You may have heard the saying if you can't pronounce it, then don't use it when it comes to the ingredients within your soap bar or skin care products. Words such as sorbitol, propylene glycol, sorbitan oleate and lauryl sulfate can be found on many beauty products specifically soap and personal cleaning products. These ingredients and others found on personal cleaning products when read can be automatically perceived as harmful chemicals. However, not all of these ingredients are chemicals or immediately harmful. Some of these ingredients add a benefit to the skin and enhance your soap experience.
Sorbitol is a natural water soluble compound found naturally in fruits such as apples, black berries, cherries, peaches, avocados, strawberries and other fruits. It has been reviewed and confirmed by health authorities around the world to be safe for use on skin and hair. It does not have any common side affects such as skin irritation or sensitivity. It is used in skin care as a thickening agent and a humectant which conditions and smooths the skin due to its moisture retaining abilities. In essence, sorbitol acts as a skin calming antioxidant with nourishing and hydrating properties.
Propylene glycol is a clear, colorless liquid commonly used in food and cosmetic products as a skin conditioning and moisturizing agent. It helps to pull water into the skin to keep it hydrated and supple. Propylene glycol carries a very low toxicity and should not be confused with ethylene glycol. It is generally considered safe when used in small doses or quantities less than 2%. However, in large doses it can cause skin irritation, eye irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, headache, nausea and vomiting.
Sorbitan oleate is a derivative of sorbitol. It is an emulsion stabilizer and skin conditioning agent. It's moisturizing properties helps the epidermis of the skin to retain water and moisture . It's emulsifying abilities help to properly mix water and oil to create an evenly dispersed and stabilized product formula for soaps, shampoos, lotions, etc.
Sodium lauryl sulfate is a foaming agent and surfactant. It helps to aid in the foaming action of some facial washes and cleaning products. It also helps to maintain a good lather when using soaps and shampoos. Sodium lauryl sulfate can cause skin irritation if left on the skin for a lengthy period of time and used in a concentration too high. In the U.S., a product can only obtain 1% or less of sodium lauryl sulfate if it is meant to stay on the body for longer periods of time. Some products that may obtain sodium lauryl sulfate such as soaps are created to be rinsed off with water after a short period of application resulting in minimal risk of irritation or discomfort to the skin.
Not All Chemicals or Harmful
In conclusion, not all ingredients that you can not pronounce are chemicals or immediately harmful to the skin. In fact, some of these ingredients work to benefit the skin and enhance the performance of the product. When used at very low concentrations, short durations of time and rinsed thoroughly with water these ingredients have proven to be safe with a low risk of skin irritation or discomfort.
Review and Research
Although there are new cosmetic and personal cleaning products that obtain less or none of the ingredients mentioned in this article it is always worth the time to review the ingredients within your products and research their function. Evolution Now Health & Wellness strives to provide safe, natural products and product information for our valued customers. We believe this can help to inform and empower consumers to make conscious decisions when purchasing personal products for you and your family.
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