To Love or to Loathe: What You Might Not Know About Your Favorite Foam Soap

             

Bath and Body Works vs. Method vs. Plantlife

Who knew hand washing could be so fun?! Foam soaps have become an international favorite for adults and tots alike. It's no longer a questions as to whether the kids washed their hands after using the restroom- so long as there is some foam soap for some sudsy entertainment. 

As much as we love foam soap, it's important to remember (especially where children are concerned) to check ingredients in order to avoid immune system interference and behavioral problems, as well as respecting the environment. 

We've compared the good and the bad of some of the industry leaders for foam soaps against our Naturals COVE product. 

Mass Market Favorite with a "touch" of Natural: 

Bath & Body Works’ Kitchen Lemon Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap

Description:

“Soft bursts of lightweight foam gently wash away dirt and germs, while leaving skin soft and lightly scented with the fresh, crisp scent of lemon.

·       Enriched with an exclusive blend of moisturizing honey, coconut milk and olive fruit extracts to help nourish and soften skin

·       Mango Fruit extract, leaves hands lightly scented, gently cleansed, and conditioned while effectively fighting germs

·       #1 Fragrance!”

Uses:

Hand washing only. 

Active Ingredient: Triclosan- this is used as an antibacterial agent; however, it does not kill bacteria but rather prevents it from developing. Causes bacterial resistance and damage to the environment. Not recommended for use in soap. 

Inactive Ingredients:

Water- filler
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS)- detergent known to cause skin irritation, especially with repeated exposure
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate- surfactant, can cause skin irritation
Mango Extract (Mangifera Indica)- skin conditioning
Olive Fruit Extract (Olea Europaea)- skin conditioning
Coconut Fruit Extract (Cocos Nucifera)- skin conditioning, masking agent
Honey Extract (Mel Extrait de Miel)- moisturizing
Fragrance (Parfum)- allergy concern, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity
Sodium Chloride- table salt, drying to the skin
Glycerin- moisturizing
Cocamidpropylamine Oxide- environmental toxin
Hydroxyethyl Urea- Humectant, PETA has listed this as an ingredient that could be excreted from animal urine or other bodily fluids
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate- synthetic polymer, potentially toxic impurities, dangerously high skin absorption 
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose- semi-synthetic binding agent
Guar Hydroxpropyltrimmonium Chloride- used in hair conditioning 
PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether- not safe for use on injured or damaged skin, moderate organ system toxicity concerns
Propylene Glycol- concern for developing allergies (immunotoxicity) especially in children, contact dermatitis and contact urticaria in humans
Triethylene Glycol- used to mask scents, commonly used as an additive in brake fluid
Butylene Glycol- masking agent; skin, eye, and lung irritation
Tetrasodium EDTA- this is used to isolate and decrease the reactivity of metal that may be present in the formulation 
Citric Acid- helps to buffer other chemicals in the formula, isolate and decrease the reactivity of metals that may be present
Benzophenone-4- this is a sunscreen ingredient, enhances ability for other chemicals to enter the skin
Sodium Hydroxide- caustic and reactive alkaline, skin and eye irritant, used to buffer other chemicals in the formulation
Benzyl Alcohol- drying to the skin and associated with contact allergy
Methylchloroisothiazolinine- artificial preservative, highly associated with allergic reaction and immunotoxicity
Methylisothiazolinone- used in place of formaldehyde for preservation, studies have shown it to be neurotoxic
Yellow #5 (19140), Red #40 (C16035), Yellow #10 (Cl 47005)- artificial colorants, derived from animals, metals or coal sources; linked to behavioral problems in animals. 

The Good

1. Inventive scent blends

2. Creative packaging and regular product promotions

3. Friendly, helpful staff

The Bad

1. High EWG Skin Deep Database rating- 8 out of 10 

2. Laundry list of ingredients- harsh detergents, unnecessary fillers, risk of immunotoxicity, allergy development reaction

3. Looks can be deceiving- while “enriched with an exclusive blend of moisturizing … to nourish and soften the skin” may sound inviting; however, any nourishing ingredients are simply attempting to replenish the nutrients seeped from the skin by other toxic ingredients. 

4. Possibility of contamination and presence of metals

Near Natural Product: 

Method’s Lemon Mint Foaming Hand Soap

Description:

“foam, by nature, is already a pretty good time. but add a limited edition fragrance and it goes from being a superb hand wash experience to near bliss. it’s the same non-toxic, naturally derived formula you love, in new surprising scents. just like spring break, the only downside is that the fun can’t last forever. stock up on these special suds before they disappear.”

Ingredients:

·      Water- filler

·      Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)- to cleanse and foam - harsh detergent

·      Cocamide DEA 

·      Cocamidopropyl betaine- synthetic surfactant derived from coconut

·      “Fragrance oil blend”- Parfum: Citral, limonene- partly synthetic scents- should be avoided by people with allergies or to avoid developing them

·      Sodium chloride- drying

·      Methyllisothiazolinone + methylchloroisothiazolinone- synthetic preservative- skin irritant

·      Aloe vera- replenishing nutrients

·      Vitamin E- skin softening

·      Glycerin- moisturizer

·      “Color”- Yellow #5 (Cl 19140) & Red #4 (Cl 14700)- artificial colorants, such as these, have been linked to behavioral problems in animals. May be derived from metals or animal sources. 

The Good

1. We love Method's chic design, fun scents, and colors

2. Near natural product- avoiding many troublesome ingredients

3. 100% Recyclable bottle

The Bad

1. We don’t love the synthetic colorants and fragrances

2.  Use of SLS and some unnecessary fillers

3.   Busy consumers may assume they are making a natural choice for their families

4.   Water is the first ingredient- less value for your dollar

5. Medium EWG Skin Deep Database rating- 4 out of 10

Plantlife’s Lemongrass Foam Soap (Naturals COVE Product)

Description:

“Perk up your spirits with the crisp, fresh scent of Lemongrass. An excellent deodorizer and perfect for the kitchen. A top seller.

A pure, natural and safe choice for all skin types and ages. This gentle, moisturizing Castile Foam Soap contains only ingredients straight from nature, no harmful chemicals or synthetics added! Contains natural Glycerin, Aloe Vera, and made with organic ingredients. Contains natural antibacterial ingredients to kill germs. Ideal for use as a hand & body wash, shaving cream and foaming fun for kids. Gentle enough to use all the time on any body part. Instant foam without propellants. An environmentally safe choice!”

Uses:

Hand or body wash. 
Washing fruits and vegetables. 
Shaving cream. 
Foaming Fun for kids

Ingredients:

·      Potassium Cocoate (Organic Coconut Oil)

·     Organic Aloe Barbadensis

·     100% Pure Essential Oil Blend

·     Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

·     Melaleuca Altenafolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil

Why We Love It

1. Super low EWG Skin Deep Database rating- 1 out of 10

2. Perfect in the kitchen or the bathroom- all natural, multi-functional, and free of cheap fillers

3. Safe for all ages, economical, eco-friendly- refills available
4. Fresh, natural fragrance and nutrient properties

To Love or to Loathe- Tied with a Bow

By all appearances, these soaps are similar in function, scent, and appeal. In fact, within your first use you might not notice much of a difference at all. 

Through repeated exposure to natural products instead of those with synthetic ingredients and the presence of other chemicals, you will find a significant difference in the state of your skin.

Why not just keep it simple and choose a safe, effective product? 

What are you thoughts on foam soaps?