Let’s settle a debate that’s been around forever: face wash vs. soap. You might be tempted to grab that bar of soap sitting by your sink for a quick face cleanse, but hold up—is it really doing your skin any favours? Spoiler: probably not. In this post, I’ll break down why soap and your face don’t mix, how face wash is the better choice, and what you need to know to keep your skin glowing and healthy. Let’s get into it!
The Big Difference: Soap vs. Face Wash
At first glance, soap and face wash might seem like they do the same thing—clean your skin. But they’re formulated for very different jobs. Soap is designed to tackle tough grime, like dirt on your hands or body, while face wash is crafted specifically for the delicate skin on your face. Here’s why that matters.
What’s in Soap?
Traditional soap, whether it’s a bar or liquid, is made by combining fats or oils with an alkaline substance (like lye). This creates a high-pH product (usually 9–10) that’s great for cutting through grease and bacteria on your body. But the face? It’s a whole different story.
What’s in Face Wash?
Face washes are formulated with milder surfactants (cleansing agents) and a pH closer to your skin’s natural level (around 4.5–5.5). They often include skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or aloe vera to hydrate, soothe, or address specific concerns like acne or dryness. Plus, they’re designed to clean without stripping your skin’s natural oils.
Why You Should Avoid Soap on Your Face
Using soap on your face might feel like it’s getting the job done, but it can do more harm than good. Here are the top reasons to ditch soap for a proper face wash.
1. Soap Disrupts Your Skin’s pH Balance
Your skin has a slightly acidic protective layer called the acid mantle, which keeps bacteria out and moisture in. Soap’s high alkaline pH can throw this balance out of whack, weakening your skin’s barrier. This can lead to dryness, irritation, or even increased oil production as your skin tries to compensate.
- What You’ll Notice: Tight, uncomfortable skin after washing, or sudden breakouts from an imbalanced skin barrier.
- Why Face Wash Wins: Face washes are pH-balanced to match your skin, keeping that acid mantle happy and intact.
2. Soap Strips Away Natural Oils
Soap is a heavy-duty cleanser that doesn’t discriminate—it removes all oils, including the ones your face needs to stay soft and hydrated. This can leave your skin feeling stripped and parched, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.
- What You’ll Notice: Flaky patches, redness, or a tight feeling that no moisturizer seems to fix.
- Why Face Wash Wins: Face washes are formulated to remove excess oil and dirt while preserving your skin’s natural moisture. Ingredients like glycerin or ceramides can even add hydration.
3. Soap Can Cause Irritation
The harsh surfactants in soap (like sodium lauryl sulfate in some liquid soaps) aren’t gentle enough for facial skin. They can irritate, especially if you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or rosacea. Bar soaps often contain fragrances or dyes, which can make things worse.
- What You’ll Notice: Redness, itching, or a burning sensation after washing.
- Why Face Wash Wins: Face washes use milder surfactants and are often fragrance-free or formulated for sensitive skin, reducing the risk of irritation.
4. Soap isn’t Great at Removing Makeup or Sunscreen
If you wear makeup or sunscreen (which you should be wearing daily!), soap might not cut it. Its cleansing power isn’t optimized for breaking down these products, leaving residue that can clog pores and dull your complexion.
- What You’ll Notice: Leftover makeup smudges or a greasy film, leading to blackheads or breakouts.
- Why Face Wash Wins: Many face washes are designed for double cleansing—think oil-based or micellar cleansers that melt away makeup and sunscreen, followed by a gentle cleanser for a thorough clean.
5. Soap Can Speed Up Ageing
Here’s a scary one: Regularly using soap on your face can contribute to premature ageing. By stripping oils and disrupting your skin barrier, soap leaves your skin vulnerable to environmental damage, like UV rays and pollution, which break down collagen and cause wrinkles.
- What You’ll Notice: Over time, fine lines, dullness, or uneven texture may creep in sooner than expected.
- Why Face Wash Wins: Face washes often include antioxidants or hydrating ingredients that support your skin’s health and help fight ageing.
When Is Soap Okay?
To be fair, not all soaps are the enemy. Some speciality soaps, like those formulated for acne-prone skin with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, can work for certain people. But even these should be used cautiously, as they can still be drying or irritating. If you’re in a pinch (say, travelling with no face wash), a gentle, fragrance-free liquid soap is better than nothing—but it’s not a long-term solution.
How to Choose the Right Face Wash
Ready to make the switch? Here’s a quick guide to picking a face wash that’s perfect for your skin (check out my earlier post on choosing the right face wash for more details!):
- Oily Skin: Go for a gel or foaming cleanser with salicylic acid or tea tree oil to control oil without stripping.
- Dry Skin: Pick a creamy or hydrating cleanser with hyaluronic acid or ceramides to lock in moisture.
- Combination Skin: Try a lightweight gel or milky cleanser that balances oily and dry areas.
- Sensitive Skin: Opt for a fragrance-free, gentle cleanser with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or centella asiatica.
- Normal Skin: A mild foaming or creamy cleanser will keep your skin balanced and happy.
Pro Tip: Look for “non-comedogenic” on the label to ensure it won’t clog pores, and always check the ingredient list for skin-friendly additions or potential irritants like fragrance.
Bonus Tips for a Better Cleanse
- Double Cleanse at Night: If you wear makeup or sunscreen, start with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water, then follow with your face wash to remove all residue.
- Use Lukewarm Water: Hot water can dry out your skin, while cold water doesn’t clean as effectively.
- Be Gentle: Massage your cleanser in circular motions with your fingertips for 30–60 seconds, then rinse thoroughly.
- Follow Up: After cleansing, apply a moisturizer and sunscreen (in the morning) to protect and hydrate your skin.
- Keep Tools Clean: Washcloths or cleansing brushes can harbour bacteria, so clean them regularly to avoid spreading germs.
Final Thoughts
Your face deserves better than a harsh bar of soap. By switching to a face wash tailored to your skin type, you’ll keep your skin’s natural balance in check, avoid irritation, and set the stage for a glowing complexion. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in your skincare routine.
