I was wondering why does Castile Soap burn my face yet it’s an all-natural soap. If you have sensitive skin or an allergy to a particular ingredient, castile soap can be a bit harsh on your face.
Why Does Castile Soap Burn My Face?
It is normal for any kind of soap to have that slight burning sensation when you first start using it. That sensation should disappear after a couple of weeks of continued use.
However, if the burning sensation remains even after using it consistently, then there must be something in the product that is causing this reaction. Castile soap contains almost no additives or fragrances and as such has very little artificial content.
If you are already using castile soap to wash your face then I would suggest trying another brand. There could be some other reason why your skin is reacting so badly to this particular brand.
To understand why castile soap burns your face, let’s take a look at what makes it different from any other kind of soap:
What is Castile Soap?
Castile soap is a plant-based soap made from saponified olive oil. It is a kind of natural soap that is gentler on the skin than traditional soaps. It can be used on all types of skin, even sensitive and oily skin.
It is made from vegetable oils and has no synthetic chemicals. The main ingredients of castile soap are water and olive oil or coconut oil. Other ingredients include citric acid, sodium hydroxide, and fragrance.
Why do Castile Soaps Burn?
The main culprit behind the Castile Soaps burning sensation is sodium hydroxide, also known as lye.
Sodium hydroxide is added to the castile soap along with the other vegetable oils to convert them into soap. It is a highly alkaline substance that has a pH level of 13. It burns your skin because it is very strong.
Plain soap does not create enough lather for cleaning and lye is added to make it potent. Glycerin, another commonly used substance in castile soap, can also cause a burning sensation though not as intense.
Why does Castile Soap Make You Tingle?
Some brands of castile soap also contain essential oils. The most common essential oils used in castile soap are peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree, and rosemary.
These essential oils are used in small amounts and are not supposed to burn your skin. However, if you happen to have allergies or sensitivities to any of these substances, your skin will start to tingle.
Glycerin, sodium hydroxide, and essential oils are all potential causes behind the tingling sensation. If you are experiencing tingling and burning sensations while using a castile soap, you should change the brand.
Is Castile Soap Good for Sensitive Skin?
As mentioned before, castile soap is a very mild soap. It does not contain any harsh additives or chemicals that can harm your skin. As such, it is a great option for people with sensitive skin.
However, it is always good to check whether the brand you are using has any substances that might be harmful to you. Some brands of castile soap have additives like alcohol or coloring that are harmful to sensitive skin.
If you do have sensitive skin, you should also check to see if the castile soap you are using contains any allergens. Essential oils and glycerin are common allergens in soaps and can irritate sensitive skin.
What To Do If Your Face Is Burning After Using Castile Soap?
If you discover that your skin is burning after using a particular brand of castile soap but you still want to use this type of soap, here are a few ways you can mitigate the problem:
- The best option is to switch to a different brand.
- You can also attempt to reduce the amount of lather that you create while using the soap.
- You can also try adding less castile soap while massaging it into your face.
- If your skin is reacting to the additives or glycerin in the soap, you will have to replace it with another soap that has no allergens.
- You can also try adding a neutralizing agent like baking soda or cornstarch to your face wash to reduce the lather.
- If a single change does not work for you, you should visit a dermatologist to find out what is causing your skin to react.
What NOT to do if your face is burning after using castile soap?
If your skin is burning after using castile soap, the first thing you should do is stop using it. Do not try to reduce the amount of soap that you are using or change the amount of water that you are adding to dilute the lather.
You should also not try to wash your face with a stronger soap to get rid of the burning sensation.
If the burning sensation remains even after changing the soap, then you should visit a dermatologist. A dermatologist will be able to help you identify the cause of your reaction and find the best solution to solve the problem.
Final Thoughts
Castile Soaps come highly recommended by many people and have great reviews. So, I understand it can be a bit of a bummer if you are having problems when using the soap.
If you have tried the Castile soaps and they are still causing you irritation and burning sensations, you can look for alternatives.
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