What do you put on your skin?
See also: Why is natural handmade soap so good for sensitive skin
Skin is the largest organ of our bodies. It provides protection and receives sensory stimuli from the external environment. Its outermost layer, the epidermis, contains the primary protective structure and provides a filter against attack by chemicals, radiation, and microbes. Our skin is like a sponge, absorbing most chemicals it comes in contact with - including substances that may be dangerous for our bodies.
Soap, personal cleansers and cosmetic products in general, all interact with our skin. Obviously, no cosmetic product can heal a medical condition. However, some components of the most common commercial soaps (as well as shampoos, bubble baths, skin lotions and other toiletries) might easily damage our skin; in some cases, they get absorbed into our blood stream, producing disastrous effects or even causing chronic problems for some people. Among the widely accepted side-effects are, for instance, rashes and itchiness.
Our soaps contain none of these synthetic agents, and we think this is why they are so good for your skin.
A list of additives commonly used in cosmetics and skin care products
The links in the following list take you to an example of the relative MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), if available.
- Surfactants:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- DEA (DEA Lauryl Sulfate)
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Alpha Olefin Sulfonate
Surfactants (sudsing agents) are used by the industry to increase the lather. They are powerful skin irritants and, although rumors about them causing cancer haven't been proven true, we think it's important to know several of these substances are also dangerous pollutants. You might find surfactants also listed with other names, such as, among others, dehydag sulfate, dodecyl alcohol+hydrogen, sulfate+sodium salt, dodecyl sodium sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate.
- Solvents/lubricants:
- Dipropylene Glycol (DPG), a mild lubricant generally used to dilute fragrances. Propylene/Di-Propylene Glycol molecules are very small and can penetrate into human tissue, eventually reaching the blood stream and lymphatic fluids. It is said to destroy human liver and other organs, as well as cause cancer.
- Isopropyl myristate (IPM), another solvent used to dilute fragrances, can cause breakouts.
- Preservatives, stabilizers, antioxydants:
All these synthetic agents are known to cause skin irritation, allergic or sensitization reactions and are suspect teratogens.
- Perfumes and fragrances
Commercial soap uses synthetic fragrances, which are usually listed under the generic terms perfume or fragrance. Potential problems (allergies, sensitization, etc.) with synthetic fragrances are well known. Some background information can be found in this article.
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