- 48 liquid soaps in the big eco-test
- Received many soaps top grade – some fail
- Critical fragrances discovered
Soap is a constant companion in everyday life and indispensable for many people when washing their hands. Eco test took a closer look at 48 liquid soaps – including twelve natural cosmetic products.
15 times “very good”: natural cosmetic products convince in the test
In the test, two criteria were important for the experts: the substances and the packaging of the soap. Overall, the result is quite positive: the experts awarded the top grade “very good” a total of 15 times, and “good” in 21 cases. It is noticeable that all twelve natural cosmetic products are among the winners. Only three soaps without a natural cosmetics label also received the best possible grade. Among the winners are:
See the test winner on Amazon here
- Alterra cream soaporganic olive, price: 2.48 euros/500 ml (natural cosmetic product)
- CiennatureOrganic mallow hand soap, price: 2.08 euros/500 ml (natural cosmetic product)
- Yves Rocher, Olive Petitgrain Relaxing Liquid Hand Soap, price: 10.50 euros/500 ml
- Sonnet Hand Soap Lavender, price: 8.32 euros/500 ml
The test for other products went less well: while it was twice enough for the “satisfactory” rating, several soaps performed even worse. “After our test, we advise against five products. Your recipe does not convince us,” says Öko-Test. The reason for this poor performance is the so-called “artificial musk scent“, which was detected in four test losers. Polycyclic musk compounds have been criticized because they can accumulate in human adipose tissue. Animal experiments also indicate that the compounds can cause liver damage.
Allergic reactions: Öko-Test finds questionable ingredients
Ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions are also criticized. In one case, Öko-Test in the laboratory rejected the halogenated organic preservative chloromethylisothiazolinone (CIT) after. In creams that remain on the skin, this substance is even banned – for soaps, on the other hand, there is a legal regulation. “From our point of view, there is no place in that either. There are harmless alternatives,” summarizes Öko-Test. The investigations showed that other soaps also contain halogenated organic compounds. These often trigger allergies and, almost without exception, accumulate in the environment. Among the test losers are:
- Palmolive Milk & Almond Fragrance, Gentle care liquid soap, price: 2.25 euros/500 ml (contains artificial musk scent)
- Sagrotan Hygiene Soap, Hydra Care apple & jasmine, price: 3.90 euros/500 ml, (contains CIT)
All products containing PEG compounds also scored negative points. PEG compounds are used as surfactants – as synthetic washing substances, so to speak – for a wide variety of cosmetic products (shower gel, shampoo, etc.). Surfactants should ensure that dirt can be more easily removed from the skin. However, depending on the sensitivity of the skin and the strength of the surfactants, they can also cause damage and make the skin more susceptible to foreign substances.
Liquid soap vs. bar soap: which is better?
By the way, anyone who attaches great importance to sustainability when buying a soap should opt for a solid soap. These are usually packaged in environmentally friendly paper. But liquid soaps can also be sustainable: Many manufacturers now offer resource-saving refill bags – once the initial packaging is empty, it can be refilled as often as you like and sustainably.
According to Öko-Test, however, there are no serious differences in terms of effectiveness between solid and liquid soaps. However, liquid soaps have the advantage that they often adapt better to the pH value of the skin and are therefore gentler.
You can find all the winners and full results at Eco test.
