5 Toxic Soap Ingredients You Should Keep Away

Last Updated on December 25, 2020

3. 1,4-Dioxane

Classified as an ether, 1,4-Dioxane can be found in a wide variety of cosmetics, from perfumes and deodorants to shampoos and soap. Even though 1,4-Dioxane is not an ingredient used to create the formulas of the products we’ve mentioned, it is a common by-product of the mixed ingredients. For example, 1,4-Dioxane is created during the ethoxylation process necessary to produce sodium laureth sulfate from sodium lauryl sulfate. As a result, it is estimated that up to nearly half of the personal care products available on the market contain this compound. The problem is that besides being an irritant, 1,4-Dioxane is also listed as a probable carcinogen (and even a known carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program) and a substance that can cause kidney and liver disease. For these reasons, New York City decided to ban the sale of cosmetic products with more than 10 ppm of 1,4-Dioxane.

4. Propylene glycol

Propylene glycol is a synthetic syrupy liquid derived from petrochemicals soluble in water and helps the skin absorb moisture. This substance’s properties give it great versatility, so it started to be used in several cosmetic products, foods, and even in medicines. In cosmetic products, propylene glycol is used to carry water-based ingredients to the skin, prevent bacteria’s growth, and make the product last longer. Since it is derived from petrochemicals, many popular brands have stopped using this ingredient due to environmental concerns. Moreover, studies suggest that repeated use of propylene glycol products can irritate the eyes and nasal region.

5. Triclosan

Let’s end the list of toxic chemicals with one of the most controversial substances of the past few years. Triclosan is an ingredient used to be widely used in soaps, detergents, and toothpaste (among many others, of course) due to its antifungal, antibacterial, and preservative properties. Due to health concerns such as endocrine disruption and antimicrobial resistance, governmental entities worldwide decided to re-evaluate triclosan, and was even listed as a contaminant of emerging concern. After extensive scientific studies and reviews on this substance’s public health risk, in September 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decided to label triclosan, together with another 18 active ingredients, as not safe nor effective. However, it’s worth mentioning that, since the FDA doesn’t regulate products in the traditional soap category, there are still thousands of personal care products with triclosan available on the market. To eliminate this potential health hazard, a couple of U.S. states decided to sign bills to ban any products containing triclosan from being commercialized at the state level. Non-toxic soaps: how to choose? If you want to make sure the soap you use doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals, opt for an all-natural product. An effective soap is relatively simple to make and does not require any toxic additives. The safety and health concerns discussed above have forced the personal care products market to adapt, and nowadays, there is a vast offer of natural products, so there’s plenty to choose from. Here are 10 brands that produce 100% chemical-free soaps: Dr. Bronner’s Puracy Avalon Organics Hugo Naturals Tom’s of Maine Rocky Mountain Soap Co. Weleda Young Living Nature’s Gate Silly Goats Soap Company If you buy products from any of these organic brands, you know for sure that you’re making the right (and healthy) choice.