Demystifying Ingredient Lists

The first thing you should look at when buying cleaning products isn't the claims or product description - it's the ingredient list.

For a start, bar soaps are generally made with far fewer and simpler ingredients compared to other forms of soap like liquids which often contain additives, synthetic chemicals, fillers, binders or petroleum-based ingredients. This is one of the reasons why bar soaps have made a come back as a sustainable and straightforward choice.

When it comes to the environment, it's important to consider the full impact of a formulation which includes factors such as the production process, the presence of other ingredients, and how the product is disposed of.

Some simple steps to get you started:

1. Read the ingredients labels. Don't be mislead by marketing claims. Decode labels with ingredient checkers such as this one by the Environmental Working Group.

2. Choose natural options. The fewer, simpler and more understandable the ingredients, the better.

3. Be aware that manufacturers can use the term 'natural' to mean that some (not all) of the ingredients in their product come from plants - they don't have to disclose how much (or little) of those ingredients are present.

4. Fragrance-free options. Manufacturers are not obliged to detail the ingredients behind their 'fragrance', which could consist of a cocktail of harsh chemicals. To stay on the safe side, choose unscented products.

5. Research brands. Look for companies that prioritise transparency and provide detailed ingredient information. If an ingredient appears vague, they may be hiding something.

6. Start slow and remember that shifting to safer products is a process.

Common Ingredients To Look Out For

So how can you tell which ingredients are good for you and which aren't? Read on to learn about some of the common ingredients to look out for when buying cleaning products for your home.

Parfum or Fragrance - a hidden source of chemicals and irritants. Manufacturers are not required to disclose the specific compounds used to create a fragrance many of which can be potential allergens or skin irritants. A single fragrance can be composed of dozens or hundreds of ingredients. If you have sensitive skin, this is an ingredient to look out for.

Triclosan - a powerful antibacterial that was banned by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2016. Research has shown that triclosan has potential to interfere with hormones and disrupt the endocrine system. More info here.

Phthalates - texture and fragrance enhancer in soaps, also known as plasticizers. Phthalates are a group of chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin. They are frequent components for fragrances and under current law, they can be simply labelled as 'fragrance' - making them hard to detect. Phthalates are believed to be an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) that can alter hormonal balance and potentially cause reproductive, developmental and other health issues. More info here.

What you can do: Look for products that state 'phthalate-free' or '0% phthalate'

Parabens - a chemical preservative that extends the shelf life of products. There have been concerns over whether parabens can be linked to certain health conditions and endocrine system dysfunction. In the EU, the concentration of parabens is restricted, and in 2011, the Danish government took precautionary measures by banning the use of some parabens (propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl- and isobutylparabens) in personal care products intended for children up to three years old.

What you can do: Check the ingredient list or look out for products that state 'paraben-free' or '0% paraben'

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) - used to create that satisfying foamy lather when you wash your hands. SLS is known to be able to penetrate the skin and to be a skin irritant, especially for those with sensitive skin. Prolonged exposure can lead to dryness, itching, and redness. Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate are the two other common sulfates used in cleaning products.

Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS) - often referred to as a milder form of SLS used to create foam. Can still irritate skin due to its anionic nature. Like SLS, SCS is another synthetic detergent. This means it is a chemically altered substance created to imitate a natural product like soap. In fact, SCS contains SLS, in some cases up to 50% SLS.

Vague ingredients - similar to 'Fragrance', if the named ingredient is vague, it may be hiding something.

Petroleum-based or non-biodegradable ingredients

Wait, soaps are not biodegradable? The answer is no, not all soaps are. In fact, many detergents that are branded as soaps aren't biodegradable. Man-made synthetic compounds, like plastic, fragrance and detergents, are foreign to our natural environment and are not able to decay naturally in a way that isn't harmful to our environment.

Below are some ingredients to be aware of:

• Polyethlene Glycol (PEGs) - a synthetic polymer typically derived from petroleum. Used to thicken liquid soaps and to enhance the absorption of other ingredients into the skin. PEGs are frequently linked to contamination by ethlyene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both of which have been linked to cancer over the long term.

• Butyls - e.g. butyl alcohol, butylene glycol

• Propyls - e.g. isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol

• SLS - Common foaming agents that are not readily biodegradable and can contribute to water polution and harm aquatic life.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Soaps

Remember that shifting to safer products is a process. Sometimes this can be a slow, lifelong process similar to eating healthier foods. Taking small steps will help you begin to lower your exposure to harsh chemicals and make more conscious choices.