The Dirty Truth About Traditional Soap: What You’re Really Washing With
- tealyllc
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
Soap is supposed to be clean, right? But many of the soaps and detergents we use every day contain hidden chemicals that can harm our skin, health, and the environment.
Let’s break down two of the most common culprits: sulfates and parabens.
🧪 What Are Sulfates?
Sulfates are synthetic detergents used to create lather. The most common types are:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
These ingredients help soap foam and spread, but they can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity. SLES is also often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct linked to organ toxicity and cancer risk (Source: Environmental Working Group).
Sulfates are especially harsh on:
Sensitive or eczema-prone skin
Color-treated fabrics
The environment (they’re not easily biodegradable)
🧴 What Are Parabens?
Parabens are chemical preservatives used to extend shelf life by preventing the growth of bacteria and mold. Common types include:
Methylparaben
Propylparaben
Butylparaben
While effective at preservation, parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, disrupting hormones and potentially affecting reproductive health. They’ve been detected in human breast tissue, raising concerns about long-term exposure (Source: Journal of Applied Toxicology, 2004).
🌿 A Cleaner Alternative
At Teal’s Clean Soap, we don’t use sulfates, parabens, or anything synthetic. Instead, we craft our soaps with:
Cold-pressed coconut oil for deep, gentle cleansing
Rice bran oil to nourish skin and soften fabrics
Pure essential oils for natural scent and antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal benefits
Everything is biodegradable, skin-safe, and packaged with the planet in mind.
🧼 Clean Should Mean Clean
If you’re ready to ditch hidden toxins and switch to truly clean soap—for your hands, your laundry, and your home—we’ve got you covered.