Toxic Chemicals In Soap To Keep An Eye On

Toxic Chemicals In Soap To Keep An Eye On

Published: February 9, 2023 Updated: August 14, 2025

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Is Your Soap Toxic? 8 Ingredients to Avoid

We use soap every day to clean and care for our skin — but many conventional bars and washes include ingredients that are harsh, irritating, or unnecessary. If you’re trying to live cleaner, have sensitive skin, or just prefer simple labels, it helps to know the toxic chemicals in soap to steer clear of and the natural alternatives that work just as well.

Why Ingredient Safety Matters

Your skin’s barrier is designed to protect and keep moisture in. Repeated exposure to strong detergents, undisclosed “fragrance” blends, or certain preservatives can leave skin feeling tight, reactive, or uncomfortable. Kids, pregnant people, and those with skin conditions may be especially cautious. Choosing non toxic soap with short, transparent ingredient lists is a simple way to reduce avoidable irritants day after day.

8 Toxic Ingredients Commonly Found in Soap

Here’s how to spot common problem ingredients on labels — plus why many shoppers avoid them.

  1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
    Potent foaming agents that can strip the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. SLES may contain residual processing by-products (like 1,4-dioxane) unless carefully purified. Look for sulfate free soap.
  2. “Fragrance” / Parfum
    The word “fragrance” can represent dozens of undisclosed chemicals (often including phthalates). For sensitive skin, choose fragrance free soap or products scented only with skin-safe essential oils — and remember “unscented” is not always the same as “fragrance-free.”
  3. Parabens (methyl-, propyl-, butyl-, etc.)
    Widely used preservatives. While some are still permitted in certain regions, many shoppers opt for paraben free soap to keep formulas simple and avoid potential sensitizers.
  4. Triclosan / Triclocarban
    Antimicrobial agents formerly common in hand soaps. They’ve fallen out of favor due to resistance and safety concerns and are no longer used in many modern formulations. Plain soap and water clean effectively.
  5. Artificial Dyes (FD&C colors)
    Petroleum-derived dyes add color but no skin benefit. They can be irritating for sensitive users. Natural clays or botanicals are gentler options.
  6. Phthalates
    Often present within synthetic fragrance blends. Many families look for phthalate free soap (and fragrance-free products) to minimize exposure to potential hormone disruptors.
  7. Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
    Ingredients like DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15 can release tiny amounts of formaldehyde over time. If you’re sensitive, seek formaldehyde free soap.
  8. PEGs (polyethylene glycols) & “-eth” compounds
    Used as emulsifiers/solvents and sometimes associated with process contaminants. Many clean labels prefer PEG free soap and plant-based alternatives.

Label-Reading Cheat Sheet (Save This)

  • Avoid vague terms: “Fragrance,” “parfum,” or very long chemical names ending in “-paraben” or “-eth.”
  • Seek clear claims: paraben free, sulfate free, phthalate free, PEG free, fragrance free.
  • Prefer transparency: Full INCI list, recognizable oils (coconut, olive, sunflower), sodium hydroxide (for saponified bar soap), glycerin (naturally formed in cold process).
  • Short lists win: Fewer ingredients = fewer potential irritants.

Sensitive Skin? Try Fragrance-Free

Our fragrance-free natural bar soaps keep it simple: organic oils, no sulfates, no parabens, no phthalates.

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What to Use Instead

Choose natural bar soap made with simple, organic ingredients. For most well-cured, cold-process bars, additional preservatives aren’t needed because of the bar’s high pH and low water content.

  • Organic oils: coconut, olive, and sunflower for a gentle, creamy lather.
  • Fragrance-free or essential-oil–only: keep scent minimal and skin-friendly.
  • Biodegradable soap: fewer additives and a simpler base are kinder to skin and the environment.

Our Coconut Oil Bar Soap is handmade in small batches with organic oils — paraben free, sulfate free, phthalate free, PEG free, and available in unscented options.

How to Read a Soap Label Like a Pro

  • Flip the bar: Look for oils/fats + sodium hydroxide (for bars) and recognizable clays or botanicals. You should be able to pronounce most of it.
  • Spot the flags: “Fragrance/parfum,” “PEG-,” “SLS/SLES,” “-paraben,” and formaldehyde-releasing names.
  • Confirm claims: Clearly marked paraben free, sulfate free, phthalate free, fragrance free are worth seeking out if you’re sensitive.

Is Organic Soap Always Safer?

“Organic” on the front label can mean different things. Check the actual ingredient list for certified organic oils, clear disclosures, and a short, simple formula. Third-party certifications and transparent sourcing are good signs. When in doubt, choose brands that share their full INCI and batch process openly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “unscented” the same as “fragrance-free”?
Not always. “Unscented” products can still contain masking fragrances. “Fragrance-free” indicates no added fragrance materials — a better pick for sensitive skin.

Are all preservatives bad?
No. Many rinsed-off bar soaps don’t need them when properly formulated and cured. If you’re buying liquid soaps, look for short, transparent labels, balanced pH, and values-aligned preservation systems.

What’s the best soap for babies?
Gentle, fragrance-free bars made with organic oils and minimal ingredients. Patch test and keep routines simple.

Are bar soaps safer than liquid soaps?
Bar soaps typically have fewer additives and a naturally self-preserving profile. Choose natural bar soap with a short, recognizable ingredient list.

Can I make my own non-toxic soap?
Yes. DIY cold-process lets you control every ingredient. Follow lye-handling safety instructions and cure bars fully for mildness and longevity.

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