Hand Wash Ingredients to Avoid: Understanding Harmful Chemicals and Their Effects

Did you ever wonder what exactly goes into making a hand wash which we use every day? An individual washes their hands 11-20 times a day, and it is crucial to understand the ingredients and effects of the hand wash to ensure you’re not exposed to toxic chemicals regularly. However, the hand wash we use regularly contains toxic substances which can harm our health. And several hand soaps market themselves as natural and safe to use because there are no federal regulations defining the criteria of natural for hand wash.

Let’s dive into breaking down the different ingredients to ensure using a hand wash with natural ingredients and safer for your skin.

Harmful Chemicals & Their Effects 

1. SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate)
It is crucial to avoid ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), known for its foaming properties but notorious for triggering skin irritation, acne breakouts, and clogged pores. Some studies even suggest potential carcinogenic contaminants. Additionally, SLS poses environmental concerns due to its poor biodegradability, increasing risk of long-term health problems. 

If you are in search of a hand wash safe for your skin, and moisturizing effect, then opt for natural ingredients hand wash containing antibacterial properties and devoid of sulfates or sulfonates in their ingredients for a safer and eco-friendly hand washing experience.
 
2. Parabens
These additives are used as preservatives and are often found in several skincare and makeup brands. However, they are known to tamper with our body’s natural hormonal imbalance, which leads to potential health risks especially in hand soaps as our hands are in direct contact with our mouth, nose, and eyes making it even crucial to ensure choosing hand wash which is paraben free.
 
While searching for paraben free hand wash then you need to avoid ingredients such as  methylparaben, ethyl paraben, propylparaben, and butylparaben and opt for a natural soap bar to help keep your endocrine system healthy.
 
3. Synthetic Fragrances
It is common knowledge that several hand bars and hand wash are filled with various fragrances to attract their audience claiming to have naturally derived scents. However, synthetic fragrances are filled with chemicals like benzyl alcohol, and  formaldehyde which are known to harm our skin's delicate balance, and lead to dryness and irritation. But natural fragrances derived from plants offer a safer and hold a more holistic approach to skincare.
 
Ingredients like Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Aqua impart components which nourish the skin. By adapting natural fragrance alternatives in hand wash it also helps  rejuvenating and soothing properties leaving the skin healthy.
 
4. Animal Ingredients
When selecting a natural hand wash, it's vital to consider its broader impact beyond just our skin. Look for products that are free from animal-derived ingredients and cruelty-free to ensure they haven't been tested on animals. Ingredients like honey, goat's milk, tallow, and lanolin should be avoided to prevent unnecessary harm to animals and minimize environmental concerns.

Seek hand wash products with certifications from organizations like the Vegan Society and Cruelty-Free International to make a positive impact on the planet while caring for your hands.

In the end, selecting the perfect hand wash for your hands is an opportunity to care for your skin and the environment around you by making mindful choices. If you are in search of a perfect hand wash for yourself and your loved ones, take a look at naturally made, cruelty free and vegan Go San Hand Wash, free of chemicals harmful for your skin.