What is the potential of hydrogen?
The potential of hydrogen, abbreviated as pH, is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It is defined as the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) present in a solution. pH is measured on a scale from 0 to 14, where 7 is considered a neutral pH. Solutions with a pH below 7 are considered acidic, while solutions with a pH above 7 are considered alkaline or basic.
What is neutral pH?
Neutral pH is a measurement system used to determine the acidity of a solution. The lower the pH, the more acidic the solution will be. Conversely, the higher the pH of a solution, the more alkaline it will be. Neutral pH is 7, which is the midpoint between acidic and alkaline values. Therefore, it is generally used to measure the acidity of the skin and products.
When we talk about neutral pH soap, we tend to think that nothing else matters in a soap. Nothing could be further from the truth. Let's start at the beginning:
pH is a measure of the acidity of an aqueous solution, ranging from 0 to 14, with a neutral pH of approximately 7. Soap is often marketed as ‘neutral’; however, this presents several drawbacks, such as misleading consumers into buying a particular product. Below, we discuss neutral pH soap, including its myths, truths, and effects on the skin.
Myths or misleading claims about soaps with a neutral hydrogen potential or pH
Soap advertisements generally indicate that the soap is ‘pH neutral’; however, the true meaning of the label differs. This is because customers take the product advertisement literally, without considering the actual value it indicates.
In addition, the value indicated in the advertisement is usually lower than the actual neutral pH, although there is generally no significant difference. Another misleading way to promote soaps is to say that they are ‘gentle’ on the skin, which actually suggests that they are more acidic than neutral pH.
Advantages and disadvantages of hydrogen potential or neutral pH
Neutral soaps have many benefits for the skin. One of the greatest benefits of neutral pH soaps is that they preserve the skin's natural oil layer, known as a person's natural oil barrier. The natural oil layer provides protection against harmful external agents, such as bacteria, viruses, and moisture. Using neutral soaps also helps maintain the skin's proper hydration level and helps prevent dryness.
On the other hand, some experts claim that neutral pH soaps are not healthy for daily use. This is because soap may contain chemicals that are harmful to the skin. These chemicals include preservatives and fragrances that can irritate the skin and affect its pH balance.
Tips for using neutral pH soap correctly
First, we recommend using neutral soaps approved by dermatologists. Many neutral pH soaps may contain chemicals that are harmful with long-term use. The best way to prevent these problems is to choose neutral pH soap with a low chemical content and limit its use to 1-2 times per week. Neutral soaps specially formulated for sensitive skin, such as Jabonify's handcrafted soaps, are also a good option.
In conclusion, using neutral soap can be helpful for maintaining the skin's pH balance and preventing dryness, provided that the right product is chosen. It is also important not to be misled by advertisements promoting “neutral pH 5.5 soaps”, since the actual neutral pH is around 7. With proper care, neutral soaps can be a useful addition to your skincare routine.