So we wash our hands before eating, after the bathroom, etc.... but where does it all go?  Down the drain and ultimately back into the environment.  What is in most soaps?  If no ingredients are listed, be wary, as it is likely all chemicals.  In the natural food stores, the ingredients are a bit better; some of the least ideal ingredients in conventional soap are not included.  And then there is the whole push for anti-bacterial soap.  We are so concerned with destroying those bacteria upon contact. However the chemical most commonly used in anti-bacterial products is triclosan, which has been found questionably safe for our environment, as it may actually create "superbugs" much as does the overuse of antibiotics, creating strains of bacteria that may actually be resistant to its anti-bacterial intent.  But most authorities agree, it is the actual act of rubbing our hands together with soap and then rinsing well with water that removes dirt and bacteria, sending them down the drain, and ultimately back to the earth, which is ultimately where they came from in the first place.  So anti-bacterial soaps are really unnecessary and can be actually detrimental, in the bigger picture.

So which soaps are the most natural?

Dr Bronner's  Liquid Soaps http://www.drbronner.com/ are fabulous, very concentrated, can be diluted 5 parts water to one part soap for general use or more as preferred.  The ingredients are organically grown and the only chemical is the potassium hydroxide which is needed to saponify oil to create soap.  It is available in a variety of scents, though it is a bit pricey, but if you like peppermint scented soap (Think candy canes..) then you will love this option and Whole Foods Market sells a quart at an everyday low price of $9.99 (at least in the northeast USA), which is a huge savings off the regular price of $16.99!

But castille soap can be drying.  That is why I was thrilled to discover Dr. Woods' soaps http://www.drwoodsproducts.com/.  Several of the Dr Woods varieties are scented with essential oils (lavender, peppermint, tea tree, and almond). Though their ingredients are not all organically grown, they do offer each variety with organic shea butter.  This version is likely less drying to our hands and bodies, and I notice my skin has less need for moisturizer, now that I have begun to use Dr Woods soaps regularly.  They are concentrated, as is Dr Bronners' soaps and can be diluted similarly.  Though many natural food stores do not carry this soap, it is available on line, and I have seen the Tea Tree variety at my local Stop and Shop.   The price is generally less expensive than Dr. Bronners' soaps.

And for a very simple reasonably priced bar soap, consider trying Kiss My Face 100% olive oil soap.  This variety is fragrance free and you get a large bar for a very reasonable price!

So as you watch the soap go down the drain, it feels good to know that you have made the safest choice for all concerned!

So until tomorrow, I wish you a glorious day.