How Soap Can Damage Your Skin

• Many commercial soaps contain harsh chemicals, such as synthetic fragrances or petrochemical detergents, which can irritate sensitive skin. But the most basic problem lies in the way soap is made.
  Soapmaking relies on a process called "saponification," in which animal fats or vegetable oils are chemically treated with one of several possible strong alkali compounds called lyes. The alkali most commonly used in making bar soaps is sodium hydroxide (NaOH). It's also known as "household lye" due to its popular use in such chores as clearing drains and scouring ovens.
  Some soapmaking formulas use too much sodium hydroxide for the saponification process to neutralize. The resulting soap will bring trace amounts of lye into contact with your skin every time you wash. Lye is a strong base, and strong bases will burn or irritate the skin. This is why another term for household lye is "caustic soda" -- and why it comes packaged with so many warning labels.
  Another consideration is the sodium component of the lye. Sodium is a skin-damaging factor all on its own.
  If you're like most people, the amount of lye that makes its way into your shower is too trivial for concern. But if your skin is sensitive (due to eczema or just naturally dry skin, for example), or if you have to wash very often (for instance, to remove the excess oils associated with acne), cumulative damage to your upper skin layer can diminish its ability to retain moisture. This in turn means itchy, irritated skin, possible rashes, and -- since your skin is your first line of defense against invading germs -- a compromised immune system.
  
  

What Makes a Cleansing Bar Gentle?

• Most gentle cleansing bars are advertised as "non-alkaline." This means that no residual alkalis remain in the finished product. Generally this is accomplished via superfatting, using a higher oils-to-lye ratio during saponification so that residual oils, rather than residual alkalis, remain. These leftover oils provide a moisturizing effect beyond that of simple non-alkalinity. Some manufacturers will increase this effect by adding glycerin or additional oils after saponification.
  Some companies make gentle cleansing bars that also leave out the synthetic fragrances, dyes and detergents that may irritate your skin. For some people, this is an added bonus; for others it's a stark necessity.
  
  

Choosing a Gentle Cleansing Bar

• Which gentle cleansing bar is best for you depends on why you need one. Switching to a non-alkaline bar with added glycerin may be enough to solve the problem of soap drying you out. Or you may need to avoid a particular ingredient. Try also browsing online forums dedicated to any medical conditions you have; members will happily share their experiences concerning different skin care products.