6 Ingredients to Look for in Skin-Sensitive Soap
Sensitive skin does not mean that you must deal with your skin feeling itchy and dry after a bath. Soaps for sensitive skins are formulated with ingredients intended to replace the natural oils or moisture lost during the washing and cleaning. Soaps with ingredients like aloe and chamomile are meant for sensitive skin, as they keep the skin irritant-free, soft, and supple.
Look for these ingredients when buying soaps for sensitive skin so that you have skin that feels clean with moisture and softness intact.
1. Shea butter
Shea butter tends to remain in the soap as a super fat oil, so only 5 % to15% is used while making one. Though a difficult ingredient to turn into soap, it creates good lather and adds extra conditioning properties to the soap while giving the soap a requisite hardness. It is said to be beneficial in treating skin problems like dry skin, blemishes, and discoloration.
2. Neem oil
As a superfatting oil, less than 5% of neem oil is used in soap. It is a dark green colored, thick, and pungent oil. Used in formulating medicated soaps, it is good for eczema and other skin conditions.
3. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is rich in emollient fat and is excellent for moisturizing. Most of the soaps with coconut oil will have 25 % or less of it. Coconut oil imparts hardness to the soap with fluffy lather and active cleansing power. Note that instead of virgin coconut oil, refined coconut oil is used as it is less expensive.
4. Cacao butter
Cacao butter contains natural antioxidants. 15% of this nourishing butter is used in soaps. The butter provides moisture and softness while imparting protecting and healing properties to the soap.
5. Avocado oil
Avocado oil contains antioxidants and vitamins. This oil added to the soap gives it a moisturizing and healing touch. It neutralizes irritants and forms a protective layer on the skin.
6. Sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil is rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and proteins. It is the carrier oil used in up to 20 % of the base oils in soap. It creates a conditioning and rich lather on the skin. On washing, it leaves the skin feeling light and non-greasy. The oil is soothing for inflamed skin and helpful for chapped skin rashes.
Mild and unscented soaps with natural ingredients are super gentle for sensitive skin. The aim is to avoid irritants such as fragrances, grainy exfoliants, and scratchy cleansing ingredients. If you consciously look for these ingredients when buying soaps for sensitive skin, you are giving yourself healthy, younger-looking, and supple skin. It is best to consult your doctor or dermatologist for soaps that are best suited to your skin.