But it’s great for your skin

Things I don’t like to see on my soap label 4

Warning: Trivial content ahead. Do not read if you are seeking the latest developments regarding carbon taxes, coal, or cap and trade.

My quest for a suitable hand soap has become somewhat epic in scope. Said soap must meet several criteria: a) an ingredient list that doesn’t make me squirm; b) a reasonable price point; c) a scent that doesn’t make my fella wince.

More often than not, my quest is shelved by the logistical hiccup known as “we ran out of soap”—in which case I end up at the local grocery store, scouring labels and sniffing scents and getting frustrated and generally looking like a crazy old soap lady.

The other day I bought a “soothing aloe vera” hand soap, which I’d deemed the least offensive of those on offer. But! I had failed in my label-scouring, for I did not notice until I got home the following words on the back: “Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact, flush with water.”

Are you frothing serious? It’s soap. I mean, I guess I should be glad they’re acknowledging that their product is full of caustic chemicals, instead of just slipping them in unnoticed. But come on. Isn’t it well past time for someone to get a handle on the evil ways of the “health” and beauty industry?

I have nothing profound to say. It just pisses me off. I bought a new soap, but I’ve left this one on my sink just so I can shake my head and mutter each time I wash up. Crazy old soap lady indeed.

Katharine Wroth is a senior editor at Grist.

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  1. jaydee2 Posted 11:06 pm
    02 Feb 2009

    SoapPerhaps it is a silly question, but have you tried "Pears Soap". I'm a man and I've been using it for years with no ill effects so I doubt you fella would have problem with it. The biggest downside for me is that it is now manufactured in India so there is a bit of a carbon cost to getting it.
    http://www.mouthshut.com/review/Pears_Soap-8779-1.html

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  2. Easterbunny Posted 1:33 am
    03 Feb 2009

    Do the scienceUm, all soaps will sting your eyes, no matter how pure and environmentally sound they are. This is because soap is a base. Here's the science:

    http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/articles/20030820/LZAct ...

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  3. EcoMingler Posted 5:30 am
    03 Feb 2009

    Stop shampooing!Today's http://www.EcoMingler.com tells you how to clean your hair without the toxins often replete in commercial shampoos. (Hint: the secret's in the baking soda.) Great stuff for those who want to save money and avoid chemical cocktails.
    By the way, lard from grass-fed animals makes a great soap.  So does olive oil.  Look for soaps with those types of ingredients.  Castile soap is a liquid form of olive oil soap; it's one of the "shampoos" discussed here:
    http://www.EcoMingler.com

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  4. Inoculated Mind Posted 11:11 am
    03 Feb 2009

    Irritant, not CausticI think you should look up what caustic means - it's not going to eat away your eyes like a barrel of sulfuric acid. It's an irritant because soap is a base, but it is a weak base, thus it is not caustic.
    Re: EcoMingler: Everything is a chemical. The baking soda you mention is known as Sodium Bicarbonate - a chemical. Olive oil is made up of Lipids - also chemicals. No matter what you're slathering on your scalp, you are bathing yourself in a chemical cocktail. It's called soap.
    Gotta love chemical-phobia. When something's got a scientific name, it gives people a weird vibe.
    -From a fella who's not afraid of a fruity scent!

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