9 Ingredients in Big Brand Soaps to Avoid
As consumers, we often trust popular big brand soaps for their advertised benefits and effectiveness. However, we must also be aware of the ingredients in these products that could harm our health and the environment. Here are nine common ingredients in big brand soaps that you should avoid:
1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
SLS and SLES are common foaming agents in personal care and cleaning products. They can cause skin irritation and lead to dryness, itching, and scaling. These ingredients can also cause eye irritation and problems for people with sensitive skin. Additionally, SLS is toxic to aquatic life and can have long-term effects on the environment.
2. Triclosan
Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that has been linked to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It is also harmful to aquatic life when it enters waterways and can cause hormonal imbalances in animals. In 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned triclosan from consumer antiseptic wash products for its negative effects on health and the environment.
3. Parabens
Parabens are preservatives that are found in many personal care products, including soaps. They can mimic estrogen in the body and have been found to disrupt the hormonal balance in both men and women. Studies have also linked parabens to breast cancer and reproductive problems.
4. Phthalates
Phthalates are used to soften plastics and can be found in many fragranced products, including soaps. They can disrupt hormonal balance and cause developmental and reproductive problems in humans and animals.
5. DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine)
DEA, MEA, and TEA are used to adjust the pH of products and create foam. They can cause skin irritation and drying and have been linked to kidney and liver damage in animal studies.
6. Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol and Butylene Glycol are used to keep products from drying out. They can cause skin irritation and are allergenic for some people. Butylene Glycol is linked to cancer and can be toxic to the environment.
7. Synthetic Fragrances
Many big brand soaps contain synthetic fragrances that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Synthetic fragrances can also release harmful chemicals such as phthalates into the environment.
8. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives (FRP)
Formaldehyde and FRP are commonly used as preservatives in personal care products, including soaps. Formaldehyde can cause skin irritation and has been classified as a probable human carcinogen. FRPs can cause allergic reactions and skin sensitivity.
9. Synthetic Dyes
Synthetic dyes are used to create vibrant colors in many big brand soaps. However, they can cause skin irritation and allergies. Synthetic dyes can also have negative effects on the environment by contaminating water sources.
As consumers, we can take action to avoid these harmful ingredients by reading labels and choosing products with natural, plant-based ingredients. Look for products with organic, eco-friendly, or cruelty-free certifications. You can also make your own soap at home using natural ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s essential to pay attention to the ingredients in the products we use on our bodies and in our homes. Big brand soaps may promise many benefits, but they often contain harmful chemicals that can have a negative impact on our health and the environment. By avoiding the nine ingredients listed above, we can make more informed and sustainable choices for ourselves and the planet.
9 Ingredients in Big Brand Soaps to Avoid
As consumers, we often trust popular big brand soaps for their advertised benefits and effectiveness. However, we must also be aware of the ingredients in these products that could harm our health and the environment. Here are nine common ingredients in big brand soaps that you should avoid:
1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
SLS and SLES are common foaming agents in personal care and cleaning products. They can cause skin irritation and lead to dryness, itching, and scaling. These ingredients can also cause eye irritation and problems for people with sensitive skin. Additionally, SLS is toxic to aquatic life and can have long-term effects on the environment.
2. Triclosan
Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that has been linked to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It is also harmful to aquatic life when it enters waterways and can cause hormonal imbalances in animals. In 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned triclosan from consumer antiseptic wash products for its negative effects on health and the environment.
3. Parabens
Parabens are preservatives that are found in many personal care products, including soaps. They can mimic estrogen in the body and have been found to disrupt the hormonal balance in both men and women. Studies have also linked parabens to breast cancer and reproductive problems.
4. Phthalates
Phthalates are used to soften plastics and can be found in many fragranced products, including soaps. They can disrupt hormonal balance and cause developmental and reproductive problems in humans and animals.
5. DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine)
DEA, MEA, and TEA are used to adjust the pH of products and create foam. They can cause skin irritation and drying and have been linked to kidney and liver damage in animal studies.
6. Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol and Butylene Glycol are used to keep products from drying out. They can cause skin irritation and are allergenic for some people. Butylene Glycol is linked to cancer and can be toxic to the environment.
7. Synthetic Fragrances
Many big brand soaps contain synthetic fragrances that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Synthetic fragrances can also release harmful chemicals such as phthalates into the environment.
8. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives (FRP)
Formaldehyde and FRP are commonly used as preservatives in personal care products, including soaps. Formaldehyde can cause skin irritation and has been classified as a probable human carcinogen. FRPs can cause allergic reactions and skin sensitivity.
9. Synthetic Dyes
Synthetic dyes are used to create vibrant colors in many big brand soaps. However, they can cause skin irritation and allergies. Synthetic dyes can also have negative effects on the environment by contaminating water sources.
As consumers, we can take action to avoid these harmful ingredients by reading labels and choosing products with natural, plant-based ingredients. Look for products with organic, eco-friendly, or cruelty-free certifications. You can also make your own soap at home using natural ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s essential to pay attention to the ingredients in the products we use on our bodies and in our homes. Big brand soaps may promise many benefits, but they often contain harmful chemicals that can have a negative impact on our health and the environment. By avoiding the nine ingredients listed above, we can make more informed and sustainable choices for ourselves and the planet.
Benefits Of Natural Soap
Commercial soaps and body washes often contain a lot of harsh chemicals that can harm your skin. These products may also have negative effects on the environment and our planet as a whole. Organic soaps, on the other hand, are made with naturally derived ingredients. These products are more nourishing for your skin and the Earth. They also come in more natural scents and are less likely to cause allergies and irritation.
No Harmful Chemicals
Commercial soaps are made using chemicals and harsh preservatives that can trigger allergies, disrupt hormones, and increase the risk of some cancers. Natural soap does not contain any of these harmful substances and is 100 percent safe to use. They also come with antibacterial ingredients, such as essential oils, which help fight bacteria and sooth your skin and mind through aromatherapy.
No Parabens
Soaps made with natural ingredients are not only better for our skin but for the environment too. They are able to hydrate our skin and give it a radiant glow. Moreover, soaps made without parabens are gentle on our skin and can be used over a period of time to achieve the desired results.
No Sulfates
If you have sensitive skin, a body wash that contains sulfates can strip it of its natural moisture. It can also lead to irritation and dryness. This is why it is so important to choose a sulfate-free body wash that is formulated to suit your specific needs. They are often enriched with moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil and aloe vera which help replenish your skin’s natural moisture. You will also notice that natural soaps create a far creamier lather than conventional detergents. This is due to the fact that they are made with essential oils, which are a lot more emollient than synthetic oils.
No Animals Involved
Organic soap is made using plant-derived oils and fats instead of animal-derived substances. It’s also more sustainable because it’s manufactured without the use of pesticides and other harsh toxins that can harm both animals and the environment. Additionally, organic manufacturers do not conduct animal testing during the production process and ingredients rarely include lard or tallow, which are typically found in traditional bar soaps. Honest manufacturers will ensure that these ingredients are clearly labelled on the product’s packaging.
No Artificial Colors/Fragrances
Natural soap is a great way to keep your skin clean without using harmful chemicals or toxins. It is also biodegradable so it doesn’t pollute water. Unlike most commercial soaps which are made with detergent-like ingredients, natural soap is made from high quality oils and butters that provide gentle nourishment to your skin. In addition, natural soaps do not contain synthetic preservatives or detergents so they don’t leave your skin feeling dry and itchy. They also don’t have artificial fragrances or colorants that can cause allergies.
Prevent Scent Fading From Your Soaps Using These Tips
Quality soap can be an ideal addition to any bathroom or kitchen. Not only will these look nice and help ensure you can keep your hands clean, but they can also smell fresh and come in various scents. One of the issues that someone can have with scented soap is that it will lose its scent over time. While losing scent can seem inevitable, there are tips that you can follow that can help keep the nice scent around for as long as possible.
Keep Soap Properly Stored
If you notice scent fading in lotions and soaps, one of the ways that you can protect the scent is by storing the soap properly. Soap tends to lose its scent when it is sitting out in the open air. Protecting the scent from the open air is a good idea if you want to retain it as long as possible. Some ways you can do this include placing it in a air-sealed container or wrapping the soap up. This will help to keep the desired scent from getting out.
Avoid Hot and Humid Locations
For those wondering why does the scent seem to fade in my soaps, one of the reasons can be that it is stored in an area of your home that is not properly climate-controlled. If you have soap in a room that tends to get hot and humid, some of the soap’s scent can start to evaporate and leave the soap. Instead, you should try and keep scented soap in parts of your home that will remain cool even when it is very hot outside.
Invest in Quality Soap
If you want to have soap that will retain the scent for longer, you may need to invest in higher-quality soaps. When you are at the market and smelling new soap, high and low-end soap may smell very similar. However, the lower-end soap tends to be made with chemicals that will wear off more quickly. Instead, you should invest in quality soap that will last longer and continue to smell great in the future.
Fragrance in Storage
Another factor that can influence the scent of your soap is if it is located in an area that has its own distinct smell. For example, if you have a room with a lot of candles or incense, the soap could absorb those smells as well. This can lead to a mixed fragrance and scent coming from your soap.
If you have a scented soap that you want to continue enjoying, there are tips you should follow. These tips can help protect the soap and ensure you can enjoy the scent for much longer.