How amazing does it feel to be freshly showered knowing that you are clean and smelling great? As fantastic as a shower makes you feel there is some very dirty information you might have missed. You are probably lathering yourself with harmful chemicals that wreak havoc on your hormones, organs and can cause cancer. That’s a pretty large bit of information to miss and it’s true!
Unfortunately, there are many ways that companies hide and coverup their use of such hazardous chemicals and it’s completely legal. There are loopholes, exceptions and unregulated markets that allow numerous chemicals to lurk in your beauty routine.
Unless you are using natural soap, you are putting yourself at risk for some serious health issues. Not mentioning any names (Dove, Ivory), we have broken down just a few of the most common chemicals found in your favorite soap.
Parabens
First introduced in the 1950s, parabens mimic estrogen so once they are applied to the skin they are absorbed into the bloodstream and begin disrupting hormone balance. This leads to muscle loss, increased fat storage, early puberty, disruptions to reproductive organs, and cancer. They were banned in the EU (European Union) in 2012 but are still on the market in the USA.
They are used in cosmetics, soaps, shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste as preservatives. The most common forms are methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Any long name on an ingredients list that ends with -paraben should be avoided. Parabens are in hundreds of common products and the problem is that each time you are exposed, the chances of serious health problems increase. A product may contain a legal amount of parabens but the problem begins when you combine that with 4 or 5 other paraben containing products. The body is quickly overloaded and cannot effectively flush out such large amounts of toxins.
Fragrance
Fragrance is actually a very small name for a huge number of chemical ingredients. Since companies are not legally obligated to go into further details about exactly what is in their fragrance, they can contain anywhere from 10-100 different chemical compounds. This is an extremely broad range and there is no way of knowing which chemicals are being used and the amount of each one. Another scary fact is that fragrance is not regulated so they are free to use chemicals that are highly toxic without being held responsible or follow any regulation.
Frangrance often affects people who are sensitive to smells, have eczema or other skin issues, and people with allergies or asthma. It is such a harsh chemical that it can trigger a skin rash in only one use. Even if a label indicates “natural fragrance” it is still a toxic mix of unknown chemicals.
The range of products that include fragrance is very broad ranging from soap, shampoo, and body wash to detergents, candles, and air fresheners. They give the illusion of cleanliness as so many people have been taught that a certain scent equates to clean or fresh. Just because a product has a strong scent does not mean it cleans better.
Diethanolamine (DEA or DEOA)
This chemical is used in soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, and sunscreen as a means to create a creamy texture, enhance foaming capabilities, and balance the pH levels of a product. Even products labeled “organic” can include DEA and other chemicals since the term “organic” is not regulated in the cosmetic industry. Other names DEA is associated with include:
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- Stearamide MEA
- Linoleamide MEA
- Cocamide MEA
- Triethanolamine
- TEA-Lauryl sulfate
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DEA is a known carcinogenic which means it is known to cause cancer, specifically stomach, liver, esophagus, and bladder cancers. Studies have shown that it irritates the nose and skin, damages the kidneys and liver, disrupts the thyroid, and damages the male reproductive system. Even slight exposure can cause dermatitis-like rashes.
Sulfates
Sulfates are very harsh on the skin as it strips the natural oils and leaves skin vulnerable to harmful bacteria and dehydration. Companies add it to products to give soap a rich foaming lather. Unfortunately, it can also be found in many other products including toothpaste, laundry detergent, and shampoo.
Studies have linked sulfates to cancer, organ toxicity, endocrine disruption, and skin irritation. One of the biggest problems with sulfates is that our body cannot break them down and this means that they continue to accumulate within our system and lead to more serious health issues. Sulfates may be listed under various names including:
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- SLS
- Sodium dodecyl sulfate
- Sulfuric acid
- Monododcyl ester
- Sodium salt sulfuric acid
- Sodium salt
- Aquarex methyl
- Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
- Ammonia lauryl sulfate (ALS)
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1,4 Dioxane
This chemical is carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and is used as a mixing agent to stabilize other chemicals. It is normally found in soap, shampoo, cosmetics, and deodorant and is not required by the FDA to be on ingredient lists or labels in general. With the exception of California, since they have stronger disclosure regulations. California is the only state that requires 1,4 dioxane to be listed since it is classified as a known carcinogen.
In the 80s dioxane was only used to prevent chemical reactions while transporting aluminum containers. Fast forward a few decades and dioxane seems to be in the water, dairy foods, cosmetics, and hair dye. In 2013 the EPA determined that safe levels of dioxane in drinking water are no more than .35ppb (parts per billion) and 10ppb in cosmetics. Upon testing cosmetics, researchers found that 98% of tested products contain 50ppb or higher.
Exposure to this chemical can result in an array of issues including eye irritation, respiratory problems, kidney and liver damage, disruptions to the central nervous system, and cancer. Dioxane dissolves in water which means it quickly pollutes groundwater and contaminates drinking water.
Triclosan
Triclosan is an antimicrobial which means that it kills bacteria. It was originally used in hospitals beginning in the early 70s to sterilize instruments. It has since spread to pretty much any product promising antibacterial or antimicrobial features. This ranges from socks that promise to keep feet dry and free of fungus to toothpaste claiming it fights gingivitis.
Triclosan has been found to cause developmental issues, reproductive problems, hormone imbalance, weakened immune system, decreased fertility, and cancer. Additionally, these products’ residues are whisked away through water systems polluting water sources, the environment, and ecosystems.
There are some recent FDA regulations and bans on triclosan but regulation has so many loopholes. It is easy for companies to simply alter ingredient lists and product claims while maintaining the use of triclosan.
