Silky, Smooth Skin…Naturally

Like most people, I liked my synthetically created shaving cream — great foam, soft legs. What’s not to like? That is, until I did an ingredient check and found all of the toxic goodies packed in that puffy, white foam. Myristic acid, Potassium Hydroxide, and triethanolamine (TEA) and parabens, which are linked to both cancer and reproductive problems, were a just a few of the unpronounceable ingredients I was slathering over half my body (and men, this means right on your face.) Yikes!

Compare this to some of the ingredients in all-natural shaving cream — aloe, sunflower oil and essential oils from every flower and fruit you can think of — and it’s easy to make the switch, and get over the lack of foam. That’s right people, you have to give up the foam. The biggest difference between synthetic shaving cream and organic shaving cream is the texture.

Almost all synthetic shaving creams are foamy. Foam is created with synthetic emulsifiers while organic shaving soaps utilize natural oils and natural emulsifiers. While the puffy white foam does have its merits, (it’s fun to watch it grow!), what would you rather put on your skin, acrylate crosspolymer or coconut oil and aloe vera?

An added bonus for choosing the ingredients that you can actually pronounce is that natural oils and emulsifers also provide a smoother shave, which translates to soft, silky, hydrated skin. Organic shave cream moisturizes as you shave away the hair. I know, because I’ve dedicated some serious time to searching and sampling les crème of luxurious organic shaving creams.

Summer is here, the sun is out and I am lovin’ my legs! Guys, you’ll be lovin’ your face with these men’s grooming products, too. Once you give up the foam and switch to organic shave cream, you’ll never go back. Trust me!

Here are my faves:

Miessence Shaving Gel feels different from any other shave gel I have ever used. This is a unique organic shaving soap in that it goes on like a transparent lotion and is super moisturizing. Organic emollients, such as sunflower, aloe and chamomile not only protect from razor burn, but also soften, really. And, guys, did I mention a super close, smooth shave...or should I say, girls? It’s safe to say, you will miss this product if you run out. And true for most organic shave creams, a little goes a long way.

EO Shave Cream was my next pick. I tried the lavender with aloe scent, which delivered a heavenly smell while I took care of business. EO goes on like something between a lotion and gel with a light sudsing quality. The organic jojoba oil and olive wax makes skin feel instantly hydrated and my razor effortlessly glided over my legs. The added aloe vera, soy proteins, lavender and vitamins A and E aid in the elasticity, renewal and overall glow of our skin. Did I mention that I loved the smell?

From the moment you unscrew the cap on Alba Botanical Mango Vanilla Cream Shave, you’ll want an umbrella drink. The scent is delicious and it actually smells hydrating (ok, so maybe that doesn’t make sense, but that’s my story and I am sticking to it). Enriched with jojoba and vitamin E Alba delivers a close shave and lasting softness. Let’s not forget the soothing aloe and skin renewing qualities of the mango. Yummy.

Burt’s Bees Natural Skincare for Men Shave Cream is great for sensitive types, as the calendula extract soothes irritated skin and the added chamomile smoothes and hydrates those baby cheeks — all the while providing a very close shave. This cream is the foamiest of the all-natural shaving creams.

Aubrey Organics Men’s Stock. While we’re at it guys, here is one that you don’t want to miss. Organic aftershave. I sampled the North Woods Shaving Cream Classic Pine Scent, which goes on like a lotion and offers an invigorating aroma and a cool feel — camphor, menthol and organic eucalyptus included — the second you apply it. Added witch hazel soothes irritation and the organic avocado and wheat germ oils ensure an extra smooth shave. All those details aside, the best feature of this man shaving cream is the added flaxseed lignans, which prevent razor burn, bumps and ingrown hairs. Yes, please!

Here’s to adding a whole new dimension to your morning showers. Organic shave creams hydrate your skin while the scents of many of these products offer up sweet aromatherapy in a bottle. The best part? We sacrifice nothing in order to be environmentally good to ourselves and our world. Enjoy!