THE shower gel you use really good for your health? Although these products contain ingredients that are better tolerated by the skin, in particular because they are rinsed off and do not penetrate the epidermis, they may however contain components that are harmful or even toxic to your health. But then, how to make a good choice?
The magazine 60 Million consumers analyzed the composition of 17 shower gels and soaps national brands (Yves Rocher, Bioderma, Avène…), distributor brands (Carrefour, Auchan…) and solid products in DIY kits (do it yourself). After calculating their CosmetoScore – the equivalent of the Nutriscore of food products – they were divided into five categories, from A (without reservation of use) to E (use not recommended).
New number#Cosmetics : which are the cleanest?
Shower gels, shampoos, deodorants… 76 products scrutinized by the #CosmetoScore. Still too many harmful substances! More protective regulations for consumers are a long time coming.
➡️ https://t.co/FrzYv7o1Edpic.twitter.com/BVAxlyusxZ— 60 Million consumers (@60million) December 29, 2022
Allergens, preservatives or endocrine disruptors… Ten out of 17 shower gels were rated C, D or E, the lowest ratings. And among the worst rated are products for men or for children, which are not better formulated than the others.
Don’t be fooled by “do it yourself” kits
Good surprise nevertheless for two of the four kits “do it yourself“Analyzed which contained less perfume, fewer allergens and fewer colorants than certain shower gels. “A single perfuming ingredient in the Graine Créatif floral soap kit, none in the Comptoir des Soaps Unicorn kits at Graine Créatif and Rahyer”, indicates the magazine.
Please note, this does not prevent DIY kits from containing irritating components or unwanted dyes and it is not impossible that the labeling is not as rigorous as for traditional cosmetics, in particular because the regulations may be less well controlled by manufacturers who are not specialists in cosmetics.
Finally, the products sold as “natural” and “organic” in the selection keep their promises and come first among the shower gels and soaps analyzed, with a Nivea shower gel stamped “Naturally good” (be naturally good).
Products for men and children arrive in good last positions, in particular because of the presence of components suspected of being endocrine disruptors, or rather to be banned as everyday products.
Here are the products with the lowest health ratings by 60 Million consumers :
- Creative seed, Unicorn soap counter (DIY kit), €17.90;
- Creative Seed, Floral Soaps (DIY kit), €17.90;
- Yves Rocher, Vanilla concentrate, €4.90;
- Nocibé, Almond Tart Delights, €7.95;
- Nuxe Men, Multi-purpose shower gel, €6.49.
Source :
- 37 shampoos and shower gels analysed: problematic ingredients, 60 Million consumersJanuary 2, 2023
