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This is a guest post by Margie Kelly, Media Relations Manager, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.
Father’s Day is right around the corner. Great dads deserve great presents, but trust us: You love your dad too much to buy cologne made with cancer-causing chemicals.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has investigated common chemicals found in men’s products and we provide tips how to detoxify any guy’s bathroom cabinet. We can also point you to companies that make men’s products without harmful chemicals.
Men’s cologne makes an appearance on many Father’s Day gift lists. But giving your dad a fragrance is like spraying him with nasty chemicals that could hurt his health. And what kind of present is that?
It’s not just colognes that are made from problematic chemicals. Men’s hair color, shampoos, and anything with a fragrance may contain chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, learning disabilities and other chronic health problems. More than 1 in 5 personal care products contain chemicals linked to cancer.
Testing by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found a range of hidden harmful chemicals in men’s colognes and body sprays. You won’t find them on the label because fragrance chemicals, which disrupt hormones, are given special protected status as trade secrets.
For a healthy Father’s Day, get your dad a present that won’t make him sick. Kids can make a great do-it-yourself chocolate facial that dad can eat after exfoliating! Or maybe they’d rather try a soothing homemade balm to protect dad’s hands after gardening or working around the house?
Some of the chemicals of concern in most commercial men’s products include:
- Triclosan: This toxic pesticide can be found in antiperspirant, shaving cream and aftershave.
- Coal tar: Take a look at your dandruff shampoo and you might find this known human carcinogen, which has been banned or found unsafe for use in Canada and the European Union.
- Formaldehyde: found in shampoos and body washes, this probable carcinogen and known allergen can trigger skin rashes and allergic reactions.
Father’s Day is an excellent time to tell your dad (or husband, brother, or son) that he’s beautiful without covering his skin with toxic chemicals!