In 1938,the FD&C act defined any product used for the purpose of cleansing,beautifying,promoting attractiveness,or altering appearance,without affecting bodily functions, as "Cosmetics".
Products that come under this category are;sprays, powders,lotions,deoderants,facial makeup,and soaps.
Cosmetics and their ingredients do not need FDA approval before appearing on the market.In fact, the FDA has No regulatory authority over these products or their ingredients until after they appear on the market, and only if it is determined that they have caused direct harm to human health.
The fact that many soap products and cleansers are formulated with a combo. of more than one chemical,complicates the problem. Only about 16% of all cosmetics have been tested for toxicity by the FDA.

Soaps used to be made by boiling goat or sheep tallow(fat),with water & hardwood ash.
The Italians & French used olive oil instead of animal fats to improve texture and quality.
But commerical soaps as we know them today usually contain a variety of other chemicals that are not neutralized in the manufacturing process and that are being applied to your skin.
Curious Now about what you're bathing with or washing you're hair with? Here's a list of some potentially toxic or harmful ingredients found in many commerical soaps:

A-pinene-A major component of turpentine/ can damage your immune system.

A-terpineol-a chemical extremely irritating to your mucus membrames.
Frequent or prolonged exposure can cause edema and /or respiratory difficulties.

Benzyl Acetate-a known carcinogen,(Cancer causing), has been associated with pancreatic cancer. Also an eye and lung irritant.

Benzaldehyde- a narcotic and anestheyic that can depress the central nervous system. When inhaled, can cause vomiting, dizziness, and a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Linalool-a narcotic that can impair respiratory function and motor activity:also attracts bees.

Ethanol- on the EPA Hazardous Waste list and is used in the manufacturing of varnish and paint remover. Irritates the respiratory tract and causes imparied vision and loss of muscle control.

Sodium Laurel Sulfate,(SLS)- used to increase the aborption of other chemicals,also a wetting agent that allows shampoo or cleanser to spread out and penetrate more easily.SLS breaks down lipids,(fats),and impairs skin's ability to retain moisture.
Has been used in Japanese studies to promote bacterial mutations:classified as a mutagen.Alters cellular genetic material.

Triclosan- a anti-bacterial and mutagen that is readily absorbed thru the skin.Causes eye irritation and liver damage.
It should also be said because of the over use of antibacterials,such as Tricosan,it has created a wide spread problem of a new generation of mutated bacteria that have become resistant to these chemicals.

And what about COLORS that are added to your soaps and cosmetics?
Many that are permitted are suspected of being Carcinogens,Teratogens,or Toxins.

Some of these include:
Blue Aluminum Lake 1&2,
Red No.19,
Aluminum Lake,
Zirconium Lake,and Yellow No.8.

My advise to you? Buy Natural products from a Reputable Health Food Store,which should only contain things such as;
Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Canola, or Soy,rather than animal products.
Natural soaps and cosmetics will also contain "Botanical Essential Oils",NOT perfumes or frangrances.
And REPLACE those old antibacterial soaps with products formulated from
TEA-TREE,
Rose,
or LAVENDAR, just to name a few.