Sometimes, what you leave out is as important as what you include.

Such is the case of body washes.  The typical body wash (shower gel to some), contains an array of chemicals that can dry the skin, irritate the scalp, cause hormone imbalances, thought to have cancer causing properties and are potentially toxic. 

Wow, why does anyone use these chemicals stews to wash their face and body? 

Here’s a list of the most common ingredients to avoid:

  • Parabens are widely used preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast in cosmetic products. Unfortunately, Parabens possess estrogen-mimicking properties that are associated with increased risk of breast cancer. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin and have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors. They can be found in makeup, body washes, deodorants, shampoos and facial cleansers.
  • Synthetic colors.If you read your product label and notice FD&C or D&C, they represent artificial colors. F -- representing food and D&C representing drug and cosmetics. These letters precede a color and number (e.g., D&C Red 27 or FD&C blue 1). These synthetic colors are derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. Synthetic colors are suspected to be a human carcinogen, a skin irritant and are linked to ADHD in children.
  • A group of chemicals used in hundreds of products to increase the flexibility and softness of plastics. They are known to be endocrine disruptors and have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer, early breast development in girls, and reproductive birth defects in males and females.
  • Tricolson is widely used antimicrobial chemical that's a known endocrine disruptor, especially thyroid and reproductive hormones, and a skin irritant. Studies raise concerns that triclosan contributes to making bacteria antibiotic-resistant.
  • Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) / Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).This surfactant can be found in more than 90 percent of personal care products and are known to be skin, lung, and eye irritants. A major concern about SLS is its potential to interact and combine with other chemicals to form nitrosamines, a carcinogen. These combinations can lead to a host of other issues like kidney and respiratory damage. They can be found in shampoo, body wash/cleanser, mascara and acne treatment.
  • Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRP's) preservatives are used in many personal products to help prevent bacteria growth. This chemical was deemed as a human carcinogen by The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens (IARC) and has been linked to occupational related cancers: nasal and nasopharyngeal. It is known to cause allergic skin reactions and it may also be harmful to the immune system. It can be found in nail polish, body washes, conditioners, shampoos, cleansers, eye shadows, nail polish treatments.
  • Propylene glycol.Propylene glycol is a small organic alcohol commonly used as a skin-conditioning agent. It's classified as a skin irritant and penetrator. It has been associated with causing dermatitis as well as hives in humans; these sensitization effects can be manifested at propylene glycol concentrations as low as 2 percent. It can be found in moisturizers, sunscreen, makeup products, conditioners, shampoo and hair sprays.

On the other hand, Absolutely Natural products gently cleanse the skin and are super hydrating.  This leaves skin soft and supple.  Our body washes have fruit extracts, silk amino acids, organic green tea, as well as featuring aloe (not water) as the first ingredient.

We have 1000’s of customers who start their day with our body washes, shampoos, conditioners and lotions as an important part of their healthy skin regimens.

Best regards,

Charley