What’s Really in Commercial Soaps?

When you walk down the supermarket aisle, it’s easy to be drawn to colourful packaging and fancy claims like "deep clean" or "pH balanced". But have you ever flipped the soap or bottle over and actually looked at what’s inside?

If the ingredient list reads more like a science experiment than something you’d want on your skin, you’re not alone. Most commercial soaps aren't really soap at all — they're synthetic detergents full of chemicals that can do more harm than good.

So here’s a closer look at what you’re really washing with when you use commercial soaps — and why it matters.

1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

These are foaming agents — they make the soap lather up, giving you that bubbly feeling we’re all used to. But they’re also known skin irritants, especially for people with sensitive or dry skin. SLS and SLES can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it tight, itchy, or flaky.

2. Parabens

Used as preservatives to stop products from growing mould or bacteria — sounds good, right? The problem is, parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, and there are concerns about their long-term effects on hormone health. Many people choose to avoid them altogether, especially in products used daily.

3. Synthetic Fragrances

This one’s a biggie. “Fragrance” might sound harmless, but it often stands for a mix of dozens of undisclosed chemicals, including potential allergens and hormone disruptors. It’s a common cause of skin reactions and headaches — and companies aren’t legally required to tell you what’s in their fragrance blend.

4. Triclosan

Used as an antibacterial agent in some soaps, but now banned in several countries. Why? Because it’s been linked to hormone disruption and concerns about creating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

5. Petrochemicals & Artificial Colours

That bright blue or neon pink bar? It’s probably made with petroleum-derived dyes. These artificial colours don’t add any value to your skin — just more things your body has to process. And they can cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially for children.

So What’s the Alternative?

Real soap.

Like, actual soap. Made with simple ingredients — fats, water, lye.

At Tough Soaps, we use traditional methods and real tallow to craft bars that nourish instead of strip, and heal instead of harm. Our ingredients are short and recognisable. No sulphates. No parabens. No fake fragrance.

Just honest soap, made for hardworking Aussie skin.

Your Skin and Body Deserves Better

If you’re ready to ditch the dodgy chemicals and get back to basics, check out our range of tallow soaps.

👉 [Shop Tough Soaps]