Rules for Buying Lotion, Soap, and Shampoo

This in an interesting article I found about a possible link between cosmetics and breast cancer. It is a little far fetched...it is not proven that certain products cause cancer, but it is apparently best to avoid these products so that it does not contribute.


It is safe to say that buying organic products, free of harmful chemicals, is the safest way to go. Not only is it good for the environment to buy products that do not have harmful chemicals, but it is also good for our personal health.

I will give you a quick rule of thumb (based on the MSN article) for buying cosmetic products such as shampoo, lotions, and soap. Remember that "organic" can sometimes be a marketing a ploy, so be sure to check the ingredients!

Shampoo: Stay away from products that contain "methyl-, propyl-, butyl-, ethyl-, or isobutylparaben, and opt instead for paraben-free alternatives".

Soap: Avoid liquid soap that contains triclosan, an antimicrobial agent used in many antibacterial products that has been linked to hormone disruption in animals. Just FYI, it is also uncertain whether antibacterial soaps are any more effective than regular soaps.

Lotion: Look for lotions labeled phthalate-free, or opt for those that don't list fragrance as an ingredient.