What's actually in your beard oil?
Paraffin oil when applied forms a film on top of your skin which blocks your skins pores, trapping dirt inside which can promote acne, dryness and other skin allergies.
Four main ingredients you should stay clear of when purchasing beard oil are.
Sulfates
Think about using a car engine degreaser to clean your beard, would you? Yeh, nah, most likely not. Many commercial beard grooming products contain sulfates, the same ingredients that are used in industrial degreasers.
Phthalates
Phthalates have been banned from kid toys and they are used to soften plastics from their original form. They are in lino flooring and many food packets and packaging including commercial beard care products.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is used in products from wood to commercial beard care products as a preservative. There are many health issues linked to Formaldehyde so we recommend staying clear of this as well.
Paraffin/Petroleum jelly/Mineral oil
Paraffin, covers your skin with a light coating of oil that creates a barrier against moisture loss and microorganism growth. Petroleum also extends shelf life, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products.
This oil prevents your skins pores from breathing and your skin releasing Sebum oil (Your natural skin oil). This also prevents anything else in the product or other nutrients entering your skin and beard hair because you can't absorb them through the coating.
Hopefully this has given your some insight into what to look for when buying beard products and mens cosmetics in general. Rock on and keep bearded gentlemen.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What are some ingredients to avoid when purchasing beard oil?
A: Four main ingredients to steer clear of when buying beard oil are sulfates, phthalates, formaldehyde, and paraffin/petroleum jelly/mineral oil. These ingredients can have adverse effects on your skin and beard health, potentially leading to issues like dryness, acne, and blocked pores.
Q: Why should I avoid ingredients like paraffin oil in beard oil?
A: Paraffin oil, derived from refined crude oil, can form a film on your skin's surface, blocking pores and trapping dirt inside. This can lead to skin issues such as acne, dryness, and allergies. It's best to opt for beard oils with natural carrier oils that nourish and hydrate your skin and beard without causing such problems.
Q: What are some natural carrier oils used in beard products?
A: Natural carrier oils like organic jojoba oil and sweet almond oil are commonly used in beard products for their nourishing and moisturizing properties. Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin's natural sebum oil, providing hydration without blocking pores. Sweet almond oil helps balance sebum production, rejuvenate scar tissue, and maintain moisture levels in the skin.
Q: How do natural carrier oils like jojoba oil and sweet almond oil benefit the beard?
A: Jojoba oil moisturizes the hair, prevents hair loss, reduces inflammation, eliminates dandruff, and hydrates the skin, among other benefits. Sweet almond oil helps balance sebum levels, keeps the skin moisturized, rejuvenates scar tissue, and reduces dryness without clogging pores. These natural oils promote healthy beard growth and overall skin health.
Q: Why are natural carrier oils preferred over synthetic ingredients in beard products?
A: Natural carrier oils offer numerous benefits for both the skin and beard, such as hydration, nourishment, and protection, without the risk of adverse effects associated with synthetic ingredients. They closely mimic the skin's natural oils and are easily absorbed, making them ideal choices for beard grooming products.