Written by Tenley Haraldson.
We do our best to keep toilet lids closed and cleaning supplies locked up, but our pets can get into mischief. Whether climbing under the kitchen sink or chewing on a plastic bottle, “pet safe” cleaning products may actually expose our animals to harmful substances.
Here’s what you need to know about ingredients in your cleaning products – and how a switch to the best cleaning products for pets can help you avoid scary situations altogether.
Potentially Harmful Cleaning Ingredients for Pets
Since the following products can cause serious health issues in humans, so be sure to keep them away from pets, too:
- Bleach
- Disinfectants & Cleansers
- Drain cleaners
- Aerosol sprays
While you’d never knowingly expose your four-legged friend to harmful substances, thousands of pet-specific products reveal an alarming trend of harmful – even deadly – ingredients. With vague FDA guidelines for pet products, it’s also wise to watch out for the following:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Aerosol sprays, disinfectants, and air fresheners emit gases which can have both short- and long-term health effects on humans. In fact, a study carried out on children exposed to VOCs at home revealed an increased risk of asthma and other respiratory issues.
According to the EPA, VOCs can “release organic compounds while you’re using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.” That means that just having them in your home can expose your home’s residents to unwanted doses – even if they’re not in use.
Formaldehyde
Manufacturers know that no one would knowingly buy a bottle of pet shampoo with “formaldehyde” listed as an ingredient. That’s why derivatives are known by a variety of other names, like:
- Formalin
- Diazolidinyl urea
- DMDM Hydantoin
- Imidazolidinyl urea
- Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
Formaldehyde Releasers
Even when formaldehyde isn’t used in certain cosmetic and cleaning products, formaldehyde releasers could be. So even though formaldehyde isn’t used to preserve products, certain ingredients release formaldehyde under certain conditions, including (but not limited to):
- Quaternium-15
- DMDM hydantoin
- Imidazolidinyl urea
- Diazolidinyl urea
Parabens
Used to prevent bacterial and mold growth in cosmetics, parabens have been known to disrupt endocrine production and cause neurological, reproductive, and developmental disruptions in animals. When searching for products, it’s better to avoid products that use the following ingredients:
- Methylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Ethylparaben
Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs)
Valued for their anti-caking and binding capabilities, PEGs are petroleum-derived compounds that are used in a huge range of dermatological products.
Common byproducts of PEGs include:
- ethylene oxide - a known carcinogen that causes nervous system damage
- 1,4-dioxane - a substance that’s “anticipated to be a carcinogen” by the FDA. The California EPA also calls it a toxicant that “may interfere with human development.”
Though previous studies have determined that a variety of PEGs are “relatively safe” for topical use, they’ve been known to cause irritation and system toxicity when used on broken skin. Cosmetics containing PEGs should never be used on broken skin. Puracy believes that these ingredients shouldn’t be used at all.
Synthetic Fragrances
In countless body sprays, perfumes, and soaps, it can be extremely difficult to identify the source of synthetic fragrances. Thanks to a loophole in the Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1973, manufacturers are not required to provide a list of fragrance ingredients used – even if there are possible health risks.
Phthalates (like diethyl phthalate) have been linked to disrupted hormone production and sperm damage. Short- and long-term exposure to synthetic toluene has been linked to fatigue, headaches, and nausea in humans.
Many synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum products. To get our refreshing, clean scents, Puracy products use natural essential oils like mint, cucumber, and orange.
Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)
Also known as Kathon CG, MI is a known skin irritant. MI and MCI tend to be used together in cosmetics like body creams and lotions. Primarily used as a preservative in rinse-off products, the FDA considers MCI a chemical allergen that can cause chemical burns and skin irritation.
You may also see MI and MCI listed as the following:
- 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one
- 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one hydrochloride
- 5-chloro-2-methyl isothiazolin-3-one
- 5-chloro-N-methylisothiazolone
- Kathon CG 5243
Sulfates Like SLS and SLES
Many foaming and lathering pet products use sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and other sulfates like:
- ammonium laureth sulfate (ALS)
- sodium stearyl sulfate
- sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (SLSA)
- sodium coco sulfate
Exposure can result in redness, dryness, and irritation on human and animal skin, so it’s better to avoid SLS side effects entirely.
Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is another synthetic surfactant that is known to cause skin and eye irritation, making it a poor choice for pet-based soaps. And though SLES isn’t considered a carcinogen, the manufacturing process has been known to create 1,4- dioxane (which is).
Puracy uses coconut-sourced cleansers like lauryl glucoside and cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine to generate lather and rinse cleanly away.
Why Choose Puracy’s Pet-Safe Cleaning Products?
Puracy strives to produce the most effective plant-based products that are safe for the whole family. After launching the following pet cleaning products to rave reviews, we knew we had something incredible on our hands.
Puracy Pet Shampoo
Our 2-in-1 Pet Shampoo and Conditioner removes “dog smell” by thoroughly cleansing, moisturizing, and deodorizing your dog’s coat. Unlike most competitors, our 99% natural formula uses coconut-based cleansers to work up a lather without irritating skin. We’ve also added shine-inducing biotin (which helps support healthy fur and skin) as well as aloe and oatmeal moisturizers.
Puracy Pet Stain & Odor Remover
Whether it’s drool, urine, mud, or you-name-it, pets can take a massive toll on home surfaces. Our goal was to create the most effective pet stain remover on the market – without the fumes.
We tested new and old pet stains on rugs, upholstery, thick carpets, and mattresses. Not only did these 5 plant enzymes remove smudges and stains, but they also obliterated unwanted odors at the source. And since our 99.52% natural formula is hyper-concentrated, it takes fewer sprays to work better and less time to dry.
Puracy Natural Products: Formulated for the Whole Family
Just like all of our products, our pet care line was developed with your family’s safety in mind. Effective, gentle, and plant-based, each product is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. There’s no reason not to discover why people are so thrilled with our plant-based cleaning lineup.
