Soap might seem pretty simple, mostly used for cleaning, but these days, there are tons of different types for nearly every purpose imaginable—from dish soap to laundry soap to skin soap. You can find antibacterial, scented, vegan, animal-based, and hypoallergenic options, among others.
While soap generally seems beneficial because, as the saying goes, “cleanliness is next to godliness,” in our germ-conscious society, have we taken it too far? Surprisingly, many products marketed as “soap” are actually harsh detergents or chemical mixtures. Unlike true soaps that gently lift dirt and grime from the skin, these detergents can strip away healthy oils from your skin or other surfaces. For instance, most laundry detergents don’t contain soap at all but rather a concoction of chemicals. The same goes for many body washes, which are mostly chemical blends with little or no soap content. Though some natural soaps can actually help skin, most commercial varieties function more like detergents and can deplete skin’s essential oils. So how can you navigate the soap landscape? Let’s explore the options.
Antibacterial soaps and sanitizers have gained popularity recently amid concerns over various flu viruses. It’s understandable why a sanitizer promising to kill 99.9% of germs is tempting, especially when you have kids and one person’s illness often spreads to the whole family. These antibacterial labels are now commonly found on children’s soaps, cleansing wipes, and even adult bath soaps. While I see the allure, I personally avoid these soaps for several reasons.
When it comes to bacteria, I focus on strengthening my kids’ immune systems with healthy foods, probiotics, and vitamin D. Plus, I let them play outside in the dirt—an essential part of childhood. We use handmade bar soaps or homemade foaming hand soap for washing hands, and we managed to get through flu season without any cases of the flu. Maybe it’s just coincidence, but I don’t see the need to sanitize our home with harsh chemicals every day.
Many bar soaps and body washes on the market are artificially scented—with scents like “Irish Spring” or “green apple” coming from chemicals. These products are loaded with detergents, preservatives, and questionable ingredients. Have you ever wondered why there’s such an increase in moisturizing body washes, lotions, and skin nourishment products? Besides many people having dry skin due to low saturated fat intake, most bar soaps and body washes lack glycerin, a byproduct of soap making. This makes the soap less balanced and more likely to dehydrate the skin. So while we think we’re nourishing our skin with scents like pomegranate and green tea, we’re often just stripping it of natural oils and exposing our skin to countless chemicals. In fact, the average person encounters over 100 chemicals before they even leave the bathroom in the morning! Though there are beneficial soaps out there, they’re often not sold at places like Walmart or your local grocery store. The best bar soaps are typically made from vegetable oils, with added glycerin to clean without drying the skin. For liquid and foaming soaps, liquid castile soap is a great choice and often more affordable than scented, antibacterial options.
As for laundry soap, I’ve explained my viewpoint before, so I’ll keep it short: making your own laundry soap is easy and much cheaper, leaving no real excuse not to try it. Most laundry detergents are harsh chemicals that aren’t good for you or your clothes.
What kind of soap do you use? Is it antibacterial or scented? Natural and homemade?
