Selecting the appropriate approach to maintain your hygiene and skin health can pose numerous queries, particularly with the constant influx of new products into the market. To steer clear of harsh chemicals, many individuals are opting for natural products such as syndet bars, with the hope of attaining the same hygiene standards and potentially superior skin health compared to conventional soaps. Why opt for a syndet? What renders it so favoured and advantageous? Peruse the subsequent article as we delve into some medical research concerning dermatological soap bars and ascertain if this is the suitable choice for you.
Why Opt for a Syndet?
Summary
Published on February 11, 2025, by Andjela, Chemical Engineer — 6 min of reading
Themes:
Benefit #1: Syndets Deliver Gentle Cleansing with Mild Surfactants.
The most significant synthetic detergents are alkyl sulphates and their derivatives, typically marketed as "sulphates." Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), which is arguably the most crucial member of this group, is composed of lauryl alcohol and sulphur trioxide. Owing to their potential for irritation, they have become less popular in most applications except for some organic shampoos. Alkyl ether sulphates are now preferred instead, produced by ethoxylated alkyl sulphates. Ethoxylation reduces irritation but does not entirely eradicate it, and it is not endorsed in organic-certified products.
Modern recipes for soap-free cleansers, syndets, and dermatological soap bars are increasingly reliant on isethionates and sarcosinates. Sodium cocoyl isethionate, derived from coconut oil, is frequently integrated into the recipes for syndet bars and solid shampoos, whilst N-acetyl sarcosinates, originating from the fusion of sarcosine and fatty acids, are typically found in shampoos and shower products.
Chemical composition of Sodium Carboxylate (Soap).
Source: COUTEAU C. & al. Soap and syndets: Differences and analogies, sources of significant confusion. European Review for Medical & Pharmacological Sciences (2020).
Chemical composition of an alkyl sulphate.
R = hydrocarbon chain comprising 12 to 18 carbon atoms; X = Na, K or NH4. Source: COUTEAU C. & al. Soap and syndets: Differences and analogies, sources of significant confusion. European Review for Medical & Pharmacological Sciences (2020).
Chemical composition of sodium lauryl sulphate.
Source: COUTEAU C. & al. Soap and syndets: Differences and analogies, sources of significant confusion. European Review for Medical & Pharmacological Sciences (2020).
Synthetic detergents, acting as anionic surfactants, exhibit amphiphilic traits and bear a strong resemblance to conventional soaps. Their roles as surfactants encompass wetting agents, emulsifying agents, detergents, and foaming agents. All these attributes render them highly adaptable and crucial components in contemporary cleansing products for all body parts - including the face, scalp or intimate area.
The outcomes of a 28-day study demonstrate a significant advantage for atopic dermatitis (AD) in 50 patients who utilised a syndet cleansing bar, as opposed to soap, which was previously employed by 70% of the participants. Syndet usage lessened the severity of eczematous lesions, erythema, pruritus, tightness, irritation, and dryness (P ≤ 0.5) whilst enhancing skin smoothness, softness, and appearance. These findings emphasise that syndet formulations are beneficial in retaining moisture and minimising disruptions to the stratum corneum in AD patients.
Benefit #2: Syndets possess a physiological pH that honours the skin.
An additional significant advantage to highlight is that syndets possess a natural or marginally acidic pH, varying from 5.5 to 7, which is comparatively near to the skin’s physiological pH (4.5 - 5.5). In summary, these products bolster the skin barrier and don't provoke irritation to the skin or remove its natural oils like alkaline soap with a higher pH.
Advantage #3: Syndets are appropriate for all skin types.
Cleansing is crucial for all, but individuals with particular skin conditions must select the appropriate product for their personal requirements, as it can be the key factor in exacerbating or easing symptoms. Research has demonstrated that syndet bars are gentler than traditional bars on the skin and are perfect for skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, eczema, acne, and rosacea. While a syndet bar may not be necessary for everyone, those utilising harsh soaps would gain from transitioning to a gentler syndet cleanser.
It has been demonstrated that syndet bars guarantee optimal skin cleanliness whilst minimising harm to the skin barrier. While soap-based cleansers lead to barrier disruption, lipid dissolution and pH alteration, a study by MEYER F. (2004) affirmed that syndets containing emollients reduce skin barrier damage in two main ways: by limiting the interaction of cleanser surfactants with skin proteins and lipids, and by substituting those that are inevitably lost during washing.
Sources
PAYE M. & al. A comparative study of the effects on the skin of a traditional bar soap and a syndet cleansing bar under normal usage conditions and in the soap chamber test. Skin Research and Technology (2001).
MEYER. F. & al. Uncompromising cleansing: the impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and gentle cleansing technology. Dermatological Therapy (2004).
GOTTLIEB A. & al. Benefits of gentle cleansing: synthetic surfactant bars (syndet) for patients with atopic dermatitis. Cutis (2006).
KORTING H. C. & et al. The pH of the skin surface and its impact on the barrier function. Pharmacology and Physiology of the Skin (2006).
NOLE G. & et al. Cleansing bars. Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures (2015).
DRAELOS Z. D. The science behind skincare: cleansers. Cosmetic Dermatology Journal (2018).
COUTEAU C. & al. Soap and syndets: Differences and similarities, sources of great confusion. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences (2020).
HARRISON I. P. & et al. Skin cleansing without or with compromise: Soaps and syndets. Molecules (2022).
