Why Choose Natural Soap for Sensitive Skin? A Guide to Gentle, Effective Cleansing

Why we formulate differently at Washpool

When we began making soap for people with sensitive, reactive or compromised skin, we knew that gentleness wasn't just a marketing term — it was a necessity. Many commercial soaps rely on detergents and synthetic foaming agents that strip the skin’s natural oils. We wanted to create something truly different: a bar that cleanses without compromising the skin barrier.

At Washpool, we formulate every bar from scratch, using the traditional cold process method. That means blending raw oils and lye, then curing our soap for 4–6 weeks to ensure it hardens naturally, lathers beautifully, and remains free of fillers or commercial hardeners. Our process also preserves naturally occurring glycerin, which draws moisture into the skin.

Key Benefits of Our Gentle Soap Bars

• Moisturising oils like high oleic safflower, avocado, and shea to nourish and protect
• Fragrance-free options in our Scent Free Olive Oil bars, made with olive oil, known for its skin tolerance
• Goat's milk options available across a wide range of bars, offering gentle exfoliation and lactic acid to support sensitive skin
• Naturally occurring glycerin to support the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss
• Minimal, recognisable ingredients — no harsh additives, colours, or unnecessary extras

A Note on Fragrance

We offer both fragrance-free and scented options. While many of our bars are ideal for sensitive or reactive skin, a smaller part of our range includes carefully selected fragrance oils. These allow us to offer scent profiles — like strawberry, vanilla, or sandalwood — that aren’t available in essential oils or are prohibitively expensive in natural form.

Our goal is always to provide clarity and choice. If you have sensitivities, our scent-free and essential-oil-based blends are a great place to start. If you’re drawn to unique or nostalgic scents, we have those too — clearly labelled and thoughtfully crafted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is goat milk soap good for eczema?

Yes. Goat milk is rich in lactic acid, fats, and vitamins that support compromised skin. Many customers with eczema-prone or dry skin find our goat milk soap bars beneficial due to their gentle formulation and moisturising qualities.

Can I use natural soap on my face?

Yes — and we formulate specific bars just for that purpose. Our facial bars contain ingredients like shea oil, aloe vera, avocado oil, and kaolin clay, making them ideal for dry, mature, or oily/combination skin types. They’re free from fragrance oils and coloured naturally with mineral oxides and clays.

How do I know which bar is best for me?

If your skin is reactive, start with our Scent Free Olive Oil bar or a facial bar suited to your skin type. As your skin adjusts and you get to know what it loves, you might explore more scented or specialised options.

Summary

If you're seeking a gentle cleanse that supports skin health — especially for dry, reactive, or sensitive types — choosing a well-formulated, natural soap bar is a smart and nourishing choice. At Washpool, we combine traditional soapmaking with botanical understanding to deliver honest, effective alternatives to mass-produced soap.