It’s time to make a change!

Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil extracted from the reddish pulp of oil palm fruit. It’s commonly used in food manufacturing, beauty products, cosmetics, soaps and even biofuel.  Food and cosmetic industries favor palm oil because it stabilizes and maintains the flavor, texture and consistency of ultra processed products while being cheap to purchase. 

When it comes to caring for our skin, many of us are careful about what we apply, knowing that our skin is an organ that absorbs much of what it comes into contact with. However, one common ingredient in many soaps and skincare products often goes unnoticed.  Palm oil.  While it might seem harmless, the truth is that palm oil poses significant risks not just to our health but also to the environment.

The problem with Palm oil in soap.

Palm oil is widely used in soaps for its ability to create a rich leather and a long lasting bar but what’s less talked about is that palm oil can clog pores, leading to breakouts and other skin issues.  Your skin absorbs what you put on it so using soap with palm oil is like consuming it directly.  It can negatively impact your skin’s health, just as ingesting unhealthy food will  affect your body from the inside out.

The concerns don’t stop at your skin.  Palm oil production is a major environmental and developmental hazard.  The demand for palm oil has led to massive deforestation, particularly in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.  This deforestation not only destroys the habitats of endangered species like orangutans but also contributes to climate change by releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Moreover, palm oil production is often linked to unethical labor practices, including child labor exploitation.  The World Bank estimates that close to 9 million acres of forest are cleared annually for palm oil plantations, devastating ecosystems and displacing indigenous communities.

A Healthier, More Ethical Choice 

Given the harm palm oil can do to your skin and the environment, it’s worth seeking out alternatives.  By choosing soaps free of palm oil, you’re not only protecting your skin from potential irritant but also taking a stand against the environmental and social injustices associated with palm oil production.

Palm oil goes by many names, such as Palmate, Cetyl Palmitate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Palmitic Acid-Elaeis Guineenisi among others. You might unknowingly support the palm oil industry by using products with these ingredients to avoid this always check your labels carefully.

Remember, what you put on your skin matters.  Just as you wouldn’t knowingly consume something harmful, you would not want to apply it to your skin either. Choose wisely, your skin and the planet will thank you.

Tori Valspirit
​5/7/2025 – © 2/21/2025