The soap you buy in the stores from the big manufacturers are not as safe as they would lead you to believe. The FDA has no regulatory authority over these soaps and will only investigate if it can be determined that they have caused direct harm to human health. The fact that many of these soaps are formulated from a variety of combined chemicals complicates this issue even further. This "soap" is a synthetic detergent, made with some of the same chemicals that are used in cleaning garage floors & engine degreasers. The #1 ingredient in this "soap" is tallow, which is made from the rendering of beef fat, which is inexpensive & readily available. To cut costs even more, the manufacturer removes the natural occurring glycerin and sells this as a "waste product" to other industries. (Glycerin 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-conscious consumers. But the overuse of such products can lead to the killing of beneficial bacteria and create more drug-resistant strains of harmful bugs. Triclosan...which is the most popular antibacterial ingredient is related to the pesticide 2,4-D. When this was tested in animals, it was found toxic to the blood, liver & kidneys. (Mystick Scents products are NOT tested on animals!) One can get a glycerine soap with tea tree essential oil & an all natural liquid soap. This essential oil will do just as good of a job, if not better, plus you won't be getting those dangerous chemicals.