Locally Sourced Ingredients: The New Trend in Men’s Aftershaves
When it comes to grooming, men have an array of products to choose from. However, not all aftershaves are created equal. Some contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin or harm the environment. Luckily, there is a growing trend towards using locally sourced ingredients in beauty products, including aftershave.
The benefits of using locally sourced ingredients are many. For one thing, it supports local farmers and small businesses. It also reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping ingredients from other parts of the world. And because locally sourced ingredients are often fresher than those shipped long distances, they may retain more of their natural fragrance and potency.
One example of an aftershave made with locally sourced ingredients is The Holy Black’s Bay Rum Aftershave Splash. This product contains pure bay rum oil distilled in New Hampshire and blended with organic witch hazel extract from Connecticut. The result is a refreshing blend that soothes just-shaved skin while imparting a spicy scent.
Another company that uses locally sourced ingredients in its aftershaves is Portland General Store. Their Whiskey Aftershave splash features honey harvested from Maine bees, which adds moisturizing properties to the product along with its sweet aroma. Other ingredients include witch hazel extract and organic vegetable glycerin for added hydration.
For those who prefer a balm over a liquid splash, Hudson Made’s Beard & Shave Oil fits the bill nicely. This multipurpose product can be used as both pre- and post-shave treatment thanks to its nourishing blend of sunflower seed oil (sourced from Ohio) and jojoba oil (sourced from Arizona). Essential oils like cedarwood and lavender give this balm an earthy yet calming aroma.
Herbivore Botanicals offers another alternative for those who want something gentle on their skin but still effective at soothing razor burn: Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask + After Shave. This product contains blue tansy oil, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to calm irritated skin. It also includes white willow bark extract (a natural source of salicylic acid) and fruit enzymes to gently exfoliate dead skin cells.
If you’re looking for an aftershave that’s a bit more adventurous, try O’Douds Apothecary’s Fire & Spice Aftershave Tonic. This product combines spicy cinnamon leaf oil with sweet orange peel oil and smoky vetiver root oil for a complex scent that lingers throughout the day. Other ingredients include organic witch hazel extract from Connecticut and distilled water sourced from upstate New York.
One thing these aftershaves all have in common is their commitment to using high-quality ingredients sourced as close to home as possible. By supporting small businesses and reducing our carbon footprint, we can feel good about taking care of ourselves while taking care of the planet at the same time.