The 3 Major Disadvantages of Soap Cleansing! How to Choose a Cleanser to Avoid Skin Roughness, Dryness, and Tightness

"My face feels tight when I wash it with soap." "My skin gets dry..."

 

Do you have such a negative image of soap cleansing?

In fact, regular bar soap has three major disadvantages that can easily cause skin problems.

I hope to help you understand why "soap cleansing is bad," whether it really is bad, and to find the right knowledge and cleansing routine for your skin.

Does soap cleansing irritate your skin? 3 disadvantages you should know

The reason some people feel tightness and dryness is related to these disadvantages.

Disadvantage ① Many products are alkaline

Many commercially available bar soaps are alkaline, made from oil and strong alkaline lye. It is said that skin is naturally slightly acidic, so alkaline soaps can be irritating. Especially for those with sensitive skin, using such soaps can cause dryness and skin problems.

Disadvantage ② Strong cleansing power

Bar soaps have a higher proportion of cleansing ingredients compared to facial foams, resulting in stronger cleansing power. While they effectively remove dirt, they can also strip away necessary sebum. A lack of sebum can weaken the skin's barrier function, leading to dryness and tightness, so those with dry skin should be careful.

Disadvantage ③ Poor lathering

Bar soaps tend to form "soap scum" when reacting with minerals in tap water, which can result in poor lathering. When there's not much lather, people tend to scrub their faces vigorously with their hands, but friction can damage the skin.
However, this "lack of lather" can also be an advantage in terms of ease of rinsing.

However, soap cleansing is not all disadvantages. By choosing the right product, you can minimize its weaknesses and maximize its benefits.

Overcoming disadvantages! How to choose soap for sensitive and dry skin without failure

From the disadvantages, it's easy to get the impression that "soap cleansing is bad for the skin," but that's not always the case. Just like with facial foams, the most important thing is how you choose it.

There are three key points:

  • Slightly acidic: Close to the skin's pH, protects barrier function
  • Low irritation: Low in synthetic surfactants, colorants, and fragrances
  • Contains moisturizing ingredients: Retains moisture with oils and skincare ingredients

If a soap meets these three criteria, it is highly recommended even for sensitive and dry skin.

Actually full of benefits! The charm of soap cleansing

While regular soap has its disadvantages, "facial cleansing with soap" has long been persistently popular. The reason lies in its "simplicity and reliability" and "refreshing feel". So, what exactly are its benefits?

Benefit ① Gentle on the skin

Bar soap is characterized by its low content of unnecessary additives, which helps reduce skin irritation.
Facial foams may contain preservatives, stabilizers, and synthetic surfactants, which can be irritating to sensitive skin. In contrast, the main ingredient of bar soap is simple fatty acid salt. It is easily biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

Benefit ② Rinses off easily

The cleansing ingredient in bar soap, fatty acid salt, is very compatible with water. Compared to synthetic surfactants, its structure is simpler and its molecules are smaller, so it rinses off quickly with water, and the lather disappears easily.
The absence of a sticky residue after washing and the refreshing feeling of use are also unique charms of soap.

Benefit ③ Cost-effective

Although bar soap looks small, it actually lasts a long time. Since it contains almost no moisture, it can be used in a concentrated state. It can effectively cleanse with a smaller amount compared to facial foam, making it a pleasing point that it is excellent value for money.
It is an affordable and environmentally friendly cleanser that is easy to incorporate into daily life.

Overcoming disadvantages! CHANTO's recommended facial cleansing soaps

A sincere soap full of love, made for my son with sensitive skin. I highly recommend it to anyone who says, "None of the commercial soaps work for me!"

While maintaining the unique benefits of soap such as easy rinsing and fewer additives, it is also slightly acidic, just like the skin. It is packed with plenty of non-cleansing ingredients like moisturizers and lathering agents.

CHANT's all-in-one shampoo bar is a very rare Japanese shampoo bar that can wash 《hair, face, and body all in one, with no need for conditioner》.

 🔗 [You might also want to read]

👉 Differences between "Soap" and "Shin Soap (Shampoo Bar)" and all ingredients

👉 Who are soap shampoos/shampoo bars not suitable for?

TANE — A moisturizing soap rich in camellia oil

TANE-CTA

TANE is a soap created for those with sensitive skin. It is also fragrance-free, making it safe for those sensitive to smells. It gently washes away dirt and excess sebum, preventing acne and heat rash. It is highly moisturizing, leaving the skin feeling supple even after washing.

If you have sensitive skin and have tried many cleansers without success, please try TANE.

  • Features: Fragrance-free, luxuriously uses camellia oil and seeds from Toshima, Tokyo
  • Recommended skin type: Sensitive skin, acne-prone skin
  • Finish: Moisturized

・High-quality "Camellia Oil," the ultimate oil with anti-inflammatory properties!
・Full utilization of "Camellia Seeds," which contain ingredients that maintain skin health!
・Safe ingredients like coconut-derived powder and natural clay

Click here for more details onTANE

KIYOME — Boost transparency with the power of fermentation

"My skin always feels tight after washing my face," "My face gets powdery during the day." If you have dry skin, you should definitely experience the moisturizing effects of KIYOME. It is also popular for its "purifying scent," a blend of Japanese essential oils such as sandalwood, benzoin, and mint, which helps soothe anxiety and promote restful sleep, healing both mind and body.

For beautiful aging and as a small daily treat, please use KIYOME!

  • Features: Aged sake lees extract, argan oil
  • Recommended skin type: Dry skin, combination skin
  • Finish: Supple, transparent

・Luxuriously formulated with aged sake lees extract "KOHAKUYUKI"!
・Contains 4 types of beauty oils including argan oil
・Formulated for sensitive skin and intimate areas

Click here for more details onKIYOME

    Customer Reviews

    TANE Customer Reviews

     

    KIYOME Customer Reviews

    Protect your skin barrier with "moisturizing care" after cleansing

    When cleansing with soap, it's crucial to choose products that preserve moisture. Adding moisturizing care after cleansing can further prevent skin problems.
    The fermented oil serum "SAKI Oil Serum" is so rich that it can be used even while still wet in the bath!

    Click here forOil Serum SAKI

    Summary

    👆Strong cleansing soaps can cause skin dryness and roughness.

    👆For soap cleansing, it's important to choose products that are "mildly acidic, low-irritation, and contain moisturizing ingredients."

    👆CHANT's TANE and KIYOME are recommended for sensitive and dry skin.

    👆Adding moisturizing care after cleansing provides extra reassurance.

    \ Why not start a skin-friendly cleansing routine? /

    ▶ Click here for TANE details

    ▶ Click here for KIYOME details

     

     

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