What's the main difference between soap and a non-soap cleanser?

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease)

Both will get your skin clean, but soap and non-soap cleansers function in slightly different ways. Regular soap can contain harsh surfactant ingredients that can strip your skin of its natural moisture. Non-soap cleansing products contain synthetic surfactant ingredients, which are milder than regular soap, and can help keep skin healthy and moisturized.

Continue Learning about Skin Cleansing Soaps

Think antibacterial hand soap is the best way to suds up? You may want to think again. Nineteen ingredients in over-the-counter antibacterial soaps, i...

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Depending on the ingredients of the bubble bath solution and the quantity being used, it's quite pos...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

While soap can effectively remove dirt and germs from your skin, it can also remove the natural oils...

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Ammonium lauryl and sodium dodecyl sulfate are the two most common foaming agents in soap. They also...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Skin Cleansing Soaps

A true soap is made only of fats and an alkali (a form of salt). But most soaps contain synthetic, or man-made, ingredients. Antibacterial soap is a synthetic soap with added antibacterial ingredients to kill germs and bacteria. Skin cleansing soaps come in various forms -- liquid, scrub or bar -- and address skin problems beyond removing dirt. Moisturizing soap may help your dry skin, but be wary of a body wash that strips away too many of the skin's natural oils. Learn more about the different types of skin cleansing soaps -- and how to choose the best one for your skin type -- with expert advice from Sharecare.

Learn More