The Sh*t List
Meet our Sh*t List, a roster of ingredients that we vow to never use in any of our products. We refuse to cut corners and we avoid both common and lesser-known chemicals, synthetics and preservatives that can have a range of adverse effects on your skin and body.
- AluminumFunction: AntiperspirantRelevant Product Types: ManyAluminum is the active ingredient found in antiperspirant deodorant products and functions by plugging pores. Studies have been conducted to evaluate its links to breast cancer with conflicting results. Because the findings are mixed, we err on the side of caution and avoid this ingredient in our deodorant products.
- ParabensFunction: Common chemical preservative.Relevant Product Types: Many products, including shampoo.Parabens are a class of preservatives that include methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben. Studies have evaluated the potential impacts of these preservatives as endocrine disrupting chemicals or carcinogens. The science is not well-developed yet, so we err on the side of caution and avoid parabens in our products.
- PhthalatesFunction: Solvent used with many different fragrancesRelevant Product Types: Many Products, including candlesPhthalates have been extensively studied and shown to have a variety of negative impacts on health with chronic exposure, including endocrine disruption. We commit to avoiding phthalates in our products.
- SulfatesFunction: Detergent that leaves the skin feeling clean.Relevant Product Types: Many products, including soap and detergentSulfates are a common ingredient in personal care products like cleansers and shampoos because they are great foaming agents. We avoid sulfates because they can be too effective, leading to irritation to the skin.
- DMDM HydantoinFunction: Synthetic preservative.Relevant Product Types: Many productsDMDM Hydantoin is a preservative. It functions as a formaldehyde donor, releasing a small amount of formaldehyde over the shelf-life of a product. We avoid DMDM Hydantoin because it can be sensitizing and lead to contact dermatitis for those allergic to formaldehyde.
- FD&C ColorsFunction: Synthetic coloring agentRelevant Product Types: Many productsFD&C colorants such as Blue #1, Yellow #5, and Red #40 are synthetic coloring agents. These ingredients do not serve any purpose beyond artificial coloring. We use natural colorants or no colorants at all.
- Mineral OilFunction: Moisturizer often used in skincareRelevant Product Types: Lotions and creamsMineral oil is derived from petroleum. We avoid this ingredient because of the impact on the environment from petroleum extraction and refining.
- MIT/CIT (Methylisothiazolinone / Methylchloroisothiazolinone)Function: Synthetic preservativeRelevant Product Types: Many productsMIT/CIT are preservatives that have been shown to cause allergic reactions in some people and have sensitizing potential. Methylisothiazolinone was banned in the EU in 2016 for use in leave-on products.
- Nitro & Polycyclic MusksFunction: Synthetic substitutes for natural fragranceRelevant Product Types: Many productsNitro and polycyclic musks are synthetic fragrance components. Originally created to replace the usage of animal musks, some studies in animals have linked them to the potential disruption of the endocrine and reproductive systems. While the same evidence has not been clearly established in human studies, we avoid these synthetic compounds in an abundance of caution.
- PetrolatumFunction: Common moisturizerRelevant Product Types: Creams, balms, ointmentsPetrolatum, also known as petroleum jelly, is a byproduct of petroleum manufacturing. We avoid this ingredient because of the impact on the environment from petroleum extraction and refining.
- PEGsFunction: Common emulsifierRelevant Product Types: Lotions and creamsPolyethylene glycols are synthetic petrochemicals used in skincare and hair color products as thickeners, softeners, and solvents. They are produced via ethoxylation, which can result in impurities such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane that are known carcinogens.
- Soybean OilFunction: Common base OilRelevant Product Types: Many productsSoy products have been researched for their estrogenic properties in food. There are no known risks associated with its topical application, but as a men’s brand, we prefer to err on the side of caution and avoid soybean oil in our products.
Safety First
Rigorous Testing and Quality Control
Not only do we give a damn about what we put in our products, but we’re committed to going the extra mile for safety. That’s why our products go through extensive testing and toxicology risk assessments, which is ‘scientist’ for “making sure they’re safe for you.” We always want to make sure that both the individual ingredients and our final formulas are safe and effective.