Soap is soap, right? Not really. There’s a big difference in the different soaps available on the market today.
- Some soaps are labeled “antibacterial” while others are “moisturizing.”
- Some soaps are used to wash your hands, others are used to wash the body.
- Some scents have “powerfully invigorating” on the outside, while others are listed as “softly sensual.”
- And then there’s the bar soap versus liquid soaps debate. (Tip: They both work the same way to get you clean.)
Whatever soap you choose should depend more on what’s on the inside than what is on the outside label.
A Lesson In Hand Washing
Most people know that regular hand washing is the number one way to stop the spread of illness. What you might not know is that liquid soaps labeled “antibacterial” are no better at doing the job than plain old soap and water. And what you really need to know is that there are dangerous ingredients in many soaps that you should avoid at all costs, including these three:
1) Triclosan – A chemical that is suspected of contributing to bacterial resistance around the world.
2) SLS – A chemical cleaning agent that can lead to skin irritation, organ toxicity, and cellular changes.
3) SLES – A foaming agent that can become contaminated with a chemical carcinogen called Dioxane during manufacturing.
A Lesson In Natural Ingredients
Now that you know what to avoid, how about a lesson in what to look for the next time you purchase liquid soaps? There are plenty of ingredients that can create a wonderful cleaning experience, such as these three:
1) Virgin Coconut Oil – Used for centuries in soap making, liquid soaps made with coconut oil provide moisturization that soothes and disinfects.
2) Peppermint & Eucalyptus Essential Oils – Both have antibacterial and antifungal properties with a scent that invigorates, creating a fantastic liquid soap.
3) Shea Butter. A natural healing balm that was used by the Pharaohs in Egypt, Shea butter has skin healing and hydrating properties.
Natural liquid soaps are free from harsh chemicals, unpronounceable ingredients, and fake fragrances. From invigorating scents to subtle aromas, the liquid soaps that work best on your outside are those that are natural on the inside.
META – When purchasing liquid soaps, there are many chemical additives to avoid. Choosing soaps with natural ingredients can make a difference, inside and out.