Many people still use traditional soap for daily facial care. Unfortunately, this isn't always the best choice. Facial skin is different from body skin—it's thinner, more sensitive, and prone to dryness. Using traditional soap with a high pH can disrupt the skin's natural protective barrier . Therefore, it's worth exploring gentler, natural alternatives.
Why should you avoid facial soap?
Bar soap, especially traditional soap, is alkaline (pH 9-10), while facial skin has a slightly acidic hydrolipidic film (pH around 4.7–5.5). Using soap can:
- dry out the skin,
- cause a feeling of tightness,
- aggravate acne and inflammatory changes,
- disturb the balance of the skin microbiome.
Studies show that regular use of soap with an alkaline pH can lead to disruption of the epidermal barrier and increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
What can you use to wash your face instead of soap? – TOP 4 gentle face washes
Here are proven, natural and effective facial cleansing alternatives from Orientana:
A gentle SLS- and soap-free facial wash gel
Contains natural surfactants (e.g. glucosides) that do not disturb the skin barrier.
Key ingredients of facial cleanser and how they work
Natural cleaning substances
The formula based on mild surfactants of plant origin effectively removes impurities and sebum without disturbing the skin's natural hydrolipid barrier.
Betaine
An active substance obtained from sugar beet with moisturizing and soothing properties – it reduces the feeling of tightness, soothes irritations and improves skin elasticity.
Gluconolactone (Gluconolactone)
A gentle PHA acid that exfoliates dead skin cells, supports skin renewal, and protects against free radicals. Also suitable for sensitive and couperose-prone skin.
Date extract (Phoenix Dactylifera Fruit Extract)
A source of polysaccharides and antioxidants. Moisturizes, protects against oxidative stress, and improves skin's appearance.
Eclipta Prostrata Extract
A plant with powerful soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It supports regeneration and soothes skin inflammation.
Green tea leaf water (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water)
Rich in polyphenols, it has antioxidant properties, supports protection against environmental stress and reduces inflammatory reactions.
Inulin
A natural prebiotic that supports the balance of the skin's microbiome, strengthens its immunity and reduces the tendency to irritation.
Fructose
A moisturizing sugar belonging to the NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factors) group. It helps maintain the proper level of hydration and skin softness.
Facial cleansing foam
Perfect for dry, mature, and sensitive skin. They gently remove impurities and makeup.
Facial cleansing gel with particles
Although it's designed for men's skin, some of us prefer a more vigorous cleanse. There are no harsh particles here, only delicate cellulose particles that dissolve under friction.
4. Oil Makeup Remover (OCM)
The "fat dissolves fat" principle works especially well with makeup and sebum. Recommended for dry and dehydrated skin.
Natural facial cleansers – how do they work?
Natural gels, free from strong detergents like SLS, rely on gentle cleansing ingredients (e.g., Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside). They often also contain:
- glycerin – moisturizes and prevents dryness,
- plant extracts (e.g. from dates, rice, aloe) – soothe and nourish,
- gluconolactone – a delicate PHA acid that has a cleansing and anti-aging effect.
Example:
Orientana Gentle Facial Wash Gel – Natural Cleansing + Care
Who are soap-free products suitable for?
Soap-free facial cleansers are suitable for people who:
- with sensitive, dry, vascular skin,
- with acne, atopic dermatitis or seborrhea,
- after cosmetic or dermatological treatments,
- who want to maintain the balance of the skin microbiome.
Undesirable substances in facial cleansing products
Soaps—especially traditional bar soaps—contain ingredients that are not suitable for delicate facial skin , especially if used daily. Below, you'll find a list of ingredients that may be irritating or drying , along with a brief explanation of how they work:
Sodium Hydroxide
- A substance necessary for the saponification process of fats.
- It has a strongly alkaline pH (above 10), which disrupts the natural acidic protective barrier of the skin (pH 4.5–5.5).
- May cause dryness, burning and a feeling of tightness.
Sodium soaps (e.g. Sodium Palmate, Sodium Tallowate, Sodium Cocoate)
- These are sodium salts of fatty acids (formed by the reaction of fat with NaOH).
- They cleanse strongly , but at the same time remove natural lipids from the skin , which can lead to excessive dryness, especially in people with sensitive, dry or atopic skin.
Strong detergents (e.g. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – SLS)
- An aggressive surfactant that removes fat but also damages the lipid layer of the epidermis .
- May cause irritation, burning sensation, worsening acne and redness.
Denatured alcohol (Alcohol Denat.)
- Sometimes added to liquid soaps.
- It has a degreasing and astringent effect, which may lead to dryness and, as a result, to compensatory oiliness of the skin .
EDTA (e.g. Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA)
- A chelating agent that binds heavy metals in water.
- May cause skin irritation and increase the penetration of other ingredients – including potential allergens.
Summary: Why avoid these ingredients on your face?
Facial skin:
- is thinner than the skin of the body,
- has a more delicate microbiome and protective barrier,
- responds faster to irritating stimuli.
Daily use of soap with the above-mentioned substances may lead to:
- excessive dryness of the skin,
- damage to the hydrolipid coat,
- overproduction of sebum,
- intensification of acne and erythematous lesions,
- faster skin aging.
Instead of a typical drugstore facial soap containing such ingredients, it is better to choose a natural soap without dangerous chemicals or completely avoid using it in favor of other alternatives.
Instead of traditional soap, choose gentle, natural cleansing products that:
- do not disturb the skin's pH,
- do not disturb the hydrolipid barrier,
- support the microbiome and epidermal regeneration.
This type of care is the key to healthy, radiant skin every day.
All Orientana facial cleansing cosmetics can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
