Fragranced Soaps: Dry Skin Culprit?

Many popular brands of soap contain fragrances that can cause dry or irritated skin. Even though fragrances don't contribute to the actual cleansing process, they are the most common contact allergens in soaps. If a product doesn't say fragrance-free or unscented, it likely contains artificial fragrances made with a plethora of chemicals that are detrimental to your skin. However, some soaps are specifically designed for sensitive or dry skin, and may contain gentle fragrances such as almond and rose.

Fragrance-free soap

While soap can dry out your skin, it is not the fragrance that is the main culprit. Fragrances are the most common contact allergens in soaps, but they don't contribute to the actual cleansing process. Instead, it is the other ingredients in the soap that are to blame. One of the most common harmful ingredients in soaps is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a detergent that helps break down oil and grease and causes the soap to be bubbly. SLS is known to cause dry and irritated skin.

If you have sensitive skin, it is important to be cautious of the products you use, as they may contain too much fragrance or harsh cleansing agents. To avoid dry skin, look for soaps that are labelled as "fragrance-free" or "unscented", as these are less likely to contain artificial fragrances made with chemicals that are detrimental to your skin.

Some soaps that are ideal for sensitive or dry skin include those with almond and rose scents, which are known to be gentle. You can also find soaps that allow you to add your own essential oil blend, so you can customise the fragrance to your preference while still being kind to your skin.

Natural soap

It is true that soap can dry out your skin. One of the most common harmful ingredients in soaps and various beauty products is fragrance. If a product doesn’t say “fragrance-free” or “unscented,” it most likely contains artificial fragrances made with a plethora of chemicals that are detrimental to your skin. Fragrances are the most common contact allergens in soaps, even though they don’t contribute to the actual cleansing process.

Another very common ingredient in soaps that lead to dry skin is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is a detergent that helps break down oil and grease, and it is what causes soap to be bubbly when you rub it on your body.

If you have sensitive skin, it is important to be aware of the potential for irritation and dryness caused by products with too much fragrance or harsh cleansing agents. To avoid this, look for natural, fragrance-free, or unscented soaps that are specifically designed for sensitive skin.

Some natural soap options include almond and rose-scented Castile soaps, which are known to be gentle on sensitive or dry skin. When choosing a natural soap, it is important to read the ingredient list carefully and opt for products that are free from artificial fragrances, dyes, and other potentially irritating chemicals.

Additionally, natural soaps that contain moisturising ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, or olive oil can help to nourish and hydrate the skin while cleansing. These types of natural soaps are often handmade and crafted with carefully selected ingredients to ensure they are gentle and beneficial for the skin.

Dry skin and eczema

Fragrance is one of the most common contact allergens in soaps, and can cause dry and irritated skin. Many popular brands of soap are full of toxic ingredients that can be detrimental to your skin, including artificial fragrances made with a plethora of chemicals.

If you have sensitive skin, it's important to be aware that using products with too much fragrance can irritate your skin and cause dry, flushed patches.

To avoid this, look for soaps that are labelled as "fragrance-free" or "unscented". Almond and rose-scented soaps are also gentle on sensitive or dry skin.

Synthetic fragrances

Soaps that contain synthetic fragrances can impact the skin's barrier function, which impairs its ability to retain hydration. Dermatologist Ramya Garlapati, MD, explains that "if a fragrance is irritating, it can compromise the skin barrier".

If you have dry or sensitive skin, it is best to opt for fragrance-free or naturally fragranced soaps. Almond and rose-scented Castile soaps are said to be gentle on sensitive or dry skin. Coconut oil soap is another option, as it rinses quickly and leaves no fragrance behind.

Some people with sensitive skin recommend using unscented glycerin soap, which can be purchased at local health food stores. Others suggest trying Bonuderm's unscented soap, which is all-natural, free from synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals.

Skin barrier function

The skin's barrier function is essential for maintaining hydration and overall skin health. This barrier can be compromised by irritating fragrances found in soaps and other skincare products.

Soaps with fragrances can impact the skin's barrier function, impairing its ability to retain moisture. This can lead to dry and irritated skin, especially for those with sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema.

To avoid this issue, some people opt for unscented or fragrance-free soaps. These soaps are often recommended for those with sensitive skin as they are less likely to cause irritation. For example, coconut oil-based soaps like Kirk's Castile are known to rinse quickly and leave no fragrance behind, reducing the risk of skin dryness.

Additionally, natural soaps like goat milk soap or shea moisture's African black soap are also gentle on the skin and less likely to disrupt the skin's barrier function. Almond and rose-scented Castile soaps are also considered gentle options for sensitive or dry skin.

By choosing soaps that are free from harsh fragrances and chemicals, individuals can help maintain the skin's barrier function and prevent dryness and irritation.

Frequently asked questions