The Dark Side of Chemicals

Apr 24

From Killing Germs to Killing People

The Power of Chemicals—For Good and Bad

Chemicals shape our daily lives. They help disinfect surfaces, protect against illness, and preserve food. However, history has shown that the same compounds intended to safeguard life can also be repurposed for destruction.

As consumers, we must recognize the dangers of unquestioningly trusting science over nature—never questioning how the substances that eliminate germs have also been used as weapons against people.

Understanding this history and the chemistry may be more valuable than recognizing a brand name that urges us to question safety or scrutinize things more closely. Knowledge empowers us to make informed choices about what we use in our homes, bodies, and environments.

Understanding Chemicals

Phenol: A Chemical with a Complex History

Discovered in 1834 by Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge from coal tar, phenol gained prominence as an antiseptic and disinfectant.
Sir Joseph Lister pioneered its use in antiseptic surgery, revolutionizing medicine.
Phenol has also been used in explosives and, tragically, in Nazi concentration camps.

Learn More About Phenol and Its Uses

Unquestioningly Trusting the Brand

Lysol®: A Household Name with an Extremely Dark Past

Lysol® is one of the most recognized disinfectants worldwide, marketed as a powerful germ-killing and disinfecting solution that is safe for use in homes, around people, and pets. However, its history reveals a troubling connection to eugenics and toxic exposures.

The original Lysol® formulation, introduced in 1889, included cresol, a phenolic compound still included as a derivative today.
In the early 20th century, Lysol® was marketed not just as an effective antiseptic germ-killing cleaner but also as a feminine hygiene product—despite its highly corrosive nature, which led to injuries and even deaths.
In Nazi Germany, Lysol® and other disinfectants were used under the guise of "hygiene" as part of racial cleansing propaganda.
The active ingredients in early Lysol® formulas included phenol (carbolic acid), a substance that would later be used in lethal injections during the Holocaust.

What Are the Side Effects of Lysol® Exposure?

Exposure to Lysol® disinfectant, primarily through inhalation or skin contact, can lead to acute health effects such as:

Coughing
Shortness of breath
Irritation of the eyes or skin
Possible long-term respiratory issues or allergies

A Comprehensive Guide to Chemical Disinfectant Safety

Phenol in Lysol® and Its Implications

Phenolics are chemical compounds derived from phenol, used in household cleaners and disinfectants.
Since 1889, phenolic compounds like cresols have been the active ingredients in Lysol®.
The efficiency of chemical disinfectants is frequently compared to phenol, leading to the term 'phenol coefficient.'
A disinfectant with a phenol coefficient greater than 1.0 is more effective than phenol.

Understanding the Phenol Coefficient

The Role of Phenol: From Medicine to Murder

Phenol (carbolic acid) is a powerful antiseptic discovered in the 19th century. Initially, it revolutionized surgical sterilization and helped to prevent deadly infections. However, its corrosive nature made it dangerous when misapplied, which often occurred.

Medical Use: First introduced by Joseph Lister in the 1860s as a disinfectant for surgeries.
Household Disinfectant: Later included in cleaning products like early Lysol® formulations.
Weapon of Execution: During World War II, Nazi doctors injected concentrated phenol directly into the hearts of prisoners at Auschwitz, killing them within seconds.

Phenol's Role in Medical and Historical Context

Rethinking Hygiene

The Power of Plant-Based Remedies

For centuries—long before phenol, Lysol®, and synthetic chemicals—people relied on nature's antimicrobial power for cleaning and self-protection. Essential oils, botanical extracts, and naturally occurring plant compounds were utilized in holistic medicine and hygiene practices to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi without toxic side effects.

DERMAGLOVE®: A Safer Approach to Home Hygiene

At DERMAGLOVE®, we believe that cleaning should never compromise health. Our solutions harness the holistic powers of whole plants and essential oils to sanitize, disinfect, and protect—without the risks associated with toxic chemicals such as phenol, parabens, and formaldehyde-releasing agents.

Non-Toxic Disinfection – This method utilizes plant-based antimicrobial agents that effectively eliminate harmful germs, pathogens, bacteria, fungi, and other cross-contaminating contaminants.
Gentle Yet Effective – Formulated without harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin and lungs.
Sustainable & Safe – Safeguards the health and wellness of humans, animals, aquatic life, and the environment.

Explore DERMAGLOVE®'s Plant-Based Hygiene Solutions

Why Consumer Awareness Matters More Than Ever

Regrettably, many household cleaning products still contain toxic chemicals derived from industrial disinfectants, which are cheaper to produce and more straightforward to formulate. Although modern formulations are regulated, concerns about long-term exposure to these substances will persist until consumers decide to avoid them.

Question Ingredients: Always read labels and research the chemicals in your household products.
Choose Safer Alternatives: Select plant-based, non-toxic cleaners that prioritize health.
Educate Yourself: Understanding the history of chemicals helps us make better choices.
Research Brands: Investigate the history of brands, particularly those that have existed for a long time.

Man vs. Nature: Who is the Test Dummy in these Studies?

150 years later, the question remains: Is society as a whole better protected by chemical disinfectants that utilize synthetic chemicals for germ elimination, as promoted and branded by large corporations with deep pockets, or should we rely on nature and trust a more holistic approach that has existed for centuries, using whole plant-based ingredients that offer cleaning, purifying, sanitizing, and disinfecting solutions derived from the effectiveness of natural compounds? Plant-based options are often biodegradable and less harsh, while chemical alternatives can be less environmentally friendly and raise safety concerns.

A detailed comparison:

Chemical-based disinfectants rely on active ingredients, synthetic chemicals like sodium hypochlorite (bleach), ethanol, pine oil, hydrogen peroxide, or quaternary ammonium compounds (quats).

Effectiveness: Numerous chemical disinfectants effectively combat a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Potential Risks: Environmental Concerns: Certain chemical disinfectants can be persistent and harmful to the environment, contributing to pollution.
Health Concerns: Certain chemicals can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, or allergic reactions.
Antimicrobial Resistance: Frequent use of certain chemical disinfectants may contribute to developing antimicrobial resistance in some microorganisms.

Plant-based disinfectants rely on active ingredients derived from natural sources, such as essential oils (thyme, tea tree, eucalyptus), plant extracts, or lactic acid.

Effectiveness: Plant-based disinfectants can be effective against various microorganisms, but their specific activity may vary depending on the plant-derived compound.
Potential Benefits: Environmental Friendliness: Many plant-based disinfectants are biodegradable and less likely to cause environmental harm than synthetic chemicals.
Reduced Risks: Plant-derived ingredients are often considered less toxic to humans and animals.
Potential for Natural Scent: Many plant-based disinfectants have a natural scent, such as citrus or pine, which can enhance the cleaning experience.

Examples of Plant-based Actives:

Citrus extracts (citric acid): Effective at breaking down grease and grime.
Lactic acid: Derived from food crops and used as a biocide.
Essential Oils: Essential oils like tea tree oil have well-documented antimicrobial properties.
Alcohol derived from sugar cane or maize: Used in some sanitizers.

In summary, plant-based disinfectants offer a potentially safer and more sustainable alternative to traditional chemical-based disinfectants, but their effectiveness can vary depending on the plant-derived ingredients. Choosing the proper disinfectant depends on the specific application, the level of disinfection required, and the user's preferences and priorities.

References and Further Reading:

Skin Care and Repair, 2025, Harvard Health Publishing.
Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety, 2006, Clinical Interventions in Aging.
5 Ways Vitamin C Keeps You Healthy, 2023, Cleveland Clinic.
Vitamin E, 2025, Mayo Clinic.
Environmnetal Health, 2025, World Health Organization.
What Causes Acne?, 2025, American Academy of Dermatology.
Benefits of Combinations of Vitamin A, C and E Derivatives in the Stability of Cosmetic Formulations, 2012, Molecules.
The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health, 2017, Nutrients.
Environmental Air Pollutants Affecting Skin Functions with Systemic Implications, 2023, International Journal of Molecular Science.

Our Promise

DERMAGLOVE® is committed to delivering effective and safe products for our customers and the environment. Our formulations reflect our dedication to avoiding toxic materials and our pledge to use the safest, most sustainable ingredients.

We invite you to join us in our pledge for a cleaner, safer, healthier future!

About DERMAGLOVE®

At DERMAGLOVE®, we embrace a philosophy that blends holistic science and microbial technology to lead the hygiene industry. Our chemical-free, plant-based, and sustainable products are scientifically crafted using the finest natural elements, providing unparalleled health benefits.

Lisa Levison has over 35 years of expertise in hygiene. Her hands-on approach, deep understanding of diverse hygienic needs, and role as the visionary and chief creator behind revolutionary hygiene products make her an expert you can trust.

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