The Case Against Anti-Bacterials

September 8, 2014

Mary Carpenter

iStock IN THE RISK/BENEFIT equation, antibacterial soaps are on the verge of losing the battle once and for all. Early in 2014, the FDA took the new position that manufacturers have until 2016 to demonstrate that their antimicrobial products are…

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The Trouble With Wipes, Washes and Sunscreens

April 3, 2017

Mary Carpenter

…triclosan in liquid soaps and triclocarban in bar soaps—which risk harming both users and the environment. In response to an earlier FDA warning, manufacturers failed to show any clinical benefits, compared to plain soap, for these two chemicals, i.e., they…

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Weekend at the Beach Host(ess) Gifts

July 2, 2014

Nancy McKeon

NOW IS THE TIME of year when our friends with weekend houses at the beach, or in the country, find out who their real friends are–we’re the ones who show our appreciation for their hospitality with truly thoughtful gifts. Now…

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A Perspiring Story

May 26, 2014

Mary Carpenter

…(Deodorant soaps often contain triclosan, but studies have found no benefits from antibacterial soaps, either for preventing infection or for reducing bacteria.) To combat the drip, antiperspirants have a different function: to stop sweat and thus odor by clogging the…

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How Sweat Works

August 19, 2019

Janet Kelly

…ingredient, most often triclosan, that inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microbes on the skin. (Deodorant soaps often contain triclosan, but studies have found no benefits from antibacterial soaps, either for preventing infection or for reducing bacteria.) To combat…

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Covid-19: June Update

June 8, 2020

Mary Carpenter

…body. Twenty seconds is the critical amount of time it takes for lathered-up soap to inactivate the virus. (Avoid products that say “soap-free.”) Masks are the best protection against both droplets and aerosols, Prather contends, noting the success of Asian…

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What's in Your Skincare Routine?

September 11, 2018

Janet Kelly

…Texas reader: I use Olay bath soap and whatever hand/face soap is on hand, often Ivory. Then some makeup base on nose and chin, some eye shadow and eyeliner if I’m going out, and concealer for circles under eyes… Molly:…

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A Matter of Taste

January 28, 2019

Mary Carpenter

…flavor fits into a pattern that involves chemical cleaning agents and dirt or crawly insects,” we avoid it, Gottfried explains. For some, cilantro’s odor suggests soap and/or stink bugs. Bitterness is the taste linked to the greatest number of genes…

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Chemicals Could be Padding Your Waistline

July 16, 2018

Mary Carpenter

…children. Another, triclosan—used in antibacterial soaps, toothpaste and acne cream—interferes with the regulation of thyroid hormones and is associated with obesity and cancer. Eating organic, whenever you start, may cleanse the body of early, less healthy choices. “Avoiding the most…

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Do You Really Need Toner?

October 29, 2023

Valerie Monroe

…microbiome. But who washes their face with soap today? (If you know someone who does, gently remind them that plain body soaps or traditional bar soaps typically lack moisturizing ingredients and may also contain irritating fragrances or dyes.) Rather than…

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Easy, Effective—and Inexpensive

May 14, 2023

Valerie Monroe

…who asked for a simple, effective skincare routine. It’s my own, approved by HNTFUYF DermDiva Heidi Waldorf. Wash your face in the evening with a non-soap cleanser. (In the morning, I only rinse with water but you could use a…

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It's a Wash

January 29, 2023

Valerie Monroe

…likes this one; I use this one) will clean your face well enough. Why not use plain body soap? Traditional bar soaps lack moisturizing ingredients and can be drying; they may also contain irritating fragrances or dyes. Some people like…

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Valentine's Day Is Coming

February 2, 2021

Janet Kelly

…Valentine Bar ($16.50) makes the routine more of a pleasure with its subtly scented, handcrafted soap, all wrapped up in sheep’s wool and gift-ready. For anyone needing a little Valentine’s cheer. RIGHT: Nestle a heart-shaped soap (above) or set some…

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Picture This

April 18, 2019

Nancy McKeon

…was the real Adele who was declared less than acceptable. Is there any progress at all in body acceptance? Well, Unilever’s Dove soap has been championing Real Beauty with ads that use women with various (to a certain extent) body…

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To Give and to Get

November 27, 2018

Janet Kelly

…is asking Santa for Fragonard soaps and Mary is hoping someone among her family and friends wants a terrarium. Thanks for your input, team, and to Stephanie, who has already weighed in with her garden-inspired thoughts. See below for some…

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The Sketchy Benefits of Charcoal Products

May 8, 2017

Mary Carpenter

…bristles used on the Japanese company Morihata’s binchotan toothbrush claim specifically to draw out tannin (from coffee, tea, etc.) stains from the teeth—along with their antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. For a glimpse of proliferating charcoal-based dental products, check out…

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Kitchen Detail: The Proper Copper

November 3, 2022

Nancy Pollard

…gets designed and marketed in the US. So let’s settle on some scientific data as to why properly designed and fabricated copper cookware is superior to its competitors. Copper itself has an antibacterial effect. It is toxic to viral germs…

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Kitchen Detail: The Promise of Panforte

December 8, 2022

Nancy McKeon

…days it turned sour and developed an intense taste. Hence the name panis fortis, or pane forte, for “strong or sour bread.” Honey was added to the mix, contributing its natural antibacterial properties and a long shelf life, making pane…

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