Ditch the Lather and Wash Up the Right Way: 5 Compelling Reasons to Embrace Pure Soap

Here are five key tips for selecting a soap that minimizes skin irritation and reduces exposure to problematic chemicals:

1. Choose Fragrance-Free Products: Fragrances and perfumes are common irritants and commonly contain toxic chemicals such as Phthalates. Unfortunately, specific ingredients used as fragrances in soap do not need to be individually identified on the product label. Check your labels for "fragrance" or "perfume" and consider products with the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.

2. Watch Out for Certain Surfactants: Surfactants, which are responsible for the lathering effect, strip away our natural oils and disrupt the skin barrier.  Avoid Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB), as they can irritate skin.

3. Avoid Harmful Preservatives: Steer clear of methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and isothiazolinones which can cause allergic reactions. Look for soap brands that are free from these preservatives.

4. Skip Antibacterial Soaps: The FDA finds no evidence that antibacterial soaps are more effective than regular soap, and they may increase irritation (See: Skip the Antibacterial Soap; Use Plain Soap and Water). Avoid products with known irritants like Benzalkonium Chloride.

5. Don't Rely on "Natural" Claims: When it comes to soaps, terms like "natural" or "organic" lack regulation seen in the food industry and may not guarantee safety or effectiveness. Ingredients can still be irritants regardless of their source.

   
   

Top Picks for soothing dry, irritated skin include:

Cetaphil RestoraDerm Soothing Wash,

Basis Sensitive Skin Bar,

Tom's of Maine Natural Beauty Bar, or

pHact Moisture-Rich, Soap-Free Cleansing Bar