pH level of a soap and how does it matters

More the extremes, greater the damage; More the neutrality, no damage at all!

I am sure, most of us have heard about the word ‘pH’ in Chemistry subject. But have any of us thought about its usage, significance and damage on skin? Come on, we will take you through a detail description of this ‘pH’ in your soaps and how it affects your skin.

What is pH of soap and what is its significance?

‘Ph’ refers to ‘potential of hydrogen’. This pH value generally measures the hydrogen concentration in an aqueous solution and how alkaline or acidic the aqueous solution is. In order to measure the pH, the solution must be water-based, even if it is a solid. It usually ranges between the scale of 0-14. Thus, this means that soap doesn’t have pH, but when mixed with water, its alkalinity can be measured.

pH is important to be measured, to have a fair idea if the soap is ready to be used in skin or not.

To explain you the pH scale further, the scale measures from 0 to 14. The neutrality of the soap is 7, which is not at all harmful, but if it rises above 7, the alkalinity will increase and if it falls below 7, acidity will increase. Thus, both the extremes are severely damaging to the skin and inner organs as well.

Optimal PH Values to have for human body

pH 0-6 is acidic, 7 is neutral and 8-14 is alkaline.

Usually the pH of the soap bars are more inclined towards the alkaline graph. Thus, any soap bar between the range of 7-11 is good for your skin.

Apart from this, the pH also depends on your skin type. For instance: An old skin shouldn’t use a very strong pH.

How can you tell if a soap is alkaline or acidic?

Soap’s pH value has to be measured to find out its alkalinity or acidity.

To check the pH value of the soap, abide by the following steps:

1. Pour bit of water on the surface of the soap. Or mix a bit soap in little amount of water
2. Mix it properly until it lathers.
3. Take the pH strip and dip it into the solution.
4. Check the pH of the strip like the graphic attached.

BIG NO: Do not use the soap on tongue method. It can be highly hazardous.

The damage that alkaline soap does to the skin

A usual soap bar is more inclined towards the alkaline side. The neutral alkalinity ranges between 8-11, but anything above that is highly harmful. Following are the instances of negative effects:

1. It can scrap off the skin’s outer structure or epidermises, making it look flaky.
2. It can deplete the necessary oils of your skin, making your skin look fatigued and dried out.
3. It harshly demolishes the hydration of your skin and your skin feels stretched most of the times.
4. No hydration means no self repair. No self repair means more infections.
5. Few common diseases it can cause are psoriasis and eczema.

PH Neutral soap Benefits

BALANCE IS THE KEY!

A neutral soap is the lightest and mildest on your skin and carries the following benefits:

1. It will not strip off natural oils from your skin.
2. Helps in the self-repair of the skin and hydrate it better.
3. The skin would have a better texture and smoothness.
4. We cannot skip bathing ofcourse. Thus, a mild soap is suitable for any to every skin type such as, acne prone, sensitive skin, dry skin, itchy skin etc.

We have a new addition to the types of soap bars we use today. These are the castile soaps. Castile soaps are the vegetable-based alternative to the ordinary soaps we use today. These are made up of plant-based oils such as castor, coconut, sunflower, olive oil etc. anything that is plant based is considered natural and herbal. Moreover, oils provide better hydration and shine to the skin.

So bye bye ordinary soaps….hi hi castile soaps !

FAQ’s

How do I know if my body wash is pH-balanced?

The pH of a body wash can be checked by mixing it with water and dipping in the pH strip. Usually, the pH-balanced body washes wouldn’t be fragrant, alcoholic or synthetic in touch.

What is the pH of natural soap?

First of all, we need to get it clear what natural soap is.

A daily soap that you use cannot be considered a natural soap until proven by the company. Since it has synthetic base, its pH may vary from one soap to another. However, these soaps’ pH definitely inclines to the extremes.

On the other hand, soaps like castile soaps are the natural alternative, which is purely made from vegetable-oils. Thus, its pH may vary from 9-11, which is the most suitable for human body

What is the pH value of natural soap?

The average pH of the soaps varies from 9-11 on a pH scale.

An ordinary might be a routine, but never your best friend.

Invest in unique and end up as FOREVER!