Is soft soap good for the skin?

Sara Idenfors

Soft soap for skin and wounds – what is the truth?

 

Soft soap has long been used as a home remedy for blisters, ingrown toenails, and small cuts. But why does it say nothing about this on the bottle? Here, we explain what applies, what effects have been reported, and what to consider when using soft soap near the skin.

 

Is soft soap antibacterial?

 

Yes, soft soap has a high pH value and is therefore naturally antibacterial. That is precisely why soft-soap baths for sore feet, ingrown toenails, or blisters have become a popular home remedy over generations.

 

Why doesn't it say that soft soap can be used for blisters and ingrown toenails?

 

This is due to marketing regulations:

  • - Soft soap is considered a cleaning product and is regulated by the Swedish Chemicals Agency, not the Swedish Medical Products Agency.

  • - For a product to be sold or marketed with claimed medical effects, it must be registered as a medicinal product.

  • - Most soft soaps are not registered with the Swedish Medical Products Agency, which means manufacturers may not claim that they help with blisters, ingrown toenails, or other ailments.

 

Therefore: You may have heard about it from healthcare professionals or older relatives, but you will not find information about it on the bottle or the manufacturer's website.

 

Does soft soap help with blisters and ingrown toenails?

 

Many people report positive effects, even though there are no official medical claims. Foot baths with soft soap have traditionally been found to:

  • - Soothe the skin

  • - Soften wound edges

  • - Reduce irritation

 

So no, your grandmother was probably not wrong when she recommended soft soap in a foot bath.

 

Can using soft soap cause eczema?

 

Yes, some people may develop eczema from certain types of soft soap. This is usually due to:

  • - Residual resin in pine oil soaps, which can irritate the skin.

 

Tip: Try a soap based on other oils:

  • Linseed oil soap – gentler for sensitive skin

  • Västerbottenssåpa – based on rapeseed oil and considered especially gentle by many

 

Is soap a good choice for the skin?

 

Yes, many people who switch to soap for cleaning experience:

  • - Less dry skin

  • - Softer hands

  • - Less need for hand cream

 

But remember: Soap is not a skincare product—it is gentle on the skin when used, but it is not made for care.

 

Conclusion

 

Soap is used as a home remedy for abrasions and ingrown nails thanks to its naturally high pH and antibacterial properties. However, because soap is a cleaning product, it may not be marketed for medical use. Choose a mild soap without resin if you have sensitive skin—and remember that many people appreciate soap's skin-friendly properties even when cleaning.

 

 

_____________________________________________________________________________

 Questions and answers

 

 

- Why is soap not registered with the Swedish Medical Products Agency for medical use?

Soap is considered a cleaning product and is not subject to the registration requirements of the Swedish Medical Products Agency. This is because it is classified under the Swedish Chemicals Agency rather than the Swedish Medical Products Agency.

 

- Can soap be used to treat skin problems such as abrasions and ingrown nails?

 

Many people report positive effects from soap baths for wounds and skin problems! 

 

- Why might some people experience eczema when using certain types of soap?

 

Eczema can be caused by residual resin left in some pine oil soaps. Switching to a soap based on linseed oil or rapeseed oil may be an option for those who experience problems with eczema.

 

 

Order natural cleaning products here: Västerbottenssåpa

Back to the blog