When most people hear the words ‘men’s skincare’, they understandably think of the basics – shaving cream, deodorant, maybe a splash of aftershave. But the truth is, men can have far more complex skincare needs, and these are often overlooked.
Thankfully over the last number of years we have become far more comfortable talking about women’s intimate hygiene. But this conversation has barely begun for men.
We have metres and metres of skin formulas aimed at women on our shelves in Organico, but only a handful of men’s grooming products. But forget about male intimate care.
Too often, men feel embarrassed, avoid seeking the right advice, or simply ignore persistent skin issues – which can make problems much worse in the long run. It’s time to change that. Men deserve serious, smart skincare that’s as natural and effective as possible.
So when a new Irish startup called Dr Macks approached us with their range of natural, effective men’s hygiene products, we immediately thought: ‘yes, absolutely – this is a conversation worth starting’.
So here’s one of the more unusual topics this column has covered – men’s groin hygiene! Read on if this is of interest – if not, see you next month!
Men’s skin isn’t identical to women’s. It tends to be thicker, oilier, and subject to different stressors like shaving, friction, and sweating. Add in today’s challenging lifestyles – long working days involving sitting or driving, intense exercise, synthetic clothing – and it’s clear that a quick splash of water or a harsh bar of soap won’t always cut it.
Using products that aren’t suited to the needs of delicate skin can cause real discomfort: itching, chafing, irritation, dryness, even lingering odour. Yet for years the conversation around men’s skincare has been reduced to shaving foams and aftershaves, leaving many men without the tools they need to properly care for their skin.
This is where Dr Macks is changing the narrative. Dr Macks was founded with a simple but important mission: to give men – both younger and older – the knowledge and products they need for optimal hygiene, specifically groin hygiene. The brand was created by Dr Karnie Roden-McMahon, a retired family physician with a passion for dermatology and men’s health.
Throughout her career, she noticed how many men were hesitant or embarrassed to seek help for common groin skin conditions, and how often friends, partners, and even family members approached her for advice. This inspired her to turn her expertise into a wider mission: to remove the stigma around discussing groin hygiene and to promote clean, healthy habits for men everywhere.
Dr Macks Cleaner
At the heart of the range is the Dr Macks Cleaner, a pH-balanced wash developed by doctors and dermatologically tested. It’s designed for everyday use and – crucially – it’s safe for the delicate groin zone, as well as the rest of the body. This matters because a lot of conventional shower gels or soaps are too alkaline, which can upset the natural balance of the skin and cause irritation.
If friction or sweat build-up strips the acid mantle of the skin and allows a rash to develop, this can be very hard to get rid of and can in some cases lead to more serious issues. So prevention is key.
For men who’ve struggled with irritation or who want to upgrade from basic soaps, the Dr Macks Cleaner offers freshness without the harshness. There’s a choice of scents, something to suit everyone.
When she called down to launch the range in Organic recently, Karnie said she uses the cleaner on her face every day, as it’s so gentle.
Dr Macks Perfecting Balm
The second hero in the line is the Dr Macks Perfecting Balm. If the Cleaner is about daily freshness, the Balm is about targeted care and comfort. Think of it as a smart solution for areas that get irritated, rubbed, or simply need a bit of extra TLC.
Formulated with 80 per cent natural or naturally-derived ingredients, the Balm includes shea butter to soften, allantoin to calm, and zinc to fight odour and reduce inflammation.
Karnie said a lot of her customers are using the Balm to protect their skin from chafing during long bike rides or when working outside in warm weather, and it can also be used to help calm skin irritation anywhere on the body.
We really like the simplicity of the Dr Macks range. A shelf full of bottles and multiple steps is off-putting. What Dr Macks has done brilliantly is keep it simple: a wash to keep you clean, and a balm to keep you comfortable.
This two-step approach doesn’t require learning a new routine or setting aside extra time – it simply integrates into the daily shower and dressing ritual. It’s skincare that feels natural, straightforward, and useful.
We often talk about men’s health in terms of big lifestyle choices: diet, exercise, heart health. All of those are vital – but skin health deserves a place in the conversation too. Skin is the body’s largest organ, our first line of defence, and a major part of how we present ourselves to the world.
It’s time we dropped the embarrassment and broadened the conversation about men’s intimate care. And we particularly like Dr Macks website because it contains some very clear, detailed sections on common intimate skin issues which can be used as a reference if needed.
We are listing Dr Macks products both in-store here in Bantry and online at www.organico.ie.
What’s on in Organico
Marilyn Glenville is giving a talk on The Menopause in The Maritime Hotel, Bantry on Monday October 13. Menopausal and perimenopause women, this is for you! Marilyn is a powerhouse when it comes to information on the menopause, and is particularly focused on natural, actionable supports you can use during this season of life. Whether you’ve never seen her speak before or have attended previous events, the evening of October 13th is not one to miss. You’ll always come away with a gem to improve your life.
Tickets are €20 and are available on Organico.ie and spaces are limited – book now to avoid disappointment!
