Why Quality Matters for Daily Use: Harmful Substances in Body Soaps and Shampoos

What You Need to Know About Body Soap and Shampoo Ingredients Because You Use Them Every Day

Recently, body soaps and shampoos have become so inexpensive that you can even buy them at 100-yen shops. Because they are things we use every day, we want to pay attention to their ingredients. Our team also started checking ingredients when more of our members developed sensitive skin, and we were surprised to see a long list of unfamiliar names on the ingredient labels. In this article, we will summarize the ingredients you should be especially careful about, as well as easy-to-understand tips on how to choose and use products in your daily life.

What Are Surfactants? Characteristics and Precautions of SLS and SLES

The Role of Surfactants

Surfactants are ingredients that help water and oil mix, working to remove dirt. They are widely used in everything from laundry detergents to cosmetics, and have become almost essential ingredients in shampoos and body soaps.

Properties of SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate)

SLS and SLES are anionic surfactants with excellent cleansing power and lathering ability. They are often used in products that aim to keep prices low, but experts have pointed out that they can excessively strip proteins and sebum from the hair and scalp, leading to dryness, dandruff, and cuticle damage (refer to consumer ingredient explanation sites and manufacturer materials). Those with sensitive skin or scalps prone to dryness may experience irritation from products containing SLS/SLES.

Preservatives, Thickeners, Fragrances... "Other Ingredients to Watch Out For" and How to Deal With Them

About Parabens (Preservatives)

Parabens, commonly found in cosmetics, have been used for many years as preservatives, but there are concerns about their effects as endocrine disruptors, and cases of inflammation in sensitive skin have also been reported. While research is divided and absolute harm has not been proven, those who are concerned can feel safer choosing "paraben-free" products.

The Risks of PEG/POE (Polyethylene Glycol) and Impurities

PEG and POE are used for thickening and solubilizing, but because impurities like 1,4-dioxane can be mixed in during the manufacturing process, caution is advised even for wash-off products. Reliable brands sometimes publish their impurity removal processes and test results, so it is good to check.

Allergy Risks of Fragrances and Colorants

"Fragrance" is often listed collectively on ingredient labels, making it difficult to know the specific ingredients. Since fragrances can cause contact dermatitis, we recommend that those with sensitive skin choose fragrance-free or low-irritation products and try them on a small area first.

How Should We Choose? Points We Learned from Actually Trying Them

Make It a Habit to Read the Ingredient List

Ingredients are listed in descending order of their concentration, so be careful if SLS, SLES, ethanol, fragrances, or parabens are near the top. When our team actually tried several commercial products, we found that products that are sulfate-free or mainly use amphoteric surfactants tend to leave a moist finish after washing, even if they lather less.

Solid Soaps and Plant-Derived Cleansers as Alternatives

Solid soaps (vegetable oil-based) and "Castile soap" are options for those sensitive to synthetic surfactants. However, depending on water quality and hair type, soap can cause a squeaky feeling, so the trick is to adjust with a conditioner or vinegar rinse.

Reducing the Burden with Creative Usage

When using products with strong cleansing power, you can reduce damage by brushing and pre-washing thoroughly before shampooing, moisturizing with conditioner or treatment, and reconsidering the number of times you wash. Also, making it a habit to do a patch test on sensitive areas will give you peace of mind.

Summary

For body soaps and shampoos used every day, it is important to choose them not only for how they feel but also by paying attention to their ingredients. Sulfate-based cleansers like SLS and SLES have strong cleansing power and can cause dryness and irritation, and caution is also needed with parabens, PEG, and fragrances. Our team recommends making it a habit to check the ingredient list before purchasing. For those with sensitive skin, using criteria like "sulfate-free," "paraben-free," and "fragrance-free," and first checking the feel with sample sizes or trials will result in fewer mistakes. Please find products that suit your skin and hair while also considering their impact on the environment.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.