25 Clean Organic Soap Facts

By Karin Lehnardt, Senior Writer

Published July 2, 2019Updated August 3, 2019

Studies show that common household disinfectants and soaps can alter the gut bacteria in children, which can lead to weight gain and obesity._[7]
The skin is the body's largest organ, at 22 square feet on average. Over 60% of the substances that are put on the skin are absorbed into the bloodstream, which means it can easily absorb chemicals in commercial soap._[11]
"Fragrance," as listed in commercial soap ingredients, could contain several undisclosed chemicals. Companies are not required by the FDA to list the ingredients of a fragrance because the chemicals that produce them are considered "trade secrets."_[11]
Commercial soaps often contain sulfates, such as SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) and SLES (sodium laureth sulfate). Sulfates can irritate sensitive skin or eczema and can strip the skin of its natural oils._[11]

The chemicals in commercial soap can damage your skin and body

Chemicals found in common soaps can disrupt hormones, aggravate allergies, contribute to reproductive issues, and increase the risk of some cancers._[11]
Most often found in antibacterial soap, the chemical triclosan actually creates the carcinogen dioxin. The chemical promotes the emergence and growth of bacteria that is resistant to antibiotic cleansers._[11]
The commercial soap industry is highly unregulated. An approval process exists but only for color additives and ingredients that are classified as over-the-counter drugs._[3]
Parabens are a type of preservative that prevents the growth of yeast, mold, and bacteria in products such as body washes and facial cleansers. They have also been found in biopsy samples from breast tumors._[3]
The letters FD&C or D&C on a commercial soap label represent artificial colors. Artificial colors are believed to be a skin irritant and a carcinogen, and they have been linked to ADHD in children._[3]
The global organic soap market is anticipated to reach over $206 million by the end of 2022._[10]
The global organic soap market is projected to increase due to growing disposable income, increasing concerns over the negative health effects of harmful chemicals, and increasing demand for organic soap in China and India._[10]
The word "soap" is from the Proto-European root *seib-, "to pour out, drip, trickle."_[4]

Anyone's life truly lived consists of work, sunshine, exercise, soap, plenty of fresh air, and a happy contented spirit

- Lillie Langtry

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration registered 1,591 adverse events related to cosmetic and beauty products, including soap, shampoos, and other skincare and beauty products._[8]
Researchers estimate that 40% of people worldwide consider themselves to have sensitive skin._[8]
The earliest recorded evidence of soap-like materials dates back to 2800 BC in Babylon. The recipe consists of water, alkali, and cassai oil._[2]
Pure soap with natural glycerine (moisturizer) intact consists of just three ingredients: lye, water, and fat._[1]

Organic soap can boost overall health and improve wellbeing

According to Roman legend, soap was named after Mount Sape, an ancient site of animal sacrifices. After an animal sacrifice, rain would wash ash and animal fat that had collected near the ceremonial altars down the mountain. Women doing laundry in the river below noticed that their clothes got cleaner in the mixture._[4]
According to many organic soap aficionados, while there is a basic recipe for organic soap, making the cleaner is, in many ways, like the job of a gourmet chef. The soapmaking process provides opportunities for various shapes, mixes of essential oils, and natural pigments._[5]
Using organic soap may help prevent and/or reduce skin problems due to irritating chemicals found in commercial soap._[6]
Only soaps that are labeled as "certified organic" or "100% organic" verifiably contain organic ingredients. Soaps that say "made with natural ingredients" or "made with organic ingredients" are not necessarily organic._[6]
When shopping for organic soaps, as a general guideline, you want to look for a product that has familiar-sounding ingredients rather than chemical-sounding names. Common ingredients in organic soap include essential oils, sunflower seeds, aloe, peppermint, and olive oil._[6]

Organic soap is little critter approved

Most organic soaps are cruelty-free, which means they are not tested on animals._[6]
Buying organic soap helps the environment because organic ingredients are grown without chemicals or pesticides._[9]
Oil is an important ingredient in soap, especially for people with oily or acne-prone skin. Oils, such as coconut oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil, help to moisture and nourish skin._[9]
Many commercial soap producers remove natural glycerin from soaps because they can make more money by adding in more expensive cosmetic products, such as lotions._[4]