Soap is a common personal hygiene product that is used daily. However, many soaps on the market today contain harmful chemicals that can have undesirable effects on the skin and deeper tissues, especially when used over a lifetime. Here are some of the harmful ingredients that are commonly found in soap:
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Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): This is the ingredient added to soap to make it lather. According to the EWG’s Cosmetics Database, it’s highly toxic and carries a high concern for irritation of the skin, eyes, and lungs, as well as moderate concern for organ system toxicity.
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Parabens: These are preservatives that are added to soap to extend its shelf life. They have been linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.
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Triclosan: This is an antibacterial agent that is added to soap to kill bacteria. It has been linked to hormone disruption, bacterial resistance, and environmental harm.
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Cocamidopropyl Betaine: This is a synthetic detergent and surfactant that is used to increase the foaming action of cleansing products and moderate the viscosity of liquids. It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
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Butylatedhydroxy Anisole and Butylated Hydroxytoluene: These are synthetic antioxidants that are used to extend a product’s shelf life. They are likely carcinogens.
To avoid these harmful ingredients, it is important to read the label and choose soap that is free of these chemicals. Some natural alternatives to soap include coconut oil, olive oil, and castile soap. It is also important to note that not all soaps are regulated as "soap" by the FDA. Some body cleansers, both liquid and solid, are actually synthetic detergent products. Therefore, it is important to read the label and choose soap that is composed mainly of the “alkali salts of fatty acids” and does not contain synthetic detergents.
