There are so many uses to the Dr. Bronner’s soap. It is a clean alternative to many of the conventional cleaning products you may have in your home. We’ll discuss the toxic ingredients found in common cleaning products and what you can do with the Dr. Bronner’s Soap instead.
I love this soap because it has clean ingredients, lasts forever, is not very expensive, and is multifunctional! Some examples of what I use it for are hand soap, laundry detergent, dish soap, veggie wash, and sometimes body wash. I am going to try to start using it even more. It also comes in different scents that are made with essential oils rather than synthetic fragrance. So much better for hormone health!
Toxic chemicals found in conventional dish soap
Phosphates: Contaminate the water by depleting oxygen levels and stimulating the growth of algae making the water toxic to consume.
Triclosan: An antibacterial agent, however it disrupts our endocrine system causing an imbalance in our hormones.
SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate)/ SLES (sodium laureth sulfate): The chemical allows the product to cut grease. When it absorbs into the skin it may lead to a 1,4-dioxane contamination. May cause rashes and allergic reactions
DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine): These are known for creating nitrates and have been found to disrupt the endocrine system. Have risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination.
Fragrance: Give the product its scent and can be made with up to 3,000 different chemicals. Some formulas may contain phthalates, also known as forever chemicals. Fragrance disrupts our hormones and is very important to avoid.
Formaldehyde: May also be seen as methyl aldehyde and methylene oxide. This prevents bacterial contamination, however it can be toxic to the human body
Ammonia: This is an extremely toxic chemical that can cause damage to the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin.
Toxic chemicals found in common hand soap
SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate)/ SLES (sodium laureth sulfate): The chemical allows the product to cut grease. When it absorbs into the skin it may lead to a 1,4-dioxane contamination. May cause rashes and allergic reactions
Triclosan: An antibacterial agent, however it disrupts our endocrine system causing an imbalance in our hormones.
Parabens: These are preservatives, however they mimic the behavior and estrogen which messes with out endocrine system. They are associated with cancer and developmental toxicity. Parabens are also toxic to the environment.
Cocamidopropyl betaine: Known to cause allergic reactions.
Fragrance: Give the product its scent and can be made with up to 3,000 different chemicals. Some formulas may contain phthalates, also known as forever chemicals. Fragrance disrupts our hormones and is very important to avoid.
Toxic chemicals found in toilet bowl cleaner
Hydrochloric acid (HCl): Can harm human tissues and cause contact damage to skin, eyes, lungs, etc.
SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate)/ SLES (sodium laureth sulfate): The chemical allows the product to cut grease. When it absorbs into the skin it may lead to a 1,4-dioxane contamination. May cause rashes and allergic reactions
Cetrimonium chloride (CTAC): Irritant to the skin and eyes. Extremely dangerous if swallowed.
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH): This is an acid that can cause severe burns. Known to decompose lipids and proteins in the body. Has the potential to blind you.
Sodium hypochlorite (bleach): Can irritate eyes, ears, and nose.
All of these can have harmful effects when inhaled as well.
Toxic chemicals found in face wash and other cosmetics
Sulfates: Produced from petroleum and coconut and palm oil. They can irritate the eyes and skin and the way we derive them harms the environment.
Parabens: These are preservatives, however they mimic the behavior and estrogen which messes with out endocrine system. They are associated with cancer and developmental toxicity. Parabens are also toxic to the environment.
Synthetic colors: Derived from petroleum and coal tar. Can cause skin irritations, cancers, acne breakouts, and ADHD.
Fragrance: Give the product its scent and can be made with up to 3,000 different chemicals. Some formulas may contain phthalates, also known as forever chemicals. Fragrance disrupts our hormones and is very important to avoid.
Triclosan: An antibacterial agent, however it disrupts our endocrine system causing an imbalance in our hormones.
Toluene: Often found in hair dyes and nail polish. Can be dangerous for the immune system and may cause birth defects and blood cancer. May damage the nervous system causing fatigue, headaches, nausea, and drowsiness.
Talc: Found in powder products giving them their soft texture. Talc is directly associated with ovarian cancer and if inhaled, may lead to development of tumors in the lungs.
Lead: This is a heavy meatal. It is found in lipsticks, eyeliners, whitening toothpastes, and foundation.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): This is a thickening agent, however it may cause cancer and respiratory disorders. Can strip your skin of its natural oils which triggers your oil-producing glands to produce more oil causing the skin to be greasy.
Formaldehyde: May also be seen as methyl aldehyde and methylene oxide. This prevents bacterial contamination, however it can be toxic to the human body
Petrolatum: Often recommended for dry skin and creates a barrier to prevent water from escaping, however also prevents absorption of moisture from the air. If not refined correctly, it may contain chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
12 Different ways to use Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Castile Soap
- Dishwashing soap: Dilute the soap 1:10 with water and use it to wash your dishes!. It will remove food and stains leaving your dishes nice and clean.
- Hand Soap: Add to a soap dispenser, dilute with water, and add your favorite essential oil to have the perfect, non-toxic hand soap.
- Body wash or facial cleanser: Dilute the soap and it works to get rid of dirt and grime. However, it may be drying so be careful with that.
- Bubble bath liquid: Great way to have a non-toxic bubble bath!
- Shaving liquid: A clean alternative to shaving cream. Just massage a few drops into the skin to prevent razor irritation.
- Laundry detergent: The soap can remove dirt and grease. Just add about 1/3 cup to the washing machine. You can also use vinegar as a fabric softener and it helps to keep your whites bright.
- Mopping Liquid: Can remove the dirt and dust from the floors. Mix in 1/2 cup of soap to 10 L of hot water and it shouldn’t leave any stickiness.
- Multipurpose cleaning spray: Mix 1/4 cup of castile soap into a spray bottle with water and use to clean different surfaces in your home. Can also add vinegar and lemons to this mixture.
- Toilet Cleaner: Add to your toilet bowl and sprinkle with baking soda. Scrub and let sit for 10 minutes, then flush!
- Fruit and veggie wash: Add a small drop to a bowl with water and use to clean your fruits and veggies. Rinse afterwards.
- Dog Shampoo: Dilute and use to wash your dog! Just lather and rinse.
- Bug repellant plant spray: Mix 1 tbsp in a spray bottle with water and spray plants to keep away unwanted critters. Can add cayenne pepper, cinnamon, or oranges to up the strength.
As you can see this product can replace so many of the other toxic ones that you use on a daily basis. If you are worried about budget than this is perfect because you can buy in bulk, a little goes a lot way, and it is multifunctional. We should be mindful about the products we use because they can harm our health. Our skin is our biggest organ and whatever we put on it gets absorbed into the body. That is why we want to use clean ingredients that actually benefit our health and well being!
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References
Ideas, G. L., & Ideas, A. G. L. (2020, September 24). 8 toxic chemicals in conventional dish soap. Insteading. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://insteading.com/blog/8-toxic-chemicals-conventional-dish-soap/
How to choose Toxic Chemical Free Hand Soap. Force of Nature. (2021, July 9). Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.forceofnatureclean.com/choosing-chemical-free-hand-soap/
Patel, T. (2020, July 9). 5 harmful chemicals in your toilet cleaner that you must be very afraid of. The Better India. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.thebetterindia.com/210890/toilet-cleaners-harmful-chemicals-toxic-natural-bio-enzymes-acid-danger-lifestyle-tan42/
EWG, The Toxic Twenty Chemicals found in Cosmetics https://www.ewg.org/sites/default/files/u352/Toxic%2020%20List.pdf