What Is Lurking In Your Soap?

Mariana Boulos
2018-08-07T12:40:00+10:00

I am very particular about my soap, a daily staple which is used my millions daily! I want to always know about what exactly goes onto my and my little tribes skin – this is paramount. Remember that our skin is the largest organ and in saying that it easily absorbs the harsh chemicals that we lavishly spread on it. Unfortunately, soap is one of the easiest products you can load up on, in your daily toxic ingredient intake.

Let’s face it we shower, wash our hands and dishes with it, the list could go on.. The importance of your choices are necessary if you are trying to eliminate toxins and soap is a BIG one. Let’s look at the most common toxins that are found in mainstream soaps and so – called ‘Natural’ Soaps.

1. Parabens these are very common in a lot of skincare also known as estrogen mimickers and hormone disruptors. These cause havoc in the body because our body thinks we have too much estrogen! So in turn the body then reacts by decreasing muscle mass, causing onset of early puberty and some studies even show it can affect the reproductive system in both men and women. This toxin is harmful to anyone but particularly pregnant women and young children. Look out for methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben.

2. PEGS also known as Polyethylene Glycol are very common ingredients that are petroleum-based compounds, these are used in cosmetics as penetration enhancers, thickeners, solvents and moisture-carriers. Pegs are usually followed by a number like, PEG-4, Peg – 6, PEG-100 ( there are many more) and the big problem with this ingredient is that it is not a stand alone ingredient but a mixture of compounds and polymers that have been bonded together. So you find that the PEGS are often contaminated with chemicals like ethylene oxide ( a carcogin), heavy metals such as lead, iron, cobalt, nickel, cadmium, and arsenic. Many of these impurities are linked to diseases within the body. Just to give you a quick run down about one of these nasty chemicals; 1.4 – dioxine, this was used in Agent Orange a World War 1 .. scary isn’t it! If you have broken skin Pegs can cause irritation and contaminate the body quicker! Look out for: Polyethylene glycol (PEG), also sometimes referred to as polyethylene oxide (PEO)

3. Fragrance or Parfum, this industry is self-regulated, basically the manufacturers can put whatever they want into their formulations and what’s worse, sadly they don’t have to tell you what’s in it! The lack of transparency is enough to make you re think your product and brand choices with over 3, 000 combinations used to make a scent with most of these triggering allergies, migraines and asthma like symptoms, not to mention skin irritations like dermatitis and eczema. Due to the lack of testing of these chemical concoctions we do not actually know the long-term effects of spraying these fragrance onto our largest organ and very porous skin every day! According to EWG (Environmental Working Group) a fragrance is made up of approximately 14 different ingredients, not to mention that about 80% of them have not been tested for human safety. Unfortunately, because we don’t actually know what is in a fragrance or scent we wont know the long term effects on our bodies, as we use these products every single day. Look out for: Fragrance, perfume, parfum, aroma

5. SLS/ SLES Sulphates are a very common and cheap addition to soaps, in fact soaps are the number 1 product sulphates are used for. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate also known as SLS and SLES is a cheap detergent, foaming agent and penetration enhancer for the skin. Even though it is a non carcogenic ingredient it is a known skin irritant, causing eczema and dry, coarse, or reddened skin, particularly when used often. SLS or SLES are also known eye irritants too that can potentially cause permanent eye damage to young children, so it’s best to steer clear of this one. SLS has been linked to organ toxicity and endocrine disruption, studies also have found residual levels of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in the brain, lungs, liver, and heart from patients using products with SLS on the body and scalp! Look out for: Sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES),

Bottom Line

Eliminating any or all these harmful ingredients is a step in the direction to a safer and healthier you. We can’t stop these products being manufactured but we can make mindful, educated and calculated decisions and choices that will benefit yourself and the whole family. The body thanks you xx

If you are looking for cleaner soaps, shop The Well Store’s range of natural soaps here

Be well xx

Mariana