Do all soaps contain animal products?

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease)

No, there are alternatives if you want to avoid cleansers that contain animal products. Look for soaps that list sodium isethionate as an ingredient. It's a substitute for animal-derived sodium salts that comes from coconuts.

Continue Learning about Skin Cleansing Soaps

You Don’t Need Antibacterial Soaps to Keep Your Hands Clean

Think antibacterial hand soap is the best way to lather up? You might want to think again—especially since handwashing is a key way to protect yoursel...

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

True soap can strip the skin of a lot of its natural oil and moisture, but many cleansers are consid...

Dr. Ellen Marmur, MD

Deodorant soap usually contains soap plus antibacterial ingredients such as tetrasodium EDTA. Becaus...

Dr. Ellen Marmur, MD

Often referred to as "syndet bars" or "soap-free" soaps, these use synthetic - and usually milder - ...

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.

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