Toxins in Bar Soap
- Alayne
- Jul 17, 2025
- 4 min read
Low Bar: Harmful Ingredients in Bar Soap | Low-Tox Swaps
Soap is clean... are we sure about that? Let's look at some of the harmful ingredients in conventional bar soaps.
In This Post:
Active Ingredients in Popular Bar Soap | Inactive Ingredients in Popular Bar Soap | Additional Bad Actors in Bar Soap | Toxin-free Alternatives
Active Ingredients in Popular Bar Soap Brands
BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE
Quaternary ammonium compound (QAC). Used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent in bar soap. Chronic low doses of QACs may cause acute toxicity, lead to antimicrobial resistance, or cause neurotoxicity. Skin/eye/respiratory irritant. Presents a particular concern for those with asthma and eczema. Damaging to DNA. Harmful to aquatic organisms.
COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE
Synthetic compound derived from reacting coconut oil fatty acids with propylene glycol. Propylene glycol enhances the penetration of other ingredients into the skin, which potentially increases the absorption of other toxins or irritants. Used as a surfactant and foaming agent in bar soap. Can cause eye and skin irritation. May contain impurities from manufacturing.
** TRICLOSAN and TRICLOCARBAN
Synthetic antibacterial compounds. Linked to blood, liver, and kidney toxicity. Endocrine/thyroid/gut microbiome/hormone disruptor. Highly toxic to aquatic life. Persistent environmental pollutant which can convert to carcinogenic compounds. Banned by the FDA for use in bar soap in 2016 and 2017, respectively, but can still be found in some personal care products, cosmetics, and pet products.
Inactive Ingredients in Popular Bar Soap Brands
CARBOMER
Synthetic polymer. Can be contaminated with benzene, a known carcinogen, during the manufacturing process. May cause mild skin irritation or allergic reaction. Classified as a microplastic, meaning it's not biodegradable and will persist for a very long time. Microplastics themselves are not considered toxic but can affect health due to the chemicals they contain and absorb. Can accumulate in the bodies of marine life impacting reproduction, development, and behavior.
DYES
Petroleum and coal tar derived carcinogens contaminated with arsenic and lead. The whole list of Blues, Yellows, Reds, Greens, and all of the corresponding numbers… Green 3, Yellow 10, etc.
ETHOXYLATED INGREDIENTS
(e.g., Laureth, Ceteareth, SLES, Polyethylene Glycol)
The ethoxylation process creates 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, known human carcinogens. Ethoxylated ingredients can contain trace amounts of these harmful byproducts.
FRAGRANCE
A general umbrella term which could include toxins like phthalates (known endocrine disruptors), parabens, formaldehyde-releasing agents, aldehydes, styrene (classified carcinogen), linalool, acetone, and more.
PEGs
(polyethylene glycols; PEG-8, PEG-32, PEG-45, PEG-400)
Synthetic petroleum-derived compounds. Can become contaminated, during manufacturing, with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, known carcinogens. Enhance skin penetration which can increase absorption of contaminants.
POLYSORBATE 20, 60 and 80
Synthetic emulsifiers, stabilizers, and solubilizers. Used in bar soap to enhance lather, texture, and fragrance dispersion. EWG high concern contamination; 1,4-Dioxane and Ethylene Oxide, known carcinogens. Skin/eye/lung irritant.
TETRASODIUM EDTA
Made using formaldehyde and sodium cyanide, known carcinogens. May contain dioxane, another carcinogen. May cause organ damage, especially to the lungs. A known skin irritant that may also cause immunotoxicity as well as reproductive and developmental issues. (Tetrasodium etidronate is a close cousin of tetrasodium EDTA.)
TITANIUM DIOXIDE
Synthetically produced white pigment. Used as a whitening or color brightening agent in bar soap. Has the capability, especially in the form of nanoparticles, to enter the bloodstream resulting in neurotoxicity, meaning toxic to the central nervous system.
Additional Bad Actors in Bar Soap
Petroleum-based glycerin, GMO oils (vegetable/corn), synthetic detergents and preservatives (can morph skin cells), phthalates, parabens, SLS, alcohols, Laureth-#, Steareth-#, Ceteareth-#, and BHT.
Toxin-free Bar Soap Swaps
Free of the Toxins and Chemical Compounds Listed Above
Orders placed via Collaboration Links attribute commissions at no expense to you.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases via Amazon links.
Bend Soap Co. Goat Milk Soap
Fresh Goat Milk, Saponified Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Sustainable Palm Oil, Essential Oils*
(*Oatmeal & Honey and Unscented are free from essential oils.)
Wyld15
15% off first order
Free shipping over $65
Outstanding customer care and quick, well-packaged shipments
or
(Currently sold in 4-packs on Amazon. Smaller selection of scents)
TOP CHOICE
Bend Soap Co. Goat Milk Soap is my overall top pick. Bend Soap comes through with the best price, scent options, seasonal releases, bar longevity, creamy lather, efficacy, and user experience. I posted a Bend Soap Co. Goat Milk Soap Review just for you!
Bend Soap Co. Goat Milk Soap
Farm Fresh, Vaccine-free Goat Milk
Newborn Friendly
Hypoallergenic
High-grade Botanicals
No Synthetic Fragrance/No Dyes
Alcohol-free
Paraben-free/Phthalate-free
Handcrafted in Tennessee
Made in the USA
Hemlock Park Bar Soap w/ Organic Shea Butter
Organic Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Water, Sunflower Oil, Soybean Oil, Canola Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Fine Fragrance Oils & Essential Oils
WyldOne
15% off all orders
GOOD SIZE
Hemlock Park bar soap is a low-tox, vegan option that is currently sold in 3-packs. Their bars are a nice size coming in at 5.0oz. Most natural bar soaps weigh 4.0oz to 4.5oz. I found the scents to be a little strong and powdery/perfume-forward. I ordered a few which shipped together in the summer, so I am unsure if that contributed to the crossing over of the essential oils. Hemlock Park has a beautiful selection of unique scents, so I should order more in cooler weather.
Hemlock Park Bar Soap
Organic Shea Butter Soap
Plant-based/Vegan
Paraben-free/Phthalate-free
SLS-free/Sulfate-free
Petroleum-free/Paraffin-free
Non-GMO/Sustainable
Handcrafted in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
Partnered with One Tree Planted
Carbon-neutral/Plastic-free
Made in the USA
Canary Bar Soap w/ Organic Coconut Oil & Shea Butter
Saponified Oils (Olive Oil, Organic Palm Oil*, Organic Coconut Oil*, Organic Shea Butter*), Essential Oils
*Fair Trade
Wyld25
25% off all orders
Free Shipping Over $35
Excellent customer care and fast shipments
LONG-LASTING & AUTHENTIC SCENTS
Canary's bar soap comes across unassuming, but it's a great natural bar soap. Their bars weigh in at 4.5oz, similar to other low-tox brands, but it lasted me 41 days!! I really like their Peppermint which has a refreshing little tingle and a true peppermint aroma. Citrus smells like a real juicy orange. It's one of my favorites. I'm a fan of their minimal ingredients and maximum lather. It's also a great vegan option.
Canary Bar Soap
Organic Coconut Oil
Organic Shea Butter
GMO-free/Fair Trade
SLS-free/Sulfate-free/Paraben-free
No Dyes/No Artificial Fragrance
Vegan/Gluten-free
Plastic-free Packaging
1% for the Planet Member
Small Business
Made in Utah
If you were pleased with my Toxins in Bar Soap post, come spend a little more time with me... Toxins in Body Care.
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