Soap: Is it really that Bad? The Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to maintaining proper hygiene and cleanliness, soap is often seen as the go-to product for keeping our skin clean and healthy. However, while soap is effective at removing dirt and bacteria, it can also have negative effects on the skin due to the presence of lye or Sodium Hydroxide and other potential irritants.

What is Soap and what's the problem with it?

Soap is a cleaning agent that is made by combining fats or oils with an alkali, such as lye. The chemical reaction that occurs between the fats/oils and alkali is called saponification. This process results in the formation of soap, which is a salt made of a fatty acid. Soap is a surfactant, meaning it can lower the surface tension of water and allow it to penetrate into fabrics or other materials, making it effective at cleaning. Soap can come in many different forms, such as bar soap, liquid soap, and even powder form. Soap has been used for centuries for personal hygiene, laundry, and cleaning purposes.

Lye, also known as Sodium Hydroxide, is a strong alkali that is commonly used in soapmaking. When mixed with water and oils, it undergoes a process called saponification, which creates soap. While soap made with lye is generally safe for use, it can have negative effects on the skin, including dryness, irritation, wrinkle, and premature aging.

Why Does Soap Cause Wrinkles and Premature Aging?

One of the most common negative effects of soap on the skin is dryness. Soap-based surfactants can strip away the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and undermine the skin's natural barrier function, which can lead to dryness, flakiness, and irritation [1]. This is especially true for people with dry or sensitive skin, who may be more susceptible to the negative effects of soap.

The primary contributor to faster aging and wrinkle formation is dryness. This makes soap one of the biggest contributors to aging skin.

What is the Connection between Soap and Sensitive Skin?

In addition to dryness, soap can also cause redness and irritation, especially if the skin is overfished or scrubbed too vigorously. The abrasive nature of some soaps can also cause micro-tears on the skin's surface, which can lead to inflammation and sensitivity [3]. This is particularly true for bar soaps, which are often scented and dyed. These scents and dyes can irritate sensitive skin on the face and leave the skin red, itchy, or blotchy [3].

Why Skin PH Matters

Another negative effect of soap on the skin is the disruption of the skin's natural pH balance. The pH of healthy skin is slightly acidic, with a range of 4.5 to 5.5 [2]. When soap is applied to the skin, it can raise the skin's pH significantly, making it more alkaline. This can disrupt the skin's natural barrier function and lead to dryness, irritation, and other negative effects [2].

While soap can have negative effects on the skin, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate these effects. One option is to use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that is designed for sensitive skin. Look for products that are labeled "hypoallergenic" or "fragrance-free," and avoid products that contain alcohol or other harsh chemicals. It's also important to avoid over-washing, as this can further strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness and irritation.

In addition to using a gentle cleanser, it's also important to moisturize the skin regularly. Moisturizers help to replenish the skin's natural oils and prevent dryness and irritation. Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, which are known to hydrate and soothe the skin.

Are there Safe and Gentle Soap Substitutes?

I strongly urge everyone to consider using a soap substitute. Soap substitutes are products that are designed to clean the skin without using soap or other harsh chemicals. They are typically mild and gentle and can be used on the face and body.

You can find some of the best effective, but gentle cleansers on the market, on Thebeautydoctrine.com.

Can You Make Soap Without Lye?

No, it is not possible to make soap without lye. Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH), is a necessary component in the soapmaking process. When mixed with oils or fats, lye causes a chemical reaction called saponification, which results in the creation of soap.

There are some soapmaking techniques that use alternative alkaline substances, such as baking soda or potassium carbonate, but these still require an alkaline substance to create the soap. These methods are not considered traditional soapmaking techniques and may not produce the same results as lye-based soapmaking.

It is important to note that although lye is necessary for soapmaking, it can be a dangerous substance to handle. Lye is highly caustic and can cause chemical burns if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes. It is essential to take proper safety precautions when working with lye, including wearing protective gear and working in a well-ventilated area

How about Natural, Organic, Vegan, Suitable for Sensitive Skin Soap?

The terms "natural," "organic," "vegan," and "suitable for sensitive skin" are often used to market soap and other skincare products as being safer and more gentle on the skin. However, these terms do not necessarily mean that a product is any safer or more effective than other soaps that do not make these claims.

For example, a soap labeled as "natural" may still contain ingredients that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. Additionally, the term "organic" refers to the way in which the ingredients were grown, but does not necessarily mean they are safer or more effective for the skin.

Similarly, a soap labeled as "vegan" does not necessarily mean it is better for the skin. Vegan products are free of animal products and byproducts, but they can still contain synthetic or potentially harmful ingredients.

Lastly, a soap labeled as "suitable for sensitive skin" may be formulated with milder ingredients, but this does not guarantee that it will not cause irritation or allergic reactions in all people with sensitive skin.

Due to the simple fact that soap requires Lye in order to be developed, makes it incompatible with human skin, and potentially drying and irritating. Hence, all the promises and embellishments found in marketing slogans are just there to get you to buy the soap. A soap without the potential for irritation doe not exist.

What to look for in an ingredient list to identify harsh surfactants

Some soap ingredients, such as those listed below, should be avoided as they can cause skin irritation, dryness, and other negative effects.

1. Potassium Palmitate - a potassium salt of palmitic acid commonly used as a surfactant in soap. It can cause skin irritation and dryness.

2. Potassium Stearate - a potassium salt of stearic acid used as a surfactant in soap. It can cause skin irritation, dryness, and allergic reactions.

3. Potassium Cocoate - a potassium salt of coconut oil used as a surfactant in soap. It can cause skin irritation and dryness.

4. Potassium Olivate - a potassium salt of olive oil used as a surfactant in soap. It can cause skin irritation and dryness.

5. Potassium Laurate - a potassium salt of lauric acid used as a surfactant in soap. It can cause skin irritation and dryness.

6. Potassium Oleate - a potassium salt of oleic acid used as a surfactant in soap. It can cause skin irritation and dryness.

7. Potassium Tallowate - a potassium salt of tallow (rendered beef fat) used as a surfactant in soap. It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

8. Potassium Palmate - a potassium salt of palm oil used as a surfactant in soap. It can cause skin irritation and dryness.

9. Potassium Palm Kernelate - a potassium salt of palm kernel oil used as a surfactant in soap. It can cause skin irritation and dryness.

10. Sodium Palmitate - a sodium salt of palmitic acid commonly used as a surfactant in soap. It can cause skin irritation and dryness.

11. Sodium Stearate - a sodium salt of stearic acid used as a surfactant in soap. It can cause skin irritation, dryness, and allergic reactions.

12. Sodium Cocoate - a sodium salt of coconut oil used as a surfactant in soap. It can cause skin irritation and dryness.

13. Sodium Olivate - a sodium salt of olive oil used as a surfactant in soap. It can cause skin irritation and dryness.

14. Sodium Laurate - a sodium salt of lauric acid used as a surfactant in soap. It can cause skin irritation and dryness.

15. Sodium Oleate - a sodium salt of oleic acid used as a surfactant in soap. It can cause skin irritation and dryness.

16. Sodium Tallowate - a sodium salt of tallow (rendered beef fat) used as a surfactant in soap. It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

17. Sodium Palmate - a sodium salt of palm oil used as a surfactant in soap. It can cause skin irritation and dryness.

18. Sodium Palm Kernelate - a sodium salt of palm kernel oil used as a surfactant in soap. It can cause skin irritation and dryness.

Overall, it's important to be mindful of the ingredients in our personal care products, including soap. Avoiding potentially harmful ingredients like those listed above can help prevent skin irritation and other negative effects.

What are s non-drying ingredients to Look for in your Cleanser?

Here is a list of non-drying surfactant ingredients that can effectively remove makeup and clean the skin:

1. Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate - This surfactant is derived from coconut oil and is known for its gentle cleansing properties that effectively remove makeup and dirt without stripping the skin's natural oils. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin. [2]

2. Decyl Glucoside - This is a gentle, non-ionic surfactant that is derived from corn and coconut. It has excellent foaming properties and effectively cleanses the skin without drying it out. It is also biodegradable and environmentally friendly. [4]

3. Coco Glucoside - This is a gentle, non-ionic surfactant that is derived from coconut oil and glucose. It is effective in removing makeup and dirt without stripping the skin of its natural oils. It is also biodegradable and environmentally friendly. [5]

4. Lauryl Glucoside - This is a mild, non-ionic surfactant that is derived from coconut oil and glucose. It has good foaming properties and is effective in removing makeup and dirt without drying out the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. [4]

5. Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate - This is a mild, anionic surfactant that is derived from coconut oil and is effective in removing makeup and dirt without drying out the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. [2]

It is important to note that while these surfactants are gentle and non-drying, it is still recommended to follow up with a moisturizer after cleansing to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. 

Conclusion:

While soap is effective at removing dirt and bacteria, it can also have negative effects on the skin due to the presence of lye or Sodium Hydroxide and other potential irritants. To mitigate these effects, it's important to choose a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser and moisturize the skin regularly. If you have particularly sensitive skin, you may want to consider using a soap substitute. By taking these steps, you can keep your skin clean and healthy.

As always, be well, be safe, be beautiful!

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