DriftAwaySoap

WHAT I DO NOT PUT IN MY SOAP

Additives - Most of us know by now that many cleansing products on the market are not true soaps. They are often cut with artificial detergents, surfactants, stabilizers, emulsifiers, preservatives and the like. Powerful surfactants dissolve grease so well that they not only wash away unwanted dirt but they make off with your skin’s natural healthy protective and moisturizing oils and good bacteria that keeps you healthy. For some the problem is more serious, debilitating symptoms can occur from exposure to artificial fragrances and other chemically engineered products. Some of these additives have been linked to causing nerve damage, Alzheimer's disease, endocrine and reproductive problems, and certain types of cancer. Not to mention what this stuff is doing to our planet as it decomposes around us. Most of these chemicals are considered to be environmental hazards and we are pouring them down the drain every single day. There is really too much to say on the subject here. Let Google be your friend. I encourage you to do some research of your own.

Artificial colorants - When it comes to health and well being, I don't trust color for the sake of color. Oxides and ultramarines were once mined from the earth but are now manufactured in labs since the FDA wants to regulate the level of toxic metal they consider safe. Micas are still mined but then, coated with FD&C colorants, or pigments.

Fragrance oils - There is a world of difference between fragrance oils and essential oils. I use only essential oils, oils that are extracted from the leaves, stems, flowers, and other parts of plants. Fragrance oils are a combination of synthetically manufactured chemicals which are designed to mimic the aroma of natural materials. By law, fragrances manufacturers are not required to list what their fragrances contain and some do contain phthalates, toxins, or animal based products. Unlike essential oils they offer no therapeutic value. So what are you really getting? And why should I put them in my bath products? Trade secrets are good for business...but what's in it for you? If I can't tell you what it is, I won't try to sell it to you.

Palm Oil - Why not? It is all natural and quite good for use in soap. Yet, recently wide scale demand for palm oil is claimed to contribute to environmental degradation. Large areas of rainforest are being cleared to make way for palm oil plantations in Malaysia and Indonesia. Deforestation in these areas accounts for up to one-third of total CO2 emissions and has a devastating impact on native peoples and many endangered species' habitats. Since there are so many other useful soap oils available, I choose to exclude palm oil from my recipes as yet another way to ensure that my soaps are earth friendly.

Glycerin - Glycerin occurs as a natural byproduct of the chemical reaction in the soap making process. So some glycerin occurs naturally in my vegetable oil based soaps but I do not add any outsourced glycerin to my products. They don't need it! Many manufacturers extract their glycerin and sell it back to you in a different bottle in the form of more profitable creams and lotions. When you see glycerin written on a label for a body wash, toothpaste, shampoo, or lotion it is more often than not derived from an animal fat based soap source. Since the labeling laws do not require companies to specify, this can be a concern for those who choose to be vegan.

~~~~Don't forget you can always read more about this and the many other subjects that fascinate me at my

Soap Box the Blog - driftawaysoap.wordpress.com