Dangerous Soap Designs

Dangerous Soap Designs

We have all heard on the TV news the dangers of the laundry detergents and dishwasher soaps that are shaped and brightly colored to the point they look like candy.  When these little packages are away from their original box or bag, anyone can make the mistake.

Kids are especially vulnerable to this misleading look  They do not know that soap can look like anything other than that bar they see in the soap dish.  They don't know that something that looks like candy may not be candy and should not be put in the mouth.

Think about it.  If it stays in the soap dish and your child sees that everyone washes their hand with it - then that is what you are suppose to do with it.  But you child probably never sees this candy looking stuff  being used, therefore, it must be because it disappears into someones mouth.

We blame this type confusion on the Big Corporate Giants who make this type of soap just to generate sales based on the "convenience of use" by the adult rather than the documented harms of misuse by that adult's child.  Convenience sells and the rest can be hidden.

So much for the Big Corporate Giants.   Now what about the small independent creative soap maker. 

We do not sell basted on convenient packaging.  We sell based on natural ingredients vs dangerous chemicals.  We market  based moisturizing claims and exfoliation claims and aromatherapy claims.  We also market our soaps based on visual appeal - swirls, layers, colors and shapes - But it still looks like soap to adults and it still looks like soap to children.

It starts out as a desire to make better soap but we are creative creatures.  We like to make bigger, more outstanding and different eye catching masterpieces.  Not just boring looking bars. 

The right to be creative must be maintained in the independent soap world but, allow me to point out that when we deliberetly make and market an item and publish the fact that it "Looks Like a Brownie", "Just Like a Cupcake", "A Repleca Of" a Delicious Pecan Pie Complete with Whipped Cream, An "Exact Copy" of your favorite Red Velvat Cake , Etc, Etc.then we must take on the responsibility of also pointing out the dangers to children that this intentional food lookalike design may have.

I do not claim to know what to say when marketing these delicious looking creations.  I do know that we should be caring and responsible enough humans to point out that using any product with peppermint essential oil it is not recommended for use in pregnancy. and to onsult your doctor before using peppermint soap.  There may also be a problem with someone who suffers from nut allergies, therefore, it is only right to disclose: - If you have a known allergy to tree nuts, you may experience a reaction to Shea butter. Consult your physician or allergist before using this product, if this is the case.  I hope these things are common sence if you use those ingredients.

If those disclosures are morally correct, then how can you not disclose the dangers to Children who may ingest this marvelous cookie or brownie look alike.  A simple "Keep Out Of Reach Of Children" or "Not Food - Keep Away from Mouth", Etc.may or may not be enough to avoid a terrible accident but it is a heck of a lot better than not saying anything.  You are the expert - you are not the buyer who is buying only because you made it look delicious and who thinks you are selling something you know to be safe for the entire family.

Excuse the "Soap Box" but it is "Better To Be safe than Sorry" is still one of the best of all old sayings.

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