You've probably stood in front of a mirror at some point, or in front of a bookshelf full of
cosmetic products, wondering if your cleansing routine is really the right one.
We are constantly bombarded with foaming gels, micellar waters, cleansing milks, and makeup-removing oils. However, sometimes the most effective, healthy, and sustainable solution is to go back to basics.
Choosing a good soap for daily facial use is not just a matter of basic hygiene;
It's the foundation upon which the health of your skin is built. If the first step in your routine fails, the rest of the treatments (serums, creams, or toners) won't be able to work properly.
In this article, we'll demystify the use of bar soap on your face, explain why natural solid cleansers are winning the battle against synthetic ones, and help you identify exactly which ingredient your skin is craving. Forget that old feeling of tightness and discover how homemade facial cleansing can transform your complexion.
Natural soaps vs. synthetic cleansers: What are you putting on your skin?
Facial skin is much thinner, more delicate, and more exposed than the skin on the rest of the body. Therefore, the number one mistake we make is using harsh products that destroy our natural protective barrier, the hydrolipidic film. This is where the difference between natural and industrial soaps is enormous.
Most commercial liquid cleaners you find in large stores are actually "syndets" (synthetic detergents). They're usually loaded with sulfates (like the infamous SLS) designed to create lots of foam and "sweep away" absolutely everything, including the good natural oils your skin needs to stay supple.
In contrast, authentic handmade soaps are made using a fascinating chemical process called cold process saponification. This traditional method has two major advantages:
1. Respect the active ingredients: By not subjecting the oils to high temperatures, the properties of ingredients such as olive oil or shea butter are better preserved.
2. Preserves glycerin: During saponification, natural glycerin is produced, a powerful humectant that attracts water to the skin. The industrial soap industry often removes this glycerin to sell it separately in expensive creams, leaving the soap bar dry and hard. In quality handmade vegan soaps, that glycerin remains, taking care of you.
Practical guide: The best facial cleanser according to your skin type
There is no "one-size-fits-all soap." The magic of natural cosmetics lies in personalization and listening to what your body needs at any given time. Below, we break down what you should look for based on your specific needs.
1. The challenge of acne and oily skin
If you have shine, blackheads, or pimples, your instinct might be to reach for products that drastically "dry" your skin. This is a big mistake! If you over-dry your skin, it will panic and produce even more oil to compensate (the dreaded rebound effect). What you need is balance, not harshness.
A good natural soap for acne should be antiseptic and antibacterial, yet gentle. Ingredients like tea tree oil , activated charcoal, green clay, or propolis are excellent allies.
● How do they work? These soaps deeply cleanse pores and eliminate infection-causing bacteria (such as C. acnes), regulating sebum production without leaving the skin feeling like cardboard.
● Tip: Look for those that also contain light moisturizing oils, such as Jojoba oil, which is chemically very similar to human sebum and helps to dissolve it.
2. Sensitive, reactive skin and skin with dermatitis
Reactive skin suffers terribly from temperature changes, pollution, and especially synthetic perfumes and preservatives. If you're looking for the best facial cleanser for sensitive skin, the golden rule is: "less is more."
Here, ingredients like Calendula or Oats are the undisputed kings.
● Calendula soap : This orange flower has been known since ancient times for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. A soap rich in calendula oil soothes redness and cleanses gently.
● Soap for dermatitis: If you suffer from flaking, itching, or eczema, you need a superfatted soap (with an excess of unsaponified oils) and free of strong essential oils. Aleppo soap (with a low percentage of bay leaves) or 100% olive Castile soap are safe options that gently cleanse while helping to restore the damaged skin barrier.
3. Mature, dry or blemished skin
After a certain age, or if your skin tends towards extreme dryness, cleansing should be accompanied by extra nourishment and cell regeneration. It's not enough to just cleanse; you need to treat.
This is where we need to talk about rosehip soap and its benefits. Rosehip oil is famous for its very high content of essential fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins (such as Vitamins C and A).
Including a rosehip soap in your daily routine offers multiple benefits:
● Helps to reduce small sunspots and scars.
● Improves skin elasticity and firmness.
● It provides a radiance that conventional cleansers often dull. It's the perfect ally for a completely natural "anti-aging" routine.
Myths about using soap on your face
You've probably heard the phrase, "Soap is bad for your face because it has an alkaline pH." Let's clarify this, because it's a half-truth that has done a lot of damage to natural cosmetics.
It's true that natural soap has an alkaline pH (between 8 and 9), while our skin is slightly acidic (around 5.5). However, healthy skin has an amazing ability called the "buffer effect," which allows it to recover its natural pH within minutes of cleansing.
The real problem isn't pH, but harsh detergents. A well-formulated, handcrafted soap, cured for weeks and made with high-quality oils, is infinitely gentler than a synthetic gel with a pH of 5.5 but full of irritating sulfates. Furthermore, the absence of plastic packaging and preservatives means your skin doesn't absorb unnecessary endocrine disruptors .
How to introduce solid soap into your day and night routine
Many people buy a wonderful soap but use it incorrectly and end up frustrated. To get the most out of your daily facial soap, follow this ritual:
- Double Cleansing (Night): If you wear makeup or sunscreen, soap alone may not be enough. Ideally, first use a plant-based oil or balm to "melt" away the oily dirt, and then use your natural soap with water to remove any residue and cleanse your pores.
- Don't rub the bar: A common mistake is rubbing the bar of soap directly against your face. The correct way is to wet your hands, rub the soap between them until you create a rich, creamy lather, and then gently massage your face with that lather for about 60 seconds.
- Rinsing and Drying: Rinse with lukewarm water (never scalding hot) and pat dry with a clean towel. It's vital to have a separate towel for your face and change it frequently to prevent bacteria.
- Soap preservation: This is vital for handmade soaps. Since they don't contain artificial hardeners, they will dissolve if left in a puddle of water. Use a wooden or ceramic soap dish with drainage so it dries completely between uses. This way, your bar will last for months.
- Key ingredients to look for on the label: Finally, here's a little cheat sheet to help you read labels (INCI) and know what you're buying:
● Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter): A powerful cell regenerator, ideal for dry and cracked skin. It provides an unparalleled creamy texture.
● Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil): Provides cleansing and lather. In excess it can be drying, but in the right proportion it is a fantastic cleanser.
● Olive Oil (Olea Europaea Fruit Oil): Liquid gold. It is an antioxidant, gentle, and very compatible with human skin. The base of the best soaps.
● Essential Oils (Lavender, Rosemary, Lemon...): These provide the aroma and therapeutic properties. If you have very sensitive skin, make sure they are used in low concentrations or choose fragrance-free versions.
Conclusion: Your skin deserves real ingredients
Going back to natural isn't a passing fad; it's a conscious decision for your health and respect for the environment. By choosing natural soaps for your facial cleansing, you're eliminating single-use plastics from your bathroom and nourishing your skin with what it truly needs.
Whether you're battling acne, seeking to soothe persistent dermatitis, or simply looking for the best facial cleanser for sensitive skin, there's a bar of soap, patiently and lovingly crafted, waiting for you. Nature already has all the answers; we just need to know how to choose the right one. Discover how at Alma Eko we bring you these pure ingredients for your skin's well-being and join our sustainable revolution.
