The Research, Made Simple

Here are the studies and official rulings that shape our product decisions. We keep the summaries short and link out so you can read the originals.

Bottom line in 60 seconds

Fragrance (‘parfum’) often hides mixtures

Fragrance chemicals are VOCs that can build up indoors and may irritate skin and airways. Labels often don’t disclose every component.

Keep surfactants gentle

In lab studies, classic SLS is tougher on skin cells than simple soap salts (e.g., potassium laurate/oleate), which also biodegrade more readily.

Skip certain preservatives & plasticizers

Parabens and phthalates are widely studied for endocrine activity. Evidence links some exposures to shifts in hormones and pubertal timing.

Antibacterial soaps aren’t better

FDA banned triclosan/triclocarban in consumer washes (2016) after finding no added benefit over plain soap plus safety concerns.

Transparency builds trust

Independent testing has found hidden chemicals in everyday products. Clear ingredient lists help people avoid allergens or disruptors.

Note: Many findings are lab or observational. We avoid medical claims and follow cosmetics regulations.

Read the research

Do Synthetic Fragrances in Personal Care and Household Products Impact Indoor Air Quality and Pose Health Risks?

Peer‑reviewed

G. Rádis‑Baptista. Journal of Xenobiotics (2023). Fragrance chemicals are VOCs that can degrade indoor air and may irritate skin/airways; review discusses endocrine–immune–neural axis interactions.

Read the paper

Endocrine Disruptors and Asthma‑Associated Chemicals in Consumer Products

Peer‑reviewed

R.E. Dodson et al.. Environmental Health Perspectives (2012). Testing of 213 products detected parabens, phthalates, triclosan, glycol ethers and UV filters; many chemicals were not on labels.

Read the paper

The Effects of Natural and Synthetic Blue Dyes on Human Health

Peer‑reviewed

B. Olas. Advances in Nutrition (2021). Review: Some synthetic dyes (e.g., Blue No. 1/2) have uncertain safety; natural pigments (anthocyanins) show antioxidant/anti‑inflammatory profiles.

Read the paper

Natural Soap Is Clinically Effective and Less Toxic and More Biodegradable than Synthetic Detergents

Peer‑reviewed

T. Kanyama et al.. PLOS ONE (2025). Keratinocyte assay: soap salts had ~10× higher IC50 vs SLS; plus better biodegradability in aquatic tests.

Read the paper

The Chemical Exposome of Human Aging

Peer‑reviewed

B.B. Misra. Frontiers in Genetics (2020). Review: Lifelong exposures to xenobiotics (including personal‑care chemicals) influence aging biology and chronic disease risk.

Read the paper

Effects and Mechanisms of Phthalates’ Action on Reproductive Processes

Peer‑reviewed

H. Hlisníková et al.. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health (2020). Review: Phthalates linked to alterations in puberty and reproductive hormones; mechanisms include receptor/signaling disruption.

Read the paper

Phenols, Parabens, Phthalates and Puberty

Peer‑reviewed

Z. Rivera‑Núñez et al.. Current Environmental Health Reports (2022). Review: Prenatal/childhood exposures to select phthalates/phenols associated with shifts in pubertal timing; evidence varies by compound.

Read the paper

Parabens as Chemicals of Emerging Concern in the Environment and Humans

Peer‑reviewed

F. Wei et al.. Environment International (2021). Review: Parabens can act as endocrine‑disrupting chemicals; summarizes exposure routes and health concerns.

Read the paper

FDA Final Rule: Consumer Antiseptic Washes (Triclosan/Triclocarban)

Official

U.S. FDA / Federal Register. Federal Register (2016). 19 antibacterial actives (incl. triclosan, triclocarban) ruled not GRAS/GRAE; antibacterial soaps not better than plain soap for consumers.

Read the paper

Context matters: lab (in vitro) results don’t equal real‑world risk, and associations don’t prove causation. We prioritize ingredient choices that minimize uncertainty while delivering performance.