Many people don't realize the difference between regular store brand soap and homemade soaps. Handmade soap is just a fancy soap you buy at a farmer's market. Many people think that handmade soap is a luxury, but once you learn what is in your store-bought soap, you may consider a permanent switch. According to the FDA, the only type of natural soap is a handmade soap made with lye (sodium hydroxide) and oils. The store-manufactured soap often contains so many harsh drying chemicals that it takes out the natural glycerin from that soap. To combat this, they add extra lotions and sometimes even market them. You think you are getting an ultra-moisturizing bar. Still, you are just paying to cover up the oil stripping chemicals.
Have you ever wondered why something we use on our bodies multiple times a day has to be tested on animals? Why are we using products on ourselves and our children that must be tested because they may be harmful? Most products are considered safe to use in small amounts if washed off immediately. But why would we use such dangerous chemicals at all if they can be harmful?
Here is a list of ingredients to look out for
Diethanolamine (DEA)
One ingredient you may see is diethanolamine (DEA). This is considered a foaming agent placed in soap, soap, and other bath products. The purpose of this is to make the soap creamy and give it more giant bubbles. This ingredient also balances the pH imbalances caused by other chemicals added to store-bought soap. It is made with ethylene oxide and ammonia. The DEA can dry out the skin and irritate. Although no testing has been done directly on humans, studies have shown it to be cancerous in large amounts when applied topically to animals.
Check out the FDA website on this product you are putting on your body for more information.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a petroleum-based chemical used for thickening and softening soaps and bath products. PEG binds to water, making the overall effect less oily while moisturizing. This product is known to cause skin irritation and dryness. Since PEG causes a moisture barrier, germs are spread rather than killing them. PEG's ability to bind to water makes it easier for toxic ingredients to be absorbed through the skin. PEG is made by mixing ethylene oxide, one of the main ingredients of antifreeze.
For more information, check out this organization.
Dioxane
Dioxane is a byproduct of polyethylene glycol used in soaps and bath products to create more suds. According to the CDC and FDA can cause kidney and liver toxicity regardless of the route of exposure.
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Butylated hydroxytoluene( BHT) is an antioxidant and preservative to help delay rancidity in the oils and fats in soaps. BHT can be in food, makeup, and other skincare products. BHT helps reduce the oxidation of natural products, keeping them from spoiling. Companies have to follow strict guidelines and regulations for optimal low concentrations in products. While in check, it may have little to no reactions to the human body in high doses. Studies shown on lab animals showed liver, kidney, lung, and endocrine disease.
Triclocarban
Triclocarban is an ingredient added in soaps to reduce bacteria. It can be added to body washes, soaps, cosmetics, toothpaste, and more. It is added to antibacterial soaps; the FDA doesn't know its effect on human health but has conducted tests with animals showing it harms the thyroid, helps develop skin cancer, and possibly causes antibiotic-resistant bacteria. According to the FDA, there is no evidence that antibacterial soaps are more effective and prevent the spread of germs than plain soap and water. Triclocarban has also been known with long term exposure to cause health risks.
Check out these FDA websites for more information.
Sodium Laureth sulfate OR sodium lauryl sulfate(SLS)
Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a foaming agent. It creates a foamy rich lather in soaps and other bath products. This product is popular even among handmade soapers. Many hand made companies put this product in their bath bombs, bubble bars, and liquid soaps. SLS is known to be a harsh synthetic detergent. It strips the natural oils from your skin and can cause dryness and irritation.
Check out this chemical safety fact sheet on SLS.
Polysorbate 80
Polysorbate 80 is another common ingredient found in bath products, including homemade products you should look out for. It is considered a synthetic nonionic surfactant. It is a common ingredient added to chemotherapy. It is commonly added to foods as well as cosmetics and is available for personal and commercial use. Many companies use it in their bath products to prevent colorant from staining you or your tubs. Polysorbate 80 is derived from dehydrated sugar alcohol and fatty acids. It is considered a surfactant which means it helps ingredients to blend better together while looking creamier. However, it has been known to cause skin irritation and like most cosmetic additives has not been thoroughly tested in human trials. In animal trials however, it has been found to cause cancer and adverse reproductive effects.
Paraben
Paraben is another preservative found in soap and helps prevent bacteria from growing. Parabens are knowns to mimic the estrogen hormone, which creates hormone imbalances in the body. Many sites have listed that paraben causes breast cancer. The FDA claims that it has less of an effect on estrogen in the body in small doses and that they haven't done studies on it in humans.
The FDA states that any soap containing synthetic detergents is not considered a soap. The consumer product safety commission regulates soap. It is made from fatty acids (vegetable oils or animal fats) and Alkali salts sodium hydroxide, Also known as LYE). Many people think that when they buy lye-free soap, they buy something better. You may not know, though, that when making soap with lye, it goes through saponification over a 4 – 6 week period where the soap batter hardens to soap. At the end of this process, there is no more lye left in the soap. Soap without lye is considered a detergent and not a soap.
Glycerin
Glycerin is one of the byproducts of the saponification process, which allows natural soap to help maintain the moisture on your skin. It is a pH-neutral compound, not drying out the skin. It is considered a humectant, so it saves the natural oils in the skin and attracts water to keep the skin moist.
Olive Oil
Olive oil in soap is moisturizing, full of essential fatty acids, and good for the skin. Do not strip the skin. Olive oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can help nourish and smooth the skin.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer and makes for a rich lather. Coconuts have many fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and increase the skin's health with good vitamins such as c and e.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil adds moisturizing and conditioning properties to bar soap. It also contains oleic acid, which makes it conditioning. It makes skin soft and smooth, filled with a creamy lather and vitamins a b d and e.
Hemp Oil
Hemp oil in soap is excellent for the skin. It is not too oily or too drying. This makes it great for combination skin. Hemp oil has no THC or CBD, so don't worry. It is suitable for skin health and is high in omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is from a shea nut tree. The ancient Egyptians used to call it the tree of life and was frequently used by Cleopatra. It has a warm and nutty scent and creates a smooth and creamy lather. It is high in vitamin A and E. Shea butter is soothing, softening, and an excellent moisturizer.
Salt
Salt is sometimes added to the lye and water mixture in soap making. The soap reacts in the saponification process to make the soap hard. One of the oldest ways to make soap was to use the ash from the fire, creating lye; however, it led to highly soft soap that was more of putty than a hard bar. People would add salt to the soap, making it more challenging. It also decreases solubility making the soap last longer.
Sugar
Increases the lather and the bubbles in soap making. Sugar is known to make soap bubblier. Sugar is sometimes added to the lye and water mixture in soap making. Anything with sugar like honey or beer can sometimes be added to soaps to create more bubbles.
Kaolin Clay
Kaolin Clay helps create a creamy lather in soaps. It helps absorb oil and water, increasing the texture, and is very gentle. Oils and scents cling to it, making it better for your skin. Kaolin clay balances the moisture in the soap, making it more hydrating found in many products in beauty.
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