By Dr Jen Newell, ND

I am a beauty product junkie and by association the men in my life have become the guinea pigs for natural products for men. There has been an influx of personal care products marketed towards men in the last few years…there is even a small corner at Sephora for men. Unfortunately, many of these products contain ingredients that I don’t want my loved ones using such as parabens, artificial fragrances and colours, chemical preservatives, and petrochemicals. What I have found is that the easiest way to get men on-board with natural grooming products is to provide them with products that have neutral, masculine packaging and don’t reek of flowers. Below are a few of my favourite personal care products that I have given to my favourite men:

Body:

• Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap (liquid or bar version)

This is a great, inexpensive alternative to Axe body wash and comes in an unscented variety as well as a number of different scents such as almond, peppermint and citrus….I would pass on the lavender or rose scents though J.

• Burt’s Bees Natural Skin Care for Men Body Wash or Bar Soap

This is product has an invigorating scent of citrus and fir and leaves skin feeling fresh all day. It is slightly astringent so, ladies, I wouldn’t recommend stealing this product from your man.

• Weleda Sage Deodorant

This aluminum-free deodorant pray has a natural, somewhat herbal scent that eliminates odor all day and it doesn’t stain clothes. This is a great product when transitioning from antiperspirants to natural products.

• Toms of Maine Men’s Long Lasting Deodorant Stick

This deodorant is also aluminum- and propylene glycol- free but comes as a stick like traditional deodorants rather than as a spray. Tom’s is very transparent about their ingredients and their sources.

• Cocoon Apothecary Purist Unscented Body Lotion

This is a product that anyone can use. It’s a 100% plant-based fragrance-free body lotion that is gentle enough for those with sensitive skin. Its vegan, gluten-free and non-toxic. The packaging is a bit more feminine than the previous products but is chic enough to display on a bathroom shelf without a man feeling self-conscious.

Face:

• Primavera Balancing Gel Cleanser

I love the products from this company and this cleanser is a favourite for men as the sage oil reduces sebum production while the willow bark, licorice root and witch hazel reduce redness and inflammation. It leaves your face feeling squeaky clean.

• John Masters Men Eucalyptus & Agave 2-in-1 Face Wash & Shave Foam

This is a great product for men who want multi-tasking products that reduce the number of steps in their grooming routine. It calms and moisturizes dry, sensitive skin and also foams to prevent irritation from shaving.

• Weleda Moisture Cream for Men

This moisturizer hydrates dry, tough skin but also absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy feeling. Men like this product because it doesn’t leave a shine on the skin.

• Body Deli Light Facial Emulsion

This is my personal favourite moisturizer because it absorbs quickly and leaves a sheer matte finish without any residue on the skin. It also helps to decongest and unclog pores.

Hair:

• John Masters Organics Zinc & Sage Shampoo with Conditioner

This 2-in-1 helps to fight flakes and alleviates itchy scalp. This is a particularly useful product for the cold, dry winter months.

• Andalou Age Defying Shampoo

This is shampoo designed to address thinning hair. It eliminates debris and excess sebum that block hair follicles and also stimulates the scalp to promote hair growth.

What are your favourite men’s or unisex natural personal care products? Do the men in your life steal your products?

Dr. Jen Newell is passionate about helping people embrace health, feel amazing and easily incorporate “real” food into their busy lives. Her mission is to make health accessible and achievable, and to inspire patients to live an active, vibrant and healthy life.

Jen has a clinical focus on digestive health, food sensitivities and healthy nutrition; mental health and stress-related illness; women’s health, hormone balance and fertility; optimal aging; and dermatology. She focuses on integrating healthy foods into one’s diet in a medicinal and therapeutic capacity and providing individuals with nutritional support that is easy to incorporate into a busy day. Dr. Newell practices at the Integrative Health Institute in Downtown Toronto.