Soap
Your skin is your body’s largest organ. In fact, what you put on the skin gets absorbed into your system faster than what you eat! That’s why it’s important to choose a soap that is as safe and beneficial for your body as possible.
Healthwise, if your soap contains “glycerine”, check with the manufacturer regarding its source. Although labelled as glycerine, it is sometimes “propylene glycol”, a component found in anti-freeze.
Ensure your soap is pH corrective. It’s always a good idea to make sure that the pH of your soap is between 7 and 10, as soaps with a pH above 10 are likely too harsh for use. Lye, or sodium hydroxide is a substance often found in soaps and has a pH of 14. Homesteaders beware, lye can burn the skin if not properly incorporated.
Since most allergic reactions are caused by fragrances or perfumes added to soap, try fragrance-free or naturally-sourced scents.
Suds, often associated with cleanliness, are actually the result of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) interacting with water. SLS is a known carcinogen and water pollutant. Once absorbed into your system, it can mimic estrogens. Side-effects can include menopausal symptoms, PMS and, for men, a decrease in fertility. It’s also best to stay away from artificial colours as they may also be carcinogens.
Going animal-product free means avoiding products with lanolin, tallow and sodium tallowate. Keep in mind that these by-products are often listed as “natural ingredients”.
As for the environment, it’s important your soap is phosphorus-free because phosphates promote algae growth in still waters. These blooms of algae reduce oxygen levels in water, harming aquatic life.
Making healthy choices when buying soap is good for your body
and the environment!
Dr. Bronners: Almond Bar soap
Sep 2011
This soap is certified USDA Organic and Fair Trade. All of Dr. Bronners soaps are made using traditional processes passed down for 5 generations and still contain natural ingredients formulated by Dr. Bronner himself. This company has been producing these soaps for over 60 years and the almond bar soap is a long-time favourite More >
Body Shop: Strawberry soap
Sep 2011
Even though Body Shop is known for healthy & natural products, this soap has several harmful ingredients. Tetrasodium etidronate, often used in place of paraben, is a skin and mucous membrane irritant that can trigger existing eczema conditions. Red 33, a known carcinogen, is used to give this soap its strawberry colour.
Green Beaver- Applemint Organic foaming hand soap
Sep 2011
On their website, Green Beaver lists ingredients they avoid in their products, and have done a great job keeping harmful ingredients out. Their entire line is certified organic by Ecocert and the “applemint” scent is a 100% plant-based blend. Green Beaver products are made locally within Ontario and this soap’s packaging is fully recyclable.
Kiss my Face: Sudz C-weed bar soap
Sep 2011
This is a preservative-free, vegetable-based soap containing vitamin C. Sudz is a product that does contain some organic ingredients; however, not enough for it to be certified as organic. The packaging is plastic and cannot be recycled. In California, The Centre for Environmental Health is currently suing Kiss My Face and 29 other companies More >
Green Cricket – Grapefruit/Mandarin foaming hand wash
Sep 2011
Green Cricket Foaming Hand Wash is manufactured within the GTA and is EcoLogo certified. The formulator of this soap is always investing in new research to improve their product. Traditional herbal formulations are integrated with the latest developments in green technology. Ingredients are quality-assured by Green Cricket representatives. The bottles used are made from More >
Druide: Pur and Pure soap
Sep 2011
The Pur and Pure line exemplifies the company’s mission “To respect and promote Ecology, Efficiency and Commitment”. Produced in smaller quantities, this soap’s naturally-sourced ingredients are over 95% organic. All Druide products are certified natural and organic by Ecocert Greenlife. This product is biodegradable while packaging is minimal and recyclable.
