glycerine and sells
this as a "waste product" to other industries. (Glycerine is a
humectant, which means it attracts moisture.) Repeated use of this soap
can cause skin damage & irritation among other problems. A part of
every skin problem is due to the toxic elements that can be found in these
soaps. For instance aluminum is commonly added as a "skin
moisturizer". It does this by impregnating the skin and attracting
water, giving the illusion of moist skin. In fact you simply have 'moist
aluminum' stuck in your skin, which your immune system must remove. The
following is a list of these potentially harmful ingredients found in many
commercial soaps.
A-pinene -
Derived from the resinous sap of pine trees, this substance is a major
component of turpentine and can damage the immune system.
A-terpineol -
This chemical is extremely irritating to your mucus membranes. Frequent of
prolonged exposure (and especially repeated inhalation) can also cause
edema, as well as respiratory difficulties.
Benzaldehyde -
Also called oil of bitter almond, this substance is a narcotic and
anesthetic that can depress the central nervous system. When inhaled, it
can bring on vomiting, dizziness and a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Benzyl Acetate -
An eye and lung irritant and known carcinogen (cancer-causer) that has
been associated with pancreatic cancer.
Ethanol -
Appears on the EPA Hazardous Waste List and is used in the manufacture of
varnish and paint remover. This chemical can irritate the respiratory
tract and can cause impaired vision and loss of muscle control.
Linalool - A
narcotic that can impair respiratory function and motor activity. Linalool
also attracts bees which can be a problem for those allergic to bee
stings.
Sodium Laurel
Sulfate (SLS) - Used to increase absorption of other chemicals; it is
also a "wetting agent" that allows shampoo to spread out and
penetrate more easily. SLS breaks down lipids (fats) and impairs the
skin's ability to retain moisture. It is classified as a "mutagen",
meaning it can alter cellular genetic material. In fact, SLS has been used
in Japanese studies to promote bacterial mutations.
Triclosan - A
bactericide (anti-bacterial) and mutagen that is readily absorbed through
the skin. It's also an eye irritant and associated with causing liver
damage.
The glycerine soap
base we use contains: purified water, sodium hydroxide (saponifying
agent), coconut oil, palm oil, castor oil, safflower oil, glycerine
(vegetable origin), sorbitol (from berries, a moisturizer), sorbitan
oleate (emulsifier) & soybean protein (conditioner). Our goat's milk
soaps contain lard, olive oil, coconut oil, sodium hydroxide (saponifying
agent), water & goat's milk as their base ingredients, we add even
more milk, herbs & essential oils when we make the soap. So, even
though you pay a little more for handmade soaps, which would you rather
use on your body?
Information taken
from the U.S. Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act of 1938 and the
February 2001 issue of Better Nutrition Magazine, "The Cure for
Cancer" by Hulda Regehr Clark, Ph.D., N.D. & the Internet.)
To further aggravate
all the harsh chemicals in big corporate soaps...it seems antibacterial
soaps & water-less hand sanitizers are all the rage now among germ-
