The Difference between Store bought soap vs Natural Soap

Most soaps that you find in stores, will be labeled as a beauty bar because it is not considered soap. They are labeled "beauty bars" and are actually detergents and other chemicals. While the Natural Handmade soaps I make contain natural oils, butters, botanicals, clays & essential oils. While mass produced soaps are detergents containing  harmful ingredients. Such as synthetic fragrances, phthalates , SLS , Triclosan ,BHA and BHT, p-phenylenediamine, artificial colors and little to no beneficial ingredients. They contain more toxic ingredients then good. 

What are phthalates ? 

Phthalates aren’t a single chemical. They’re an entire family , used to plasticize the product; in other words, they make the product softer and less brittle.

Why phthalates are bad ? 

Long term exposure to this chemical can have adverse effects and may cause cancer. It Is recommended to reduce exposure to this chemical by eliminating commercial soaps from our household cleaning products.

 

Why are Synthetic fragrances bad ? Many synthetic chemicals in fragrances are petroleum based and can cause health issues down the line. Chemicals found in fragrances include phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors, carcinogens benzophenone and styrene. In addition, some children and adults have allergic reactions to fragrance chemicals.

 

What is SLS  ? SLS is a chemical agent found in many skin and body care products that is most often used as an emulsifier or surfactant. As an emulsifier, it helps to stabilize and thicken products for smoother application. As a surfactant, it acts as a cleansing and foaming agent, giving a stronger impression of cleaning power.

Why is SLS bad ? SLS is derived mainly from cheap and abundant petroleum. The manufacturing process of petroleum is highly polluting, emitting potential cancer-causing volatile organic compounds, sulfur compounds, and air particulates. Toxic solvents, including carcinogenic nitrates, are also used in the manufacturing of SLS. Traces of those can remain in the product.

Potential Side affects of SLS 

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has detailed warnings about SLS. It reports that SLS can be harmful if swallowed and may cause eye, lung, and respiratory irritation.

• SLS can destroy the delicate lipid layers which keep skin supple and smooth. The chemical toxin can also dry out skin and hair, making it dull while also allowing toxins to penetrate the skin’s surface.

• SLS can be easily absorbed into the body and can  build up in your internal organs, increasing the potential for  long-term health problems.

What is Triclosan?  Triclosan is a preservative used as an anti-bacterial agent in mass produced soaps.

Why is Triclosan bad for you? According to the FDA  one short-term animal study showed that exposure to high doses of triclosan is associated with a decrease in the levels of some thyroid hormones

Triclosan is an endocrine disrupting chemical. That means it can harm your endocrine system, leading to issues with proper hormone function. 

 

What is BHA & BHT -  BHA and BHT are preservatives used in makeup and foods to keep the shelf life longer .

Why is BHA AND BHT bad ? BHA has been linked to reproductive and developmental toxicity and also been identified on California’s Proposition 65 list as a possible carcinogen. 

BHA has been linked to reproductive and developmental toxicity.

BHA  AND BHT according to the National Toxicology Program’s Report on Carcinogens says to be reasonably  anticipated to be a human carcinogen.

What are Artificial colors ? Some artificial colors include Dyes which are made with a combination of 20 chemicals in order to achieve a particular shade. 

Why are artificial colors bad ?

• Despite being legal, many FD&C colors can still be damaging to the body. As they absorb into your skin, they can drain your body of oxygen. Our bodies need oxygen to fuel our cells. Without oxygen, we have less energy and our bodies don’t function properly. Dyes can also be absorbed through the oral cavity from cosmetics used around the mouth such as lipsticks and even toothpaste.
• Yellow #6, Red #40, and Green #3 as these are the most controversial and potentially harmful dyes used in the market today.  

Natural Handcrafted Soap is actually Soap! 

Each of our soap bar recipes begins with a special blend of nutrient-rich, skin-nourishing oils. 

We use more costly oils, and butters whenever possible because they are less refined preserving more of their inherent nutrients.

Inspired by Non Toxic living  I use a variety of natural butters, purifying natural clays, herbs, seeds, grains, spices, flowers, and pure botanical essential oils to provide natural color, aromatherapy, texture, and gentle exfoliation. 

Not all handmade soap is created equally some still use artificial colors and synthetic fragrances , I pride myself in using essential oils and natural colorants. 

What are essential oils ? Essential oils are concentrated compounds extracted from aromatic plants to capture the plant’s scent, flavor and natural benefits. You’ll find these highly potent compounds in a plant’s seeds, flowers, bark, roots, leaves, stems, rinds, fruit and resin. 

This is why natural (Non- Toxic soap) is a better alternative then mass produced store bought soap. This is just a short list of the harmful ingredients that you will find in most big brand body care products. Don't be fooled they have many different names for each of these chemicals and marketing tactics to make you think they are good for you, in all actuality they are not. Be aware and always be your own detective.

Thanks for taking the time to read this , Yours truly AshandLeeSoaps