🧴 Top 5 Ingredients to Avoid in Commercial Soaps(And Why We Never Use Them at Real McCoy Soaps)
Let’s be honest — if you’ve ever looked at the ingredient label on a bar of commercial soap and thought, “What is that word?” you’re not alone. Most store-bought soaps aren’t actually soap at all — they’re synthetic detergent bars packed with chemicals your skin doesn’t need (and really shouldn’t be absorbing).
At Real McCoy Soaps, we believe skincare should be as natural and gentle as possible. So here are the Top 5 Ingredients you’ll find in many commercial soaps — and why you won’t find them in ours:
❌ 1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
What it is: A harsh foaming agent used in everything from soap to floor cleaner.
Why it’s bad: It strips your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
What we use instead: Gentle, naturally foaming bases like goat’s milk, shea butter, and plant oils.
❌ 2. Synthetic Fragrances
What it is: A “fragrance” label can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals.
Why it’s bad: Many synthetic scents contain phthalates, linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, and headaches.
What we use instead: Only pure essential oils like lavender, peppermint, plumeria, and jasmine.
❌ 3. Parabens
What it is: A group of preservatives used to extend shelf life.
Why it’s bad: Parabens can mimic estrogen in the body and have been found in breast tissue.
What we use instead: Natural preservatives like vitamin E and Leucidal SF Max, or none at all.
❌ 4. Triclosan
What it is: An antibacterial chemical used in soaps, toothpaste, and deodorants.
Why it’s bad: It contributes to antibiotic resistance and hormonal disruption.
What we use instead: Gentle, effective natural antibacterials like tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and honey.
❌ 5. Artificial Colorants
What it is: Synthetic dyes like FD&C Red #40, made from petroleum.
Why it’s bad: These colorants can irritate the skin and are banned in many countries.
What we use instead: Natural colorants like clays, botanicals, herbs, and micas — always beautiful, never artificial.
đź’š Choose Better for Your Skin
Your skin is your body’s largest organ — treat it with kindness. At Real McCoy Soaps, every bar is made by hand with simple, clean, and natural ingredients. No harsh chemicals. No shortcuts. No surprises.