Ökotest Carcinogenic substances in shower gels

According to "Ökotest", many shower gels should contain hazardous substances.

(03.06.2010) The consumer magazine "Ökotest" has examined 31 shower gels and tested them for their health compatibility. There were frightening results to light: the majority of shower gels contained carcinogenic ingredients.

Ökotest tested a total of 31 shower gels. Six of the gels tested were naturally-made shower gels and originated from natural cosmetics. The remaining products were purchased in pharmacies, drugstores, supermarkets and discount stores. The price range of the different products was very high: The cheapest shower gel cost just 54 cents, the most expensive 11.50 euros. Above all, Ökotest wanted to know if the manufacturers still use the carcinogenic substance "dioxane". The testers should be right in their assumption.

Just six of the shower gels tested received the Ökotest seal "very good". It was exactly the six tested shower gels that came from natural cosmetics. All six products contained no carcinogens. The test winners were: Hauschka Shower Cream Herbe Witch Hazel, Lavera Body Spa Lemon Fresh Shower and Bath Gel, Logona Nordic Shower Bath Cranberry & Sandddorn, Weleda Sea Buckthorn Vitalization Shower, Kneipp Natural Cosmetics Shower Balm Lemongrass & Olive, and Neobio Chili-Orange Shower Gel. The only drawback of the natural cosmetic shower gels: they are much more expensive than the conventional products.

Except for one shower gel, namely "Sebamed Fresh Shower", all other tested shower gels contained traces of the carcinogenic substance "dioxane". Two other products also had other harmful substances. The conclusion therefore loud: natural cosmetics is expensive, but much better for the health and well-being. Although manufacturers of conventional shower gels have repeatedly promised to use other surfactants in the past, "dioxane" is still used in most shower gel products. (Sb)

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