How to Choose the Right Natural Soap for Your Skin Type

Knowing your skin type is the first step to picking the perfect natural soap. Check out these tips to uncover your skin type and discover the ultimate soap for your skincare needs.

Decode your Skin Type

OILY SKIN - If your skin often feels greasy, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), you likely have oily skin. Look for natural soaps that contain ingredients like tea tree oil, charcoal, or clay, which can help absorb excess oil and reduce shine. 

Oily skin is like a magnet for clogged pores, causing acne and blackheads.  Ingredients like tea tree oil, charcoal, and clay unclog those pores and remove the oil and dead skin cells that are causing blockages.

On top of that, tea tree oil has natural astringent properties that help keep oil production on the skin in check. This stops too much oiliness without stripping the skin of its natural oils, which is key for skin health.  It also has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce bacteria on the skin's surface, which can contribute to acne and other skin infections.

Charcoal and clay deeply cleanse pores and remove impurities, including excess oil, dirt, and toxins.  These organic components could also create a matte look on your skin, keeping oiliness at bay without over-drying.

Additionally, incorporating a gentle exfoliant into your routine once or twice a week can help remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Moisturizing is still important, even if your skin is oily; opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers that hydrate without causing breakouts.

DRY SKIN - If your skin feels tight, rough, or flaky, you probably have dry skin. Opt for natural soaps with moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, mango butter, avocado oil, coconut oil, or olive oil to provide hydration and soothe dryness.

Shea butter, mango butter and avocado oil are excellent choices for people with dry skin, as they are deeply moisturizing and rich in essential fatty acids. Shea butter, derived from the nuts of the shea tree, is known for its nourishing and emollient properties, helping to soothe and repair the skin's barrier.

Avocado oil, extracted from the pulp of the avocado fruit, is packed with vitamins A, D, and E, which promote skin health and hydration. Mango butter helps restore and maintain the skin's moisture barrier and is rich in fatty acids, particularly oleic and stearic acids, which help to hydrate and soften dry skin.

Additionally, coconut oil is a popular ingredient in vegan soaps for its ability to create a rich lather while providing intense moisture. It also has antibacterial properties that can help keep skin clean and clear. 

Olive oil is a classic choice that has been used for centuries in soap-making. It is gentle and hydrating, making it perfect for sensitive or dry skin. Combining these oils and butters can create a luxurious, skin-loving soap that provides both cleansing and deep hydration, leaving skin feeling soft, smooth, and rejuvenated.

Avoid hot showers, as they can strip the skin of its natural oils, and instead opt for lukewarm water. Pop a humidifier in your space to keep the air moist, especially in chilly winter months. And don't forget, drink up lots of water to keep your skin happy! 

COMBINATION SKIN - If you have a mix of oily and dry areas, typically oily in the T-zone and dry on the cheeks, say hello to combination skin! You are better off with a balanced natural soap that can cleanse without stripping away natural oils, leaving it feeling refreshed, soft, and well-cared for. 

Look for soaps containing jojoba oil or shea butter. Jojoba oil closely mimics the skin's natural sebum, making it an excellent moisturizer without clogging pores. This oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm irritated skin. Shea butter, on the other hand, is rich in vitamins A and E, providing deep hydration and promoting skin elasticity. It helps to nourish dry patches while not being too heavy for the oilier areas of combination skin. 

Other beneficial plant-based oils include argan oil, which is lightweight and easily absorbed, providing essential fatty acids and antioxidants that help to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Additionally, grapeseed oil is a fantastic choice for its astringent properties that help to balance oil production while keeping the skin hydrated.

SENSITIVE SKIN - If your skin is prone to redness, irritation, or allergic reactions, you have sensitive skin. Look for gentle, fragrance-free natural soaps with soothing ingredients like oatmeal, chamomile, calendula, aloe vera, and lavender.  These natural additions to soaps also have anti-inflammatory properties, that can help calm redness and irritation while providing gentle cleansing.

Avoid products with harsh chemicals or artificial dyes, as these can exacerbate sensitivity. It's also beneficial to patch-test new products on a small area of your skin before fully incorporating them into your routine.

Additionally, maintaining a consistent skincare regimen with moisturizers and sunscreens specifically designed for sensitive skin can help protect and nourish your skin. Drinking plenty of water and maintaining a balanced diet can also contribute to overall skin health. If your sensitive skin issues persist, consulting with a dermatologist may provide personalized advice and treatment options.

NORMAL SKIN - If your skin is neither too oily nor too dry and doesn’t react easily to products, that's normal skin. You can use a wide range of natural soaps, but those with nourishing ingredients like almond oil, olive oil, shea butter, avocado oil, hemp seed oil, cocoa butter, and coconut oil can help maintain your skin’s natural balance.

Sweet almond oil is a lightweight oil that is easily absorbed into the skin, making it suitable for all skin types. It is rich in vitamins A, B, and E, as well as essential fatty acids, which help to nourish and moisturize the skin. Sweet almond oil in soap contributes to a gentle cleansing and softening effect.

Cocoa butter is another rich butter that is deeply moisturizing and helps to soften and protect the skin. It is high in antioxidants, which can help combat free radicals and promote healthy skin. Cocoa butter gives soap a creamy texture and a subtle chocolate-like aroma.

Healthy, glowing skin thrives on hydration! Seek out light, pore-friendly moisturizers. Shield your skin from UV rays with sunscreen!

In addition to topical care, maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants can contribute to your skin's overall health. Drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep are also crucial factors. By following these simple steps, you can keep your normal skin looking radiant and well-balanced.

Peek at the Ingredients

Always read the ingredient list on natural soaps. Steer clear of harsh chemicals, fake smells, and funky colors, which can irritate the skin. Instead, look for soaps made with cruelty-free, organic plant-based oils and butters.

Think About The Added Bonuses

Some natural soaps offer extra perks, like exfoliation or giving you a spa-like aroma. The ones with oats or almonds can buff your skin, while those boasting essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus give off a calming, relaxing or energizing scent.

Sample the Soap

If possible, try a sample of the soap before committing to a full-size bar. This can help you ensure that the soap works well with your skin and doesn’t cause any adverse reactions.   

Read Reviews

Before you buy a new soap, why not check out reviews from people with skin types like yours to see how this soap does? Their personal stories can give you a feel for how well it works and how gentle it is.

Don't forget, all skin is one of a kind, so it might require a bit of trial and error to discover the ideal natural soap for your skin type.

By taking the time to understand your skin type and carefully selecting natural soaps with beneficial ingredients, you can enhance your skincare routine and achieve healthier, glowing, more radiant skin.