Although antibacterial products have never been so popular, recent research suggests that antibacterial cleaning products containing triclosan are no more effective than regular soap. Triclosan is an ingredient added to many consumer products to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination. It may be added to antibacterial soaps and body washes. However, 42 years of FDA research has failed to produce any evidence that triclosan provides any health benefits as compared to conventional soap.
Triclosan is not currently known to be hazardous to humans. But several scientific studies have come out since the last time FDA reviewed this ingredient that merit further review. Some studies in bacteria have raised the possibility that triclosan contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Around 75% of liquid antibacterial soaps and 30% of bars use triclosan as an active ingredient. The effectiveness and safety of this chemical has called for an increased amount of research into whether or not risks outweigh the benefits.
According to a new study carried out by the University of California Davis, the
triclosan chemical can have an interfering effect with our muscles. The study was performed on mice and exemplified deteriorating effects such as impaired muscle function, skeletal muscle contractility and had ’really dramatic’ effects on cardiac function. As well as being linked to disrupted development in animals, the chemical has been linked to cancer cell growth. The American Chemical Society’s (ACS) journal Chemical Research in Toxicology, has now warned consumers that their study revealed the progression of breast cancer cells was enhanced by endocrine-disrupting chemicals – Triclosan is one of these chemicals.
Will the world begin to back Minnesota in the ban of triclosan?
Following these findings, Minnesota have just become the first nation to enforce a law against the selling of personal hygiene products that include the antibacterial agent triclosan.It seems that the growing use of antibacterial soaps and cleaners are a sign of good advertising gimmicks, not good health.
What’s my take on the issue? I prefer to use natural ingredients that are not only organic but also soothing to the skin.
Chuckling Goat do a great triclosan-free soap – made with a base of goats milk, live culture kefir and coconut oil, this alternative is free from any chemicals or dyes that may have any potentially harmful effects!
The goats milk is anti-inflammatory and penetrates the barrier of the human skin, carrying with it healing vitamins, minerals and enzymes. The live culture kefir balances and nourishes the bacteria on the surface of the skin, helping to heal skin conditions and restore skin to health. Similar in molecular composition and pH to human skin, goats milk is one of the few things around that actually penetrates the barrier of the human skin, soaking through.
Goats milk contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that br
eaks down dead skin cells, allowing the skin to naturally rejuvenate, freshening and brightening the colour and texture of the skin. It’s also packed with natural vitamins and essential nutrients that feed your skin, including Vitamin A (known for its ability to repair damaged tissue and reduce wrinkles) as well as vitamins C and B. Zinc, amino acids, citric acids and unsaturated fatty acids also heal and nourish the skin. Goats milk has been proven as an aid for acne, and is recommended by many dermatologists as a natural alternative to harsh chemicals.
Kefir also restores the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria on the surface of the skin! Restoring healthy bacteria balance can reverse and naturally heal many skin conditions that steroids fail to resolve. Kefir also has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties that help keep you looking young and radiant.
Fabulous competition to win a Chuckling Goat Break-Out Toolkit!
