Can soaps really moisturise?

[jhclare]

Hi all,

I've recently become sceptical about certain soaps (both shaving and bath) claiming to moisturise the skin.

By its very nature, soap dissolves oil in order to cleanse the skin, so how does it end up actually moisturising?

It's my belief (unscientific) that no soap moisturises the skin, but simply that some dry the skin less than others.

Discuss!

John

 

[Leon]

Well, soap contains vegetable oils or animal fats which will make the moisturization happen, I guess.
Let's see what the soap experts have to say.

 

[DirtyDave]

I have some soaps from Susie's Bubbles and Squeak and they do leave my skin at least not dry. Many times I don't bother with the usual ASB when I use her soaps.

I should also note that my skin normally tends to be a bit oily. Also note that my skin feels soft and smooth after a shower, three to four passes with a razor and toning my skin with witch hazel and some aftershave.

So, I think I can say her soaps do offer some moisturizing properties.

 

[soapbox]

Soap (or detergent) with no additives will dissolve oil and carry away dirt, contributing to the idea that soap is drying to your skin. You can replace moisture in your skin two ways: holding water against the skin, or using oil to prevent moisture loss (I'm simplifying here, as I'm not a skin care expert but rather an amateur chemist). Glycerin binds to water and holds it against your skin, so using a soap with glycerin (even though some of it washes away when you rinse) will feel less drying. Similarly, a soap with excess oil in it (moisturizing cream, baby oil, lanolin, whatever) will help prevent (further) moisture loss.

 

[WhosYerBob]

The tallow soap that I use from Prairie Creations leaves my skin feeling super moist and supple, so much so that my wife has commented on it several times. Usually other non-tallow soaps will leave my skin extremely dry - to the point it will begin to flake if I don't add ASB to the mix.

 

[mmack66]

Dove is 1/4 moisturizing cream.

 

[jhclare]

Dove is 1/4 moisturizing cream.

But... it technically isn't soap.

Even so, most of it washes away down the plug hole when you rinse. I've never found Dove particularly moisturising, no more than other (less drying) soaps I've tried.

John