If your skin feels tight, dry or uncomfortable after washing, you might be wondering: why does soap dry out my skin?
The answer isn't quite as simple as saying that all soap is drying. How your skin feels after washing depends on the type of cleanser you're using, the ingredients in the formulation, how often you wash and, of course, your individual skin.
Why can soap make skin feel dry?
Your skin has a natural protective barrier made up of oils, lipids and other components that help keep moisture in. Cleansing removes dirt, sweat and excess oils - which is exactly what we want it to do. But a cleanser that is particularly strong, or used too frequently, can also remove more of your skin's natural oils than you'd like.
That's when skin can be left feeling tight, dry or stripped.
Conventional soap products also contain strong detergents, synthetic fragrances or other ingredients that are harsh for your skin, which is why they can leave you feeling itchy and inflamed.
Is all soap drying?
No. Not all soaps are created conventionally.
A thoughtfully curated natural soap like Kleensoaps can contain a carefully balanced combination of plant oils and butters, creating a bar that cleanses effectively while leaving your skin feeling comfortable.
Traditional cold-process soap also naturally produces glycerin during saponification. Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture, and helps your skin feel nourished.
If you have particularly dry, sensitive or reactive skin, you may find that a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser works better for you. That's why we made our fragrance-free Pure Shores.
What should you look for in a soap for dry skin?
If your skin tends to feel dry after showering, look for a soap with:
Thoughtfully chosen plant oils and butters
Ingredients such as olive oil and shea butter can help create a beautifully balanced and moisturising bar.
A simple ingredient list
The fewer unnecessary ingredients, the easier it can be to understand exactly what you're putting on your skin.
A gentle scent
If your skin is sensitive, you may prefer a fragrance-free option or a soap scented lightly with natural essential oils.
And don't forget the rest of your routine. Very hot water and long showers can contribute to dry skin too, so try keeping the water warm rather than steaming hot and moisturise afterwards if your skin needs it.
Why we think formulation matters
At Kleensoaps, we believe a bar of soap should do more than simply cleanse.
We formulate our soaps using carefully selected plant oils, butters and pure essential oils, and make them using the traditional cold-process method. We don't use palm oil, parabens, synthetic colours or synthetic fragrances.
Every bar is handmade in small batches in our Kent studio and left to cure slowly, creating a beautifully creamy lather and a bar that's made to be enjoyed.
Because when something is part of your everyday ritual, we think it's worth making it well.
Looking for a more considered way to cleanse? Explore our natural handmade soaps.
