This is a photo of the ingredients in a popular soap sold in stores:
LET’S LOOK AT EACH INGREDIENT IN THIS BEAUTY BAR:
Sodium lauroyl isethionate is created by combining fatty acids with isethionic acid. Isethionic acid is created by combining sodium bisulfite in an aqueous solution and ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide is a known carcinogen. Traces of ethylene oxide can remain in the product, along with carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane.
Stearic acid is an odorless, colorless, wax-like fatty acid that is commonly found in natural vegetable and animal fats.
Sodium Tallowate or Sodium Palmitate, these are natural ingredients that are useful in soapmaking. Sodium Tallowate is animal fat, usually beef fat, that has gone through the saponification (soapmaking) process and is now soap. Sodium Palmitate is basically a vegetable equivalent to animal tallow for those who do not use animal products. It is saponified palm oil.
Sodium stearate is the sodium salt of stearic acid. This white solid is the most common soap. It is found in many types of solid deodorants, rubbers, latex paints, and inks. It is also a component of some food additives and food flavorings.
Water, well, that’s pretty natural and needs no explanation.
Lauric Acid is a byproduct of coconut or palm oil.
Sodium isethionate is an amphoteric detergent used in detergent bar soaps. It makes a dense lather in addition to the lather made by the soap.
Sodium Cocoate or Sodium Palm Kernelate are both natural soapmaking ingredients. Sodium Cocoate is saponified coconut oil, and Sodium Palm Kernelate is saponified palm kernel oil. Both oils contribute to a soaps lathering ability.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent, but is potentially drying and can aggravate skin. Can be derived from coconut. It’s tricky to include in formulas due to stability issues, but it does produce copious foam.
Fragrance, self explanatory as well. Adds a nice fragrance to the soap, er… beauty bar.
Dipropylene glycol is a mixture of three isomeric chemical compounds, 4-oxa-2,6-heptandiol, 2-(2-hydroxy-propoxy)-propan-1-ol, and 2-(2-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethoxy)-propan-1-ol. It is a colorless, nearly odorless liquid with a high boiling point and low toxicity. Ummmmm, from what I read about this, it helps to dissolve the fragrance into the soap…
Sodium Chloride is salt. Plain and simple.
Propylene Glycol is a relatively small molecule with two alcohol (hydroxyl) groups (-OH). It is a colorless, odorless liquid that is completely water-soluble. PG is a synthetic product obtained from the hydration of propylene oxide, which is derived from petroleum products.
Tetrasodium Etidronate is used as a water softener in soaps to prevent soap scums and bathtub rings by locking up the calcium and magnesium in the water.
Tetrasodium EDTA is basically a water softening agent and helps to reduce soap scum rings on the side of the tub. The Cosmetics Database considers Tetrasodium EDTA a low to moderate hazard ingredient, depending on its usage. It notes concerns regarding cancer, enhanced skin absorption, organ system toxicity and irritation (due to animal studies that showed skin irritation at low doses). It is classified as a high human health priority and expected to be toxic or harmful.
Hydrolized Silk is a natural protein obtained from natural silk noils (fibers, fibroin) from the cocoon of the silk worm (bombyx mori). Has excellent moisture binding properties & silky smooth feel.
Prunus Persica (peach) Fruit Extract is a natural extract from peaches.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcus (orange) Flower Extract is a natural extract from the flowers of oranges.
Titanium Dioxide, Red, and Yellow are all colorants used to color the soap.
OH MY GOODNESS! ALL OF THAT RESEARCH REALLY GAVE ME A HEADACHE!
Wondering again how the above ingredients compare to our handmade soaps? Look here: About the Soap