What is the pH of Soap?

Soap typically has a pH between 9-10, making it moderately alkaline.

The alkalinity comes from the basic chemical reaction used to make soap, called saponification. When fats or oils react with a strong base (usually sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide), they form soap molecules and glycerin. Alkalinity helps to open up the outer layers of your skin (safely) to better remove dirt. It also helps the surfactants form micelles trap oils and dirt.

Common pH values of soap

• Traditional cold-process soaps tend to be more alkaline (pH 9-10).
• Modern syndet bars (synthetic detergent bars) can be formulated to be closer to neutral (pH 7-8).
• Some specialty soaps might be specifically formulated to be gentler, with pH levels closer to skin's natural pH of about 5.5.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does pH-balanced mean for soap?

pH-balanced soap means the product has been formulated to match or come close to skin's natural pH level of around 5.5. Traditional soaps coming in at pH 9-10 can disrupt this barrier. pH-balanced soaps and cleansers use synthetic detergents and buffers to achieve a gentler pH, typically between 5.0-7.0.

These products clean effectively while being less likely to cause irritation or dryness.
However, "pH-balanced" isn't a regulated term, so manufacturers may just go wild wild west and take you on a ride. Always discontinue using a product that irritates your skin.

What is the pH of Castile Soap?

Castile soap typically has a pH between 8.9 and 10.5, making it moderately to strongly alkaline. During saponficiation, the alkaline lye breaks down the olive oil's triglycerides into fatty acid salts (soap molecules) and glycerin. Even after the saponification process is complete and all the lye has reacted, the resulting soap maintains an alkaline nature due to the chemical structure of these fatty acid salts.

Reasons why the pH of Castile Soap is what it is.

• The specific olive oil composition used (olive oils can vary in their fatty acid profiles)
• The precise amount of lye used in the saponification process
• The curing time allowed for the soap
• Whether any additional ingredients are included (in the case of modified Castile soaps)

Castile Soap has been lathered up safely for centuries, so don't worry about the difference between its pH level and that of our skin (5.5). Many commercial Castile soap manufacturers, like Dr. Bronner's, typically maintain their products at around pH 9.3, striking a balance between effective cleansing and gentleness. This is notably more alkaline than modern synthetic detergents but less alkaline than traditional lye-heavy soaps.

What is the pH of dish soap?

Dish soap typically has a pH between 7 and 8. A pH level of 7-8 helps break down grease and food particles while being gentle enough for regular hand contact. Some concentrated dish soaps can have pH levels up to 8.5-9.0.

What is the pH of Dawn Dish Soap?

Dawn dish soap has a pH of approximately 7-8. Dawn does help kill fleas, which is an added benefit.

What is the pH of liquid soap?

Liquid hand soap typically has a pH between 8 and 10. Antibacterial liquid soaps tend to be on the higher end (pH 9-10), while moisturizing formulas are often closer to pH 8.

What pH soap is recommended for women?

For women's intimate hygiene, soaps with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 are recommended to match the vaginal pH and maintain healthy bacterial balance. Regular soap (pH 9-10) can disrupt this balance and lead to infections. Many gynecologists recommend using pH-balanced intimate washes or just warm water for cleansing.

For general body use, women can use any soap, though those with sensitive skin may prefer pH-balanced formulas (pH 5.5) to minimize irritation.

What pH soap is recommended for men?

Men's skin typically has a pH between 4.5-6.0. While dudes can use any soap, pH-balanced products (pH 5.5-6.0) are gentler on skin. For intimate areas, mild pH-balanced cleansers or just water are recommended to avoid irritation.

What is the best pH for car soap?

Car wash soaps typically have a pH between 6 and 8. This neutral to slightly alkaline range effectively removes dirt and grime while being safe for car paint and wax coatings. Extremely alkaline soaps (pH >9) can strip wax protection and damage paint over time.

What is the pH of Goat Milk Soap?

Goat milk soap typically has a pH between 6-8, making it milder than traditional soaps. The natural lactic acid and fat content in goat's milk helps buffer the alkalinity, resulting in a gentler pH that's closer to skin's natural level of 5.5.

What is the pH of Donkey Milk Soap?

Donkey milk soap typically has a pH between 7-8, which is somewhat lower than other soaps due to the natural lactic acid in donkey milk.

What is the pH of Irish Spring Soap?

Irish Spring bar soap has a pH between 9.5-10. A bar of Irish Spring also works wonders for keeping rodents out.