What is in the soap we use

Products

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Soap is one of the most often used products in our lives and could easily be called essential. Basically all the varieties of soap serve the same purpose, to clean and we hardly give them a second thought. Your skin is the largest organ of your body it is porous and absorbs whatever it comes in contact with.

Chemicals absorbed by the skin are ten times more potent than those taken taken orally, they travel directly to the tissues instead of passing through the liver.

Unfortunately almost all commercial soaps (or what we believe is soap) contain no soap at all. They are nothing more than harsh detergents and chemical cocktails which strip the skin of vital oils. These soaps literally pull the moisture out of the skin, exposing our largest organ (our skin) to hundreds of chemicals. Did you ever wonder why people need moisturizing lotions.

Fact: Most commercial soaps and body washes are stripped of the glycerin in the soap making process, the glycerin is sold for the production of lotions.

What's in the soap & shampoo we use?

"The important, shocking reason to change!"

What is in your child's shampoo or body wash?

Parents have the right to know!

Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of chemicals, preventing early-life exposure to harmeful chemicals can help prevent health problems throughout their lives. Parents have the right to know which chemicals are in the products they buy and also have the right to expect that products sold for children are as safe as they can be.

Children's bath products are often marketed as safe and gentle. However, laboratory tests commissioned by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found these products are commonly contaminated with formaldehyde or 1,4-dioxane and, in many cases, both.

Note: The use of sodium laureth sulfate in childrens products is particularily worrying. It is known that, whether it gets in the eyes or not, skin application DOES lead to measurable concentrations in the eyes of children. This is known to affect eye development, & the damaged caused is irreversible.

A Must Read for Parents "No More Toxic Tub"

The report shows 61% (17 out of 28 products tested) contained both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane. Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane were found in; Dora the Explorer Bubble Bath (MZB Personal Care), Johnson's Baby Shampoo (Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies), Sesame Street Bubble Bath (The Village Company), Hot Wheels Berry Blast Bubble Bath (Water-Jel Technologies), Barbie Berry Sweet Bubble Bath (Water-Jel Technologies), Grins & Giggles Milk & Honey Baby Wash (Gerber Products Company), Huggies Naturally Refreshing Cucumber and Green Tea baby Wash(Kimberly-Clark), Equate Tearless Baby Wash (Wal-Mart Stores Inc), American Girl Real Beauty Inside and Out Shower Gel-Apple Blossom (Bath & Body Works), L'Oreal Kids Extra Gentle 2-in-1 Fast Dry Shampoo-Burst of Cool Melon (L'Oreal USA), CVS Baby Shampoo (CVS/Pharmacy), Pampers Kandoo Foaming Handsoap (Procter & Gamble). The report goes on to name dozens of leading body care products for babies and children also containing other ingredients with known or suspected links to cancer or other serious health problems.

Note: 82% (23 out of 28 products tested) contained formaldehyde, 67% (32 out of 48 products tested) contained 1,4-dioxane. For the sake of your children please read the report to learn the truth. Click here to read the report,

Reason For Concern

According to the National Academy of Sciences, several factors contribute to children's exceptional vulnerability to harmful effects of chemicals.

A child's chemical exposures are greater pound -for-pound than those of adults.
Children are less able than adults to detoxify and excrete chemicals(in most cases).
Children's developing organ systems are more vulnerable to damage from chemical exposures.
Children have more years of future life in which to develop disease triggered by early exposure.

The eye Opener

None of the products tested list formaldehyde or 1,4-dioxane on the ingredient label. They are not ingredients in the products but are toxic byproducts of chemical manufacturing and product formulation. The same ingredients that are used to make childrens shampoos, body washes, liquid soaps and lotions are used to make personal care products for adults.

All That Lathers is Not Soap!

The truth is that all soap is not the same. When you look at what you believe to be soap you see it comes in different scents, sizes, different colors in bar form, liquid form and the list goes on and on. Most body cleansers and soaps on the market today are synthetic detergent products (chemicals). Many are marketed as "soap" but are not true soap in the common and legal definition of the word.The vast majority of these products on the shelf don't say soap. They might be called shower gels, body washes, beauty bars, moisturizing bars, deodorant bars, but not soap.Today's personal care products are made for convenience and profit. When you review the list of ingredients in personal care products you will find there is" little care" in them.

Fact: The Environmental Canada Domestic Substance List classifies SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) as a high human health priority. SLES is listed as a possible carcinogen and as expected to be toxic or harmful to humans. Is it listed on the ingredient list of your shampoo or body wash?

Fact: Formaldehyde contaminates personal care products when common preservatives, such as Quaternium-15 release formaldehyde over time in the container.

Fact: A survey of 2,300 people conducted as part of this research effort shows that the average adult uses 9 personal care products each day, with 126 unique chemical ingredients. Source: Environment Working Group Skin Deep.

Fact: Eighty-nine percent of the 10,500 ingredients FDA has determined are used in personal care products (FDA 2000) have not been evealuated for safety by the CIR, the FDA or any other publicly accountable institute (FDA 2000, CIR 2003). Source: Food and Drug Administration (FDA 200) Cosmetics Compliance Program. Domestic Cosmetics Program, Cosmetics Ingredient Review (CIR2003) 2003 CIR Compendium abstracts, discussions, and conclusions of CIR cosmetic ingredient safety asessments. Washington DC

What is in the 1/4 Moisturizing Lotion Bar?

Almost everyone has seen the commercial abobout the 1/4 moisturizing lotion bar. So question that comes to mind is the other 75% consist of. I found the answer at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services under the Households Products Data base. View the information here

The document states under the heading Carginogenicity: The manufacturers Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) does not state whether the ingredients are considered carcinogens or potential carcinogens. A partial listing of the ingredients included are: Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Cocoamidylpropylbetaine, sodium alkybenzenesulfonate, sodium cocoyl isethionate and 2,6-Di-t-butyl-p-cresol (BHT).

Chemicals Found in Shampoo, Body Washes, Liquid Soap & Moisturizing Lotions

(carcinogens,neurotoxins, formaldehyde, antifreeze, petroleum products and more)

Learn about the potential danger & risk to children and yourself

Formaldehyde Releasing Preservatives

According to the EPA formaldehyde is a probable carcinogen and can be absorbed through the skin, though the risk of cancer from skin contact is not fully understood. Formaldehyde can also trigger skin reactions in people who are sensitive to the chemical. Contact dermatitis specialists recommend that children avoid exposure to products containing formaldehyde. Formaldehyde contaminates personal care products when common preservatives, such as Quaternium-15 release formaldehyde over time in the container.

NOTE: Shampoo's, Body Washes, Bubble Baths, Lotions, Hair Relaxers, Liquid Hand Soaps and even some Baby Wipes will not state they contain formaldehyde releasing preservatives. Formaldehyde releasing preservative you should look for include: DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, Diazolidinyl urea, Imidazolidinyl urea, and Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate. Please also note this list does not contain every formaldehyde relesing preservative.

1,4-dioxane

According to a 1998 memorandum from a California State haelth official, 1,4-dioxane is readily absorbed through the lungs, skin and gastrointestinal tract of mammals. The federal Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that "the presence of 1,4-dioxane, even as a trace contaminat, is a cause for concern. However, the FDA has not established or recommended a "safe" level of 1,4-dioxane in cosmetics. The Environmental Protection Agency classifies 1,4 dioxane as a "probable human carcinogen". The U.S. department of health and Human services, National Toxicology Program, lists 1,4 dioxane as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen." According to the International Agency foor Research on Cancer, an initiative of the World Health Organization, 1,4-dioxane is "possiblycarcinogenic to humans." The State of California's Environmental Protection Agency lists 1,4-dioxane on its publicly mandated annual list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. According to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, 1,4dioxane "should be handled as a carcinogen-with extreme caution."

NOTE: Shampoo's, Body Washes, Bubble Baths, Lotions, Hair Relaxers, Liquid Hand Soaps and even some Baby Wipes will not state they contain 1,4-dioxane. Ingredients in the list of product ingredients likely to be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane can be any of these chemicals: Ceteareth-6, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, PEG-8, PEG-12, PEG-100 stearate, PEG-150 stearate, Laureth-23, PEG-80 sorbitan laurate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEG-7 esters, Laureth-4, PEG-14M, PEG-3 glyceryl cocoate, PEG-120 methyl glucose dioleate, PEG-45M, PEG-150 distearate, PEG-45 palm kernal glycerides, PEG 150 pentaerythrityl tetresetearate, Sodium laureth-13 carboxylate, PEG-40 glyceryl cocoate, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, Disodium PEG-4 cocamido mipa-sulfosuccinate, Potassium laureth phosphate, PEG-50 shea butter, PEG-75 lanolin, BIS-PEG/PPG-16/16 PEG/PPG-16/16 dimethicone, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil,Sodium laureth-8 sulfate, Magnesium Laureth-8 sulfate, Sodium oleth sulfate, magnesium oleth sulfate, PEG-75 lanolin, Oleth-20, Dimethicone PEG-7 cocoate, PEG-12 dimthicone, PPG-5-ceteth-10 phosphate, Oleth-3 phosphate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 dimethicone.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

Used as detergents and surfactants, these closely related compounds are found in car wash soaps, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers. Yet both SLS and SLES are used more widely as one of the major ingredients in cosmetics, toothpaste, hair conditioner and about 90% of all shampoos, body washes, liquid handsoaps, dish detergent, laundry detergent and products that foam.

According to the American College of Toxicology states both SLS and SLES can cause malformation in children's eyes. Other research has indicated SLS may be damaging to the immune system, especially within the skin. Skin layers may separate and inflame due to its protein denaturing properties. It is possibly the most dangerous of all ingredients in personal care products. Research has shown that SLS when combined with other chemicals can be transformed into nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens, which causes the body to absorb nitrates at higher levels that eating nitrate-contaminated food." According to the American College of Toxicity report, "SLS stays in the body for up to five days..." Other studies have indicated that SLS easily penetrates through the skin and enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, the liver, the lungs and the brain.

SLS is absorbed into your body from skin applications, from that shower in the morning and those warm comforting relaxing baths in the evening. One of the effects of sodium lauryl sulfate is that it mimic's the activity of the hormone estrogen. This can have many health implications, plus be responsible for a variety of health problems such Menopausal symptoms, PMS, right down to dropping male fertility and increasing female cancers such as breast cancer, where estrogen levels are known to be involved. Learn More

Shampoos are among the most frequently reported products to the FDA. Reports include eye irritation, scalp irritation, tangled hair, swelling of the hands, face and arms and split and fuzzy hair. This is highly characteristic of sodium laureth sulfate and almost definitely directly related to its use.

The Environmental Canada Domestic Substance List classifies SLES as a high human health priority. SLES is listed as a possible carcinogen and as expected to be toxic or harmful to humans.

Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate (sodium dodecylbenzenesulfoante)

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Hazardous Sunstance Fact Sheet contains the following information: Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfoante is a white to light yellow sand-like solid. It is used as a detergent, incleaning products, and in pesticides. Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfoante is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DOT and the EPA. Under the heading Hazard Summary it states: Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfoante can effect you when breathed in. Contact can irritate the skin and eyes with possible eye damage. Breathing Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfoante can irritate the nose, throat and lungs causing coughing, wheezing and/or shortness of breath. Under the heading Acute Health Effects it states: The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfoante. Read the report

Cocoamidylpropylbetaine (Cocoamidylpropyl Betaine)

The American Contact Dermatitis Society named Cocoamidylpropyl Betaine Allergen of the Year in 2004. It is used in surface cleaners, dishwashing detergents, powder and liquid laundry detergents and toilet cleaners. It is known to cause irritation of the skin, eyes and lungs.

Sodium Alkylbenzenesulfonate (sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate)

Alkylbenzene sulfonates are comprised of three active ingredients sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid and alkylbenzene sulfonic acid. Alkylbenzene sulfonates are antimicrobial pesticides that are largely used as contact sanitizers in food processing plants.

2,6-Di-t-butyl-p-cresol (BHT) (commonly known as Butylated Hydroxytoluene BHT)

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic additive that contains toluene. Toluene is a poison. According to the material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), toluene can cause respiratory problems, dizziness, and in high concentrations-death. Toluene is a skin and lung irritant.

Lauramide DEA and TEA-Cocoyl Glutamate

Amine Family: This chemical family includes Diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA) and monoethanolamine (MEA). Hormone-disrupting chemicals that can form cancer-causing nitrates,
- Restricted in Europe due to carcinogenic effects, yet are still used in the US
- Americans may be exposed 10-20 times per day with shampoos, shaving creams and bubble baths

On the show "CBS This Morning" Dr. Samuel Epstein,Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois said "Repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of two cancers-liver and kidney cancers. John Bailey, head of the cosmetics division of the FDA, says that the new study is especially important since "the risk is significantly increased for children."

Studies also show that DEAs (including cocamide DEA) directly inhibits fetal brain development in laboratory studies by blocking the absorption of choline, a nutrient required for brain development and maintenance

Information from the Cancer Prevention Coalition states:

DEA is diethanolamine, a chemical that is used as a wetting agent in shampoos, lotions, creams and other cosmetics. DEA is used widely because it provides a rich lather in shampoos and keeps a favorable consistency in lotions and creams. DEA by itself is not harmful but while sitting on the stores shelves or in your cabinet at home, DEA can react with other ingredients in the cosmetic formula to form an extremely potent carcinogen called nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA). NDEA is readily absorbed through the skin and has been linked with stomach, esophagus, liver, and bladder cancers.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), "There is sufficient evidence of a carcinogenic effect of N-nitrosodiethanolamine -- ." (1) IARC recommends that NDEA should be treated as if it were a carcinogen in humans.

Lauramide DEA is listed as a cosmetic ingredient contaminated with DEA.

Even small amounts of this potent carcinogen can increase the risk of cancer.

Propylene Glycol (Antifreeze)

A cosmetic form of mineral oil found in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid and industrial antifreeze. In the skin and hair, propylene glycol works as a humescent, which causes retention of moisture content of skin or cosmetic products by preventing the escape of moisture or water. The Material Safety Data Sheet warns users to avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as this strong skin irritant can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage. Source:http://www.natural-health-information-centre.com/propylene-glycol.html

Methylparaben

Methylparaben is widely used as a preservative in women's cosmetics, such as skin creams and deodorants. One of the physical dangers associated with methylparaben is its connection with tumors in the breast. A report in the January-February 2004 issue of the Journal of Applied Toxicology states that when several breast tumors were examined by researchers, high levels of methylparaben were found in the tissues.

The October 3, 2006, issue of Toxicology published a study that shows when skin treated with creams that contain methylparaben was exposed to the sun's UVB rays, the skin cells died and there was considerable oxidative stress on the skin's tissue. Oxidative stress, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is responsible for a number of disease processes, including cancer.

Parabens, including methylparaben, have estrogenic affects on the body, which means they can affect the reproductive glands. The January 2009 issue of Reproductive Toxicology reports that there is a probable interaction between parabens and the health and activity of cells in the testes, meaning a possible decrease in sperm production in males.
Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/21581-dangers-methylparaben/

Polyquaternium-10.tetrasodium EDTA

Followed by any number, film forming impression of softness, they are carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic and cause adverse reactions. Induced contact dermatitis, causes fatal drug allergy (anaphylactic shock), may cause increased sensitivity to muscle relaxants. They are a formaldehyde releaser, thus a potential carcinogen. It may be contaminated with acrylamide, a central nervous system toxin.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone

In pregnant women prolonged exposure to this ingredient in shampoos may cause abnormal brain development in the fetus. This chemical, also known as MIT, attacks the nervous system, which means that exposure to the chemical, over a period of time may be a factor in developing Alzheimer's disease and other disorders. MIT also contributes to cancer and liver problems. Source: http://www.helium.com/items/823471-how-dangerous-are-the-chemicals-in-your-shampoo