For most of my life, I wasn’t very particular about what kind of soap or shampoo I used. I would just buy whatever was relatively cheap and easy to find. That meant I usually bought something that was neon blue with some made-up manly scent like “Buffalo Stampede” or “Touchdown.”
That changed when I heard about a company called Every Man Jack. Several men’s magazines and sites recommended the company’s products, so I decided to order a few.
Ritch Viola started Every Man Jack in California, and EMJ products started to appear on shelves around 2007. EMJ offers a modest selection of body washes, shampoos, deodorants, shaving creams, face washes, and lotions marketed toward men. However, the company’s ethical practices and dedication to quality are what piqued my interest.
EMJ products do not contain dyes, parabens (basically preservatives), sodium lauryl sulfate (found in most commercial soaps and shampoos), phthalates, or tallow, and they’re never tested on animals.
I ordered EMJ’s new eucalyptus mint body wash, signature mint shampoo, and unscented shaving cream. They’re products I felt good about buying, which is more than I can say about picking up a bottle of “Buffalo Stampede.”
I ordered from the company’s website, but you can usually find EMJ products at Target, Walgreens, Whole Foods, and Hy-Vee. No product costs more than $8, so they’re fairly affordable.
That’s all well and good, but how did they work?
Amazing!
The first thing I noticed about the shampoo and body wash was the color, or lack thereof. After being conditioned to expect bright blue and green soap and shampoo, it was refreshing to see something that wasn’t dyed. The consistencies of both feel a little thinner than most mass-produced products, but I can’t argue with the results.
The signature mint shampoo is very invigorating and didn’t dry out my hair. I’ve had problems with that in the past because I have very thin, straight hair. Some shampoos are just too harsh, but EMJ left my hair feeling silky smooth.
The eucalyptus mint body wash worked equally well. It didn’t dry out my skin, and it smells amazing. It’s fresh (but masculine) and long lasting (but not overpowering). If eucalyptus mint isn’t your jam, sandalwood, cedarwood, and citrus scents are also available.
My girlfriend liked both products too: “Your hair’s soft, and you smell good.”
The last product I tested was the unscented shaving cream. Until recently, I always bought whatever shaving gel was cheapest. EMJ taught me the error of my ways.
If you have sensitive skin or if your facial hair comes in thick, like mine, shave gels aren’t doing you any favors. The alcohol and other chemicals in the gel can dry out your skin, making for an uncomfortable shave.
The shaving cream, which has a consistency akin to lotion, made my shave much easier. It was so smooth I didn’t have to use any post-shave balm or lotion, the way I always had to with shave gel.
Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend EMJ to any guy looking for personal hygiene products that work and are made responsibly. Try EMJ once and you’ll never go back.
