
Ingredients We Never Use
The Sh*t List
Meet our Sh*t List, a roster of ingredients that we vow to never use in any of our products. We refuse to cut corners and we avoid both common and lesser-known chemicals, synthetics and preservatives that can have a range of adverse effects on your skin and body.
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Aluminum
Function: Antiperspirant
Relevant Product Types: ManyAluminum is the active ingredient found in antiperspirant deodorant products and functions by plugging pores. Studies have been conducted to evaluate its links to breast cancer with conflicting results. Because the findings are mixed, we err on the side of caution and avoid this ingredient in our deodorant products.
Parabens
Function: Common chemical preservative.
Relevant Product Types: Many products, including shampoo.
Parabens are a class of preservatives that include methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben. Studies have evaluated the potential impacts of these preservatives as endocrine disrupting chemicals or carcinogens. The science is not well-developed yet, so we err on the side of caution and avoid parabens in our products.
Phthalates
Function: Solvent used with many different fragrances
Relevant Product Types: Many Products, including candles
Phthalates have been extensively studied and shown to have a variety of negative impacts on health with chronic exposure, including endocrine disruption. We commit to avoiding phthalates in our products.
Sulfates
Function: Solvent used with many different fragrances
Relevant Product Types: Many Products, including candles
Phthalates have been extensively studied and shown to have a variety of negative impacts on health with chronic exposure, including endocrine disruption. We commit to avoiding phthalates in our products.
DMDM Hydantoin
Function: Synthetic preservative.
Relevant Product Types: Many products
DMDM Hydantoin is a preservative. It functions as a formaldehyde donor, releasing a small amount of formaldehyde over the shelf-life of a product. We avoid DMDM Hydantoin because it can be sensitizing and lead to contact dermatitis for those allergic to formaldehyde.
FD&C Colors
Function: Synthetic coloring agent
Relevant Product Types: Many products
FD&C colorants such as Blue #1, Yellow #5, and Red #40 are synthetic coloring agents. These ingredients do not serve any purpose beyond artificial coloring. We use natural colorants or no colorants at all.
Mineral Oil
- Function: Moisturizer often used in skincareRelevant Product Types: Lotions and creams
- MIT/CIT (Methylisothiazolinone / Methylchloroisothiazolino
Nitro & Polycyclic Musks
Function: Synthetic substitutes for natural fragrance
Relevant Product Types: Many products
Nitro and polycyclic musks are synthetic fragrance components. Originally created to replace the usage of animal musks, some studies in animals have linked them to the potential disruption of the endocrine and reproductive systems. While the same evidence has not been clearly established in human studies, we avoid these synthetic compounds in an abundance of caution.
Petrolatum
Function: Common moisturizer
Relevant Product Types: Creams, balms, ointments
Petrolatum, also known as petroleum jelly, is a byproduct of petroleum manufacturing. We avoid this ingredient because of the impact on the environment from petroleum extraction and refining.
PEGs
Function: Common emulsifier
Relevant Product Types: Lotions and creams
Polyethylene glycols are synthetic petrochemicals used in skincare and hair color products as thickeners, softeners, and solvents. They are produced via ethoxylation, which can result in impurities such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane that are known carcinogens.
Soybean Oil
Function: Common base Oil
Relevant Product Types: Many products
Soy products have been researched for their estrogenic properties in food. There are no known risks associated with its topical application, but as a men's brand, we prefer to err on the side of caution and avoid soybean oil in our products.

Safety First
Rigorous Testing and Quality Control
Not only do we give a damn about what we put in our products, but we’re committed to going the extra mile for safety. That’s why our products go through extensive testing and toxicology risk assessments, which is 'scientist' for “making sure they're safe for you.” We always want to make sure that both the individual ingredients and our final formulas are safe and effective.
Learn more about the Squatch difference
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Our Story
Learn MoreWe craft natural, high-performance personal care products in manly scents with only the finest ingredients Mother Nature has to offer.
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Natural Products
Learn MoreToo many products use synthetic cleaners that smell… like synthetic cleaners.
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Formulated For Men
Learn MoreWe’re harnessing the power of Mother Nature and putting it to work in all of our products, so they can work for you. How’s that for teamwork?