Just say no to triclosan
We've become quite a germ-o-phobic world these days, especially during cold and flu season and it seems soaps labeled "antibacterial" are all over the place. However, before you pick that soap up, you might want to think twice about that anti-bacterial label. Most soaps that are labeled "anti-bacterial" contain triclosan. According to Green Living Online, many scientists now believe that not only is triclosan unnecessary in most ordinary cleansing cases, it could also contribute to the rise of drug-resistant bacteria. In addition, since we absorb 60 percent of whatever is put onto our skin, triclosan is not something you want to be putting on there without good reason. Exposure to triclosan can damage the organs and disrupt hormones. Outside of our own bodies, triclosan reacts with chlorine in tap water waste to create chloroform, a toxic chemical, that eventually can end up in waterways.
So keep washing your hands with plain soap, 30 seconds of scrubbing is best for germ-fighting. And make it a bar of soap instead of liquid for an even healthier, eco-friendly scrub!














Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
1-16-2008 @ 1:41PM
Bendita said...
What about us acne suffers? Tricolan (0.3%) is included in products and they work for me. Is there an effective alternative?
Reply
1-17-2008 @ 1:23PM
Bobby said...
If you have acne the only product that will help you would be "Neostrata". It cleans deep, but leaves skin soft. The only problem? It's expensive.
If money is a problem, then try "Cetaphil". You can get that Walmart or Walgreens.
1-17-2008 @ 1:23PM
Bobby said...
Bendita,
Here is Neostrata's website: http://www.neostrata.com/store/home.asp
1-17-2008 @ 1:38PM
martha said...
Try Cetaphil it's gentle and cheap
1-17-2008 @ 4:48PM
Debbie said...
Hello! Just fyi, Arbonne has a wonderful acne line that is pure, safe, and beneficial. Check out my web site and let me know if you would like to order at wholesale. purebeautyskinwellness.myarbonne.com
1-17-2008 @ 5:26PM
Lesli said...
My son has acne also. We found that the Tomato bar from Burts Bee's works well. It is not an overnite quick fix though, but over time it has cleared up his sores and his blackheads
1-18-2008 @ 10:32AM
Melissa said...
Try soap with eucalyptus oil. I got a bar of some stuff from Australia and it worked miracles on my face. I have used any organic type with eucalyptus since.
1-17-2008 @ 6:42PM
asomvilay said...
it's triclosan that's in soap. not tricolan
1-17-2008 @ 7:44PM
Nancy said...
Have you tried Enfuselle skin care by Shaklee for your acne? It works extremely well, and no toxic chemicals to worry about. Check it out: www.shaklee.net/jegroup
1-16-2008 @ 1:46PM
Patricia Mayville-Cox said...
I would say this would apply to basic soap products (shower gel, hand soap, dish soap), where a non-triclosan product would work just as well.
For medicinal purposes, you would want to double check with your doctor if you have concerns.
Reply
1-17-2008 @ 12:27PM
jfitzsi421 said...
While I can understand the urge to share information both this article and the one linked at Green Living Online are utilizing loaded language to create the impression of there being greater threat then is known to exist.
Particularly egregious is the mentioning of Agent Orange as if to suggest that non-banned chemicals listed as pesticides, such as triclosan, must be of the same class of concern and worry. This is simply not true and to imply that it is via simple rhetoric does a serious diservice to your readers and to yourself as trustworthy providers of accurate information.
Similarly your use of "many scientists" is far too vague to contain anything but an appeal to authority fallacy. Either provide specific links to exactly who these scientists are or at least provide representative opinions from scientific sources along with the peer reaction to these statements.
You already have one commentor who is using a product with so mild a level of triclosan worried that they should no longer use the product and are asking you for alternatives. But they do not need an alternative. What they need is responsible, accurate information.
Reply
1-17-2008 @ 1:23PM
Bobbie said...
Amen! Thank you~
1-17-2008 @ 2:11PM
ann said...
thank you!
1-17-2008 @ 3:55PM
Karen said...
I did not know that about these hand soaps,but thanks for the information.
1-17-2008 @ 3:55PM
eclecticvibe said...
Wanna talk about loaded language? I'd suggest taking a look at the marketing used to sell antibacterial soap. There's where fear is initially used to promote this product.
1-17-2008 @ 4:49PM
WstCoast said...
I agree, Dr. Bonner soaps are extremely drying. I agree with Bobby .. but must also add that they are drying to your hands, as well. It's free of preservatives and was recommended for my son who had certain allergies. We all used the soap in our home and found ourselves having to use moisturizers after using Dr. Bonners. I would go with Aveda, Neostrata or Cetaphil, especially for those with skin (acne) problems.
1-17-2008 @ 12:27PM
jfitzsi421 said...
Whil I can understand the urge to share information both this article and the one linked at Green Living Online are utilizing loaded language to create the impression of there being greater threat then is known to exist. Particularly egregious is the mentioning of Agent Orange as if to suggest that non-banned chemicals listed as pesticides, such as triclosan, must be of the same class of concern and worry. This is simply not true and to imply that it is via simple rhetoric doe s aserious diservice to your readers and to yourself as trustworthy providers of accurate information.
Similarly your use of "many scientists" is far too vague to contain anything but an appeal to authority fallacy. Either provide specific links to exactly who these scientists are or at least provide representative opinions from scientific sources along with the peer reaction to these statements.
Reply
1-17-2008 @ 12:38PM
Jane said...
Quite frankly, I think we are well on our way to becoming a paranoid society. All of the warnings and and nonsense products out there.
My parents and grandparents never worried about this crap. Wash your hands and be done with it! We are saturated with products that we never had years ago.
Stick to the basics and just live! And let your kids play in the mud. It's actually good to get a little dirty and get some fresh air. It's much better than sitting behind the computer all day playing video games.
Chill out, buy some good old fashioned brown soap and wash your hands!!!(It's great for acne too)!
Reply
1-17-2008 @ 5:25PM
Lesli said...
back when your parents and grandparents were younger, they never worried about this "crap" because the "crap" wasn't tainted with toxins like thet are now.
1-17-2008 @ 12:38PM
stephanie said...
Bendita,
AVEDA has an amazing acne line - Outer Peace, that doesn't dry the skin out and has a 94% success rate. If you use it and it does not work you may bring it back for a full refund. The whole line is about $120 and it should last you around 3 months, it's wonderful.
Reply