When you think of what bar soaps are made of, you think of their common ingredients: lye, fats, oils, dyes, etc. These are the ingredients that make bar soap firm, colorful and enable them to lather effectively.
That said, some less common soap ingredients can make a world of difference for your skin and skincare routine. This is why it’s so important to select your products carefully.
Fortunately, there are many unique bar soaps on the market like Erno Laszlo soaps and beauty products that are made for specific skin types, and serve particular purposes like moisturizing, firming or exfoliating.
Learn about the bar soap ingredients that are moisturizing, nourishing, and anti-inflammatory — these are exactly what you should be keeping your eye out for. Your shower routine will never be the same again, and your skin will thank you:
Deep-Sea Mud
More formally known as “silt,” deep-sea mud may not be a common ingredient in soap, but it is one to look for. Deep-sea mud has 26 minerals in it that help to restore and protect the mineral levels of your skin. This will stimulate your skin’s circulation and leave your skin feeling smooth, soft and rejuvenated.
If you’re having a hard time finding bar soaps with deep sea mud, consider Erno Laszlo’s nourishing Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar.
Oils
Soap bars with excess oil are called “superfatted soaps.” They contain fewer irritants and are known to boast better moisturizing capabilities.
It’s a good idea to review a product’s list of ingredients to keep an eye out for oil-based components. For example, palm oils like palm kernel oil have properties that can regulate your skin’s oil production. This is great for those who are more acne-prone.
· Shea Butter
Shea butter is nourishing, hydrating and won’t strip your skin of natural moisture as some other soap ingredients will. Shea butter has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and moisturizing properties that help to smooth and calm your skin.
· Charcoal
Keep an eye out for black soaps because, most likely, their coloring is due to one miracle ingredient: charcoal. Charcoal is absorbent, exfoliates and is suited to all skin types. It absorbs oils, while also being a moisturizing agent.
This ingredient is especially beneficial to those with acne-prone skin, as it reduces oil production, pore size and helps to reduce impurities.
According to StyleCraze, charcoal has actually been used for medical purposes for thousands of years. It’s just now that the substance has been integrated into skincare products due to its incredible properties.
· Aloe Vera
In addition to treating sunburns, aloe vera can also be used to smooth and moisturize skin. Due to its antioxidants, enzymes and vitamins, aloe also helps to reduce irritation, dryness and breakouts.
· Hyaluronic Acid
This ingredient isn’t as scary or chemical-based as its name may suggest. Hyaluronic acid both hydrates and plumps your skin to help you achieve a soft, smooth and youthful complexion. It helps lock in your skin’s moisture, heal irritation, and reduce dryness.
· Emollients
Fortunately, most soap bars are made with emollients. These are softening and moisturizing properties that are added to the product to leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.
The thing is, soaps are generally made with ingredients to clean and cleanse your skin of bacteria – so finding products with extra nourishing ingredients like these can help your skin feel that much better.
