Many common ingredients in soap and shampoo can harm both your health and the environment. For example, sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are harsh foaming agents that strip natural oils, causing dryness and irritation.
They also damage aquatic ecosystems. Parabens, used as preservatives, mimic estrogen and have been linked to reproductive issues and breast cancer. Although restricted in the EU, they are still common in U.S. products. Avoid ingredients like methylparaben, propylparaben, or butylparaben for safer alternatives.