In the world of personal care, marketing buzzwords like "natural," "clean," and "premium" are everywhere. But what do these labels actually mean? The truth is, many brands that claim to be good for you still use toxic ingredients—ones that could be harming your health every single day.
At HygieneLab, we take personal care seriously. That means full transparency, no hormone-disrupting chemicals, and no hidden toxins. But not all brands can say the same. Here’s a closer look at four popular brands that might not be as clean as they seem—and why you should think twice before using them.
Dr. Squatch: “Natural” Doesn’t Always Mean Safe
Problem: Fragrance
Dr. Squatch has built a reputation as a rugged, “all-natural” men’s brand. But there’s a hidden issue: fragrance. The term “fragrance” is a catch-all that can contain hundreds of undisclosed synthetic chemicals, many of which are known endocrine disruptors. These chemicals have been linked to hormone imbalances, reproductive issues, and even long-term health concerns. When a brand refuses to fully disclose what’s inside, it’s a red flag.
Native: “Clean” Marketing, Dirty Ingredients
Problem: Fragrance
Native positions itself as a clean alternative, but their use of undisclosed fragrance blends raises concerns. Fragrance often contains phthalates, a group of chemicals linked to hormone disruption and potential reproductive harm. While Native avoids parabens and aluminum, not disclosing full fragrance ingredients means consumers are left guessing about what they’re actually putting on their skin.
Particle for Men: Hidden Health Hazards
Problems:
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Phenoxyethanol – A synthetic preservative that can cause skin irritation and may affect the nervous system. While it’s common in skincare, long-term exposure raises questions about its safety.
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DMDM Hydantoin – A formaldehyde-releasing preservative. Yes, you read that right—formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, is released over time from this ingredient. Why is a chemical linked to cancer still allowed in personal care? Good question.
Particle for Men markets itself as premium and effective, but these ingredients have no place in a product meant for everyday use.
Kiehl’s: Premium Price, Questionable Ingredients
Problems:
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Red 4 – A synthetic dye that has been linked to skin sensitivities and is suspected to be carcinogenic. Why add unnecessary artificial coloring to skincare?
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POLYPERFLUOROMETHYLISOPROPYL ETHER – A PFAS chemical, also known as a “forever chemical” because it does not break down in the environment. PFAS are tied to hormone disruption and reproductive issues.
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Phenoxyethanol – This preservative strikes again. It’s widely used in premium skincare, but just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Kiehl’s has a long history in skincare, but the presence of harmful preservatives, synthetic dyes, and PFAS makes it far from clean.
What You Can Do Instead
If you care about your long-term health, it’s time to be more critical of the products you use daily. Just because a brand claims to be “clean” or “natural” doesn’t mean it actually is. Always check ingredient labels, research what’s inside, and choose brands that are fully transparent about their formulations.
At HygieneLab, we believe in ingredient transparency, non-toxic formulas, and personal care that enhances your health—not harms it. Every single product we make is free from hormone disruptors, phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Because you deserve better.
🚿 Make the switch to actually clean personal care.
