Posted on July 12th, 2024

As you reach for that colorful bar of soap, it’s tempting to trust the promises of vibrant packaging and alluring fragrances. However, the ingredients listed on the back tell a different story. Many commercial soaps contain a slew of chemicals designed to extend shelf life, boost lather, or imbue a lasting scent. 

Understanding the Ingredients to Avoid in Commercial Soaps

When it comes to Ingredients to Avoid in Commercial Soaps, it’s important to understand why certain chemicals make their way into these products. Many manufacturers use these substances to increase shelf life, create pleasing fragrances, or enhance lather. However, these advantages often come at a cost to your skin health. For example, synthetic fragrances, which might give soap a lasting scent, can contain any number of undisclosed chemicals, some of which are known allergens or hormone disruptors. Moreover, preservatives like parabens are frequently used to prevent bacterial growth, but they can mimic estrogen and disrupt your hormonal balance.

As you delve deeper into understanding harmful soap ingredients, it's alarming how many toxic chemicals in soap there actually are. One of the most infamous offenders is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a surfactant known for its foaming properties. While SLS helps create a rich lather, it can strip away your skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Another problematic ingredient is triclosan, which is used for its antibacterial properties but has been linked to antibiotic resistance and endocrine disruption. Both of these chemicals might make your soap seem effective, but they can ultimately damage your skin and overall health.

The Hidden Dangers of Fragrance in Soap

phthalates, are used to make fragrances last longer. These chemicals can disrupt hormone functions and are particularly concerning for pregnant women and young children. Phthalates are sometimes listed under 'fragrance' or 'parfum' on ingredient labels, making them hard to identify. It’s disappointing how these ingredients manage to hide in the soaps we trust, potentially causing skin irritation, allergies, and more severe health issues over time. Given their adverse effects, phthalates are definitely soap ingredients to avoid. By choosing soaps with fully disclosed, natural ingredients, you can minimize your exposure to these commercial soap toxins and promote healthier skin.

Additionally, let's not forget about the undefined 'fragrance' label found in many commercial soaps. This catch-all term can cover a cocktail of undisclosed chemicals used to create a specific scent profile, many of which are known irritants or sensitizers. Fragrance in soap has been linked to conditions like contact dermatitis, headaches, and even respiratory issues. Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, it’s worth being cautious about these hidden hazards. Natural essential oils, on the other hand, not only offer a safer alternative but also come with their own skin-loving benefits. They provide a pleasant aroma derived from pure plant extracts without the downside of synthetic additives.

Lather Agents: More Harm Than Good?

When discussing lather agents in soap, the spotlight often falls on Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and its closely related counterpart, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). These ingredients are primarily surfactants, designed to create that luxurious, foamy lather that many associate with cleanliness. However, their role as soap chemicals bad for skin cannot be overstated. SLS and SLES have an abrasive nature that makes them highly efficient at removing grease and grime. Yet, the same property also strips away your skin's natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Studies have shown that prolonged use can exacerbate conditions like eczema and psoriasis and may even cause contact dermatitis. Beyond their impact on your skin, these agents can disrupt the lipid barrier that protects your skin from environmental toxins, making it more susceptible to pollutants.

Switching to more natural options can significantly benefit both your skin and the environment. Handmade soaps often utilize milder, naturally-derived alternatives to achieve a satisfying lather without compromising skin health. Ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, and other plant-based surfactants can produce a lovely foam without the harsh side effects. These natural ingredients are not only kind to your skin; they also break down more easily in the environment, minimizing ecological damage. 

Parabens and Preservatives: What You Need to Know

Now, let’s talk about parabens and their presence in commercial soaps. Parabens are a group of synthetic compounds commonly used as preservatives in a variety of personal care products, including soaps. They’re added to prevent bacterial and mold growth, ostensibly extending the product's shelf life. However, what many consumers don’t know is that parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially disrupting hormonal balances and increasing the risk of certain health issues, including breast cancer. Studies have detected parabens in breast tissue samples, highlighting the need for caution when selecting products that are applied to your skin. If you’re aiming to avoid commercial soap toxins, parabens should be high on your list of soap ingredients to avoid.

Besides parabens, there are other synthetic preservatives frequently found in commercial soap ingredients that deserve your attention. Phenoxyethanol, for instance, is another common preservative that can have adverse effects on your body. It can cause skin irritation, and in larger concentrations, it has been linked to issues ranging from respiratory problems to potential effects on the central nervous system.

The Benefits of Choosing Handmade Soaps Over Commercial Options

One of the significant advantages of handmade soaps is their use of natural ingredients, which can provide a multitude of benefits for your skin. Oils like coconut, olive, and jojoba are popular choices, each bringing unique properties that commercially made soaps often lack. Coconut oil, for example, is rich in lauric acid, offering antibacterial and moisturized properties, ideal for maintaining skin health. Olive oil contains antioxidants such as Vitamin E, which can protect and nourish your skin. Jojoba oil, mimicking the skin’s natural oils, provides a deep hydration without clogging pores. The use of these natural oils not only nourishes and cleanses but also ensures you're feeding your skin with beneficial nutrients.

Environmentally, choosing handmade soaps is also a way to support sustainable practices. Artisans typically source ingredients locally and avoid harmful chemicals that can leach into our waterways and disrupt ecosystems. By using biodegradable packaging, they ensure reduced plastic waste. The handcrafted production process is often less energy-intensive compared to mass manufacturing. Plus, purchasing from small businesses means you are investing in your community and promoting ethical labor practices. 

 
Related:  Spring in Your Skin: Natural Skincare Essentials for the Season
 

Conclusion 

Being mindful of the ingredients in commercial soaps is essential for maintaining healthy, nourished skin. Many commercial soaps contain harsh chemicals and synthetic additives that can cause irritation and dryness. These ingredients can strip away the natural oils that protect and hydrate your skin, leading to imbalances and potential long-term damage. By avoiding products with sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances, you can reduce the risk of allergic reactions and promote overall skin health.

At Soaps By Kristy, we believe in using only the finest natural ingredients to care for your skin. Our large oatmeal soaps are a perfect example of this commitment. Made with a luxurious blend of triple butter soap, including Shea butter, cocoa butter, and mango butter, these soaps provide rich moisture and nourishment.  If you're looking for a soap that pampers your skin with nature's best, try our large oatmeal soap today. For more information or to place an order, please contact us at (518) 428-6676 or email us at [email protected]. Your skin will thank you!