Hand soap is technically an irritant, not a poison. As a detergent-based cleanser, hand soap is generally classified as having low toxicity. Accidental ingestion of a small amount is unlikely to cause severe systemic poisoning. The primary concern is its ability to cause irritation or corrosive effects on contact with sensitive tissues like the eyes, mouth, or throat. While most household hand soaps are relatively mild, they should never be intentionally swallowed.
How Toxic Are Hand Soap Ingredients
Hand soaps, especially liquid varieties, contain surfactants that are the main source of irritation. These anionic or nonionic surfactants, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), work by breaking down oils and dissolving cell membranes. This action allows the soap to clean but also causes burning and irritation upon contact with the body’s internal linings or eyes.
Liquid soaps often incorporate additional secondary irritants like artificial fragrances, dyes, and preservatives such as parabens. These compounds are frequently linked to contact dermatitis and skin sensitization. Traditional bar soap, made from the saponification of fatty acid salts, typically contains fewer synthetic additives. The increased concentration of surfactants in liquid detergent soaps generally makes them more irritating than bar soaps if accidentally consumed.
What Happens After Exposure or Ingestion
Ingesting a small amount of hand soap typically results in mild, self-limiting gastrointestinal distress. The most common symptoms include nausea, stomach discomfort, an isolated episode of vomiting, or diarrhea. This reaction is primarily due to the foaming of the detergent in the stomach, which can cause bloating and a bad taste. Excessive vomiting, especially if repeated or containing blood, can increase the risk of aspirating the foamy contents into the lungs.
Contact exposure with hand soap can cause immediate, noticeable symptoms, particularly in the eyes. If soap enters the eye, it causes intense stinging, redness, and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye’s lining). Chemical burns and temporary vision loss are possible if the exposure is prolonged or involves a more concentrated product. Skin contact can lead to irritant contact dermatitis, characterized by dryness, scaling, and allergic reactions to components like fragrances or preservatives.
Emergency Protocol and When to Call Poison Control
Immediate action is needed for accidental exposure; inducing vomiting is strongly discouraged unless specifically instructed by a medical professional. For ingestion, the mouth should be thoroughly wiped or rinsed out. A small amount of water or milk can be given to help dilute the soap in the stomach, which minimizes irritation to the lining of the esophagus and stomach.
If hand soap gets into the eyes, the area must be flushed immediately and continuously with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. For skin exposure, rinse the affected area thoroughly with plain water to remove all traces of the soap. Call a poison control center immediately at 1-800-222-1222 if a person experiences persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, a severe cough, or signs of chemical burns.