Not All Soap Is Created Equal
Not All Soap Is Created Equal: What’s Really in Your Bar?
Just because a soap is labeled "natural" or "clean" doesn’t mean it truly is. Many commercial soaps—despite their wholesome claims—are packed with synthetic ingredients that can irritate the skin and disrupt your health.
If you have sensitive skin or deal with issues like rashes, eczema, or psoriasis, it’s worth taking a closer look at your soap’s ingredient list. Some of the most common irritants are hiding behind vague marketing.
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), here are some ingredients you’ll want to avoid:
🚫 Ingredients to Watch Out For:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
A harsh foaming agent that can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, or allergic reactions.
1,4-Dioxane
A chemical byproduct often found in sudsy products. It’s not listed on labels but can be a contaminant in ingredients like PEGs and sulfates. This substance may be a carcinogen and penetrates easily through the skin.
Triclosan
An antibacterial agent once common in soaps. It’s been linked to hormone disruption and antibiotic resistance—and offers no proven benefit over regular soap and water.
Phthalates
Used to make fragrances last longer, these chemicals are known endocrine disruptors and have been connected to reproductive harm.
Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde Releasers
A preservative that’s a known human carcinogen and can cause skin sensitivity or allergic reactions.
Artificial Colors
Often derived from petroleum, these dyes can carry heavy metals and may trigger skin reactions.
Fragrance
"Fragrance" on a label can be a mix of dozens of undisclosed synthetic chemicals. These blends are frequent culprits for rashes, headaches, and respiratory issues.
What Makes Our Soap Different?
If you’re striving for truly clean skincare, opt for simple, ingredient-conscious soap made with nourishing plant oils, essential oils, and no harsh additives.
At Green Cottage Makery, our handmade soaps are crafted with skin-loving ingredients you can recognize and trust. No synthetic fragrances, no dyes—just gentle, effective cleansing that leaves your skin happy.
We also harness the power of nature’s antibacterial essential oils in many of our bars. For those looking for a naturally clean experience, try:
The Green Bar – with purifying eucalyptus and tea tree oils
Garden Rosemary Bar – rich in antioxidants and natural antibacterial properties
Lavender Bar – soothing and calming with gentle antimicrobial benefits
Lemongrass Bar – refreshing and effective against odor-causing bacteria
Spice Bar – warm, spicy notes with the cleansing strength of clove and cinnamon
Each bar is a natural, skin-safe alternative to chemical-laden soaps—and they smell amazing too.
📖 Want to learn more? Check out this helpful article from the EWG: The Power of Plain Soap: Why You Don’t Need Antibacterial Soap to Stay Healthy