Bring your pumpkin spice obsession to the shower with this delicious DIY soap recipe. It smells so much like the real thing, you’ll want to eat it (but please don’t).

While I’ll pass no judgment if you choose to eat pumpkin pie in your tub, here’s a more appropriate option: lather up with this pumpkin spice DIY soap recipe. This recipe requires two simple ingredients and only 15 minutes to prepare. That’s it. So, if you like the pumpkin pie flavor in your food recipes, you’re definitely going to love basking in its essences while you cleanse. Better yet, this soap makes for a great gift to friends and family during the holiday season.

What You’ll Need

To create any soap from scratch, you can make your life a lot easier by purchasing a “soap base”, which can be found easily online. Choose one that is vegetable-derived and as pure as possible, like this glycerin melt-and-pour soap base. Chemical-derived glycerin is an alcohol and is added to many synthetic skin care products. Natural glycerin, however, is not a chemical or alcohol; it is derived from plant-based oils.

To achieve that iconic pumpkin pie flavor, you’ll need none other than pumpkin pie spice. If you already have pumpkin pie spice on hand, be sure to get a good whiff of beforehand to measure its freshness. The higher the quality the spice, the more fragrant the soap will be.

Once the glycerin soap base and the pumpkin pie spice are melted and mixed together, they are poured into soap molds, which you can purchase online or in a home and appliances store.

Pumpkin Spice Soap

Makes 1/2 pound of soap

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound vegetable glycerin soap base
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice

Directions

Cut the soap base into cubes. Melt the soap base in a double boiler over medium-high heat. Once fully melted and free of any lumps or bumps, whisk in the pumpkin pie spice. Stir the mixture thoroughly.

Pour the soap into soap molds. Depending on the size of your chosen mold, you can end up with one dozen miniature soaps or two to three regular-sized soaps. Let the soaps sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two hours before removing from their molds.

Related on EcoSalon
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The post Lather Up With a Luxe DIY Pumpkin Spice Soap for the Ultimate Seasonal Indulgence appeared first on EcoSalon.

Dove’s new line of soaps negate its decade-long effort to support women. Big time.

Marketing is a tricky business. You can easily chalk up all (okay, some) of the drinking problems on “Mad Men” to its many challenges. Most notably, it’s that task in walking the fine line where creativity meets reality to convey more than just tedious product facts and less than just human expression. It’s the marriage of rhyme and reason, quite literally.

When it works, marketing has the power to change the world (“Just Do It”). When it fails, of course, it can bring a brand to its knees. (Urban Outfitters Kent State Sweatshirt, anyone?)

We recently saw how PepsiCo butchered its purported homage to #BlackLivesMatter with super white, super rich, super beautiful Kendall Jenner triggering world peace by simply slipping a cold soda into the hands of a policeman. If only we’d known it was that simple sooner.

Then there’s Dove, which earned praise for its “Real Beauty” campaign that helped us embrace women of all colors, sizes, and shapes (the campaign celebrates its tenth anniversary this year). It was a welcome reprieve from the Kendalls of the world telling us what to buy, even if the product is full of chemicals that pose serious threats to the bodies it claims to be championing. Or it’s produced in sweat shops. Supports child labor. Damages the environment. You could say that perhaps Dove (and our other corporate overlords) is perhaps projecting a bit of its own inadequacies by obsessively telling us our bodies are just fine.

Now, Dove London has launched a new campaign, and one that ought to make you feel like you need a hot shower. (Go have at it. I’ll wait.) It designed a limited-edition series of bottles to represent the many human female forms. They’re a lumpy, strange-looking lot that don’t look a thing like most women I know.

“Each bottle evokes the shapes, sizes, curves and edges that combine to make every woman their very own limited edition. They’re one of a kind–just like you. But sometimes we all need reminding of that,” the company said in a statement.

Dove pats itself on the back citing its own research “from the Dove Global Beauty and Confidence Report” that reportedly revealed that “one in two women feels social media puts pressure on them to look a certain way.”

This isn’t new information, of course. We know social media can obfuscate the truth, particularly about how people really look or spend their time. But is a lumpy bottle that’s not going to fit in your shower caddy the solution? Is any woman really going to Stuart Smalley herself every time she lathers up?

Marketing a product in our likenesses to tell us “we’re okay” is like some sort of shitty consolation prize. “You’re not a Kardashian (or Kate Middleton), but we made you this soap bottle that kind of looks like your funny body!”

That’s a gift I’d expect (and treasure the heck out of) from my three-year-old. It’s not something I need from a soap company.

Buying a bottle of this body wash isn’t like choosing the right haircut for your face type of business (round faces, bobs are in for you this season). This is a distillation of our bodies into a gimmicky recyclable package filled with cheap and even toxic sludge. For profit, mind you.

Dove, women don’t need to be Muppetified to harness their self esteem. If you really want to show us how much you care about our awesomeness, take a cue from Dr. Bronner’s. Actually, take several cues — not just on the clean, ethical, and safe soap ingredients valued by Bronner’s and its loyal customers, but on how to support social justice, environmental, and human health issues. And definitely take a peek at those iconic Bronner bottle designs. Because you’re going to need to fix yours.

Find Jill on Twitter and Instagram

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The post Dove’s New ‘Body-Shaped’ Soap Bottles Need to Soak in a Tub Full of Reality appeared first on EcoSalon.

EcoSalon’s Made In America Box features items that are made right here in the U.S.A! July is an all-around patriotic month here in the states, so join your fellow eco-friendly patriots with a box of products worth $494.85, for just $129 + free shipping!

Sold Out!

You see it everywhere: The words “Made in America” are proudly-displayed symbols of the self-made American spirit. With this edition of The Box, you’ll be sporting your (ethically dyed) reds, whites, and blues especially proudly – and consciously – as your skin glows and your hair shines. With everything from beautiful hand-crafted jewelry to the perfect makeup, you’ll be ready to shine as brightly as the stars and stripes themselves.

There are only 40 Boxes available.

Beginning on Friday, July 24th, we will reveal between three and four of our fabulous participating brands per day. The Box will go on sale Monday, July 27th, at 8 o’clock AM Pacific Time. So set your timers and mark your calendars–these will sell out fast! Check back daily to see the latest reveals, and read on to discover today’s products!

Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Lip Glaze + Gift

Did you know that your skin absorbs 60 percent of anything that is applied to it? That includes those products made with petroleum, artificial colors, toxic chemicals and harmful preservatives. What’s the result? Clogged pores and aged skin! Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques has a solution to this dilemma, creating products from natural and certified organic plant oils and extracts, flower essences and minerals from the earth. This makeup is the kind that your skin craves. Filled with vitamins and nutrients for moisturizing and anti-aging, it leaves the skin rejuvenated and soft. With makeup that can do all that, AND give us the confidence that comes from that perfect shade of lip gloss, sign us up!

$50 gift card redeemable Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Products

ColourFusion Lip Glaze: $9

Total value: $59

Nurture My Body Luscious Duo

Get ready for your best body – instantly – with these two nourishing products. Improved elasticity and skin revitalization comes from Nurture My Body’s Wild Eucalyptus Body Wash, while proactive repair and broad spectrum protection is provided by their Organic Sunscreen (SPF 32). Both products are made with organic ingredients that help keep your skin healthy and protected. While the invigorating scent of Wild Eucalyptus will make your shower energizing and fun, the fragrance-free sunscreen is made without nano-sized particles, which can get into the bloodstream. This nutrient-packed combo will give your skin everything it needs to stay safe and good-lookin’ for the rest of the summer.

BONUS: Just catching The Box after it’s sold out? Nurture My Body is offering 15% off to all EcoSalon readers, even after all 40 Made In America Boxes have been purchases. Just use the coupon code ECOSALON to redeem this great offer!

Organic Sunscreen: $29.99

Wild Eucalyptus Body Wash: $26.95

Total Value: $56.94

Tyramin Succulent Stud Earrings

These beautiful earrings are made by socially-conscious Tyramin (only the most sustainable materials are used whenever possible, with jewelry crafted in small batches), whose unique designs are sold in high-end boutiques, museums, and fine art galleries. These earrings are especially unique; they are cast from real succulent plants in pewter. From everyday to special occasion, these fun studs will catch you compliments no matter where you go.

Value: $53

Osmia Organics Facial Calibration Serum

This serum is everything but the (all-natural) kitchen sink. Not only does it nourish the skin, but also, it helps your cherished epidermis balance and become even and smooth, helping oily and combination skin learn to behave itself over time. Plus, your skin will get a blast of antioxidants and vitamins from acai and organic black seed oil. It even smells heavenly. This super powered serum checks every box on our skin-needs list, and it’s made in the U.S.A.

Value: $50

Good Karma Skincare Lux 7 Age Defying Four-in-One Face Cream

Let’s be honest: We don’t always have the energy to apply all of the products we know they should use, day-in and night-out. Well, Good Karma Skincare doesn’t believe you should have to. Cynthia Ransom created Good Karma to address the needs of real women, including the need for a simplified system. This revolutionary face cream acts as a daily moisturizer, skin refining serum, eye cream, and night cream, all in one. Made to make skin glow, this detoxifying cream will leave your skin smooth and radiant. As a bonus, a portion of every sale goes to feeding animals in shelters.

Value: $48

Sprayology Hair + Nail Tonic

Did you ever get an awful haircut, and wish you could grow your locks back faster to recover from the hacking? With Sprayology’s Hair +Nail Tonic you can do that, and more. This homeopathic oral spray contains 17 ingredients that will also give you healthier nails and heal a dry scalp, which means you’ll see a reduction in hair shedding. The best part of this magic potion? You’ll never find anything easier to ingest. Simply spray twice under your tongue, and be on your merry way.

Value: $29

Raw Materials Skin Grit

This top-selling exfoliator is a true wonder. It can be used both by women and men, and is versatile enough to handle your face and body. Your skin will be fine tuned and softened by this antioxidant-packed exfoliant. Using everything from jojoba beads (which gently soften skin and slowly melt to release natural moisturizing components) to finely crushed walnuts (to boost up the cleansing experience by unclogging pores and removing dead, dull skin), your pores will be clear, and your body will be happy.

Value: $27.95

Divining Oil Designs Personalized Healing Bracelet

Treat yourself to a beautiful, uniquely healing bracelet with a $25 gift card from Divining Oil Designs. These beautiful, customized pieces are intended to provide holistic healing to the mind, body and soul. Each bracelet’s beads slowly diffuse oils over time, with a bead composition personalized to fit your needs. The wonderfully scented bracelets can also be refreshed as they begin to fade, simply by adding another drop of the desired oil to the beads. Take your favorite scented oils with you, everywhere you go, and enjoy the healing that they provide.

Gift Card Value: $25 (with free shipping!)

Good Clean Love Oils Rollerball Gift Set

These nourishing oils are good for your skin, and good for your love life. These love oils have aphrodisiac qualities that work with the brain’s chemistry to smell unique to everyone that uses them. How many products are in your beauty supply stock that can actually enhance a kiss? These oils send a clear message, and will excite your foreplay…only in the safest, vegan, and most edible manner possible.

Value: $23.99

Au Naturale Organic Creme Eyeshadow

We won’t say that Au Naturale’s creme eye shadow is the best thing since sliced bread, but it’s pretty close! This stuff is dripping in gorgeous color, and can be blended, used as an eyeshadow, eyeliner, or brow polisher. Not only will these eyeshadows leave you looking sultry and sexy, but they’re also free of nano-particles, sulfates, and additives. “Good for you” looks good on you.

Value: $20

Aura Sensory Hair Care Set

The problem with using shampoos and conditioners that aren’t natural, is that the chemicals will actually strip your hair of its natural moisture. That can make hair look damaged and frizzy, but have no fear: Aura Sensory’s sulfate-free Shine Enhancing Shampoo and Deep Hydration conditioner are here. These products work together with a promise to bring life back your hair, thanks to the natural vitamins, oils and amino acids that are packed into the duo. Your scalp will be healthy, and your hair will be safe with these top-selling miracle workers.

Value: $20

Beautiphyed Age Defense Antioxidant Mist

The truth is, we could all benefit from some more antioxidants in our skincare regimen. This age-defying face mist, which also doubles as a toner, makes the task easy and fun; only a couple of quick squirts will protect your face from environmental toxins with hydrated, protected skin. The spray also works to fight aging and irritation, without any funky stuff; as dictated on Beautiphyed’s website, “Good nutritional advice tells you: ‘If you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it!’ It’s no different for your skin.”

Value: $20

Rejuva Minerals Mega Lash Mascara

If you came here looking for makeup that made you look like a movie star, you came to the right place. Rejuva Minerals’ Mega Lash Mascara is a clump-free top seller used by celebrities and their makeup artists alike! In fact, every single Grammy nominee and VIP guest received this incredible gift at the 2015 Grammy nomination ceremony. What makes this mascara star-worthy? It actually conditions your lashes with organic cotton flower extract and avocado, as well as lengthening and thickening them.

Value: $20

Sona Organics Custom Soap (made exclusively for Ecosalon!) and Natural Deodorant

Yes, you read that correctly: Sona Organics is including an organic soap in that’s only available in THIS Box, made exclusively for the fabulous readers of EcoSalon! On top of the exciting exclusivity of this gift, Sona is also providing its awesome, all-natural, vegan deodorant to keep you smelling sweet and fresh all day. The formula is so good, it only takes a maximum of two swipes for this product application to have maximum effectiveness. Body odor is fun for no one, but this product works on everyone!

Custom Natural Soap Exclusively For EcoSalon Readers: $3

Vegan Natural Deodorant: $12

Total Value: $15

Hello Products Toothpaste Mint Medley

An all-natural toothpaste that tastes so good, it actually makes you want to brush? It’s the truth! While most toothpastes are packed with sweeteners, triclosan, artificial dyes and microbeads, which can get stuck under the gums, Hello toothpaste is free of all of those offenders, and leaves out polyethylene and microplastics found in many oral care brands. Not to mention, these great toothpaste flavors also deliver cavity and enamel protection for your pearly whites. Hello products have reached major chains like Target and Walgreens, but with our Box, you get to try three awesome flavors, including the latest flavor, peach mango mint, and decide which one you like best.

Peach Mango Mint Toothpaste: $4.99

Supermint Toothpaste: $4.99

Mojito Mint Toothpaste: $4.99

Total Value: $14.97

All Beauty Water Beauty Bundle

What if you could enjoy a drink that not only made you more beautiful, but also tasted good? Now you can, with All Beauty Water’s nutrient-enhanced water that works to make you more beautiful from the inside-out. With All Beauty Water’s patented combination of “SkinVitamins®” and “SkinNutrients®,” your skin will get everything that it needs that it can’t get from regular water, like minerals, antioxidants and electrolytes. This product is a great tasting alternative to skin-harming soda and other sugary drinks. Each box comes with four bottles of water, with delicious flavors that include Pomegranate Rose, Strawberry Açaí, and Cucumber Aloe.

Value: $3 per bottle

Total value: $12 (for 4 bottles)

Total Value for the Made In America Box: $494.85

Sale Price: $129 + free shipping! That’s a 74 percent savings. It’s our salute to you, and your loyalty to an eco-fabulous lifestyle!

Sold Out!

The Box will go on sale Monday, July 27th, at 8 o’clock AM Pacific Time. So set your timers and mark your calendars–these will sell out fast (the last one sold out in under one hour)!

Note! We recommend purchasing The Box from a desktop device vs a mobile device (while we dial in mobile purchases).

Offer good anywhere in the continental U.S. International shipping is not available at this time. Buy, one, two, or three boxes! Please allow up to three weeks for delivery. All sales are final. Due to the nature of this exclusive one-time sale, we cannot accept any returns or exchanges. Any inquiries or concerns regarding purchased Boxes must be submitted via Customer Service within 30 days from date of purchase.

Say hey to Amanda on Twitter or Instagram

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The post A Salute! With EcoSalon’s The Box: Made In America appeared first on EcoSalon.

The benefits of natural soap, plus two recipes shared just for you.

You step into the shower, pick up a bar, and start suds-ing. For a few minutes, you’re transported to a spa, splashing about in steam and scents, luxuriating in bubbles. Or—you’re lathering up as fast as you can because your coffee is burning and you’ll miss the 8:45am train into the city. Either way, soap is the mainstay of our beauty regime, a product we use without fail.

So amidst all the weird, harsh chemicals out there masquerading as beauty ingredients, isn’t this the one product you really want to make sure is natural? And what better way to make sure your soap is clean is to make it yourself?

I know what you’re thinking—isn’t soap self-cleaning? In the age of antibacterial gels, sprays, probably soon-to-be gas-masks misting us constantly with germ-fighters, aren’t we clean enough? But. Traditional soaps are made with a boat-load of caustic and harmful ingredients, including anti-bacterial triclosan.

Just how bad is triclosan? Let us count the ways (which we already did in this informative article.)  But just a quick reminder—while antibacterial products have their place in hospitals and doctor’s offices, every day use encourages bacteria to evolve and become all-powerful. Further, triclosan can lead to extreme hormone disruption.

Not to mention, there is the environmental impact of traditional soaps. The Environmental Working Group reports that a nation-wide study in 2002 of man-made chemicals and hormones in 139 streams revealed that 80% of them were contaminated with chemicals from our wastewater. Another study in 2007 of the San Francisco Bay showed high levels of triclosan, phthalates, and bisphenol A—all hormone-disrupting ingredients found in traditional soaps and more.

So bring on the natural soap! There’s a ton of fantastic soap-makers out there—my favorite is Strawberry Hedgehog’s vegan soaps. But how cool would it be to make your own? Vegetable-based soaps, which contain no animal parts, can be easily made right in your own kitchen.

Lucky for us, Heidi Corley Barto, the Natural Soap Chef, has shared two of her best-selling cold-processed soap recipes. Barto combines fun, fragrant ingredients to serve up some truly pampering soaps.

All you’ll need is a stove, refrigerator, and the tools/ingredients listed below. So check out Barto’s recipes, selected just for EcoSalon, and let us know how you fare!

BASIC 4-OIL SOAP BAR

Mix temp 110°F

This recipe is the basis for most of the soaps in this book. You can make it as is—unscented and uncolored—or use it as a jumping-off point for creating your own recipes, adding your choice of colors, fragrances, and exfoliates. To add fragrance, use an online fragrance calculator, select the fragrance you are using, and calculate for cold process soap at 20 ounces—Heidi Corley Barto

Oils
170 grams Shea butter
170 grams palm oil
113 grams coconut oil
113 grams olive oil

Lye mixture
78 grams sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
215 grams distilled water

1. Measure the oils into your plastic container. Place the container in a larger pot and pour in enough hot tap water that the container begins to float. Set the pot on the stove and turn the heat to warm. Insert a thermometer into the oil.

2. Goggles and gloves on!

3. Measure the distilled water into a heat-safe glass container. Measure the lye crystals into a separate small glass container. Slowly add the lye crystals to the water, stirring with your spatula as you do so. Do not inhale above this container—beware the fumes! This mixture will heat up quickly. Insert a thermometer into the mixture.

4. Monitor the temperatures of the two containers. You want both to reach 110°F. As needed, refresh the hot water bath or turn the stove burner higher to raise the temperature, or use a cold water or ice bath to bring the temperature down.

5. When both the oils and the lye mixture are at 110°F, pour the lye mixture into the plastic container with the oils. Blend with your stick blender until the mixture reaches medium trace (see page 26 of my book).

6. Pour into a chilled mold and refrigerate, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Remove from the refrigerator; spray the top with isopropyl alcohol, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.

7. Remove from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature.

PEPPERMINT TEA SOAP

Mix temp 110°F

What can I say about peppermint soap? People love peppermint soap! The fragrance helps to wake you up and get you moving in the morning. Peppermint essential oil also has a cooling effect on your skin. Many people swear by my peppermint soap to soothe aching joints. I don’t make any health claims—I’m just happy they like my soap!—Heidi Corley Barto

Oils
170 grams Shea butter
170 grams palm oil
113 grams coconut oil
113 grams olive oil

Lye mixture
78 grams sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
215 grams chilled strong peppermint tea (see directions below)

Add a trace
9 grams peppermint essential oil, 2nd distill
½ teaspoon peppermint tea leaves (from making your tea)

1. Measure your fragrance into a small glass container. Add the ½ teaspoon tea leaves and set aside. Measure the oils into a plastic container. Place the container in a larger pot and pour in enough hot tap water that the container begins to float. Set the pot on the stove and turn the heat to warm. Insert a thermometer into the oils.

2. Goggles and gloves on!

3. Measure the chilled tea into a heat-safe glass container. Measure the lye crystals into a separate small glass container. Slowly add the lye crystals to the tea, stirring with your spatula as you do so. Do not inhale above this container—the fumes will be very strong. This mixture will heat up quickly. Insert a thermometer into the mixture.

4. Monitor the temperatures of the two containers. You want both to reach 110°F. As needed, refresh the hot water bath or turn the stove burner higher to raise the temperature, or use a cold water or ice bath to bring the temperature down.

5. When both the oils and the lye mixture are at 110°F, pour the lye mixture into the plastic container with the oils. Blend with your stick blender until the mixture reaches a light trace stage, and then add your fragrance–tea leaves mixture. Blend until the mixture reaches medium trace (see page 26 of my book).

Heidi Corley Barto, the Natural Soap Chef

You can find Barto’s book, The Natural Soap Chef: Making Luxurious Delights from Cucumber Melon and Almond Cookie to Chai Tea and Espresso Forte on Amazon and most bookstores.

Image:arlingtonva 
Additional photos courtesy of Heidi Corley Barto

The post Taking Toxic Triclosan Out of Your Soap (By Making Your Own) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Chemical cleaners remind me of elementary school. Way back when dinosaurs roamed the earth alongside Ms. Pac Man, the harsh smell of bleach and whatever that green gravel they sprinkled around could knock this third-grader onto her dungarees. Now it turns out, that cleaner might be responsible for my years as an allergy-ridden teen. And not for the reason you might think, (the smell, the chemicals, and the vomit it inevitably tried to mask…). It’s because a new study out of the University of Michigan shows that some soaps and cleaners are making children more prone to allergies as teenagers.

We’ve already reported on the dangers of antibacterial soap. These can leave a residue on your skin with a few surviving bacteria – which promptly multiply into stronger bacteria that are much harder to kill. But this latest information takes it up a notch. As Metro.com reports, the triclosan found in soaps, toothpaste and other hygiene products can change the immune system in a young person. Allison Aiello is an associate professor and the lead on the study. As she told Metro.com, “It is possible that a person can be too clean for their own good.”

So triclosan is a Very Bad Thing. (Just how bad? Skin Deep links it to cancer, reproductive toxicity, skin irritations and more.) Good old-fashioned soap and water work well, but more and more people are reaching for the heavy-duty antibacterial soaps that could probably take out a zombie plague. But don’t forget, there are many good reasons not to wash daily. So where does this leave us?

For some, it’s thinking that the culture of clean has gone too far. Yes, germs are bad, and you’re never going to find me walking barefoot through a public bathroom or sticking my hand on things well acquainted with other people. But when I find myself fishing out my shirt sleeve to open a door or gazing in awe at a friend who doesn’t, I have to wonder. Have the cartoon germs which scamper smarmily across cleaner commercials gotten into my subconscious? Or am I really just being a good citizen and not spreading germs?

But as more and more evidence shows that extreme vigilance on the germ front can actually harm us, it is hard to know what’s safe and what’s neurotic. I’ve noticed that when I get sick, I can’t trace the cause to touching the wrong door knob or sitting in the wrong restaurant booth. (Though I can trace my last bad cold to a woman who, rounding a corner on the street, sneezed directly on me. Avoid corners during the aforementioned zombie plague.) In the end, it just time some of us relax a little and let the sunshine (and dirt) in.

Image: arlingtonva

The post You Can Be Too Clean appeared first on EcoSalon.

America has declared war, and it’s not against high-waisted jeans. (Though on that subject, consider me General Patton.) Germs are the new enemy and we’re engaged in hand-to-hand combat with them. Recall the sight of Britney Spears traipsing across gas station bathrooms barefoot, which horrified people more than her shaved head or marriage to K-Fed. Americans hate germs, and anti-bacterial gels, sprays, soaps and wipes are the new norm for most handbags.

And I’m not saying people are wrong. If we’re going to go full neurotic pancakes – I have a reoccurring nightmare where I am in a toilet stall too small and fall onto the uncovered toilet, which looks clean enough. I don’t like the germs either and was as pleased as anyone when anti-bacterial products appeared on the market a few years ago.

But are anti-bacterial products really the best thing for America since the “pie versus cupcake” wars? I don’t think there’s a doctor out there that will tell you to forgo washing your hands, especially in times of serious health crisis. Hand washing is the first line of defense in staying healthy and keeping others the same. So yes, wash your hands and enjoy doing so. But if you are using anti-bacterial soaps, there are a couple points to consider.

First point – bacteria evolves. Experts point out that the over-consumption of anti-bacterial products is leading to strains of resistant bacteria. As Discovery Health reports, “by using more antibacterial products, people may encourage bacteria to evolve and become more virulent than they were before. Overusing antibacterial products is now a major point of study within the field of pharmacoepidemiology – the study of how people use medicines.”

Further, when you use anti-bacterial soaps or gels, a few bacteria may survive the first application. And then what happens is basically War of the Worlds meets your skin. Microbiologists report that this leaves a residual “soup” on your skin where only the strongest survive – and promptly mutate into resistant bacteria. Yes, it’s H.G. Wells’ classical tale but without Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning. And also? It’s taking place in your pores.

Nonetheless, some of you may decide to keep using anti-bacterial soaps and gels. Hey, we don’t judge. But allow us to present our second point – there’s a lot of bad stuff in the traditional products. The old-standby, Purell, gets a moderate hazard rating from Skin Deep. It contains ingredients linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, developmental toxicity and more. Many anti-bacterial products contain triclosan, which does most of the germ-slaying. Skin Deep rates this a high hazard due to various dangers. And the National Resources Defense Council recently filed a lawsuit against the FDA over triclosan and triclocarbon.

So if you’re going to buy anti-bacterial products, make sure they are free of triclosan – and while you’re reading labels, feel free to kick out toxic fragrances, alcohol, and parabens as well.

So what to buy? Luckily, there is a safer solution on the market. CleanWell’s All-Natural Antibacterial Foaming Handsoap gets a very low hazard rating from Skin Deep. The product has a nice, light texture and a really pleasant natural scent. CleanWell offers the only all-natural antimicrobial on the market that is proven to kill 99.9 percent of all germs. (Apparently, it’s all in the thyme.) And they are sans tricoslan and other nefarious ingredients like benzalkonium chloride (linked to asthma among others,) alcohol, bleach and ammonia. It is also biodegradable and paraben free.

And the best bet? Considering just sticking to plain natural soap and water. It’s worked for centuries and who knows – it might even throw those mutant one percent bacteria off the chase.

FTC Compliant

Image: totalaldo

The post What’s the Deal with Anti-Bacterial Soap? appeared first on EcoSalon.