avoid 8 toxic chemicals found in soap & shampoo

[sickofallthebollocks]

Just been emailed this from Natural news: 

8 potentially harmful chemicals in mainstream soap and shampoo

Companies add a range of chemicals to their products, many of which can actually be quite harmful to people.

Some of these ingredients include those that are added to give shampoo, soap and body wash products their scent, color and foamy-ness. Yes, these may make you feel that your hair and body are getting cleaned, but these same chemicals can also harm you, without you knowing it.
 

Here are 8 common but potentially harmful shampoo ingredients to watch out for:
 

1. Sodium lauryl sulfate

You know that nice, foamy lather you get when washing your hair and body with shampoo and soap? More often than not, that comes from a chemical known as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).

A safety assessment study of SLS published way back in 1983 suggested that products that stay on the skin should not exceed a 1% concentration of the chemical. This is because tests found that continuous skin exposure to SLS could lead to irritation.

In addition, SLS can also disrupt the skin’s natural oil balance and cause eye damage.

2. Sodium laureth sulfate

Similar to SLS, sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is another chemical that companies add to soap and shampoo to make them foam up.

SLES is also known to cause skin irritation if left on for too long.

The chemical’s difference with SLS, however, is that once absorbed by the body, it takes longer for the liver to get rid of it. Not only does it stay in the body for much longer, but much more energy is used to get rid of it.

3. Parabens

Parabens are preservatives that are added to shampoo, body soap, and other cosmetics to prevent the growth of harmful mold and bacteria.

While they help keep cosmetic products – including shampoo and soap – free of harmful bugs, parabens also have a darker side to them. These chemicals have been linked to several side effects, such as cell damage, endocrine dysfunction and even cancer.

Studies have shown that high enough concentrations of parabens can increase the proliferation of human breast cancer cells. In addition, these chemicals have also been shown to promote UV-induced damage in the skin, increasing the risk of developing malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer.

4. Formaldehyde

You may know formaldehyde as the chemical used to preserve bodies at the morgue. This chemical, like parabens, is used to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold in the shampoo.

Formaldehyde has also been linked to cancer. Specifically, this chemical has been known to cause damage to DNA in a manner that can lead to cancer.

In addition, formaldehyde can also cause allergic reactions, including skin irritation and asthma.

5. Diethanolamine

Diethanolamine (DEA) is an emulsifier and foaming agent. It reduces surface tension so that water- and oil-soluble ingredients can blend together.

DEA, however, has also been linked to cancer. A 1998 National Toxicology Program study found an association between DEA and cancer in laboratory testing. [6]

The dangers of DEA are high enough that the European Union has banned its use in cosmetics.

6. Coal tar

Coal tar is added to shampoo to help treat dandruff due to its ability to relieve itching, scaling and flaking caused by various skin conditions.

As with most harmful materials in commercial shampoo, coal tar can be linked to cancer. Specifically, the National Toxicology Program classifies it as a carcinogen.

In addition, other studies have shown that coal tar can also cause neurological damage.

As with DEA, coal tar has already been banned in Europe.

7. Synthetic fragrances

These might seem harmless at first glance – all they’re supposed to do is add some nice scents to your shampoo and body wash. The problem with these, however, is that shampoos that have “fragrance” on their label can contain thousands of hidden chemicals.

Some of the chemicals used in fragrances include acetaldehyde and benzophenone. Both of these chemicals have been listed by various organizations as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

8. Triclosan

First used as an ingredient in hospital disinfectants, companies started using triclosan as an antimicrobial agent in products like shampoo and body soap in the 1990s. However, the Food and Drug Administration ruled that products with this chemical aren’t any better at killing bacteria than plain old soap and water

Thankfully, there is a solution – you can use natural shampoos like our All-Natural, Glyphosate-Tested Shampoos and Body Soaps.




 

Edited August 3, 2020 by sickofallthebollocks
edit spelling in title

[Michi713]

I use baking soda. 

[sickofallthebollocks]

6 minutes ago, Michi713 said:

I use baking soda. 

Ahh?  nice one - not tried that option as yet.... an 'effervescent' experience me thinks

...thinking about it though?.... probably really good for getting rid of dead skin cells etc...dandruff and the like?

Out of likes at the moment , but like that.

[CyprusAvenue]

1 hour ago, Michi713 said:

I use baking soda. 

 

 

@Michi713  what do you make with baking soda, known as bicarbonate of soda in the UK.

 

@sickofallthebollocks  last week there was a newspaper report (sorry) of a bloke who hadn't used soap for years, claimed it was unnecessary.  A step too far me thinks!

[Magnificmags]

Thanks for the info.  I recently swapped to some more eco friendly cleaning products and some of my toothpastes and deodorants, due to fears about cancer and other autoimmune health issues. I've never used talc for this reason. I have more products to research such as makeup, suncreams etc! It's a psychological retraining, as you get used to using brand names from childhood and associating them with cleanliness.  

[sickofallthebollocks]

2 hours ago, CyprusAvenue said:

 

 

@Michi713  what do you make with baking soda, known as bicarbonate of soda in the UK.

 

@sickofallthebollocks  last week there was a newspaper report (sorry) of a bloke who hadn't used soap for years, claimed it was unnecessary.  A step too far me thinks!

I think the baking soda is probably just used plain with warm water so it foams up and 'fizzes' all the nasty shite away.   Think I might try it - probably good on pongy sweaty feet?
and, yeah - a bit of soap or something , never goes amiss, whoever the soap dodging bloke is - he must have an arse crack like a marmite pot.

[- TZC -]

Having had borderline criminal personal hygiene, I have confidence I dodged a lot of bullets here. But probably, smoking for 17 years balanced the scales in terms of personal outcome

 

[sickofallthebollocks]

21 minutes ago, - TZC - said:

Having had borderline criminal personal hygiene, I have confidence I dodged a lot of bullets here. But probably, smoking for 17 years balanced the scales in terms of personal outcome

 

Laughing at this bit TZC:  'Having had borderline criminal personal hygiene'
 - not the smoking bit - I've been there too buddy - and keep getting drawn back in by that pesky nicotine.

[- TZC -]

There's an element of truth to my jokes I haven't washed enough. BUT. I'm not one of those fermenting souls that leave a 10 minute aroma of freshly grated parmesan behind them

 

 

 

 

Haven't smoked now for 10 years, got the vapes. And once in a blue moon, I wash!

[CyprusAvenue]

1 hour ago, sickofallthebollocks said:

I think the baking soda is probably just used plain with warm water so it foams up and 'fizzes' all the nasty shite away.   Think I might try it - probably good on pongy sweaty feet?
and, yeah - a bit of soap or something , never goes amiss, whoever the soap dodging bloke is - he must have an arse crack like a marmite pot.

 

 

@sickofallthebollocks  ha ha.

[CyprusAvenue]

1 hour ago, Magnificmags said:

Thanks for the info.  I recently swapped to some more eco friendly cleaning products and some of my toothpastes and deodorants, due to fears about cancer and other autoimmune health issues. I've never used talc for this reason. I have more products to research such as makeup, suncreams etc! It's a psychological retraining, as you get used to using brand names from childhood and associating them with cleanliness.  

 

 

@Magnificmags yes, certainly know what you mean.  Loads of choice these days but it's knowing what brands to trust.  Have been making basic cleaning and personal care products for myself for a few years now, really easy to do and love the essential oils.

[sickofallthebollocks]

11 hours ago, - TZC - said:

There's an element of truth to my jokes I haven't washed enough. BUT. I'm not one of those fermenting souls that leave a 10 minute aroma of freshly grated parmesan behind them

 

 

 

 

Haven't smoked now for 10 years, got the vapes. And once in a blue moon, I wash!

I like the honesty going on in this conversation 'chaps?'
Don't tell us... but... surely we have got to all be male.  The not washing thing is (IMO) a male trait.
 

I like to keep the essentials clean everyday - too much info this - but I don't care - so everday - a 'whores bath' as I call it - back and front, can't have any 'helmetdale' cheese going on down there.  Gotta make sure the marmite motorway is sparkling clean.   And a full shower as a treat to myself probably every 3rd or 4th day. 

I see it as being good to the planet too - less central heating being used and less water.  Low maintenance, but got to keep the 'southern' areas clean.

And, yeah,   how is it? - on the rare occasion I am sitting on a train or bus, I always get the cheesy smelling guy sitting next to me? 


 

[CyprusAvenue]

1 hour ago, sickofallthebollocks said:

I like the honesty going on in this conversation 'chaps?'
Don't tell us... but... surely we have got to all be male.  The not washing thing is (IMO) a male trait.
 

I like to keep the essentials clean everyday - too much info this - but I don't care - so everday - a 'whores bath' as I call it - back and front, can't have any 'helmetdale' cheese going on down there.  Gotta make sure the marmite motorway is sparkling clean.   And a full shower as a treat to myself probably every 3rd or 4th day. 

I see it as being good to the planet too - less central heating being used and less water.  Low maintenance, but got to keep the 'southern' areas clean.

And, yeah,   how is it? - on the rare occasion I am sitting on a train or bus, I always get the cheesy smelling guy sitting next to me? 


 

 

@sickofallthebollocks  you're a right dirty beggar aren't you??!!

 

Disagree with your saying that 'not washing is a male trait', have known the odd woman to be like this.  No need for lots of water to be used, if you have a shower then don't leave it running whilst washing.  Turn it back on for a quick rinse, naturally adjusting the shower head to one that sprays minimal water.

 

 

 

Edited August 4, 2020 by CyprusAvenue
spelling, again

[- TZC -]

I have this deo stick called native now that's supposed to be free of any nasty things though I haven't researched it. That and proactiv soap.

I like how it gives visitors the assumption I use it at a glance when visiting the bathroom

 

Just kidding, I never have visitors. No idea why

 

 

 

 

[Michi713]

19 hours ago, sickofallthebollocks said:

I think the baking soda is probably just used plain with warm water so it foams up and 'fizzes' all the nasty shite away.   Think I might try it - probably good on pongy sweaty feet?
and, yeah - a bit of soap or something , never goes amiss, whoever the soap dodging bloke is - he must have an arse crack like a marmite pot.

I’m like what the hay is marmite then I looked it up.  

[Michi713]

@CyprusAvenue  Just use bicarbonate plain.  If you have short hair it will work well.  I have long hair and use only at the roots. No conditioner that’s junk too. 

[sickofallthebollocks]

1 hour ago, Michi713 said:

I’m like what the hay is marmite then I looked it up.  

Yeah Michi  - it's quite popular here in (not-so-great anymore Britain) ....  similar to Vegi-mite, a yeasty-thrush-fest-candida-feeding pot of sticky viscous black gooey shite - that some hate and some love - I'm in the latter category.  Tastes bitter but great on toast.  Yummy.

Strange marmite fact:  If you get a gloop of marmite between two teaspoons and rub and tap together for about 5 minutes it turns white?.
Strange but true.
 

Edited August 4, 2020 by sickofallthebollocks
spelt michi wrong (mishy)

[amethyst2009]

I haven't washed my hair in years( I am female), no need, it never gets greasy, I have baths with water and a bit of epsom salts or pink salt, I have been washing my hands with a sulphur bar soap though recently , mostly out of habit. My children have not had their hair washed in over a decade, we do not need all this crap on our skin and hair.

[sickofallthebollocks]

2 hours ago, amethyst2009 said:

I haven't washed my hair in years( I am female), no need, it never gets greasy, I have baths with water and a bit of epsom salts or pink salt, I have been washing my hands with a sulphur bar soap though recently , mostly out of habit. My children have not had their hair washed in over a decade, we do not need all this crap on our skin and hair.

Agree Amethyst - just saw a tagline on a crappy tv advert for some skin product or something - it was:
"be the woman you are".
It's absolutely awful and totally cringy.
I do feel genuinely sorry for the women who fall for all this horseshit I really do.
 

I rarely wash my hair either - if I do - will use the most basic stuff I can find.  (I'm not female)  

[Jack]

I never wash my face with soap etc, just water

[sickofallthebollocks]

12 hours ago, Jack said:

I never wash my face with soap etc, just water

(out of likes again) But same here Jack - I never washed boatrace with soap now-  don't see the point?  It's a fairly open flat area of skin area - similar to your shoulders/back/arse cheeks. And the feeling of tightness and moisture extraction from the soap is unpleasant.
It really doesn't need a wash,  apart from a brief outbreak of zits between 16-17 years old -I never had a problem with not washing my face, zit free-blemish free and has been for 20 years plus.
I suppose a wet shave is a kind of soapy wash (at the same time as shaving) but I only do that twice a week - but as you say - never wash face with soap. 

[Michi713]

18 hours ago, sickofallthebollocks said:

Agree Amethyst - just saw a tagline on a crappy tv advert for some skin product or something - it was:
"be the woman you are".
It's absolutely awful and totally cringy.
I do feel genuinely sorry for the women who fall for all this horseshit I really do.
 

I rarely wash my hair either - if I do - will use the most basic stuff I can find.  (I'm not female)  

Yeah a total MF!  But you know (especially now) how people go and act out in reality what they see on TV?  It’s not so much that women literally believe the ads, but what’s reinforced outside is what matters.  

Fact: if you don’t own a certain ordained outward appearance your chances for “success” diminish rapidly.  Some say f success, but I mean just on the level of surviving.  Eating, etc.  Two women apply for a job.  One has on the full “attractive” costume the other does not.  Who gets the job?  Or the man, or the door held open?  
 

So the ads are merely a competition for market share of something that has been sold to us long ago.