Triclosan is a chemical you probably want to avoid. That’s because of mounting evidence this antibacterial agent, added to toothpastes, cosmetics and foaming hand washes, may be dangerous.
At this point, it appears that triclosan is a hormone disruptor. Animal studies also show that even small doses can lead to reproductive problems in rats and mice, as their offspring were born with bone deformities.
Researchers have also found that triclosan increases the risk of liver cancer in mice.
In the wake of these findings, some consumers have shifted their preference to products that don’t contain this chemical. Fortunately, due to increased market demand, natural, plant-based cleansers, made with essential oils, are becoming easier to find.
How to Avoid Triclosan
I’ll never buy drugstore brand toothpaste again. One popular brand contains triclosan. Then, there’s the separate issue of fluoride, a known neurotoxin. It’s hard to find a toothpaste without this additive. One off-the-shelf product I can buy locally doesn’t have fluoride. But it does contain sodium lauryl sulfate, an irritating lathering agent.
So I’ve taken to ordering my toothpaste online. Nature’s Gate is the brand I use. It seems to work really well. It tastes just like the types of toothpaste I had grown up with, and didn’t think I could live without.
But, once I made the switch, I never looked back.
Several years ago, I cleaned out my kitchen. I got rid of all the GMO-filled junk and replaced it with real food. Nowadays, I eat mostly organic.
Then I went through my bathroom and did something similar. All the potentially dangerous cosmetics and personal care products went in the trash. I found plant-based substitutes. I like them just as well. (Actually, I like them better.) Nature’s Gate toothpaste is one of them.
Nature’s Gate Peppermint Toothpaste
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Liquid Hand Soap Without Triclosan
In recent years, liquid hand soaps have become very popular. They are convenient and less messier to use than bar soaps. Some of the antibacterial formulas, however, contain triclosan. In addition to the potential health risks of being exposed to this compound, there’s also concern that widespread use may contribute to the problem of antibiotic resistant bacteria.
However, this doesn’t mean you have to give up liquid soap. Or, do without its microbe-killing properties.
One option is using a soap that contains essential oils. These plant-based aromatics have long been used to fight infections. Modern researchers are just beginning to discover how effective they are against various pathogens.
One study that ran in the Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery found that numerous aromatics were effective against various strains of drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, otherwise known as MRSA.
This Foam Soap made by Plantlife contains lavender oil, which is a time-tested cleaning agent. This lavender foaming soap is mild and designed for all types of skin. It comes in a gift box, in case you are buying it as a present.
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Lipstick Without Triclosan
Triclosan is now used in a multitude of consumer products, including lipstick. One way to avoid this chemical, and other potentially harmful ones as well, is to buy an all-natural lipstick made by a brand such as Ecco Bella.
Available in many shades, this lipstick also contains no heavy metals, artificial dyes, petroleum products or chemical fragrances. Believe it or not, lead and cadmium are often found in lipstick. This brand contains neither of those toxins.
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Deodorants Without Triclosan
Triclosan is now added to some deodorants. This adds to the list of toxins found in this necessary personal care item. Aluminum is often used as one of the active ingredients. This toxic heavy metal has now been tentatively linked to breast cancer. One study found higher than expected concentrations of aluminum in the tissue of breast cancer patients. These findings were published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology.
Many deodorants also contain parabens. These are used as preservatives. But they’re also known as hormone disruptors. They mimic the female hormone estrogen. There’s now growing concern they can potentially spur growth of hormone-dependent tumors.
Here is a brand that contains no triclosan, aluminum, parabens, pthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, petroleum, paraffin, artificial fragrances or other potentially dangerous chemicals.
Green Tidings Natural Deodorant
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For Additional Reading
Where to Find Organic Lipstick
All Natural Beauty Product Lines
Interesting read….
Thanks for reading Olivia.
I’ve been trying to move towards all natural products throughout my home. I started making a lot of them on my own but some of the ingredients can be expensive if you only need small amounts. I’m always thankful to find all-natural products I can buy and trust. Thanks for sharing these!
Hi Corinne, thank you so much for reading.
It is amazing how careful we must be today. I might move to these more natural alternatives.
We are living in a sea of poisons, unfortunately. We can’t totally avoid them. But we can minimize our exposure. Thanks so much for reading.