Ingredients to Reduce Dryness and Tightness in Liquid Soap

Ingredients to Reduce Dryness and Tightness in Liquid Soap

The issue of dry and tight skin after using liquid soap is often caused by surfactants that are too harsh for the skin. Choosing milder cleansing agents and adding conditioning agents can help alleviate this problem.

1. Choose Mild Surfactants

Instead of using Sulfate-based surfactants which can easily cause dryness, opt for highly gentle surfactants. These will effectively cleanse the skin without stripping away too much of its natural oils. Examples of mild surfactants include:

• Mild-Wash L™ (Sodium Lauroamphoacetate): An amphoteric surfactant that is gentle and compatible with other surfactants, suitable for face and body cleansing products.
• IseFoam™ (Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate): A highly gentle surfactant that produces good foam.
• Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate and Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate: Amino acid-derived surfactants that provide skin moisturization and generate a rich lather.

2. Add Conditioning Agents

These ingredients help to form a thin film on the skin to reduce the feeling of dryness and increase smoothness after rinsing. Examples of conditioning agents commonly used in cleansing products include:

• WaterLock™ (Polyquaternium-51): Structurally similar to skin's phospholipids, it helps coat the skin to prevent water loss, keeping the skin moisturized for longer, and can reduce irritation from surfactants.
• PCA Glyceryl Oleate: A natural-based skin conditioner and moisturizer that helps strengthen the skin barrier and improve hydration.
• Poly-Conditioner 28 (Polyquaternium-28): Provides softness to the skin and hair and is compatible with various surfactants.

3. Slip Agent

For the feeling of friction or "tightness" during washing, you can add ingredients specifically designed to provide slipperiness, such as:

• Polyglide™ (e.q. POLYOX WSR-205): Helps create a smooth feel on the skin, making rinsing easier and reducing friction.

By adjusting your liquid soap formula to use milder surfactants in combination with conditioning agents, you can achieve a product that cleanses effectively while reducing skin dryness and providing a comfortable feel after use.