An investigation by the Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals identified suspected endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in hand soaps. However, the study also highlighted that safer options are available. 

The Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals examined 50 hand soaps for problematic chemicals. They scrutinised the ingredient lists of the products and ranked them based on their chemical content.

In the study, 20 hand soaps did not contain a range of unwanted chemicals and received the highest A-rating.

However, 14 of the hand soaps received the worst ‘C-rating’ due to the presence of suspected EDCs or other problematic chemicals.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that disrupt the normal functioning of the endocrine (hormone) system. The endocrine system controls key functions such as growth and brain development. Exposure to EDCs has been linked to numerous health impacts such as reproductive issues, obesity, and hormone related cancers, including breast and testicular cancer.

The suspected EDCs identified included fragrances used to scent the soaps and UV filters, which are often added to protect the soap from light. See the list of potentially endocrine disrupting ingredients found here.

The Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals points out that these products can contribute to your overall exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. We are constantly exposed to a complex cocktail of known and suspected harmful chemicals from multiple sources, including air, water, food and consumer products. Current regulations fail to sufficiently protect people and nature from this combined exposure effect. Read more about the mixture effect in our report ‘Chemical Cocktails: The neglected threat of toxic mixtures and how to fix it’.

When purchasing hand soaps, look for fragrance-free products, especially when looking for hand soap for children who are particularly vulnerable to harmful chemicals as they are still developing.

CHEM Trust and EDC Free coalition partners are calling for quicker identification of EDCs and better controls for protecting people and wildlife.

Read more on EDCs here.

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