5 Ingredients you should avoid in hand & body washes

Have you ever stopped to read the ingredient label on your hand or body wash? You might be surprised to learn that many of these products contain potentially harmful or toxic ingredients that can have negative effects on your health and the environment. As I'm sure you've heard before, the skin is our bodies largest organ so what we put on it (and use to wash it!) has a big effect. We've narrowed down a palatable list of ingredients you should be on lookout for next time your shopping...

Most common toxic ingredients you'll find in hand and in hand & body washes:

1  /  TRICLOSAN
Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that is often added to hand and body wash products to kill germs. However, studies have shown that triclosan can disrupt hormone function and contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of triclosan in hand and body wash products due to safety concerns.

2  /  SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) & SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES)
SLS and SLES are foaming agents that are commonly used in hand and body wash products to create a rich lather. However, these ingredients can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause irritation or dryness. Additionally, some studies have suggested that SLS and SLES may be carcinogenic or linked to other health problems.

3  /  PARABENS
Parabens are a type of preservative that is added to hand and body wash products to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. However, parabens have been linked to hormone disruption and may also be carcinogenic. While many companies have started to remove parabens from their products, it's still important to read the ingredient label to ensure that your hand and body wash is free from these potentially harmful chemicals.

4  /  FORMALDEHYDE
Formaldehyde is a preservative that can be found in some hand and body wash products, and is a known carcinogen. While formaldehyde is typically only used in small amounts, repeated exposure to this chemical can increase the risk of cancer and other health problems.

5  /  SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCE
Synthetic fragrances are often added to hand and body wash products to create a pleasant scent. However, these fragrances can contain a variety of chemicals that are not disclosed on product labels, and can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation. Additionally, the production of synthetic fragrances often has negative impacts on the environment.

To avoid exposing yourself to these toxic chemicals make sure you read the ingredient label thoroughly before purchasing. Opting for more natural or organic wash products made with plant-based ingredients is a smart move, as it's very likely they're free from the afore mentioned ingredients. Choosing eco-friendly packaging options such as glass is not only a responsible choice to minimize your environmental impact, but can also ensure you avoid the risk of plastic packaging leaching chemicals into your products (many plastics contain chemicals called plasticizers that can migrate out of the packaging and into formulations). We're obviously a bit biased, but our hand & body wash checks more or less all of the boxes ;)

By taking a bit of extra time to consider the products you use daily on both your health and the environment, you can take important steps towards a healthier and more sustainable life.

image by Katrina Ramsvik