Everything from face washes to moisturisers contain a range of ingredients, from friendly sounding natural extracts to evil sounding chemicals. We take a look at some of the common ingredients found in men’s grooming products so you know what to look for, or what to avoid if you’re after a specific result.
Aloe Vera
A plant extract which heals irritation, reduces inflamation and promotes new skin growth. The sap of Aloe Vera has a pH level nearly identical to human skin, and therefore well suited to dry and sensitive skin types. Often found in moisturisers, shaving creams, facial washes, sunscreens and shampoos.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
Often a combination of glycolic acid (from sugar cane), lactic acid (from milk) and citric acids (from citrus fruits) or malic acid (from applesand pears). The acids can help reduce fine lines, age spots, blackheads, dry skin patches and oil. AHAs improve the overall look and feel of the skin by helping to remove dead skin cells and encouraging the growth of healthy, new skin cells. Often found in cleansing products.
Avocado Oil
Avacaodo oil is a natural moisturiser derived from the pulp of avacados. Found in some moisturisers.
Caffeine Extracts
Caffeine stimulates circulation which can reduce puffiness in areas such as the eyes. Found in some eye creams.
Citric Acid
A natural extract derived from citrus fruits, it is a widely accepted organic acid used as a preservative and a pH control agent. Citric acid is said to have antioxidant and toning properties.
Cocamide
Fatty acids obtained from coconut oil. Cocamide DEA or cocamide diethanolamine is used as a foaming agent in bath products.
Ginkgo
An extract from the Maidenhair Tree with soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Glycerin
A sugar alcohol that is often used to provide a smooth shave, helping the razor glide across the skin.
Grape Seed Extract
An anti-oxidant containing Proanthocyanidins which are believed to block the deterioration of blood vessels, reducing inflammation and helping to oxygenate red blood cells, which carry nutrients to your skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
A major component of skin, Hyaluronan maybe used in products such as skin creams to lock in moisture and improve smoothness.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is chemically very similar to human sebum found in skin care and hair care products as a natural moisturiser.
Lemon Oil
Refreshes and rejuvenates the skin and helps to restore the skin’s natural pH level.
Propylparaben
Manufactured synthetically in cosmetics, it is a preservative often found in water-based products including creams, lotions, shampoos and bath products.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
A detergent foaming product found in soaps, shampoos, toothpaste etc. Can cause drying of the skin therefore people with sensitive skin may wish to avoid it.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an antioxidant, helping to prevent wrinkles, resist infection and keep our skin youthful.
Vitamin C
A natural antioxidant, improving capillary health and increasing collagen production.
Vitamin E
An anti-oxidant that can help to slow the ageing process.
Wintergreen Oil / Salicylic Acid
An antiseptic and antibacterial agent that works as a topical anesthetic to decrease itching and redness.
Witch Hazel
Taken from the leaves of the Witch Hazel plant, it is an anti-inflammatory astringent used in acne products and other skin care products.