Are Men's Colognes Safe For Daily Use?

Men's cologne is an important part of their personal style and can have a powerful effect on how people perceive them. A good cologne can make a man feel more attractive and confident, and wearing a fragrance can even boost his mood. However, most men don't put much effort into choosing their scent and often apply it incorrectly, which can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly.

The right cologne can increase a man's attractiveness, especially to the opposite sex, as women are more sensitive to smell. It can also help make a good impression and put the wearer in a positive frame of mind.

However, it's important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with synthetic fragrances, which can contain harmful chemicals. These chemicals have been linked to allergies, birth defects, nervous system disorders, and even cancer. Therefore, it's worth considering non-toxic and natural cologne options, which can provide a safe and healthy alternative.

How to apply cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. Done properly, it can make you feel more attractive and confident. Done incorrectly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades almost immediately. Here is a guide on how to apply cologne correctly and effectively:

Preparation

Before applying cologne, it is important to cleanse your body of any other scents. The best time to apply cologne is right after a shower, as this will open your pores, helping the scent absorb. Ensure your skin is completely dry before spraying cologne.

Application

Hold the spray bottle 3-6 inches from your body when applying. Apply cologne to heated areas of your body, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. The heat will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.

It is recommended to start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply cologne there the next time you use it. You can also ask a close friend or family member for their opinion on whether the application is appropriate, as you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often.

It is generally recommended to spray cologne onto your skin rather than your clothes. Fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin, helping to enhance and prolong the scent. Applying cologne directly to your skin will also help prevent it from staining or damaging your clothing. Aim to spray it on pulse points such as your wrists, neck, and chest, as these areas generate heat and will help diffuse the fragrance.

Common Mistakes

There are several mistakes that people commonly make when applying cologne:

• Spraying the fragrance on your clothing. This prevents it from mixing with your natural oils and can harm some fabrics.
• Splashing the cologne on your skin. This is an easy way to over-apply. Instead, place one finger over the opening of the bottle and gently tip it upside down before dabbing the scent on your body.
• Spraying a mist cloud and walking through it. This method renders the cologne almost useless, as most of it ends up on the floor.
• Rubbing the cologne into your skin. This makes the scent fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance. If you are not going to spray, simply dab.
• Applying too much cologne. A man's fragrance should be a subtle enhancement to his image. Less is more when it comes to cologne.

How to choose a cologne

Know the Notes

By knowing the core notes in a fragrance, you can then attach those to a specific mood or vibe that you want to emit. Notes can mean different things to different people, but it's still easy to find a universally pleasing one that is especially significant to you.

Understand Fragrance Families and Their Seasonality

What works in a winter fragrance (warming tobacco, leather, or spice) differs from the best summer scent (green and aquatic notes). The same goes for fall fragrances (patchouli, musk, and vanilla) and spring (floral or citrus).

Ask Others

Just as you might Shazam an unfamiliar but enjoyable song, you should ask people which scent they’re wearing whenever you truly like it. Once you know which fragrances you like, you can then do your research on each one, to either find out why you like it, or to find something similar.

Know the Classics

If you know the best classic scents, then you have the framework from which to pick your own. You also have a killer roster of scents from which to pick.

Weigh Mass Appeal Against Niche

If you choose a more mass-market fragrance, you risk smelling like two other guys in your office. The upside is that you're wearing something “safe” in the sense that most people are going to like it, and it probably won’t be too loud. Some people prefer the opposite, however, and want to have a signature scent all to themselves.

Consider Your Motives

What’s your end goal with a signature scent? What is your personality like, or what alter ego are you projecting? How will it impress itself upon your colleagues, your significant other, your best friends? They’re all going to associate that scent with you, so you need to find something that really suits whatever you're putting out there.

Try Before You Buy

If you’re going to commit to something—and pay some real money for it—then you need to know that it’s a winner. Luckily, most brands offer some sort of sample-size tester, if you can’t otherwise find it at retail.

When to avoid wearing cologne

While cologne can be a great addition to your personal style, there are certain situations where it's best to avoid wearing it. Here are some scenarios where you might want to skip the cologne:

• Enclosed Spaces: If you know you'll be in an enclosed space for an extended period, such as a commercial flight or a road trip, it's best to avoid cologne. Even a small amount of cologne can build up and become overpowering in these spaces. This also applies to places like dentist appointments, cramped offices, or any other confined areas.
• Fragrance-Sensitive Events: Avoid wearing cologne to events where fragrance matters a lot, such as wine tastings or culinary experiences. The scent of your cologne might clash with the flavours and aromas being showcased. Similarly, if you're going perfume shopping, avoid wearing cologne to prevent clashing or drowning out other fragrances.
• Physical Activities: If you're engaging in physical activities that will make you sweat, like going to the gym, hiking, or playing sports, it's best to skip the cologne. Cologne doesn't mix well with body odour, and even a great cologne will eventually be overpowered by your sweat. Instead, apply cologne after you're done with your activity and have showered.
• Muted Occasions: There are times when it's appropriate to be more muted with your fragrance, such as funerals, job interviews, or first dates. In these situations, you don't want your cologne to be the centre of attention or give the impression that you're using too much.
• Strong Scents: Be mindful of the strength of your cologne. Even if it smells fantastic, it's easy to go overboard. Start with a light application and gradually increase if needed. Remember, less is more when it comes to cologne.
• Clothing Application: Avoid spraying cologne on your clothes. Cologne is designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin. Spraying it on your clothes can mute the scent, cause it to cling when you don't want it to, and affect how long it lasts. It's also important to note that cologne can stain or damage certain fabrics.

The dangers of toxic ingredients

While colognes are designed to enhance a man's attractiveness and boost his confidence, some cologne ingredients can be harmful to health. The average adult uses nine personal care products each day, containing 126 unique chemical ingredients. Men are not far behind, using an average of six products consisting of 85 unique chemicals daily.

One in every 23 men uses ingredients that are cancer-causing or probable human carcinogens. Synthetic fragrances are one of the biggest chemical culprits lurking in personal care products today. The National Academy of Sciences estimates that 95% of the chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum. These unsexy chemicals, including aldehydes, benzene derivatives, and toluene, are linked to allergies, birth defects, nervous system disorders, and even cancer.

Fragrance manufacturers are not required to disclose all of the ingredients in their products, so it can be challenging to know exactly what you are exposing yourself to. However, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of toxic ingredients in colognes and other personal care products.

Phthalates, for example, are synthetic chemicals commonly found in fragrances. They have been linked to reduced sperm counts and liver and breast cancer. Another common ingredient to watch out for is diethyl phthalate (DEP), which has been linked to sperm damage, abnormal reproductive development, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

Fragrance manufacturers often use trade secrets to hide the true ingredients in their products, so it can be challenging to know exactly what you are exposing yourself to. However, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of toxic ingredients and make informed choices about the products you use.

The good news is that healthy alternatives exist. Nontoxic colognes made with natural ingredients and free from synthetic chemicals and preservatives are available. These colognes can provide the same fragrance benefits without exposing you to potentially harmful ingredients. When choosing a cologne, it is important to read the label carefully and opt for products made with natural, non-toxic ingredients.

Natural and non-toxic alternatives

The majority of personal care products and synthetic fragrances contain harmful chemicals. These include hormone-disrupting chemicals such as aldehydes, benzene derivatives, and toluene, which have been linked to allergies, birth defects, nervous system disorders, and even cancer.

The good news is that there are natural and non-toxic alternatives to men's cologne that are safe and effective. Here are some options:

Eden Perfumes

Eden Perfumes is a UK-based company that offers 100% vegan and cruelty-free fragrances. They create healthy blends that are free of animal products and harmful chemicals. While their scents may not match brand-name perfumes and colognes exactly, they use vegetable-derived elements that are safe, non-toxic, and free of synthetic preservatives, parabens, and phthalates. Their fragrances include natural ingredients such as jasmine, vanilla, passion fruit, saffron, oud, and sandalwood.

Herban Cowboy

Herban Cowboy is a 100% PETA-certified cruelty-free and vegan line of fragrances. Their products are free of phthalates, colorants, triclosan, and parabens. They use natural essential oils such as bergamot, pink grapefruit, and cedarwood to create masculine scents. Herban Cowboy's products are made in the USA and are environmentally friendly, with recyclable packaging.

Henry Rose

Henry Rose is a line of fragrances created by actress Michelle Pfeiffer. It offers a unisex collection of woodsy scents crafted from safe synthetics and natural ingredients. The line is hypoallergenic and free of parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and known or suspected carcinogens or endocrine disruptors. Henry Rose's packaging is also environmentally friendly, with recycled corrugate paper boxes and recyclable glass bottles.

Nature's Brands Organic Aftershave Cologne

Nature's Brands offers a USDA-certified organic, cruelty-free, and vegan aftershave cologne. It is free of petroleum-based ingredients, gluten, soy, dairy, GMOs, beeswax, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances, dyes, phthalates, parabens, and preservatives. The cologne features notes of citrus and spice, with organic essential oils such as sweet orange, lavender, cedarwood, and lemongrass.

Arcadia Natural Solid Cologne

Arcadia Natural offers a solid cologne that is 95% natural and free of phthalates, preservatives, dyes, and alcohol. It is moisturizing and long-lasting, as it does not contain alcohol, which can cause the scent to disappear quickly. Arcadia Natural incorporates plant-based butters and waxes, vitamin E, and essential and fragrance oils to create a masculine fragrance.

Olivina Men Natural Fragrance Cologne

Olivina Men offers a natural fragrance cologne that is paraben-, petroleum-, phthalate-, and silicone-free. It features an essential oil base with scents of lemon, bergamot, sage, cedarwood, bourbon accord, and patchouli. Their cologne is cruelty-free and vegetarian, and they use recycled materials for their packaging.

Making the switch to natural and non-toxic alternatives to men's cologne can help reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and provide a safer, healthier option for both the individual and the environment.

Frequently asked questions