Are you still washing your face with the same old soap you use on the rest of your body? The skin is our largest organ and the way we take care of it can have a huge impact on how it behaves. Keeping our skin clean is important and the type of cleanser we use should suit our skin type and goals.
In a pinch, it could be argued that a bar of soap is better than nothing. But does it really do anything beneficial for your skin? When we think about how we like our skin to look and feel – soft, glowing, smooth – the question we need to ask ourselves is this: can bar soap help us achieve these goals?
The first soap that comes to mind when we think of washing our face with soap: the popular Dove face bar. Almost every woman has gone through a phase where this soap was her daily face cleanser (most of us during our teenage or pre-teen years). When we remember how this soap did our face, then it didn’t seem like a bad choice of cleanser. But what about these ingredients? How do they maintain long-term skin health?
At first glance, the ingredients don’t seem so bad for the skin. Take sodium lauryl isothionate, one of the main ingredients in this face soap (not to be confused with sodium lauryl sulfate). It is actually derived from coconut and is a sulfate-free surfactant. But what about the other ingredients in this soap?
Two top categories of ingredients are used in this face bar: animal products and synthetic chemicals. First is sodium stear: a mixture of tallow (animal fat) and lye. Or how about the “fragrance” of good olive: a general term for synthetic fragrances often associated with harmful phthalates? Ultimately, these animal-derived and synthetic ingredients do nothing beneficial for our skin.
In general, facial bar soaps seem questionable and ineffective option for healthy facial cleansing. Instead of using soaps with heavy moisturizers, highly formulated surfactants and synthetic fragrances, try something a little more balanced. Targeted cleansers are a smarter choice over face soap, as they’re made with only the essentials needed to nourish your specific skin type — no “one size fits all” soaps, please!
Our cleaners are made with ingredients that are all natural, cruelty free and organic. All ingredients are included (of course) for purity and effectiveness only. We would never dream of leaving synthetic fragrances or animal fats near your face!
Try cleansing your skin with brightening blood orange essential oil found in Blood Orange Cleansing Balm. This creamy, gentle cleanser leaves skin soft and smooth. This same cleanser can also hydrate and plump skin while smoothing fine lines with nourishing avocado and olive oils. And for those with oily and combination skin, the Charcoal Clay Cleanser is perfect for gentle deep pore cleansing.
But what about our dry folks who need some skin peace? If your skin is dry, flaky and irritated, Lavender Oat Milk Soothing Cleanser is a great choice. Meanwhile, the Argan Oil Creamy Cleanser is here to hydrate your skin.
Coconut Oil Cleansing Milk is made with organic, soothing and emollient coconut milk and lightweight, moisturizing coconut oil. Perfect for dry skin types, this hydrating soap doesn’t leave a soapy residue after cleansing (like facial soaps usually do) — just soft, clean skin.
If you’re looking for a powerful (and natural) face soap for acne, consider Tea Tree & Willow Acne Clear Cleanser. The main ingredient is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory organic lemon water. This ingredient will hydrate and cleanse the skin while boosting the glow for a sun-kissed look. Deep cleansing comes from organic potassium cocoate: a natural surfactant derived from coconut. Next is organic tea tree oil: effective at killing bacteria on the skin, treating acne and breakouts, and regulating excess oil.
So, what’s our verdict on face soaps? Here it is: they may not be completely bad for you, but they’re not great and they’re not effective. We give our skin only a few minutes a day to treat and nourish. We prefer to maximize these efforts with only the healthiest, healthiest ingredients for positive, long-term results.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bar Soap
Is the soap safe to use on your face?
Bar soap may be safe for your face, but it depends on the formulation. Many traditional bar soaps are designed to cleanse the body and can be too harsh on your sensitive facial skin. They can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness or irritation. Opt for bar soaps labeled specifically for facial use, which are often milder and have moisturizing ingredients.
What are the disadvantages of using traditional soaps to clean the face?
Traditional bar soaps often have a high pH level, which can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier and cause dryness, irritation or breakouts. They may also contain harsh surfactants or detergents that strip essential oils from your skin. Over time, this can lead to sensitivity, redness and a compromised skin barrier.
How do synthetic fragrances in soaps affect the skin?
Synthetic fragrances in bar soaps can irritate sensitive skin and cause allergic reactions in some people. These fragrances may contain chemicals that disrupt the skin’s natural balance, leading to dryness, redness or breakouts. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid synthetic fragrances and look for products labeled “unscented” or “unscented.”
What natural soap alternatives are best for your face?
Natural alternatives to soap for your face include gentle cream or gel cleansers, micellar water, and oil-based cleansers. These options are designed to cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils. If you prefer a solid cleanser, look for soaps with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil or aloe vera and avoid those with synthetic additives or a high pH.
What ingredients should I look for in a facial cleanser for dry skin?
For dry skin, choose a facial cleanser with moisturizing and soothing ingredients such as:
- Hyaluronic acid: Helps retain moisture.
- Glycerin: A humectant that attracts water to the skin.
- Ceramics: They help restore the skin’s natural barrier.
- Aloe vera: Soothes and moisturizes.
- Oatmeal: Soothes irritation and provides gentle cleansing.
Avoid cleansers with alcohol, sulfates, or artificial fragrances, as these can worsen dryness.
