Nowadays, almost every household uses antibacterial soaps on a daily basis. We use it in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening. Although the label claims that this soap is used to protect us from germs and bacteria, it turns out that they’re actually made with chemicals and have cancer-causing ingredients.
According to a recently conducted study, triclosan and triclocarban, chemicals which aid the growth of cancer cells, are present in numerous cosmetic and beauty products, which includes antibacterial soap. Kyung-Chul Choi, a researcher from South Korea, together with his team, studied the effects of these agents on the hormonal system.
Namely, triclosan is a hormone disruptor and, what’s more, it imitates estrogen which has a negative influence on the production and activities of other hormones like testosterone. Triclosan is known to lead to breast cancer because of its detrimental influence on the endocrine system, which causes abnormal formation of cells.
The researchers explained that the EDCs were high in daily and long-term exposure. Additionally, octylphenol, an antibacterial compound, is also known to cause abnormal growth of cells. Several studies have connected triclosan and triclocarban with numerous diseases and health problems like skin irritation, endocrine disruption, bacterial and antibiotic resistance, etc.
Groups like Beyond Pesticides and the Environmental Working Group have been trying to inform the public about the dangers of triclosan. They’ve also petitioned the FDA to ban the use of this chemical in soap production as well as in other products.
In order to be on the safe side, make sure you avoid the following products which are known to contain this harmful agent:
Oral Care Products: Reach®; Antibacterial Toothbrush, Colgate Total®; Breeze™ Daily Mouthwash;
Cosmetics Products: Mavala Lip Base; Movate® Skin Litening Cream HQ; Phytomer Perfect Visage Gentle Cleansing Milk, Garden Botanika® Powder Foundation; Revlon ColorStay LipSHINE Lipcolor Plus Gloss, Paul Mitchell Detangler Comb, Babor Volume Mascara, Phytomer Hydracontinue Instant Moisture Cream, Bath and Body Works Antibacterial Moisturizing Lotions.
First Aid Products: Healwell Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint, Universal Cervical Collar with Microban, SyDERMA® Skin Protectant plus First Aid Antiseptic; Solarcaine® First Aid Medicated Spray; Nexcare™ First Aid, Skin Crack Care.
Deodorant Products: Queen Helene®; DeCleor Deodorant Stick; Deodorant with Citrisomes, Tea Trea Oil Deodorant and Aloe Deodorant Arm and Hammer® Essentials Natural Deodorant; Epoch®.
More Personal Care Products: Scunci Microban Comb, Pocket Slick, Sportslick, Murad Acne Complex® Kit, ®; Diabet-x™ Cream.
Bathing soaps: Foaming Sanitizers, Tea Tree Therapy™ Liquid Soap; Daily Face Wash; Dermalogica® ; Clearasil®, Dial® Liquid handsoap and bodywash; CVS Antibacterial Soap, Ajax Antibacterial Dishsoap, DermaKleen™Antibacterial Lotion Soap; Ultra Concentrated Dawn Antibacterial Dishsoap, Skin Purifying Wipes, Kimcare Antibacterial Clear Soap
Source: Healthy Life Idea