The Science Behind Skin pH and Handmade Artisan Soap
Table of Contents
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:
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Cause dryness
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Trigger irritation
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Disrupt your skin barrier
Why Skin pH Balance Matters
Maintaining your skin’s natural pH helps keep your barrier strong, which is vital for:
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Retaining moisture
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Preventing flare-ups (like eczema or acne)
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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:
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Natural oils
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Beneficial bacteria
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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:
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Using natural, skin-loving oils (olive, coconut, shea)
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Retaining glycerin for hydration
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Being superfatted, which leaves excess oils to moisturize
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Avoiding SLS, synthetic fragrance, and harsh detergents
Explore our cold process collection
Even though artisan soaps may test slightly alkaline, their formulation includes:
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Mild cleansers
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Botanical ingredients to soothe skin
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Extra oils to restore balance after cleansing
How Josspure Formulates pH-Respecting Soap
At Josspure, every bar is:
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Crafted with low-irritation oils like olive, oat, and rice bran
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Cured for 4–6 weeks to ensure a mild cleanse
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Fragrance-free or scented with gentle essential oils only
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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
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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