It’s time, gentlemen, to get serious about taking care of yourself in a way that benefits not just your skin, hair, and well-being, but also the planet and its inhabitants. Welcome to the world of vegan men’s grooming products.
The Rise of Vegan Grooming for Men
While some may scoff at the idea of vegan shampoo or cruelty-free razor blades, there’s a growing demand for ethical and sustainable grooming options for men. In fact, according to a report by Grand View Research, the global vegan cosmetics market is expected to reach $6.2 billion by 2028.
But it’s not just about animal welfare or saving the rainforest to slather on shaving cream. Many vegan grooming products are made with plant-based ingredients that are just as good, if not better, for your skin and hair than their animal-derived counterparts.
Vegan Shaving Solutions
When it comes to shaving, we recommend starting with a vegan shaving cream or gel. Look for ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera, all of which will help your razor glide smoothly over your skin, allowing for a closer shave with less irritation. (Pro tip: Apply the shaving cream with a badger hair brush for an old-school, luxurious experience.)
After you’ve shaved, pat on a vegan aftershave balm or lotion. This step is often overlooked, but it’s crucial for soothing irritated skin and preventing razor burn. Look for ingredients like tea tree oil, witch hazel, and aloe vera.
Vegan Hair Care for Men
When it comes to washing and styling your hair, you don’t have to sacrifice your values for a great cut. Many vegan shampoos and conditioners are sulfate-free, meaning they won’t strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it looking dry and damaged. Instead, they’re packed with nourishing ingredients like argan oil, jojoba oil, and hemp seed oil.
And don’t worry, there are plenty of vegan styling products out there too. Whether you prefer a wax for holding your mustache in place or a pomade for slicking back your hair, there’s a plant-based option for you. Look for ingredients like beeswax alternatives like cornstarch or carnauba wax and natural fragrances.
Vegan Skin Care for Men
Just because you have a Y chromosome doesn’t mean you get a pass on taking care of your skin. In fact, men often have oilier skin, making them more prone to clogged pores and acne. That’s why we recommend using a vegan face cleanser that’s specifically formulated for men’s skin.
Once you’ve cleansed your face, it’s time to moisturize. Look for a vegan face moisturizer that’s formulated for men’s skin, which will be more balancing and hydrating than a product designed for women. Ingredients like tea tree oil, charcoal, and vitamin C are all great for addressing common skin concerns like oiliness, congestion, and dullness.
Finally, no skin care routine is complete without exfoliating and masking. We know, we know, the idea of using a “scrub” or “mask” for your face may seem a bit girly, but trust us, it’s not. Look for a gentle vegan face scrub made with ingredients like sugar, oatmeal, or baking soda, and a vegan face mask made with clay, charcoal, or mud. (Bonus points if you convince a lady friend to join you for a spa night.)
Transitioning to a Vegan Grooming Routine
Now that you know what vegan grooming products to look for, here are some tips for making the switch.
- Start by replacing one or two items in your grooming routine with a vegan version. For example, if you currently use a shampoo that contains sulfates and animal-derived ingredients, try a vegan shampoo made with natural ingredients like argan oil and coconut milk. You may need to use a little more product than you’re used to in order to get the same lather, but your hair will thank you.
- Be patient and give your new grooming products a chance. Your body may take some time to adjust to the lack of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that you’re used to. Some vegan products may take a little longer to absorb into your skin or rinse out of your hair, but that’s just the natural stuff doing its thing.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re having trouble finding vegan grooming products that you like, try asking the staff at your local health food store or natural beauty boutique for recommendations. You might also want to consult with a professional esthetician or cosmetologist, who can help you determine which vegan products will work best for your specific skin type and concerns.
- Do your research and make sure the products you’re using are actually vegan. Some brands may label themselves as “cruelty-free” but still use animal-derived ingredients like beeswax, lanolin, or collagen. To ensure that the products you’re using are truly vegan, look for the “Certified Vegan” logo from the Vegan Society, or check the ingredient list for any animal-derived ingredients.
And there you have it, gentlemen. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to elevating your grooming game and doing your part to make the world a better place, one plant-based product at a time.
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Expert Insights
“Men are becoming more conscious of what they put on their bodies,” says Shannon Dupree, founder and CEO of Dupree Cosmeceuticals, a vegan skin care line. “They’re looking for products that work, that are cruelty-free, and that have clean, natural ingredients.”
“Vegan products are often formulated with more natural, plant-based ingredients, which can be gentler on the skin,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “For men, who often have oilier skin, this can be beneficial. However, it’s important to note that natural doesn’t always mean better, so it’s still important to read reviews and talk to a skin care professional if you have specific concerns.”
“The vegan movement is growing and it’s becoming more mainstream,” says Dupree. “People are starting to realize that there are alternatives out there and that they don’t have to use products that are harmful to animals or the environment.”
“I think men are more interested in taking care of themselves than they used to be,” says Zeichner. “They’re realizing that they don’t have to suffer through dry skin or razor burn or acne. There are products out there that can help them look and feel their best.”