Is That Soap Actually Helping Your Healthier Skin? 6 Label Red Flags to Avoid
Healthier Skin starts with knowing what’s really in your soap. Healthier Skin can be compromised by hidden ingredients—here are 6 label red flags to watch for.
We’ve all been there—standing in the skincare aisle, overwhelmed by colorful packaging. And promises of “moisturizing,” “natural,” or “dermatologist-recommended” soap.
But behind these marketing claims often lies a different reality. The average person applies more than 100 chemicals to their skin daily through personal care products.
With soap being one of the most frequently used items. With skin absorption rates estimated between 60-70%. For certain compounds, what’s in your soap matters more than you might think.
Let’s cut through the confusion and identify six red flags to watch for on soap labels.
Warning signs that your cleanser might be doing more harm than good.
Identification Of Six Red Flags For Healthier Skin
Red Flag #1: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
These powerful surfactants create that satisfying lather we’ve been conditioned to associate with cleanliness.
However, studies have shown that SLS can strip skin of its natural oils, compromise barrier function, and trigger irritation—particularly for those with sensitive skin conditions.
What to look for instead: Gentle surfactants like coco-glucoside, sodium cocoyl isethionate, or sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate provide effective cleansing without aggressive stripping.
Red Flag #2: “Fragrance” or “Perfum” (Without Specification)
When you see “fragrance” listed without further detail, be aware that this single word can legally represent a proprietary blend of hundreds of chemicals, many of which are potential irritants or allergens.
The fragrance industry operates with minimal regulatory oversight, allowing companies to protect their “trade secrets” at the expense of consumer transparency.
What to look for instead: Products that disclose specific essential oils or state “fragrance-free” or “scented with essential oils of lavender, rosemary, etc.”
Red Flag #3: Triclosan and Triclocarban
Once ubiquitous in antibacterial soaps, these ingredients have faced increasing scrutiny due to concerns about antimicrobial resistance and endocrine disruption.
The FDA banned these ingredients from over-the-counter consumer antiseptic wash products in 2016, but they may still appear in other personal care items.
What to look for instead: Natural antimicrobial ingredients like tea tree oil, thyme oil, or ethyl alcohol if you need antimicrobial properties. And simply recognize that regular soap is effective against most germs without added antibacterial agents.
Red Flag #4: Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, etc.)
These preservatives prevent microbial growth in water-based products but have raised concerns about potential hormone disruption.
While regulatory bodies continue to debate their safety, many consumers prefer to avoid them as a precautionary measure.
What to look for instead: Products preserved with potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol (in very low concentrations), or self-preserving formulations with ingredients like honey, salt, or high concentrations of essential oils.
Red Flag #5: Synthetic Colorants (FD&C or D&C followed by a color and number)
Those vibrant blues, pinks, and greens in soap have nothing to do with cleansing efficacy—they’re purely cosmetic.
Synthetic colorants like Yellow 5, Red 40, and Blue 1 have been associated with skin irritation. And sensitivity in some individuals, especially those with eczema or contact dermatitis.
What to look for instead: Either uncolored soaps or those tinted with natural colorants like clay, plant extracts, or flower petals.
Red Flag #6: High pH (Alkaline) Formulations
Traditional bar soaps typically have a pH between 9-10, which is significantly more alkaline than our skin’s natural pH of around 4.5-5.5.
This pH mismatch can disrupt the acid mantle—your skin’s protective barrier—leading to dryness, irritation, and vulnerability to bacteria and environmental stressors.
What to look for instead: pH-balanced cleansers or “syndet” bars that cleanse effectively while respecting your skin’s natural chemistry.
Beyond the Ingredient List: Marketing Claims to Question
As you evaluate soap labels, also be wary of these misleading marketing terms:
- “Natural” – This term is unregulated and can be applied to products containing minimal natural ingredients alongside synthetic ones.
- “Dermatologist tested” – This simply means a dermatologist evaluated the product, not necessarily that they endorsed it or found it beneficial.
- “Hypoallergenic” – There’s no universal standard for this claim, and it doesn’t guarantee the product won’t cause allergic reactions.
Making Informed Choices for Healthier Skin
Armed with this knowledge, you’re now better equipped to select cleansers that truly support your skin’s health.
Remember that what you wash away matters just as much as what you leave behind—harsh cleansers can compromise your skin barrier.
Consider your individual skin needs, be skeptical of marketing claims, and prioritize ingredients that cleanse effectively while maintaining your skin’s natural balance.
