pH of soap: why skin-neutral does not mean neutral

A wash gel states it is skin-neutral. A soap states it is superfatted. Both sound pleasant, but do not describe the same thing. Especially when comparing solid wash pieces, it is worth distinguishing between these terms.

Neutral for water is not neutral for the skin

A pH value of seven is considered neutral. The skin surface, however, is normally slightly acidic. When a cleanser is described as pH skin-neutral, it usually refers to an approximation of this slightly acidic environment. This is no guarantee that every person will tolerate the product.

Why real soap is alkaline

During saponification, soap salts are created from fats and lye. A classic soap is therefore alkaline. Longer curing or increased superfatting does not make it a skin-neutral cleanser. You cannot determine the specific pH value of our individual bars from their name.

And what about solid wash bars?

There are solid cleansers based on other active washing substances, so-called syndets. These can be adjusted differently than classic soap. Solid therefore does not automatically mean alkaline. Conversely, a lower pH value alone says nothing about fragrances or overall compatibility.

What helps you in everyday life

A feeling of tightness after cleansing is a reason to rethink your routine. Especially with dry skin, a mild, fragrance-free alternative can be sensible. The olive fruit soap serves here as an assortment example, not as evidence for a specific pH value or particular skin mildness.

A bamboo soap dish improves the drying of a soap. It does not change its chemical properties. You can learn more about production in the article about cold-processed soap.

Further reading: Tips from the American Academy of Dermatology for dry skin.