Men’s cosmetics

Introduction

Just a few years ago, most people would have laughed at the idea of men’s cosmetics. Water, soap, and maybe some shaving cream: that was all a man needed in terms of cosmetics back then. Today, things are very different. More than ever, men also value a well-groomed, fresh appearance. And they now know very well that reaching for their partner’s cream jar is not the best choice, as men’s skin is completely different. That is why men’s cosmetics are very different from care products for women.

The differences between men’s and women’s skin

Men’s skin is generally up to 20 percent thicker than women’s skin. The proportion of connective tissue and collagen is also higher, which means that men’s skin stays firm longer and ages later. However, this usually results in more pronounced wrinkles. In addition, men are much more prone to oily skin, which is due to the higher number of sebaceous glands and pores. Male skin produces twice as much sebum, which in turn leads to more acne and blemishes. Added to this is the stress caused by constant shaving. Statistically, a man shaves about 16,000 times in his lifetime. Over time, the skin becomes increasingly sensitive to this, leading to irritation, razor bumps, or razor burn. With so many differences, it’s no wonder that men’s skin has different needs and requirements than women’s skin! Men’s cosmetics are therefore not a sophisticated marketing strategy, but a real necessity.

Men’s cosmetics, the optimal care for men’s skin

It is important that men’s cosmetics are tailored to the individual skin type of the man. That is why, before choosing men’s cosmetics, it is always important to analyze your own skin or take a critical look in the mirror. Do I have normal, dry, oily, or sensitive skin?

Cleansing is usually the first step in the morning, even before shaving. For very dry skin, a moisturizing cleansing milk is recommended, while a mild cleansing gel is ideal for oily skin.

Once the skin is free of sweat and dirt, it’s time to shave. A light shaving foam ensures that the blade glides over the skin more easily and does not leave any cuts. Afterwards, your complexion will appreciate a good aftershave treatment. This is applied directly after shaving to the rinsed, dry face and neck. Such products soothe the skin, prevent irritation, and prevent inflammation. A high-quality aftershave product combines the antiseptic function of a classic aftershave with a moisturizer tailored to your skin type. If possible, it should not contain alcohol, as this can further irritate the skin. After-shave fluids and gels are relatively light and therefore also suitable for oily skin. They moisturize without leaving a greasy feeling and are quickly absorbed. After-shave lotions are usually a little richer and are ideal for skin that feels sore after shaving. The milky, creamy texture of an aftershave balm, on the other hand, is extremely mild and a treat for sensitive, stressed, and very dry skin.

If you want to treat your skin to something extra special, you can also use an anti-aging or moisturizing cream. Bearded men can also pamper their beards with appropriate men’s cosmetics. This could be a good beard oil or beard wax.

The male grooming ritual is rounded off with thorough dental care and deodorant. Incidentally, there are now not only deodorants aimed specifically at men, but also toothpastes. So a lot has happened in this area of men’s cosmetics too.

Overview of active ingredients for sophisticated men’s cosmetics

Men’s cosmetics to soothe skin irritated by shaving

Allantoin

INCI: Allantoin

Description: End product of purine metabolism in animal and plant organisms

Natural sources: Horse chestnuts, comfrey, wheat germ, maple, among others

CAS number: 97-59-6

EINECS number: 202-592-8

Effect: soothes the skin, accelerates cell regeneration, supports wound healing, ideal for men’s cosmetics

Colloidal silver

Description: produced physically from pure silver

CAS number: 7440-22-4

EC number: 231-131-3

Effect: soothes irritated skin, relieves itching, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Description: a non-psychoactive cannabinoid

Extraction: from Cannabis sativa flower extract

CAS number: 13956-29-1

Effect: helps the skin to regenerate after shaving

Note: not subject to narcotics regulations

Men’s cosmetics for skin moisturization

Hyaluronic acid

INCI: Hyaluronic Acid

Description: Occurs naturally in the body, important component of many types of connective tissue

CAS number: 9004-61-9

Effect: Can store large amounts of water, contributes to skin hydration,

forms a moisturizing film on the skin’s surface (high-molecular hyaluronic acid), is stored in the skin’s connective tissue (low-molecular hyaluronic acid

Guarana extract

INCI: Paullinia cupana seed extract

Description: Extract of the guarana plant, a plant from the soapberry family

CAS number: 58-08-2

Effect: Studies have shown a significant improvement in skin appearance in men

Areas of application: Widely used in men’s cosmetics, especially in creams, shampoos, and wash lotions

Special feature: Contains caffeine

Ectoine

INCI: Ectoine

CAS number: 96702-03-3

Description: Natural substance belonging to the group of extremolytes

Effect: Cell-protecting, anti-inflammatory, membrane-stabilizing, and nourishing properties, ideal for men’s cosmetics

Açaí extract

INCI: Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract

CAS number: 879496-95-4

Special features: high vitamin content (A, B, C, and E)

Effect: reduces skin irritation and redness, has strong antioxidant properties, moisturizes,

maintains natural collagen production

Men’s cosmetics for skin cleansing

Ictasol

INCI: Ictasol

CAS number: 1340-06-3

EINECS/ELINCS number: 215-671-7

Effect: inhibits the growth of microorganisms

Saponins

Saponins are secondary plant substances found in soy, ginseng, peanuts, chickpeas, and quinoa, among other foods. When shaken with water, they form stable foams. They are used in men’s cosmetics as biosurfactants and foaming agents.

Lipids for beard oil/wax

Jojoba oil

INCI: Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil

CAS number: 90045-98-0

EINECS/ELINCS number: 289-964-3

Extraction: cold-pressed from the jojoba shrub

Effect: provides suppleness and shine

Kahai oil

INCI: Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil

CAS number: 1453469-52-7

Extraction: cold-pressed from the nuts of the cacay tree

Special features: rich in vitamin E, retinol, and linoleic acid

Areas of application: as a care oil for skin, hair, beard, and nails

Ingredients for men’s cosmetics for blemished skin

Thyme oil

INCI: Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf Oil

CAS number: 84929-51-1

Effect: antibacterial and antiviral

Rosemary extract

INCI: Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract

CAS number: 223747-79-3

Effect: antioxidant, mildly antibacterial, improves skin metabolism

Conclusion: demanding male skin needs men’s cosmetics

Cosmacon develops high-quality products in the men’s cosmetics segment on request. Ask us!

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✨ Our partner Tojo Cosmetics offers innovative, active ingredient-rich private label products – quickly available, high-quality, and perfect for brands that want to impress with passion and quality.

Sources:

The beautification of men within skincare advertisements: A multimodal critical discourse analysis.

Kenalemang-Palm LM.J Aging Stud. 2023 Sep;66:10115

An overview of the genetic aspects of hair loss and its connection with nutrition.

Gokce N, Basgoz N, Kenanoglu S, Akalin H, Ozkul Y, Ergoren MC, Beccari T, Bertelli M, Dundar M.J Prev Med Hyg. 2022 Oct 17;63(2 Suppl 3):E228-E238.