Father’s Day is around the corner but you haven’t gotten him anything? Many people think that men’s cologne would make the perfect Father’s Day gift. Think again. Men’s cologne and products with a fragrance may contain chemicals like triclosan, toluene, coal tar, and formaldehyde—chemicals that are linked to cancer, birth defects, learning disabilities, and other chronic health problems. The chemical that is commonly found in fragranced products may be particularly harmful to male reproductive health. Now that’s not good.
It is estimated that the average American male uses six personal care products, like deodorants and aftershave, that contain upwards to eighty chemicals.
What’s in Dad’s Medicine Cabinet?
Per the website of The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, here is a list of some problematic chemicals found in men’s personal care products. These chemicals may not even be listed on the product labels due to loopholes in the industry.
Diethyl phthalate (DEP): found in products that contain a fragrance such as cologne, aftershave, shaving cream, shampoos and deodorants.
- Recent human studies link DEP to sperm damage in adult men, abnormal reproductive development in infants, and Attention Deficit Disorder in children
- Recent product tests found DEP in popular men’s colognes Quicksilver, Calvin Klein Eternity for Men, and Old Spice After Hours Body Spray
Triclosan: found in antibacterial soaps and deodorants such as Old Spice Wide Stick Deodorant, Speed Stick deodorants, Dial anti-bacterial soaps and Edge Advanced Shaving Gel, Ultra Sensitive.
- Linked to hormone disruption, and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane: found in many leading shampoos and body washes.
- Known animal carcinogens and probable human carcinogens, according to US EPA.
- Formaldehyde is a leading allergen that can trigger skin rashes and other allergic reactions.
- 1,4-dioxane is a leading groundwater contaminant and suspected as a kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant and respiratory toxicant, according to California EPA.
Here are some great tips to help keep dad healthy:
- Choose products with simpler ingredient lists
- Avoid synthetic fragrances (products that list “fragrance” or “parfum” on the ingredient label)
- Find safer alternatives. Browse the list of companies that make men’s products.
- You can also go to the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database and look for products in the 0-2 range with the green circle.
Here are some Father’s Day gift ideas:
- A super cool matte black Hot/Cold Insulated Stainless Steel bottle so Dad can safely stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Treat dad to something that he has always wanted to do even if it’s not your thing.
- A wonderful fragrant and organic Eau de Parfum (made from essential oils – thus non-toxic) imported from the south of France.
We wish dad a happy and healthy Father’s Day!