- This blog post was originally posted on Sat 19th Jul 2014 and updated on 22nd February 2023. Sadly I've just checked the Soap and Glory website and Clean On Me still contains SLS ☹️ - 

This was going to be a Soap and Glory review.  But I've decided to give up Soap and Glory products already, after only a few months of use.  

I am sad to be saying goodbye to Soap and Glory products so soon.  I only started trying them a few months back and I had been really impressed.  The scents are amazing, the products last forever and the results seem fantastic so far,  so why would I be giving them up?

The answer lies in their ingredients, and one ingredient in particular which was in the products I tried at the time of using them: SLS.

Read on to learn why I'm not going to use any beauty products that contain SLS anymore and why you should question the use of this ingredient too.  Is soap and glory toxic?  Some of their ingredients might just be.

Soap and Glory contains SLS 😢

So why have I decided to give up on Soap and Glory?

It’s to do with my increasing quest to use more natural based beauty products and stop using those containing potentially harmful chemicals and toxic ingredients.

I’ve cut out parabens over the past year or so by reading every single ingredients list for the products I use/want.  Sometimes I have to research this online as the products are too small to list the ingredients. I recently discovered my favourite Rimmel concealer contained a whole parade of them whilst researching the ingredients online so immediately stopped using it.

Well, Soap and Glory bath products don’t contain parabens as far as I am aware, but the items I started to try do contain something called SLS.  This stands for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and is also very similar to Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).

Is soap and glory bad for your skin?  I honestly don't know, but read on to discover what I've learned about SLS which is an ingredient in some of their products and why I don't want to put it on my skin.

What is SLS? 😬

I started noticing a lot of natural and handmade beauty products state they do not contain something called "SLS" so I did a little research to see why.  Why would all these natural beauty products state they didn't include SLS?  What is this SLS they speak of and why do some companies avoid it?

SLS is a surfactant and foam booster that is used to make detergents and personal care products like shampoo and toothpaste foam better and cleaner.

'According to the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, SLS is a "moderate hazard" that has been linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, skin irritation and endocrine disruption.

(Source - www.livestrong.com) 

So why would companies put this harmful ingredient "SLS" in shampoo or shower gel? 

Well, it's a detergent that makes them foam.  Due to its foaming properties, it has been used for over 100 years. However, the chemical has been shown to be harmful for both human skin cells and animals. 

If you’re like me then you may well love a good foamy shower gel or shampoo, but the ingredient that makes it foam up could actually be a total hazard and bad for our health!

SLS is also used in engine degreasing, garage floor cleaner and car wash soaps. 

According to my research... SLS is corrosive!

I’m not sure I want to rub this all over myself, not matter how small the amount!

Whilst the chemical does make these products work better, unfortunately it can also cause irritation in some people and be bad for the skin.  Or it may even cause permanent damage to the skin.  Exposure to SLS can lead to skin irritation, dryness, cracking, chapping, inflammation and a rash in some people.

In addition it may also be a potential carcinogen due to its ability to lead to cell mutations when combined with other carcinogenic compounds.

Yikes!

Be wise to the ingredients in your beauty products!

This was originally intended to be a blog post of me raving about how awesome I thought these Soap and Glory products were, until I became wise to the dangers of SLS and so read the ingredients.  I was gutted to see the Soap and Glory products I purchased contained SLS.

I will not repurchase these because of this.  I have seen their Glad Hair Day does not contain SLS and this is clearly stated.  Hopefully they will be removing it from all of their products ASAP and other mainstream brands will follow!  Fingers crossed 🤞🏻

For now I will be buying from smaller handmade companies who use natural ingredients.

Don't forget that all these nasty ingredients are not only bad for us, but they end up in the environment where they must be causing so much damage to the planet, polluting our water and soils and harming wildlife too.

I feel a natural revolution coming on!

There are also websites that grade products in beauty and their ingredients.  For example, Soap & Glory's The Righteous Butter has received some mixed reviews on ingredient safety from the EWG (Environmental Working Group). They flag a few concerns:

• Allergies and Immunotoxicity: The fragrance ingredients used in The Righteous Butter scored high for potentially causing allergic reactions and sensitivity. People with sensitive skin might want to take note.

• Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity: Some ingredients raised moderate concerns in this category. However, this is based more on precautionary data rather than known harm in everyday use.

• Use Restrictions: Certain components, like dimethicone, which is known to be less environmentally friendly, have high use restrictions due to their lasting presence in the environment.

Essentially, if you’re cautious about ingredients or have sensitive skin, you might want to read up on the specific ingredients before using it. EWG often assesses products this way to highlight potential rather than proven risks.

Suggestions if you want to switch to natural beauty products

If you're looking to switch to natural and handmade beauty products, there are plenty of options available. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

• Look for products from smaller companies that use natural ingredients. Many of these companies are committed to using ingredients that are gentle on the skin and free from harmful chemicals. There are lots of natural beauty products on websites like Etsy made with natural, vegan ingredients that are better for health. I'll also be using natural soap instead of shower gels, like the amazing Faith In Nature soaps which are cruelty-free, 100% natural and free from parabens and SLS, yet they still seem to froth up and provide a good amount of foam as needed!  They also come in lots of scents.  If you want to stick with a shower gel, then try a Greenfrog Bodywash which is made from natural ingredients and supports a small business.  Tri-dosha also sell high-quality, natural bath and beauty products.  Discover natural bodywash, soap, clay masks, bath oil, scrubs, lip balm, and plenty more at Bloomtown Botanicals too (Get a Bloomtown Botanicals discount code from my review).  Iroha make great natural facemasks and Benecos are good for natural make up that is affordable.  For natural oils, try Eden's Semilla.
• Try making your own beauty products using natural ingredients. This can be a fun and affordable way to ensure that your products are free from harmful chemicals. Some popular ingredients for homemade beauty products include coconut oil, aloe vera, and essential oils.
• Check out your local health food store or even Holland and Barrett.  These stores often carry a wide selection of natural and organic beauty products, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and more.  Click here to save money at Holland and Barrett with cashback!
• Use ingredients you already have at home. For example, you can use baking soda as a natural deodorant, or coconut oil as a moisturiser.
• Try out the water only hair method and skip using shampoo and conditioner altogether!  Unfortunately the water only hair method didn't work for me, but possibly because I live in a hard water area.  Many others swear by this method and it makes their hair naturally beautiful and better than ever, so it's worth a shot!  Just do some research into it and follow the instructions properly.
• Natural beauty products can sometimes be a bit more expensive, so check out our tips for how to save money on natural beauty products to get the most out of your purchases!

Is Soap and Glory natural?

No, Soap & Glory is not considered a natural skincare brand. While it does use some natural ingredients, like shea butter and coconut oil, the brand also includes a variety of synthetic compounds, fragrances, and preservatives in its products. These ingredients are used to enhance product performance, stability, and scent, but they make Soap & Glory fall outside of the “all-natural” or “organic” category.

Soap & Glory’s approach is more about delivering unique scents and textures rather than focusing on natural formulations. For those specifically seeking natural or organic products, brands found in natural health stores are often a better fit. Natural health stores tend to stock products that avoid synthetic ingredients in favour of plant-based and organic components, so these can be a good place to identify brands with predominantly natural ingredients.

It’s always wise to check the ingredient list on any product you're interested in. This way, you can make a well-informed choice based on your preferences for natural or synthetic ingredients.

The benefits of choosing natural ingredients

In addition to being free from harmful chemicals, natural ingredients can have a range of benefits for your skin and hair. Here are a few examples:

• Natural oils, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, and argan oil, can be nourishing for the skin and hair. They can help to moisturise and protect the skin and hair, and may even help to reduce inflammation and irritation.
• Essential oils can provide a natural fragrance without the need for synthetic fragrances. They also have a range of therapeutic benefits, such as reducing stress, improving sleep, and boosting mood.
• Natural ingredients are often more sustainable than synthetic ones, as they are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment. Using natural ingredients can help to reduce your environmental impact and support eco-friendly brands.

By choosing natural and handmade beauty products, you can enjoy the benefits of these natural ingredients while also avoiding harmful chemicals.

Limitations of ingredient labels

While reading ingredient labels is an important step in choosing safe beauty products, it's important to note that some harmful ingredients may not be listed. For example, fragrances are often listed as a single ingredient, but may contain dozens of individual chemicals that are not listed on the label. This is because the fragrance industry is largely unregulated, and companies are not required to disclose the individual chemicals that make up their fragrances.

To choose fragrances that are free from harmful chemicals, look for products that use natural fragrances, such as essential oils. You can also look for products that are labeled "fragrance-free" or "unscented," as these products may still contain fragrance, but the fragrance is less likely to be harmful.  Sometimes there will be an * next to fragrance and you'll be able to see below that it is from a natural source and not synthetic.

Importance of supporting eco-friendly brands (as well as natural)

In addition to choosing products that are free from harmful chemicals, it's important to support brands that are committed to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact. By supporting eco-friendly brands, you can help to reduce your own environmental impact and promote positive change in the beauty industry.

Here are a few eco-friendly brands and initiatives that are making a positive impact in the beauty industry:

• FFS Beauty: This UK razor blade subscription helps to reduce waste and they also have a closed-loop recycling system as you can send your used razor blade heads back for recycling, reducing plastic waste and landfill!
• Wild deodorant: This is another eco-friendly subscription offering natural refills for deodorant to reduce waste and use better ingredients.

By choosing eco-friendly brands and initiatives, you can make a difference in the beauty industry and support a more sustainable future.

Is Soap and Glory bad for your skin?

Soap & Glory is not inherently "bad" for skin, but its suitability varies depending on individual skin type and sensitivities. The brand’s products, like The Righteous Butter or Clean On Me body wash, often contain fragrances, synthetic ingredients, and preservatives that some people may find irritating or may not wish to use for health concerns. If you are wondering is soap and glory good for your skin, here are key factors to consider:

1. Fragrance Sensitivities

Soap & Glory products are known for their strong, signature scents. While these fragrances can be enjoyable, they can also cause irritation or allergic reactions for people with sensitive or reactive skin. Fragrance is one of the most common triggers for skin sensitivity, especially in products used on the face or areas prone to dryness or inflammation.

2. Synthetic Ingredients

Ingredients like parabens, silicones, and sulphates (often used in Soap & Glory products) can sometimes be harsh for sensitive skin or those prone to acne. Sulphates, for instance, can strip natural oils, which may lead to dryness or irritation, particularly for those with dry or sensitive skin.

3. Moisturising Ingredients

On the positive side, many Soap & Glory products also include hydrating ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and coconut oil. These ingredients can help lock in moisture, making some products beneficial for dry skin. However, the added synthetic compounds may offset these benefits for people with sensitivity concerns.

4. General Suitability

Generally, if you have normal or resilient skin, Soap & Glory products may not pose any issues. However, for people with sensitive, acne-prone, or eczema-affected skin, it may be better to opt for fragrance-free and dermatologist-tested products that are less likely to trigger reactions.

5. Personal Preference for Natural Ingredients

Some prefer natural, plant-based, or organic products to reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals with possible long-term health effects. Choosing natural can mean avoiding additives linked to hormone disruption or other health concerns, while also supporting eco-friendly practices. For those with these priorities, natural brands from health-focused stores may be a better fit than Soap & Glory.

To sum up, Soap & Glory products aren’t “bad” for everyone’s skin, but they may not be the best choice if you have sensitivity to fragrance, specific synthetic ingredients, or if you’re dealing with certain skin conditions. For more cautious use, it’s often recommended to patch-test or consult with a dermatologist, especially if you know your skin is reactive.

Is Soap and Glory a clean brand?

Soap & Glory isn’t generally marketed as a "clean" brand by industry standards, which often refer to "clean beauty" as free from potentially harmful or controversial ingredients like parabens, sulphates, synthetic fragrances, and certain preservatives. The brand’s products do contain some synthetic compounds, fragrances, and preservatives, which can be less desirable for people seeking minimalistic or “clean” formulations.

Some aspects of Soap & Glory align with clean beauty principles, such as being cruelty-free. However, it doesn’t meet stricter “clean beauty” criteria used by brands that exclusively use plant-based or organic ingredients and avoid any synthetic additives. If your priority is clean beauty, other brands may better align with a more minimalist, health-conscious approach.

For specifics, Soap & Glory’s ingredient lists and product pages provide detailed information on each formulation.

Is Soap and Glory paraben free?

Soap and Glory bath products do not contain parabens as far as I am aware.  I can't find a definitive answer on this, but I have checked the ingredients of multiple products across their ranges on their website and I can't find one containing parabens.  Soap & Glory states that they list all ingredients on their packaging and website to help customers identify specific product ingredients. It’s best to check individual product labels if avoiding parabens is important to you.

In conclusion...

...the use of harmful chemicals in beauty products is a growing concern, and it's important to be mindful of the ingredients in the products we use. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is just one example of a harmful ingredient that can be found in many personal care products, including some Soap and Glory products.

Is soap and glory bad for your skin?  Like I said, I honestly don't know, but I do know it contains ingredients I personally don't want to put on my skin, such as SLS, after research.  I even recently watched a video by Barbara O'Neill who said SLS in shampoo can damage hair follicles and contribute to hair loss!  While Soap and Glory products may have some great qualities, the use of SLS in some of their products is a concern for many consumers who are looking for safer, more natural alternatives.

By choosing natural and handmade beauty products, looking beyond the labels, and supporting eco-friendly brands and initiatives, we can make a positive impact on our own health and the health of the planet. While the transition to natural beauty products may take some time and effort, the benefits are well worth it. We can all make a difference by taking small steps to make safer and more sustainable choices in our everyday lives.

 

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