Soaps are one of the most important items in every home. We use them to clean our homes, take our baths, and eliminate disease-causing germs. Soap is made using ingredients like natural oils, hydroxide, and a few other additives that can help clean away dirt.
Presently, they are different types of soap. While all of them can serve the same purpose of removing dirt, they aren’t meant to be used to carry out the same function. For example, beauty soap is meant to be used on the skin, while a liquid or detergent soap is meant to remove dirt from dishes and clothes.
In this article, we are going to be looking at some of the main types of soap.
Glycerin soaps
Glycerin soaps are highly sorted out because they are gentle to the skin and are perfect for every skin type, including sensitive skin. They can help moisturize the skin and make it healthy. Glycerin, which is one of the main ingredients in glycerin soap, is a humectant. Research has shown that humectant has healing properties and is a strong moisturizing agent.
Toilet soaps
Toilet soaps are mildly perfumed and are mainly used for washing hands. Many regard toilet soap as bathing soap, but they aren’t the same. You see, toilet soap contains a high amount of TFM. Bathing soap, on the other hand, contains a low amount of TFM. Toilet soap is categorized into 3 grades. The first grade contains 76% TFM, the second grade contains 70% TFM, while the third grade contains 60% TFM.
Laundry soap
Laundry soaps are loaded with surfactants, an active agent that reduces surface tension and pulls dirt out of our clothes. Surfactants have two ends. The first end attaches to the dirt, while the other attaches to the water. When the water is swished, the dirt is pulled away. Laundry soaps are available in gel, liquid, and powder form.
Guest soaps
These are mildly perfumed soaps that can be used for different purposes (bathing and washing hands). They are usually colored and small in size. You will find them in the bathroom of many hotels and motels.
Beauty soaps
Beauty soaps are specifically made for cleaning the face. Besides removing dirt from our face, they can hydrate the skin and lock in moisture. What’s more, they can address skin issues like acne, fade black spots, and enhance fairness. Granted, beauty soaps have a lot of perks, but not every variation of them will be good for you. So before making a final decision, you should consider factors like your skin type, color, and the skin issues you have.
Beauty soaps are also known as beauty bars, and are available in liquid, bars, and gel form. They are usually scented and are available in different colors.
Dish soap
These are made specifically for cleaning dishes. Since they contain strong chemicals that can potentially damage the skin, they should not be used for bathing.
The key difference between regular soap and dish soap is the concentration of the surfactant present in it. Dish soap can remove oil, grease, and tough stains because it contains a high amount of surfactant.
Most dish soap on the market contains ingredients like mint, orange, and lemon. The scent of these ingredients lingers on plates after they have been washed.
Novelty soaps
Novelty soaps are made to serve as a decorative piece and a cleaning agent. They are available in a variety of colors, designs, and shapes. They are often used as decorative pieces in bathrooms. Besides looking great, they have a sweet fragrance that you won’t be able to get enough of.
Medicated soaps
These are made specifically to address one or more skin issues. They are usually recommended by health care practitioners. They contain ingredients that can help fight viruses and bacterial. Some medicated soap on the market can help address skin conditions like – acne, fungal infection, pimple, clogged pores, and blackheads.
Medicated soaps are categorized into 3 distinct groups. Below is an overview of what each of them is all about.
Anti-fungal soaps
They are loaded with antifungal agents that can help address fungal infection swiftly. They also contain ingredients like sulfur, zinc oxide, glycerin, and essential oil.
Antibacterial soaps
They contain ingredients like tetrasodium EDTA, triclosan, and PCMX that can help address a bacterial infection.
Medicated soaps for specific skin issues
These are made to address specific skin issues like acne, cellulite, and dry skin. They contain natural ingredients from plants that can ebb away common issues and soothe the skin.
Transparent soaps
Many people find transparent soap fascinating because they can see through them. They are made by mixing soap ingredients with hot alcohol instead of water. Transparent soap is best for people with severe acne and oily skin.
Milk soaps
This is one of the gentlest soaps on the market. As you likely guessed, their main ingredient is milk.
Milk soaps are usually used on infants because they are free from chemicals that cause irritation. What’s more, they can pamper, soften, and nourish the skin.
Animal soaps
Animal soaps are made from the fat that is extracted from animals.
Luxury soaps
Luxury soap are usually pricy because they are made from top-quality ingredients like chocolate, sandalwood, kokum butter, Olive oil, jojoba oil, Castor oil, and many more.
Perfumed soaps
Perfumed soap contains fancy fragrances that will improve your mood and make you feel energized. They are used in high-end salons and spas.
Final note
There you have it, the main types of soaps. Of course, you have the freedom to opt for any of the soap discussed in this article. But to make a final decision, you should consider what you will be using it for. Before buying a medicated soap to address a particular skin issue, it is wise that you first consult your doctor or a dermatologist. These specialists have years of experience under their belt and can narrow down the best soap for your condition. Remember that not all soaps are great for bathing. Detergent and dish soap, for example, can damage our skin.
