August 27, 2010 - Bar soaps have been there since ages and they deny to die away in spite of the market full with all types of soaps including liquid soaps, body washes, face washes and all. We can actually never leave the good old bar soaps! So, why not choose the best bar soaps- the best types of bar soaps! Now bar soap types can be defined on different criteria like bar soaps manufacturing process and composition; ingredients used for making bar soap; and bar soaps that are specifically made for various skin types.
This article will try to touch all the points regarding bar soap types. First we will understand how these bar soaps differ on the basis of their manufacturing processes.
Bar Soap Types
Next we will explore the types of bar soaps based on the ingredients used for making them and then will also analyze the bar soap types for all skins from dry and oily to sensitive and acne prone skin type.
Lastly, you will also come to know about some best bar soap brands for all these types of skin. Lets start with classification of bar soap types on the basis of their manufacturing process!
Soaps including bar soaps are manufactured by mixing an alkali (lye) with oil or fat in a process known as saponification. The oils used in bar soap manufacturing have most of the impact in deciding the characteristics of the soap. These oils can be vegetable oils like palm oil, rice bran oil, ground nut oil, castor oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil etc. or non-vegetable oils like tallow (beef fat), lard (pig fat) etc. Types of bar soaps are decided not only by these oils but also by the treatment given to these oils during saponification.
Common Bar Soaps- The commonly found basic bar soaps have in them the most aggressive surfactants. As such, they clean dirt and grime from skin very well but they themselves do not go away completely when washed. They also have a high pH levels which make them irritating to the skin. The examples of ingredients found in ordinary soap bars are sodium tallowate, sodium cocoate etc.
Superfatted Soap Bars- When while manufacturing bar soaps, the process of saponification is left incomplete, it results into bar soaps that have extra fats than the ordinary bar soaps. Certain chemicals used during such bar soap manufacturing prevent some of the oil or fat from being processed. Superfatting improves the moisturization of the soap and makes it less irritating.
Transparent Soap Bars- When glycerin is added to the ordinary bar soap, it becomes transparent soap which is a little milder soap. However, it is still irritating to skin when compared to the superfatted bar soaps.
Syndet Soap Bars- For making syndet bar soaps, synthetic surfactants made from oils, fats, or petroleum products are processed but not through saponification. The synthetic surfactants make syndet bars the most mild bar soaps for skin. The popular Dove soap was the first manufactured syndet bar. The common ingredients used for making syndet bars include:
Apart from the above types of soap bars, there are also combination bars made from different types of cleansers. These soap bars are usually a combination of superfatted soap and syndet bars. They are less irritating than ordinary soaps, but less mild than syndet bars.
Very few people have skin types that do not cause any problems. These people are lucky to have normal skin type as they can enjoy any type of bar soap without worries. However, people with dry skin, oily skin, and more problematic acne prone skin or sensitive skin prone to allergies need to choose bar soap types with utmost caution. Here we give the characteristics of soap types that should be preferred by these people with different skin types.
Soap Types for Sensitive Skin- People who are prone to skin allergies must use organic soaps that come in form of bar soaps too. These soaps have natural ingredients that are friendly to skin. Some of the bar soaps also have herbs suitable to their sensitive skin. People with mixed skin type that is also sensitive must go for antibacterial soap for sensitive skin over one that is medicated. They help reduce skin irritation. Soap with a tallow base (from animal fats like goat milk) are great for moisturizing the skin and are very mild. These are a good choice for people with skin disorders such as eczema.
Soap Types for Dry Skin- Mildest soaps (including organic soaps) are best for people with dry skin. Look for such ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, shea or cocoa butter, almond or olive oil in bar soaps for dry skin. Vegetable fats like palm, olive or coconut oil and shea butter create very creamy lathers and have good moisturizing properties. These things are excellent emollients that help moisturize dry skin. Try to choose the fragrance-free soaps as they don't have harsh chemicals such as sodium laureth sulfate.
Soap Types for Oily Skin- For oily skin, glycerin soaps are the best bar soaps. They can clean oily skin well due to their purifying formulas. Try to choose soaps that are non-comodegenic to prevent clogged pores.
Soap Types for Acne Prone Skin- People who have acne prone skin must use medicated or antibacterial soap. These medicated soaps are best for them as they help curb breakouts of acne. Look for ingredients such as triclosan which is anti-bacterial and salicylic acid which is an acne treatment formula- both of them can help treat body acne.
Here is a list of popular bar soap brands that have proved themselves effective for various skin types.
Bar Soap Brands For Sensitive Skin- These are organic soaps and herbal soap brands, best for sensitive skin
Bar Soap Brands For Dry Skin- These are the best moisturizing soap brands for hydrating dry skin.
Bar Soap Brands For Oily Skin- These are glycerin or herbal soap brands, best for oily skin
Bar Soap Brands For Acne Prone Skin- These are medicated or anti bacterial soap brands for acne prone skin with active cleansing formulas.
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