There has been a dramatic shift in recent years for bath and beauty product makers to adopt the use of natural, organic, cruelty-free ingredients in their products. As consumers have become more concerned about their health and wellness, this has created a change in buying behaviors as men and women alike look for skin and hair care that is non-toxic and chemical-free.
Deanna Wallin, Founder & CEO of Naples Soap Company, was far ahead of the curve on this trend. For years, she personally struggled with skin issues including psoriasis and eczema. After trying many products and researching ingredients extensively, she found that her skin sensitivities improved through the use of natural ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter and olive oil.
Over 10 years ago, Deanna opened Naples Soap Company to share what she had learned and to provide consumers with a more natural alternative. At the time, it was a very niche’ market, but today people are indeed reading ingredient labels and paying attention to what they put on their skin.
In keeping with this promise to offer high-quality products that are safe and effective, Naples Soap Company created a list of what we call “Badditives.” These are ingredients that we will not use in formulating our products. We’ve listed these chemicals below and encourage you to check the labels on the bath, beauty and cosmetics that you use on a daily basis.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Often found in products that bleach hair, whiten teeth or treat acne, benzoyl peroxide has been shown to cause burning, dryness, itching, peeling, redness and slight swelling when applied to the skin. Severe reactions to this chemical include shortness of breath, wheezing low blood pressure, fainting and even hives.
Ethanolamine Compounds: DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine) & TEA (Triethanolamine)
Ethanolamine compounds are frequently used in cleaners, shampoos, shaving creams, sunscreens and cosmetics. Banned from personal products and cosmetics in other parts of the world, including the European Union, these compounds have been linked to health issues such as hormone disturbances, tumors and even cancer.
Formaldehyde
Often used in nail polish products, formaldehyde is associated with an increased risk of cancer of the nose and lungs in humans. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and should not be used on the skin.
Parabens (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl)
Parabens are a preservative that can be found in deodorants, lotions, shampoos and other face care products. Parabens disrupt the endocrine system and have been found in breast cancer tumors and may contribute to hormonal imbalances and reproductive issues.
PEG (Polyethylene Glycol)
PEG can be found in a wide variety of products including personal care, baby care, and sunscreens. Widely used as a thickener and softener, it functions to help the body absorb products into the skin. PEG can work to reduce the skin’s moisture levels, in-turn speeding up the skin-aging process.
Phthalates
Found in fragrant lotions, nail polish, liquid body wash, hair spray and other products, phthalates are used as a lubricant or softener. They are known to be an endocrine disruptor that has been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues. For some users, products made with phthalates can cause skin and eye irritation, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
SLS and SLES are used in everything from car wash foams, to garage floor cleaners, to engine degreasers, as well as 90% of personal care products that foam! These chemicals may cause eye and skin irritation, endocrine disruption and have been linked to cancer.
Triclosan
Check your medicine cabinet for anything that is labeled as anti-bacterial. Triclosan was commonly used in antibacterial soaps, body washes and some cosmetics. However, in 2016, the FDA issued a rule stating that over-the-counter antiseptic wash products can no longer be marketed to consumers. Studies have shown that triclosan alters hormone regulation in animals, may contribute to antibiotic-resistant germs, and may be harmful to the immune system.
Stay vigilant and read the labels for what you put on your skin. Seek out alternative products made with natural and organic ingredients. Your body will thank you for it.