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Ingredients

Skincare Ingredients 101

The average guy’s grooming product is designed with low cost in mind and may contain harsh chemicals that can make you more likely to break out, dry out your skin, or worse. Oars + Alps was built on a mission to do things a better way—to bring you skincare that promotes the health of your skin, not the other way around.

Every Oars + Alps product is carefully formulated with the highest quality, clean ingredients to be just as, and often more, effective than everyday brands. We never use moisture-stripping Sulfates or Phthalates, nor do we use Parabens that may disrupt your hormonal balance. Read on to learn what your skincare should really be doing for your skin.

The FDA bans about 30 ingredients from personal care products. The E.U. bans over 1,300.
Oars + Alps bans more than 1,800—and counting.

What Skincare Should Do For Your Skin

Step 1
Our Top Moisturizing Ingredients

• Hyaluronic Acid
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B5
• Jojoba Oil
• Shea Butter

1.

Maintain Moisture

Giving men’s skin cells the moisture they need for peak performance has more benefits than just making it look great. Moisturized skin is less likely to break out and become irritated. Hydrated cells are also more effective at fighting off infections, as well as healing themselves when damaged. And yes, a healthy moisture balance can also help reduce the appearance of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

What are the best skincare ingredients for maintaining moisture balance?

We’ve found that the perfect mix doesn’t simply feed your skin more moisture—it increases moisture capacity altogether. Hyaluronic Acid absorbs 1000 times its weight in moisture and drives it deep into the skin. Vitamins help moisturize and heal, while plant-based oils hydrate and seal in moisture.

2.

Reduce Inflammation

Your skin is your body’s first line of defense, protecting you from infection, supporting your immune system and fighting inflammation. Your skincare should strengthen and support your skin in playing those roles. However, products made with harsh ingredients can disrupt the skin’s balance and actually be the cause of inflammation and irritation.

One study showed over 50% of men say they have sensitive skin. Our take is that some of them are using products that create imbalance in the microorganisms that live on the skin. The ingredients we use are effective while strengthening the natural functions of the skin.

Which skincare ingredients support antimicrobial immunity and reduced inflammation?

Finding the right balance of cleansing and calming can be tough. We encourage cleansing with non-drying, Sulfate-free ingredients and gently exfoliating with Salicylic Acid. Prebiotics help maintain a healthy pH balance on the skin, while Alpine Caribou Moss™ protects skin from the elements and fights inflammation. Naturally antibacterial Aloe Leaf Juice helps prevent redness and irritation as well. Kukui Oil is perfect for reducing the swelling associated with sunburns and Calendula Extract is ideal for conditioning skin. We also use Niacinamide (a form of Vitamin B3) to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Step 1
Our Top Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients

• Alpine Caribou Moss™
• Salicylic Acid
• Prebiotics
• Aloe Leaf Juice
• Kukui Oil
• Calendula Extract
• Niacinamide

Step 1
Our Top Suncare Ingredients

• Avobenzone
• Zinc Oxide
• Vitamin E
• Alpine Caribou Moss™
• Aloe Leaf Extract

3.

Protect Against UV Rays and Sun Damage

Just five sunburns more than doubles your chance of developing skin cancer. Our sunscreen products help you avoid damage from the sun’s UV rays without the use of harmful chemicals. They're also packed with antioxidants that help fight off cancer-causing free radicals associated with sun damage and hydrating ingredients that moisturize skin in the face of drying sun exposure.

Which skincare ingredients offer the best sun protection?

There are two ways to block the sun’s rays: reflect them or diffuse them. Ingredients like Avobenzone absorb UV radiation and transform it into heat, removing its harmful effect. Others like Zinc Oxide reflect light altogether. Most sunscreens stop there. Our formulas include antioxidants and vitamins to help fight off free radicals as well as Aloe Leaf Extract for its deep hydrating abilities.

4.

Keep Skin Smooth + Irritation-Free

Skin issues like itching, dryness, and inflammation don’t just look unsightly, they can be uncomfortable and painful too. The right mix of ingredients can nourish and protect your skin to prevent those experiences. It all starts with calming, moisturizing ingredients that help your skin protect itself from bacteria, dry air, pollution, and more.

Which skincare ingredients are best for calming skin?

We use antioxidant-rich Alpine Caribou Moss™ in almost all of our products to defend skin from environmental damage and the irritation it can cause. We also rely on the time-tested Aloe plant to provide its healing, hydrating and calming juice. Vitamin E helps calm the skin and strengthens its natural barrier. In some sunscreen products, we use Squalane to help reduce the chance of redness and inflammation after sun exposure.

Step 1
Our Top Soothing Ingredients

• Alpine Caribou Moss™

• Aloe Leaf Extract
• Vitamin E

• Squalane

Our Powerful, Clean Ingredients

  • Activated Charcoal
    Activated Charcoal

    Absorbs impurities up to
    200x its weight and helps
    prevent acne. Also
    functions as an exfoliant.

  • Aloe Vera
    Aloe Vera

    Soothes and hydrates skin
    without clogging pores.

  • Alpine Caribou Moss™
    Alpine Caribou Moss™

    Reduces the effect of aging
    and guards against pollution
    and other stressors. Featured
    in nearly all of our products.

  • Amazonian Clay
    Amazonian Clay

    Helps remove
    impurities from skin.

  • Coconut-Derived Surfactants
    Coconut-Derived Surfactants

    Break down oils and fats
    without stripping the skin
    of its natural moisture.

  • Corn Starch
    Corn Starch

    Wicks away moisture (i.e. sweat) and keeps your skin feeling smooth, dry and comfortable

  • Jojoba Oil
    Jojoba Oil

    Prevents harmful, acne-causing bacteria growth. Softens dry and irritating spots and restores skin to a balanced condition.

  • Juniper Berries
    Juniper Berries

    Mildly buff away dead skin
    cells and provide ultimate
    cleanliness.

  • Larch Tree Extract
    Larch Tree Extract

    Creates a barrier on the skin to help lock in moisture.

  • Safflower
    Safflower

    Non-irritating ingredient that prompts skin to retain moisture, while removing dirt and oil. Lends
    skin a healthy glow and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

  • Shea Butter
    Shea Butter

    Helps tissue cell regeneration, softens skin and boosts collagen production. Penetrates deep into skin to moisturize and prevent windburn, sunburn and dry, cracked skin.

  • Vitamin B5
    Vitamin B5

    Moisturizes, soothes, heals and regenerates the skin.

  • Vitamin E
    Vitamin E

    Blocks free radicals—a major factor in aging—from the body. Helps reduce appearance of wrinkles and keeps skin looking youthful.

  • Volcanic Sand
    Volcanic Sand

    Deeply exfoliates skin while restoring skin vibrancy. Stimulates blood circulation.

  • Witch Hazel
    Witch Hazel

    Removes excess oil
    from skin while locking in moisture.

  • Blueberry Extract
    Blueberry Extract

    Filled with antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals which contribute to signs of aging

Ingredients To Avoid In
Skincare Products

If you see these on the back of a label, try one of
our thoughtfully-formulated products instead.

  • Benzalkonium
    Chloride

    Disinfectant used as a preservative. Associated with severe skin, eye and respiratory irritation and allergies.

    Typically found in: lipsticks, moisturizers,
    diaper creams, and other cosmetics.

  • Coal Tar

    Byproduct of coal
    processing that adds color
    and prevents dandruff.
    Known carcinogen.

    Typically found in: hair
    dye, shampoo.

  • Ethylenediaminetetraacetic
    Acid (EDTA)

    Disinfectant used as a preservative. Associated with severe skin, eye and respiratory irritation and allergies.

    Typically found in: lipsticks, moisturizers,
    diaper creams, and other cosmetics.

  • Ethanolamines
    (MEA/DEA/TEA)

    Surfactants and pH adjusters.
    Linked to allergies, skin toxicity,
    hormone disruption and inhibited
    fetal brain development.

    Typically found in: hair dyes, mascara,
    foundation, fragrances, sunscreens, dry
    cleaning solvents, paint, pharmaceuticals.

  • Formaldehyde

    Preservative in cosmetics—look for
    quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea and several other preservatives. A known carcinogen that is also linked to asthma, neurotoxicity and developmental toxicity.

    Typically found in: shampoo,
    body wash, bubble bath.

  • Hydroquinone

    Skin-lightening chemical
    that inhibits the production
    of melanin. Linked to
    cancer, organ toxicity and
    skin irritation.

    Typically found in: skin-
    lightening creams.

  • Methylisothiazolinone and
    Methylchloroisothiazolinone

    Chemical preservatives.
    Among the most common
    irritants, sensitizers and
    causes of contact skin
    allergies.

    Typically found in: shampoo,
    conditioner, body wash.

  • Oxybenzone

    Sunscreen agent and
    ultraviolet light absorber.
    Linked to irritation,
    sensitization and allergies
    and possible hormone disruption.

    Typically found in:
    sunscreen, moisturizers.

  • Parabens (methyl-, isobutyl-,
    propyl- and others)

    Class of preservatives
    commonly used to prevent the
    growth of bacteria and mold.
    Hormone disruptors, which
    may alter important hormone
    mechanisms in our bodies.

    Typically found in: synthetic fragrance, nail polish, hairspray, and plastic materials.

  • Phthalates (DBP, DEHP,
    DEP and others)

    Class of plasticizing chemicals
    used to make products more
    pliable or to make fragrances
    stick to skin. Believed to disrupt the endocrine system and may cause birth defects.

    Typically found in: synthetic fragrance, nail polish, hairspray, and plastic materials.

  • Retinyl Palmitate and
    Retinol (Vitamin A)

    Nutrient that may damage
    DNA and speed the growth of
    skin tumors when used
    topically.

    Typically found in: moisturizers, anti-aging skincare.

  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
    and Sodium Laureth
    Sulfate (SLS and SLES)

    Surfactants that can cause
    skin irritation or trigger
    allergies.

    Typically found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath.

  • Triclosan and
    Triclocarban

    Antimicrobial pesticides toxic
    to the aquatic environment.
    May also impact human
    reproductive systems.

    Typically found in: lipsticks, moisturizers, diaper creams, and other cosmetics.

man using cleansing wipes man running up the stairs man holding face cream and deodorant man in a kayak man carrying his oar + alps sunscreen while hiking