After researching the possible toxins in popular foaming hand soaps, I decided to make my own. This DIY Foaming Hand Soap is inexpensive, simple to make, convenient to have on hand, and made with all natural, safe ingredients.
Any product used on the skin can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. More than 10,000 industrial chemicals are used as cosmetic ingredients, the majority of which have never been evaluated for safety. As more and more synthetic ingredients are used to create personal care products the cumulative effects of toxins may lead to adverse and even carcinogenic effects over time.
Here is a label for a popular foaming liquid soap:
What potentially toxic chemicals are in Foaming Hand Soap?
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Chronic exposure to ammonium lauryl sulfate can lead to lung disease and cancer.
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT)
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT) are common preservatives added to many liquid personal care products bacterial growth. They have been associated with possible neurotoxicity, lung toxicity and allergic reactions.
Preservatives are the most common cosmetic contact allergens.
Fragrances
Fragrances are the second most common cosmetic contact allergen,
According to the Environmental Working Group, fragrances and some preservative in a number of popular Bath and Bodyworks foaming hand soaps are considered a significant concern because they can cause: allergies; irritation to the skin, eyes or lungs; toxicity to non-reproductive organs; and act as endocrine disruptors.
Thousands of ingredients are used to create fragrances. When you see the word fragrance or parfum on a label it is often made up of hundreds of individual fragrance ingredients.
Phthalates
Synthetic fragrances usually contain phthalates, which isn’t listed separately on a label because it falls under the category of “fragrance”. Phthalates are included in the category of endocrine disruptors, negatively impacting reproductive health, including fertility.
Make your own Foaming Hand Soap
This Foaming Hand Soap is made with Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castille Soap. You can use Dr. Bronner’s for a long list of uses, from body care to laundry, house cleaning to fruit and veggie wash. Use this handy dilution cheat sheet for the 18 identified uses of this pure organic soap.
I keep unscented Castille soap available so I can make a batch of Foaming Hand Soap in five minutes. I gathered empty pump bottles from family and friends to reuse and recycle.
A number of oils can be used for the moisture component of the soap. Almond oil is a great choice. It is antibacterial and is good for dry skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Avocado oil contains vitamin E and other nourishing nutrients. Avocado oil helps promote collagen production and has emollient properties, keeping skin soft and smooth.
Olive oil contains antioxidants and vitamin E to repair skin damage and is antimicrobial and antiviral.
Peppermint, lavender, lemon and lemongrass are my favourite essential oils to add to foaming hand soap. They are all antibacterial and antimicrobial and add a wonderful subtle scent to your foaming hand soap.
What you need to make your own Foaming Hand Soap
You can make your own Foaming Hand Soap with 4 simple ingredients and 4 easy steps.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Dr Bronner’s Pure Castille Soap (liquid)
- 2 tsp avocado, almond oil or olive oil
- 4 cups warm water
- 15 drops essential oil
Here’s how to make the Foaming Hand Soap
- Pour ½ cup Dr Bronner’s Pure Castille Soap into a large bowl (preferably with a spout for pouring).
- Add 2 tsp oil. This is to add moisturizing properties to the soap, since soap and water alone can dry out the skin.
- Add warm water and essential oil. Stir or whisk to combine.
- Pour liquid soap into clean bottles, leaving a little room for air for the pump to work. Cover with a pump dispenser top.
This recipe makes enough to fill 3 or 4 pump dispenser bottles. Once made, the Foaming Hand Soap can be stored in a cool dark place until you’re ready to use, or share some with family and friends. You can follow up your hand washing with a dab of homemade all natural Chocolate Body Butter for soft, supple skin.
Find out many more ways of reducing your toxic load and creating a healthy home environment in this post.
