WHY USE ALL NATURAL SOAPS ?
The chemicals found in common soaps have been known to disrupt hormones, cause allergic reactions, cause reproductive issues and increase the risk of cancer. The following chemical agents are typically found in common soap and even some soaps that are labeled or advertised as “All Natural” soaps.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate known as SLS acts as a foaming agent and a detergent. SLS has been linked to allergic reactions and skin irritations such as eczematous dermatitis.
When SLS bonds with other soap ingredients it creates carcinogenic nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are considered to be strong carcinogens that may produce cancer in diverse organs and tissues.
1,4 Dioxane is a compound listed as a probable human and animal carcinogen. 1,4 Dioxane is easily absorbed through the skin. Long term exposure has been linked to organ toxicity. 1,4 Dioxane is a byproduct of common soap manufacturing and as a byproduct it is not required to be listed on product labels by the FDA.
Parabens are used as a preservative that extend product shelf life. Parabens have many names such as propylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben or any ingredient with paraben attached to it. Research has shown that parabens disrupt hormones, affect fertility and increase the risk for cancer.
The CDC has found that in test subjects paraben levels are so high that concentrations of paraben were found in the urine of men and women with much higher levels in women.
Triclosan is a pesticide used for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Low concentrations of exposure have been linked with changes in thyroid hormones and disruption of the endocrine system. Triclosan is classified as a skin, eye and lung irritant. Although triclosan was banned it is still permitted for use in everyday products such as deodorant, toothpaste, shampoos and soap.
Ureas & Other Formaldehyde releasers are used to prevent microbes from growing in water based products. Although dangerous by their own device they are also known to release formaldehyde. The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens (IARC) has deemed this chemical a carcinogen linked to cancer-related health issues.
Fragrance is a blanket term that refers to anything that is added to a product to alter its smell.The FDA doesn’t require companies to disclose fragrance’s ingredients because the chemicals that produce fragrance are considered “trade secrets.”
Most fragrances consist of synthetic chemicals that are petroleum-based and are known to be detrimental to human health. Many of the chemicals used are known endocrine disruptors and carcinogens. Repetitive exposure to fragrances has been shown to have a negative effect on the impact of the central nervous system and can trigger migraines and asthma symptoms.
Diethanolamine commonly known as DEA and other Ethanolamines are used as emulsifying foaming agents. Like the other chemicals found in common soap, DEA and other Ethanolamines are known to increase the risk of cancer and organ toxicity. DEA is banned by the European Union