I've recently been looking at the harmful effects of sodium laureth sulfate and parabens in products such as shampoo, conditioner and soaps etc

Tbh it freaked me out to the extent that I've ordered replacement products for me and the family.

Has anyone else done this and did you notice a difference in your health afterwards?

I gave the lot up a while back, Lesley.

The only really norty thing I still use is deodorant, I s'pose. As you now know, I have no need of shampoo! But when I still had hair, I tended not to use it more than once or twice a month, and just used regular soap on my head.

I use Dettol if I want to feel really clean and have just found that Dettol still actually make soap bars, so have been using those in the bath. Before that, I was using those coal-tar bars. 'Wrights' I think was the name of them.

Also, you can't beat Epsom salts for a nice, relaxing soak. About £1.50 a tub from Boots.

Did you feel any better for it abs?

I got soap too, because most SLS and parabens free shower gel is quite expensive. I also got natural deodorant too. My son won't use it, but I get him body spray which doesn't contain aluminium anyway.

Me and my son are into our hair, so I got conditioners and shampoo. Tbh, I read that SLS and parabens can have an oestrogen mimicking effect on men and it can make their willies shrink. I freaked out because I was worried about my lad's undercarriage. He's 13 now, so he'll want to be trying it out in the next few years. Mr Pumpshaft told me to stop being so fucking ridiculous, but I'm not taking any chances.

Side effects for women include breast cancer and things like that.

I never wash my hair, and have a huge knob.

jhado wrote:
Well there you go. I knew I was not being 'fucking ridiculous'.

LesleyPumpshaft wrote:
You are always right Leslie

jhado wrote:
That is a matter of opinion. The "Show us your pretty faces" thread/late night chat awaits you.

It did help me some Lesley. I have suffered from quite severe psoriasis in the past and not using all that stuff certainly helped lessen the breakouts in my experience. Certainly, even if it's only a mental thing, I feel much better for not using all the chemical stuff.

Unlike jhado, I fear it's too late for me if indeed that is an effect of using those products, but doubtless your boy will be very grateful in the future if it is true. Besides, what has he got to lose? Besides a couple of inches, apparently.

Although the Dettol isn't strictly speaking 'natural' either, used in combination with the natural products, it leaves me feeling as clean and sweet smelling as all that other guff. Probably a lot cheaper too, although I've never really looked at that.

I got some faffy natural soap with essential oils and bits of plant shit in it, because I'm a girl

I don't get pso­ri­a­sis, but I often get hives that are brought on by anything from instant coffee to some washing powders. Lots of shower gel and shampoo makes me hive too.

Mr Pumpshaft pointed out that his willy has not shrunk, but I've only 'known' him for 5 years. How can I reasonably take his word for that?

Aside from the willy shrinkage, I don't think these chemicals do anyone any good. They are endocrine disruptors.

Hey Lesley, I have had the same concerns about sulfates in shampoos and been experimenting without it. I am finding that my hair is less drier and much more softer and scalp seems a bit healthier.

I have been using different things like natural liquid castile soap. I love the Dr. Bronner's brand of Peppermint and Citrus Orange and all I use is a very small amount diluted with water. It lathers well and smells oh so refreshing. And sometimes I follow up with an apple cider rinse while under the shower head.

LesleyPumpshaft wrote:
G'day LesleyPumpshaft.

It certainly made a difference to the health of my hair when I stopped using chemical laden shampoo / soaps. After around 13 years being free of using it I can guarantee that it hasn't caused any shrinkage in the old fella.

Hi Mountain and IAAIA

My order hasn't arrived yet, I'm in the UK, so I ordered some natural soap and some Dr Organics shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, face cream and some parabens and petroluem product free eye makeup remover. The health shop near me sells toiletries, but they are just too expensive.

My skin is really irritated at the moment, I think I'm allergic to something and I've got hives, or it's insect bites. Master Pumpshaft and Mr Pumpshaft don't have any bites though and I've got itchy lumps all over my legs, backs of my knees, armpits and where my bra straps go

LesleyPumpshaft wrote:
Where you in that thread about insect bites, Lesley? We were talking about the fact that bites seem to occur more so when you are very acid, opposed to alkaline. I reckon there is some truth to that.

Ab Origine wrote:
Oh, I didn't see that, I'll have a look. Thanks Abs

Can't remember where it was now - I'm sure you were there, though.

My skin goes through cycles certainly. I've no idea what brings it on, and neither apparently does anyone else. I did try alkalining myself up a while back, and although the outbreaks did lessen, they never went completely. I'm sure it has a lot to do with diet too though.

Another poster was saying that they seemed to only get bitten when they'd been on the sauce, I think. Interesting stuff anyway.

I found the thread. I've not been on the sauce and I've been making a real effort to eat well, including cutting out dairy. Idk

I've got some peppermint and lemon mrytle essential oils and I've been dabbing those on where I've broken the skin scratching. Maybe it's the lurgies

I suspect when my skin is at its worst, that it is actually compensating for something internally which isn't doing what it ought to in terms of filtering out the crap and getting rid of it.

Your skin is a second defence, especially if you've been run-down or ill lately. Don't fret too much...I'm sure your body knows what its doing.



Either that, or you have cooties.

Yeah, I still feel a little bit crappy after having a flu type bug and a chest infection recently. Maybe I'm just a bit run down.