Every January 1st we receive a tremendous gift - the opportunity to make a fresh start and begin anew. So we make our detailed lists and check them twice, invigorated by the prospect of undertaking some monumental, life changing health and self-improvements.

Year after year, though, we’re swiftly reminded how frustratingly hard New Year’s resolutions are to start, let alone keep up with. And those are just the ones we make for ourselves! What about the shiny new improvements we’ve got in mind for the men in our lives? Forget hard…they’re often impossible.

Show him you care.

These days, the male reproductive system is on the forefront of insult from toxic chemicals in personal care products, and healthy living enthusiasts will have heard of these chemical nightmare names before: phthalates, parabens, bisphenol A (BPA), perfluorooctanic acid (PFOA), alkylphenols, fluoride, soy products, and the list goes on. These hormone-disrupting, feminizing chemicals are leading to steadily increasing rates of birth defects in male offspring, testicular cancer and lowered sperm counts - conditions that are collectively known as Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome (TDS).

So if you’re hoping to start a healthy family one day or simply want to keep your man alive and well for as long as possible, encouraging his switch to an all-natural, 100% toxin-free personal care regimen is a resolution worth keeping.

It’s no secret, however, that the window of opportunity to transform a man’s beauty routine is narrow. It may be a truly honest and loving attempt to protect - not change - him, but usually you’ve got only one shot at it. Make the wrong purchase, suggest an ineffective or unpalatable alternative, and he’ll reject most future attempts to upgrade his beloved primping products (St. Ives’ apricot facial scrub anyone?).

Our advice?

Be confident. Make your case strong and your attempt flawless with these man-tested and expert approved non-toxic products from True Goods:

Sibu Sea Buckthorn Facial Scrub: This exfoliating scrub is tough enough for the manliest of men, removing dead skin and deep cleaning pores with omega 7 fatty acids, apricot, sea buckthorn and aloe. Its subtly sublime scent comes naturally, without the nasty synthetic fragrance byproducts and other chemicals that can harm skin and overall health.

Coldstream Naturals’ Peppermint Mouthwash: Kissably fresh breath, without the bitter and burning gimmicks found in other mouthwashes. Alcohol and chemical free, it won’t irritate his mouth or yours.

Acure Organics Mint & Echinacea Volumizing Shampoo: As you’ve likely noticed, men are serious about their hair, wanting to keep it healthy and on top of their heads for as long as possible. Luckily, this minty-fresh, feel-good shampoo will boost natural oils while keratin and echinacea stem cells promote cellular regeneration. Acure Organics is family owned and operated, charitable, sustainability-minded, and dedicated to using all natural and certified organic ingredients – truly one of our favorites!

Acure Organics Line Eraser Balm: Women aren’t the only ones who care about wrinkles and aging skin. This brilliant balm not only targets wrinkles, it also helps fade scars and repair skin problems like rosacea, psoriasis and eczema.

Ecofam Naturally Anti-Bacterial Toothbrush: This should be an easy win. Who wouldn’t want a high-performance toothbrush that’s also biodegradable and boasts extra protection against bacteria? What’s even cooler, bristles are silver-infused soft nylon, eliminating up to 99% of bristle bacteria in 4-6 hours and flossing teeth while you brush. Two birds, one stone, best brush hands down. Once you try these, you’ll never go back.

A Wild Soap Bar’s Black Willow Bark Organic Bar Soap for Acne: It’s black, it’s bark, it’s made by hand. Masculine enough for the guys, all around awesome for anyone. Triclosan free, this soap also deodorizes, fights acne with purifying activated charcoal, and is scented with all natural essential oils.

S.W. Basics’ Vegan Lip Balm Flight: Lip balm is made to be absorbed into the sensitive skin around his mouth, so it’s important to keep dangerous chemicals out of the mix. These balms look cool, taste great, and are naturally scented with essential oils leaving lips soft and moisturized. Now go grab that kiss, you deserve it!

This post is based on the following articles:

• “Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and male reproductive health ” by Jure Knez, MD on February 20, 2013 in Reproductive BioMedicine Online.
• “Chemical Exposures: The Ugly Side of Beauty Products ” by Julia R. Barrett in January 2005 in NIH's Environmental Health Perspectives.
• “Men’s Personal Care Matters,” a blog post by True Goods based on the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics article“Men’s Products.”  
• “Common Chemicals Threaten Male Fertility” by Mercola.com on June 4, 2009.