10 Harmful Ingredients You Didn’t Know Were In Your Soap
Since soaps are used to clean your face, hands, and body, you would assume all soaps are created equal, however, they are not. Different soaps have different effects on your skin. The chemical ingredients that are used in commercial soaps to give scents, create lather, and preserve the soaps can have negative consequences when they come in contact with your skin.
We created a list of the most dangerous chemical ingredients found in commercial soaps so you know which soaps to avoid!!!
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
SLS, or sodium lauryl sulfate is a cleaning agent that can be found in roughly 90% of skincare products. SLS was originally created as an industrial-scale substance to be used as a garage cleaner, even though it makes an amazing cleansing agent it can be very harsh on the skin. Additionally, this ingredient of soaps has the potential to be carcinogenic and can even result in a number of skin issues including hair loss.
Triclosan
Triclosan is yet another dangerous substance to avoid. This chemical is frequently used as an antibacterial substance that supposedly kills microorganisms. However, research shows that using soaps with Triclosan have no advantages over using soaps that are all natural. Exposure to Triclosan is linked to contact dermatitis, skin irritations, and an increase in allergic reactions.
Synthetic Fragrances
When purchasing your soaps, you may have noticed “fragrances” on the ingredients list. But do you know what “fragrances” includes?
This phrase is typically used by commercial soap manufacturers to preserve their alleged “secret formula.” However, it was later discovered that “fragrances” actually refers to a wide variety of chemical components, many of which lead to contact dermatitis, allergies, respiratory problems, and reproductive health issues.
Phthalates
Phthalates are one of the substances listed under “fragrances”. One of its many uses is to make plastic become more flexible and soft. Phthalates are mostly present in cosmetics like nail polish, lotions, fragrances, hair sprays, and soaps.
Products that contain Phthalates can increase the risk of breast cancer by interfering with the endocrine process, which is incharge of producing and releasing hormones in your body. Long-term Exposure to Phtalates is also linked to allergies, male genital deformities, premature puberty, eczema, asthma, lowered IQ and ADHD.
Parabens
Parabens are a chemical compound that keeps soap from deteriorating and stops yeast, bacteria, and mold from growing in cosmetic products. Although they work well to kill yeast, bacteria, and mold, they are also harmful to your skin. Parabens can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Parabens are also triggering pre-existing conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or a pattern of contact dermatitis. Because of their estrogen-like properties, parabens are strongly linked to breast cancer and tumors. Parabens can boost the activity of estrogen in your body when absorbed through your skin. Due to the increased cell division caused by Parabens, you can potentially increase your risk for breast cancer.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is commonly used in cosmetic products to stop the growth of bacteria. However this chemical has been classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Carcinogens (IARC). Furthermore, it may weaken the immune system and result in skin allergies.
Synthetic Colors
Normally synthetic colors are made from petroleum and coal tar. The poisons that synthetic colors leave behind on your skin considerably enhance your chances of sensitivity and irritability and allow these chemicals to be absorbed into your skin, where they do a lot of harm. They also clog your pores, increasing your risk of acne.
Propylene Glycol
Ideal soaps should moisturize the skin, not just clean it. Many commercial soap manufacturers use a substance called propylene glycol that is used to help your skin absorb water. However, it is also recognized as a skin irritant that can lead to rashes and contact dermatitis.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Hand and body soaps employ sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) as an emulsifier and surfactant to improve forming and sudsing. The highest risk of using products with SLES is irritation to your eyes, skin, mouth, and lungs. SLES can also clog your pores resulting in acne. The 1.4-dioxane contamination that can develop as a by-product is an even more worrisome issue.
Methylisothiazolinone & Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Many personal care products, including hand soaps, use these two preservatives to help prevent bacterial development. These preservatives have several health hazards such as respiratory problems and skin irritation. Make sure to look for these popular preservatives when choosing your soaps.
*Akuna All Natural Charcoal Cleansing Soap
The Best Way To Avoid Harmful Chemicals In Soaps
The best way to avoid harmful chemicals in soaps is to simply buy All Natural Soaps. That way you are 100% guaranteed to avoid these harmful substances. At Akuna we only used 100% natural ingredients that are mostly sourced locally in Zambia!