The detergents we use also have an impact on our skin. Not only do we have to consider the cosmetics we choose to achieve toxin-free skin, but the other products that are part of our daily lives are also important.
It has been proven that conventional detergents contain irritating and harmful substances. Reducing the list of toxic ingredients with which we wash our clothes is possible by opting for healthy and environmentally friendly detergents.
The Dangers of Common Detergents for the Skin
The formulations of common detergents are made with ingredients that can cause allergies and irritations, especially in the most sensitive skin types.
The skin detects substances present in washed clothes as harmful, so the immune system is activated to protect us, and a response occurs in the skin in the form of rashes and eruptions, even potentially leading to contact dermatitis.
Part of the toxic elements are found in "the fragrance"—yes, the one that makes clothes "smell clean." If we stop to think about it, clean things naturally don't smell. That clean smell is actually an artificial construct.
So, are all fragrances bad for the skin? The answer is no. Just like in cosmetics, there are natural fragrances derived from essential oils that don't necessarily pose a problem, if they are made in a way that doesn't involve harmful chemicals. At Maminat, we don't use any artificial perfumes or fragrances, so all our cosmetics have natural aromas, coming from their own ingredients: plants and fruits.
However, a large part of the cleaning product industry creates its fragrances from hundreds of synthetic chemicals, some of which are not even tested and qualified as safe for health.
Harmful Ingredients in Detergents and Their Impact on Skin and Health
Up to 95% of the products that make up detergent fragrances are made with petrochemicals classified as possible causes of cancer, nervous system disorders, asthma, weight gain, and metabolic disorders. Among them are endocrine disruptors and they can cause or worsen allergies.
More controversial ingredients to avoid on detergent labels:
- Formaldehyde: Carcinogenic. Used as a preservative.
- 1,4-Dioxane: Suspected carcinogen. Can be found in many cleaning products.
- Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats). Can cause dermatitis and respiratory disorders such as asthma. Frequently seen on fabric softener labels.
- Alkylphenols: Endocrine disruptors.
- Perchloroethylene (tetrachloroethylene, PCE, or PERC). A neurotoxin and possible carcinogen. Mostly found in dry cleaning formulas such as stain removers.
To choose a detergent that is respectful of skin and health, we will need to check that these are not included on its label.
Importance of Choosing Healthy Detergents for Skin and Health
Healthy detergents are those that do not cause any type of injury, nor contribute to the development of diseases or ailments, and are respectful of our body and its functioning, as well as the environment.
Fortunately, there are brands on the market that prioritize our health, banishing toxic elements from their compositions, such as Qarma, a Spanish brand of ecological household cleaning detergents, which uses natural ingredients free of toxins and biodegradable. And, furthermore, it does not use plastics.
Qarma offers its Easy-Wash caps, single-dose detergent capsules, of plant origin and biodegradable, which are valid for both white and colored garments. They are gentle on the skin, generate no waste, and are of plant origin. They also come in a recyclable cardboard box, with a glass bottle, as is the case with the Starter Pack that we tested at Maminat.
By avoiding all these toxic substances, we are helping to prevent endocrine diseases or the development of possible long-term cancers. In addition to caring for the environment, a step further towards a more sustainable and toxin-free world.
