The Sh*t List

Function: Antiperspirant

Relevant Product Types: Many

Aluminum 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.

Function: 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.

Function: Solvent used with many different fragrances

Relevant Product Types: Many Products, including candles

Phthalates 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.

Function: Detergent that leaves the skin feeling clean.

Relevant Product Types: Many products, including soap and detergent

Sulfates 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.

Function: Synthetic preservative.

Relevant Product Types: Many products

DMDM 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.

Function: Synthetic coloring agent

Relevant Product Types: Many products

FD&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.

Function: Moisturizer often used in skincare

Relevant Product Types: Lotions and creams

Mineral oil is derived from petroleum. We avoid this ingredient because of the impact on the environment from petroleum extraction and refining.

Function: Synthetic preservative

Relevant Product Types: Many products

MIT/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.

Function: Synthetic substitutes for natural fragrance

Relevant Product Types: Many products

Nitro 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.

Function: Common moisturizer

Relevant Product Types: Creams, balms, ointments

Petrolatum, 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.

Function: Common emulsifier

Relevant Product Types: Lotions and creams

Polyethylene 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.

Function: Common base Oil

Relevant Product Types: Many products

Soy 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.