Do you know what is in those products that you are slathering over your body? Have you looked at the ingredient labels of those fragrant hand and shower gels you are splashing over your hands and body? Do you know what is in these products? Do you know if these ingredients are safe?
Here we are going to explore toxic ingredients that are found in soaps and hand/body gels that can have a terrible effect not only on your skin, but your overall health as well. Find out what to avoid and what to look for in safe cleansing alternatives…Look at your bath and shower products.
To purchase our safe,natural certified organic bath and shower products at our Chikii store.
Shower Water.
The water that you are showering in exposes you to chlorine, chloramines and other harmful water borne toxins and is absorbed through the skin and also by inhalation of the chlorine vapours. Chlorine is universally used to disinfect water, killing bacteria and other microorganisms. Eliminate chlorine and other toxins from your shower water by installing a shower rose filter, and relieve yourself from common ailments caused by over chlorine exposure like chronic sinus congestion and body acne. Relieve dry skin and itchiness, eliminate chlorine caused dandruff, protect dyed hair for lasting colour, improve annoying respiratory problems, and so much more…
What’s In Your Bottle of Shower Gel and Liquid Hand Soap?
There are six groups of ingredients to provide effective cleansing, foaming and lathering, and moisturising. These ingredients include:
Water- Typically the main ingredient listed in bath and shower gels. Functions as the liquid solvent for the other ingredients.
Emulsifiers- Act to increase foam and provide thickening for bath gels, giving them their gel-like consistency.
Detergents- Used to clean the skin.
Surfactants- Create a lather or foam when the bath gel or liquid soap is applied to the skin.
Preservatives- Extend the shelf life of bath gels and liquid soaps and prevent microbial contamination.
Fragrance- Most shower gels contain fragrance to cover up the chemical smell of other ingredients and to help make using the shower gel a pleasing experience. Most fragrances used in shower gels are synthetic. Some may be derived from essential oils and natural plant extracts.
“To Avoid” list
Certain chemical ingredients can potentially cause problems for your skin when applied as a liquid or bar soap and are best avoided.
Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES) – Sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant, detergent and emulsifier used in thousands of cosmetic products, as well as in industrial cleaners. Present in nearly all shampoos, toothpastes, body washes and cleansers, liquid hand soaps, laundry detergents and bath oils and bath salts. Although SLS originates from coconuts, the manufacturing process results in SLES/SLS being contaminated with 1, 4 dioxane, a carcinogenic by-product. SLS is the sodium salt of lauryl sulfate, and is rated by the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep Cosmetics Database as a “moderate hazard.” SLS breaks down the skin’s moisture barrier, easily penetrates the skin, and allows other chemicals to penetrate by increasing skin permeability by approximately 100-fold. Combined with other chemicals, SLS becomes a “nitrosamine”, a potent class of carcinogen. Research studies have linked SLS to skin and eye irritation, organ toxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, cellular changes, possible mutations and cancer.
Dioxane- Common in a wide range of products as part of PEG, Polysorbates, Laureth, and ethoxylated alcohols. These compounds are usually contaminated with high concentrations of highly volatile 1, 4-dioxane which is easily absorbed through the skin. This “probable carcinogen to humans” substance has received a “high hazard” rating from EWG’s Skin Deep and is especially toxic to your brain, central nervous system, kidneys and liver. A synthetic derivative of coconut, watch for misleading language on labels, stating “comes from coconut”. Avoid any product with indications of ethoxylation, which include: “myreth,” “oleth,” “laureth,” “ceteareth,” any other “eth,” “PEG,” “polyethylene,” “polyethylene glycol,” “polyoxyethylene,” or “oxynol,” in ingredient names.
Parabens- Widely used as preservatives in cosmetic and skin care products; parabens have been connected with breast cancer in studies. They have hormone-disrupting qualities, mimicking estrogen, and interfere with the body’s endocrine system. Studies have shown that parabens can affect your body much like estrogens, which can lead to diminished muscle mass, extra fat storage, and male breast growth.
Propylene glycol- A common ingredient in personal care products, it’s been shown to cause dermatitis, kidney or liver abnormalities, and may inhibit skin cell growth or cause skin irritation. Also found in engine coolants, antifreeze, rubber cleaners, adhesives, and paints and varnishes.
Diethanolamine or DEA- DEA readily reacts with nitrite preservatives and contaminants to create nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA), a known and potent carcinogen. DEA also appears to block absorption of the nutrient choline, vital to brain development.
Fragrance- Toluene, made from petroleum or coal tar, is found in most synthetic fragrances. Chronic exposure is linked to anemia, lowered blood cell count, liver or kidney damage, and may affect a developing fetus. Synthetic fragrances can also be drying and irritating to your skin.
Triclosan- The antibacterial agent added to many liquid hand soaps to help kill germs.
Tips for buying Safe and Healthy Alternatives.
Always look for a product that is certified organic with the logo on the label, and/or select products whose ingredients you recognize and that they are certified organic ingredients.
Use certified organic oils, therapeutic pure essential oils and extracts.
Made without petrochemicals and synthetic ingredients.
Free from artificial colours, fragrances, and chemical preservatives
Made without animal products or animal testing.
