It's probably worth pointing out that everything is made up of chemicals.
If you found out what was used to produce that soap, you'd probably find
in your NIOSH guide that several of the components used are equally as
nasty.  Ie: caustic soda or potash (NaOH or KOH) is used in the manufacture
of soap, and "petroleum distillates" can't hold a candle to the corrosive
effects of these chemicals.  Ordinary soap is an irritant, particularly to
the eyes.  If I remember correctly, Pyrethrins are derived from plants.  Indeed,
the natural world produces some of the most toxic chemicals known to man -
strychnine, aconite, Botulinus toxin, and fugu to name but a few of the
 nastiest.
Monkshood is one of the most gorgeous perennials there is - an explosion of
pretty blue flowers.  You simply wouldn't believe how tiny a piece of the
root can kill you.
 
One of the advantages to using synthetically produced materials is that the
compounds are the same every time.  And usually fairly well tested - which
is why NIOSH knows about them.  Some of the alternate materials, since they
aren't intended to be medicinal, aren't necessarily the same every time, and
their health effects not very well understood at all.
 
That being said, if soap works for you, great.  But not all soaps are the same.
And soaps aren't necessarily the best solution in all circumstances.
 
[Posted in FML issue 0671]