The Science Behind Skin pH and Handmade Artisan Soap

 

Table of Contents

1. What Is Skin pH?

2. Why Skin pH Balance Matters

3. How Conventional Soap Disrupts pH

4. What Makes Artisan Soap Different

5. How Josspure Formulates pH-Respecting Soap

6. Best Artisan Soaps for pH Harmony

7. FAQs

8. References

9. Summary

What Is Skin pH?

Your skin has a natural pH of about 4.5 to 5.5 — slightly acidic. This acidic layer, called the acid mantle, protects you from bacteria, pollution, and moisture loss.

When the skin’s pH is too high (alkaline), it can:

• Cause dryness

• Trigger irritation

• Disrupt your skin barrier

Why Skin pH Balance Matters

Maintaining your skin’s natural pH helps keep your barrier strong, which is vital for:

• Retaining moisture

• Preventing flare-ups (like eczema or acne)

• Supporting healthy bacteria on the skin’s surface

A balanced pH = calm, radiant, resilient skin.

How Conventional Soap Disrupts pH

Most commercial soaps have a high pH — often 9 or above — making them alkaline. These bars strip away:

• Natural oils

• Beneficial bacteria

• Skin barrier function

That’s why many people feel tight, dry, or itchy after using drugstore soap.

What Makes Artisan Soap Different

Handmade artisan soap, especially cold process, respects skin’s biology by:

• Using natural, skin-loving oils (olive, coconut, shea)

• Retaining glycerin for hydration

• Being superfatted, which leaves excess oils to moisturize

• Avoiding SLS, synthetic fragrance, and harsh detergents

Explore our cold process collection

Even though artisan soaps may test slightly alkaline, their formulation includes:

• Mild cleansers

• Botanical ingredients to soothe skin

• Extra oils to restore balance after cleansing

How Josspure Formulates pH-Respecting Soap

At Josspure, every bar is:

• Crafted with low-irritation oils like olive, oat, and rice bran

• Cured for 4–6 weeks to ensure a mild cleanse

• Fragrance-free or scented with gentle essential oils only

• Designed for women who want skincare that works with their skin, not against it

We don’t use lab-created “pH balanced” detergents. We make real soap that respects your skin from the first lather.

Learn about our gentle ingredients

Best Artisan Soaps for pH Harmony

1.  Harmony Bar

Nourishing shea butter, calming chamomile, soothing spirulina. Just skin-calming simplicity.

2. Oatmeal, Raw Honey & Shea Bar

Soothing oat meets creamy shea to keep the acid mantle intact.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar & Yogurt

Naturally fight odors and balance Ph.

Shop soaps made for sensitive skin

FAQs

Q: Should soap match skin’s pH exactly?
A: Not necessarily. Skin is resilient. A slightly higher pH is fine when paired with nourishing, moisturizing ingredients.

Q: Why do some soaps say "pH balanced" but still irritate?
A: Many “balanced” cleansers contain sulfates or synthetic fragrances that disrupt skin.

Q: Can Josspure soap be used daily?
A: Yes! It’s made for daily use without damaging your skin barrier.

Q: What happens when pH is out of balance?
A: You may experience flaking, breakouts, or redness — signs that your barrier needs repair.

References

• National Institutes of Health – Skin pH and Barrier Function

• American Academy of Dermatology – Skin Cleansing Tips

• EWG Skin Deep

• Josspure Ingredient Glossary

 Summary

What is the ideal pH for skin and how does artisan soap help?
Healthy skin has a slightly acidic pH (4.5–5.5). Artisan soap, especially cold process, helps support this balance with nourishing oils, glycerin, and no synthetic additives.

✨ Support your skin’s natural balance.
Shop artisan bars that love your skin

 

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