How "Clean" is Your Body Wash?

So a few months ago, I was attending a pathways education class at IHL, and was given homework! My homework was to just focus on the things that were in my bathroom cabinet, and see how many products had "Sodium Lauryl Sulfate" in them.
This inexpensive detergent is commonly used in cosmetic cleansers, hair shampoos, bath and shower gels, bubble baths, etc. - It is probably the most dangerous ingredient used in skin and hair-care products. It is a known carcinogen, that has been linked to cancer. You may be wondering how is this ingredient is allowed to be used? You see, the FDA approves the minimal amount that may be added to a product, and deem it "safe to use", based on that one product.
​Now follow me for a minute, on your daily routine... do you brush your teeth, wash your face, shower, wash your hair, maybe wash your hands a few times? Most likely, you do most of those things daily, that's safe to assume on my end.
​Now, what if I told you the amount of SLS regulated to add to a singular beauty product was deemed "safe", however you can only choose one single product to use daily, in order for you to really be in that "safe zone". So, what would you choose? Are you going to brush your teeth today? or wash your face, or shower, wash your hair with shampoo or conditioner?
​See, if you were only using one product, you may be a little on the safe side... still absorbing in your largest organ on your body... your skin, however minimal. But most of us use multiple products that have SLS as an ingredient.
​Now, like myself, I thought I was doing well by buying organic/natural brand products, and while these products may have wonderful attributes, such as;

• Contains organic ingredients
• No GMOs, vegan & biodegradable
• No parabens, harsh sulfates or preservatives, synthetic colors or fragrances, phthalates or animal testing

​Most of them still contain SLS, sadly. Look at this body wash from Method...
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So what is a good way to start to make a transition to have a "cleaner" bathroom cabinet? Well, I will be the first to say that it was a chore, and even difficult at times to part with products that I have grown accustom to using. More so the amount of money I threw away in the garbage, as I cleaned out the cabinet. But once I made that sound decision to rid the bathroom of those things, for better health all around, it made departing with those products easier!
​So, now what if I told you that you would save $$$ by making your own, very simple, easy to customize body wash? That could be just one thing you start with, to implement as a replacement...
​All you need is:

• BPA free or glass foaming container
• Dr. Bronner's (baby unscented) Castile soap
• Essential Oil of choice (I like to use Lavender, or tea tree)
• Distilled water

For an 8oz container, you would use 1 part Dr. Bronner's to 3 parts distilled water, and about 10-20 drops of essential oil. I would add your water first to prevent foaming. And there you have it! Homemade body wash, that smells great, and is truly free from all harsh, harmful chemicals... instead, it is full of nourishing oils (that smell wonderful!) that cleanse and soften your skin, naturally! :)
​On a side note, Dr. Bronner's can be used for so many other things! A little goes a long way with that product!