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Have sensitive skin? Learn what ingredients to look for, what to avoid, as well as our top picks for the best organic soap for sensitive skin.
Finding the right soap for sensitive skin can be difficult if you are not sure what to look for. Soap can contain additives that can further irritate sensitive skin or strip away the body's natural defense system (oil and moisture), leaving the skin hypersensitive.
When we choose soaps made from natural, soothing ingredients, we take away the threat of additives, as well as heal and improve sensitive skin. In this article, we will provide an easy to understand guide that will help you chose the right soaps for sensitive skin as well as give you soap recommendations.
Ingredients to Avoid
Sulfates: Sodium Laureth Sulfate
(SLS) is probably the most commonly used additive in skincare as a foaming agent. Not only is it used in skincare, but it is also used in industrial cleaning products, like floor cleaners and engine degreasers. Although we may like this foaming feature, the problem is it has many downsides. SLS's damage cell membranes and, when used over time, cause the skin more irritation, damaging pores further increasing acne breakouts.
Triclosan
Triclosan is an ingredient used in many soap products as an antibacterial and antifungal. However, when it comes in contact with the skin, it stays there for many hours, leaving adequate time to absorb deep into the skin. Triclosan is similar to a pesticide. It can cause serious health issues, including damage to major organs, endocrine disturbances, and accumulated buildup in the body, causing contaminated breast milk and sensitivities.
Parabens
Parabens are used as preservatives to prolong the shelf life of a product. Parabens have been shown to mimic the action of the female hormone estrogen, which can encourage the growth of human breast tumors. Undoubtedly something to avoid in your skincare products.
Synthetic colors
Synthetic colors are used in many skincare products. Contained within one synthetic dye can lurk dozens of different chemicals, making it difficult to know exactly what you’re exposing your body to. Many artificial colorants are made from coal tar, and some can contain heavy metal salts, including lead.
Synthetic Fragrance
Synthetic scents are so toxic that they are being dubbed the new second hand smoke. 95% of the chemcials used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum and include such toxins as benzene derivatives, aldehydes, toluene, and other chemicals.
If you have really sensitive skin, you may even have to avoid essential oils.
Urea
Ureas like, Diazolidinyl Urea, are known to release the chemical formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen, human respiratory toxicant, skin irritant, and an environmental toxin.
Ingredients to Look for
Now that you know what ingredients to avoid, we have provided a list of ingredients you want to look for when choosing a soap for sensitive skin.
Glycerin
Glycerin soaps are gentle and are often made with natural ingredients. It is particularly beneficial for people with sensitive skin. Glycerin is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts and locks moisture into the skin. It cleanses the skin without clogging pores or stripping natural oils, facilitates the regeneration of new skin, evens out the skin tone, and diminishes the appearance of unwanted spots and marks.
Almond Oil
This oil is very gentle on sensitive skin and will not clog the pores. Almond oil is healing and high in Vitamin E, very hydrating and will help prevent eczema breakouts.
Aloe Vera
This thick gel contains antibacterial, pain inhibiting, anti-inflammatory, and scar-reducing properties. Aloe vera helps heal cuts, burns, and minor abrasions. It can help stimulate cell growth and boost your body's immune system.
Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is fantastic for sensitive skin, it draws impurities, toxins, and bacteria from the pores. It contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and resurfaces.
Lavender
Lavender is an excellent essential oil for sensitive skin. It is a potent anti-inflammatory that speeds healing time and prevents scarring. It soothes and calms irritated skin quickly.
Tamanu Oil
An anti-inflammatory oil, helping in skin conditions such as acne, rashes, and most other irritation brought to the skin. This can include insect bites, sores, and eczema. Tamanu oil is also very effective on acne scars.
Activated Charcoal
The super absorbent and antibacterial properties are the main reasons why activated charcoal is the best ingredient for tackling acne, rashes, irritation, and pimples on your skin.
Oatmeal
A skin-soothing and skin-cleaning ingredient, oats contain saponins that gently cleanse without stripping natural oils. Oats have emollient properties that moisturize the skin and anti-pruritic properties that relieve itching and irritation.
Goats Milk
Goats milk contains alpha-hydroxy acids, which help slough off dead skin cells leaving behind smoother, younger-looking skin. It offers your skin a natural moisture barrier that keeps your skin hydrated, and it is easily absorbed into the skin.
Coconut Milk
A high amount of nutrients and fatty acids present in coconut milk offers intense hydration to dry, dull, and lifeless skin. Lauric acid in coconut milk is known to have excellent antibacterial, anti-viral, and antifungal properties.
Plant Butters such as Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter
Shea and cocoa butter contian antioxidants, including vitamin A and E, which help to hydrate and restore your skin. Cinnamic acid, which is present in Shea butter, has anti-inflammatory properties and is helpful to skin irritations.
The Best Organic Soaps for Sensitive Skin
Here we will share our recommendations for the best organic soaps for sensitive skin.
The Yellow Bird All-Natural Soap Bar
Fragrance free soap made with all natural ingredients including shea butter, olive oil, sustainable palm oil, and other plant oils. It is a cold-process soap that is made in small batches. Also available in various scents.
See it on Amazon
Southern Natural Lavender Goats Milk Soap
Handmade, gentle soap containing goats milk and lavender for a calming and soothing lather. These bars last a long time and are handmade in the USA.
See it on Amazon
O Naturals Coconut and Shea Butter Soap
Triple milled soap made with coconut oil and shea butter for a luxurious lather, these soaps by O Naturals also contain glycerin, avocado oil, and olive oil.
See it on Amazon
Osmia Rose Clay Facial Soap
Australian Pink Clay and White Kaolin Clay hydrate and heal the skin, while essential oils of Geranium and Palmarosa give a rose-like scent. Coconut Milk makes a creamy, gentle lather, while wild-harvested Mango Butter and cold-pressed, organic Avocado Oil nurture sensitive and dry skin types.
See it at The Detox Market
Bivouak Superfatted Soap
Bivouak Superfatted Soap thoroughly cleanses with vegetable charcoal, a powerful detoxifier that absorbs pollutants, toxins, and bacteria while still respecting sensitive skin. The soap is cold-processed , which ensures your skin receives a high glycerin content.
See it at The Detox Market
SkinOwl Turmeric Beauty Bar
Turmeric's antiseptic and antibacterial properties reduce inflammation and provide a youthful glow to your skin. Saponin-rich agave stimulates the natural synthesis of hyaluronic acid to reveal plump, smooth skin. Oatmeal soothes and locks in moisture.
See it at The Detox Market
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this guide to soap for sensitive skin. When you follow our guide and buy soap with some of the ingredients listed above, you will help soothe sensitive skin without further drying it out or irritating it.
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