticed a significant difference in my mood after switching to a natural deodorant free from aluminum. Thanks for writing.