How the 'Oil Soap' (MIPA Laureth Sulfate) ingredient works in high-oil formulations for dry skin
Question
I made an oil soap formulation for my son's very dry skin using the 'Oil Soap' ingredient (MIPA Laureth Sulfate) along with sweet almond, safflower, and wheatgerm oils.
I'm impressed that it lathers well despite the high oil content and leaves his skin moisturized without needing lotion, which is different from traditional bar soaps.
Could you explain how the 'Oil Soap' ingredient works to achieve this, especially:
- Its ability to foam with high oil levels (up to 30-40% or more)?
- Its gentleness and moisturizing effect compared to alkaline bar soaps (made with Sodium Hydroxide) which tend to strip natural skin oils?
Answer
Thank you for sharing your positive review of the oil soap formulation for your son's very dry skin! It's great to hear that it left his skin feeling moisturized without needing lotion afterwards, and still provided good lather despite the high oil content.
Regarding your question about how the "Oil Soap" ingredient works, based on the staff's explanation:
- "Oil Soap" is a special type of surfactant (สารซักฟอก) that was developed to overcome the limitations of traditional surfactants.
- Traditional surfactants and bar soaps (made with Sodium Hydroxide) have difficulty working effectively (especially in creating lather) when mixed with a large amount of oil. They also tend to strip the skin's natural oils during cleansing, which is particularly problematic for dry skin.
- "Oil Soap," on the other hand, is designed to maintain its foaming ability and cleansing effectiveness even in formulations with high oil content (like 30-40% or more).
- This unique property allows formulations like yours to include a significant percentage of moisturizing oils (like sweet almond, safflower, and wheatgerm oils) while still functioning as a soap that lathers and cleans effectively, but without excessively stripping the skin's natural moisture. This is why it feels moisturizing and doesn't leave a greasy residue, making it ideal for very dry skin.
