Skip to Content

Which pH soap is best for skin?

When it comes to choosing the right soap for your skin, pH level is an important factor to consider. The pH of your skin is typically between 4.5 and 5.5, which is slightly acidic. Using a soap that has a pH within or close to this range will help maintain the skin’s delicate acid mantle and avoid disrupting the skin’s natural balance. In this article, we’ll look at how pH affects the skin, the ideal pH for skin health, and recommendations for low pH soaps to try.

How Does pH Affect Skin?

The acid mantle is the thin, protective layer on the outer surface of the skin. It is formed by oils, sweat and dead skin cells. This barrier helps protect the skin from environmental irritants and regulates moisture levels. The acidity also keeps bad bacteria at bay while allowing good bacteria to thrive. When the pH balance is disrupted and becomes more alkaline, it can strip the skin of moisture, cause inflammation, allow microbes to proliferate and make the skin more prone to sensitivity and breakouts. Using a soap with a pH much higher than the skin’s natural level can impair the acid mantle and lead to these issues.

What is the Ideal pH for Skin Health?

Dermatologists recommend using cleansers and soaps with a pH as close to the skin’s natural pH as possible. A pH range between 4.5-6 is considered safe for most skin types. The exceptions are people with conditions that already make their skin more alkaline, like eczema or rosacea. For those individuals, an even lower pH around 4-5.5 may be recommended.

Here are some key benefits of low pH cleansers:

  • Preserves the integrity of the acid mantle
  • Maintains the skin’s natural moisture balance
  • Minimizes disruption of the microbiome
  • Reduces inflammation and sensitivity
  • Improves skin texture and tone
  • Helps control breakouts

Traditional bar soaps often have a pH of 8-9, which can be quite harsh and drying for the skin. That’s why paying attention to the pH of body washes and soaps can make a big difference for skin health.

Best Low pH Soaps

When shopping for a low pH cleanser, look at the product details for information on the pH. It may range from 4.5-6.5 for a gentle, skin-balancing formula. Here are some top picks to try:

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar

CeraVe is known for its line of moisturizing and nourishing products containing ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier. Their hydrating cleanser bar has a pH of 5.5, making it an excellent choice for daily cleansing without disrupting skin pH. It contains ceramides as well as hyaluronic acid to attract moisture to the skin. The formula is non-comedogenic, non-irritating and ideal for normal to dry skin.

Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar

The classic Cetaphil bar is a beloved staple in many people’s skincare routines. It has a neutral pH around 5.5-6 and is very gentle on sensitive skin. With a creamy, non-lathering formula, it cleans effectively while also moisturizing. The bar contains no irritants like fragrances or parabens. It’s hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for all skin types including eczema-prone skin.

Sebamed Cleansing Bar

Sebamed is a brand developed with dermatological skin care in mind. Their incredibly mild cleansing bar has an ideal pH of 5.5 to match the skin. It creates a very gentle lather that cleans without stripping oils. The formula contains nourishing, moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, vitamin E and soybean oil. It’s free of soap and alkali, making it a great choice even for dry, sensitive complexions.

Dermae Soothing Cleanser

This soothing gel cleanser was created specifically for eczema and extremely sensitive skin. It has a low pH of 5.5 and is free of fragrances, soap, sulfates and parabens. Colloidal oatmeal helps calm irritation and itchiness while cleansing gently. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides hydrate the skin to prevent dryness. It can be used on face and body for people with conditions like eczema and rosacea.

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Vanicream specializes in ultra-gentle, minimal ingredient products designed for sensitive skin. Their facial cleanser has a light, creamy texture that cleanses without drying out the skin. It maintains a pH of 5.5 and contains no fragrances, dyes, parabens, formaldehyde or other common irritants. The gentle formula is non-comedogenic and safe even for delicate skin prone to reactions.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser

Neutrogena’s daily facial cleanser is a great drugstore option for low pH cleansing. The creamy, soap-free formula has a pH of 5.5 to support the skin’s acid mantle. It contains hydrating glycerin and is clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin. The cleanser is non-comedogenic, dye-free and oil-free.

Tips for Maintaining Skin pH

In addition to choosing gentle, low pH cleansers, here are some other tips for maintaining your skin’s ideal acidity:

  • Use lukewarm water instead of hot, which can strip oils
  • Rinse skin thoroughly after cleansing to remove any residue
  • Apply a hydrating toner after cleansing
  • Use oil-free gel moisturizers that absorb well
  • Exfoliate occasionally with gentle scrubs to remove dead skin
  • Avoid harsh astringents, toners and masks
  • Protect skin from sun exposure which can increase pH

The Effects of High pH on Skin

Using products that are too alkaline can have negative consequences for your skin’s health and appearance. Here’s an overview of some of the issues that can result from high pH:

  • Disrupted acid mantle – The protective barrier is broken down, leading to moisture loss and vulnerability to irritants and bacteria.
  • Inflammation – More alkaline skin is prone to redness, sensitivity and reactivity.
  • Acne – Bacteria growth is increased, clogging pores and causing breakouts.
  • Premature aging – Collagen and elastin breakdown accelerates with loss of hydration.
  • Dark spots – Increased pH can trigger more melanin production and hyperpigmentation.
  • Dryness and flaking – Alkaline cleansers strip away natural moisturizing factors.

Reversing the damage of high pH takes time but using low pH products consistently can help restore proper skin function and appearance. Be patient as your acid mantle rebalances itself.

How to Check the pH of Soap

Since pH can have such a big impact, you may want to test your facial cleanser or bar soap’s pH at home. Here are some easy methods:

pH Testing Strips

pH test strips or litmus paper are readily available online or at pharmacies. To test, wet a strip with a bit of your cleanser lather and compare the color to the chart to get the pH reading. This gives you an accurate number.

Slurry Method

Mix a small amount of your soap with equal parts distilled water to create a diluted “slurry”. Then dip your pH strip in the slurry. The reading may be slightly off but gives you a good general range.

Baking Soda Test

Mix a pinch of baking soda with your soap lather in your hand. If it fizzes and foams up, the pH is above 7 and too alkaline for skin. If there’s no reaction, it likely has an appropriate pH under 7.

Vinegar Test

Add a few drops of vinegar to a dollop of soapy lather in your hand. Fizzing indicates a higher pH. No reaction suggests an ideal lower pH for skin.

Conclusion

Cleansing with a soap at the proper pH level is an easy way to improve your overall skin health. Aim for a product rated between 4.5-6 on the pH scale to maintain the acid mantle without irritation. Check the product description or test the pH at home using simple methods like test strips. Switching to a more balanced low pH cleanser can make a difference in moisture retention, sensitivity, acne control and the appearance of premature aging over time.