Not all soaps are created equal, and not all skin needs the same things. If you’ve ever felt like your soap just wasn’t working for you, the ingredients might be to blame.
Instead of choosing soap by scent or color, try matching it to your skin type. The right ingredients can make all the difference.
For Dry Skin
Look for moisturizing oils and gentle, nourishing additions that help your skin stay hydrated.
Top ingredients to look for:
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Shea butter: Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, perfect for long-lasting moisture
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Olive oil: Soothes and protects without clogging pores
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Avocado oil: Packed with nutrients that soften and replenish
Avoid:
- Sulfates, strong essential oils, or anything labeled as “deep-cleansing.”
Nourishing Body Soap
For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
The goal here is to balance oil, not strip it. Harsh soaps can push your skin to produce even more oil.
Top ingredients to look for:
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Activated charcoal: Draws out impurities and helps unclog pores
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Tea tree oil: A natural antimicrobial
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Sage: Helps regulate oil and calm inflammation
Avoid:
- Artificial fragrances
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For Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin needs ingredients that calm and support the skin barrier. Less is often more. Top ingredients to look for:
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Colloidal oatmeal: Soothes irritation
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Calendula: Gentle and calming
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Pink clay: Mild cleansing with a soft, creamy feel
Avoid:
- Synthetic dyes, perfumes, or essential oils used in high amounts
For Combination Skin
You want ingredients that hydrate dry areas while staying light enough for oil-prone zones.
Top ingredients to look for:
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Glycerin: A humectant that draws in moisture without feeling greasy
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Jojoba oil: Balances sebum and works well for most skin types
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Rosehip: Light but nourishing, supports overall skin tone and texture
Avoid:
- Overly rich butters if your skin leans oily, and anything marketed as “stripping.”
Keep it simple
The fewer questionable ingredients in your soap, the easier it is to figure out what works. Focus on high-quality, plant-based ingredients and avoid fillers or synthetics that don’t serve your skin.
If you’re ready to try a soap that’s made with your skin in mind, take a look at our lineup. Butter & Lye soaps are crafted with straightforward, effective ingredients to support real skin needs with no harsh additives.
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