Top Ten Worst Chemicals Found In Most Soap and Skincare Products

Top Ten Worst Toxic Chemicals found in Most Soap and Skincare Products

These references should guide you toward research that addresses the harmful effects of these chemicals on the body. For further details, I recommend reviewing the full studies from their respective sources.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Used to create lather. Can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs, and cause organ system toxicity.
Study: A study published by the American Journal of Contact Dermatitis found that sodium lauryl sulfate can cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis.
Source: PubMed

Parabens
Preservatives used to prevent bacterial growth. Mimics estrogen in the body, disrupting hormonal balance
Study: Research published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology shows that parabens mimic estrogen, which can disrupt hormonal balance.
Source: PubMed

Phthalates
Used to make fragrances last longer. Linked to hormone disruption and reproductive issues.
Study: A study in Environmental Health Perspectives showed that phthalates are endocrine disruptors that can affect reproductive health.
Source: PubMed

Synthetic Colors
Derived from petroleum or coal tar. Can cause skin irritation and sensitivity. May be carcinogenic.
Study: A review in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health discussed how synthetic dyes are linked to cancer risk.
Source: PubMed

Triclosan
An antibacterial agent. Disrupts thyroid function and contributes to antibiotic resistance.
Study: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that triclosan can disrupt thyroid function.
Source: PubMed

Formaldehyde
Used as a preservative. Known carcinogen, causes skin irritation.
Study: The National Toxicology Program has classified formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen.
Source: National Toxicology Program

Diethanolamine (DEA)
Used to create foam. Linked to liver and kidney cancer.
Study: A study from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified DEA as potentially carcinogenic.
Source: IARC

Dioxane
A byproduct of manufacturing. Adversely impacts kidney, brain, and liver function.
Study: Research in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health found that dioxane exposure is linked to kidney damage and other organ toxicity.
Source: PubMed

Ureas
Can release formaldehyde. Causes joint pain, heart irregularities, and weakens the immune system.
Study: A study in the Journal of Immunotoxicology discussed how ureas can trigger immune system reactions.
Source: PubMed

Synthetic Fragrances
Often contains phthalates and other chemicals. Can cause allergic reactions and disrupt hormones.
Study: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has documented how synthetic fragrances contain harmful chemicals that trigger allergies and disrupt hormones.
Source: EWG