The Best Soap for Skin Microbiome (And Why Your Skin Will Thank You)

When it comes to healthy skin, most people think about moisturisers, serums, or sunscreen. But did you know one of the biggest factors in skin health is something you can’t even see? It’s called the skin microbiome – and the type of soap you use can make or break it.

We handcraft our natural soaps here in the Brecon Beacons, designed to work with your skin (and the outdoorsy lives many of us lead) rather than against it. 

What is the Skin Microbiome?

Your skin isn’t just skin. It’s home to trillions of friendly bacteria, fungi, and other tiny microbes that live on its surface. This little community is known as the skin microbiome, and it works hard every day to:

• Defend against harmful bacteria and pollution
• Strengthen the skin barrier (keeping moisture in, irritants out)
• Support calm, balanced skin

When the microbiome is disrupted, skin can feel tight, dry, or more prone to flare-ups. The everyday soap you use is often the culprits.

Why Soap Matters for Your Microbiome

Unfortunately, many commercial soaps and body washes strip away not only dirt and grime but also the good bacteria your skin needs. They often contain:

• Harsh detergents (like SLS/SLES)
• Synthetic fragrances
• Antibacterial chemicals

These can disrupt your skin’s natural pH and microbiome, leaving it vulnerable.

This is where handmade natural soap comes in.

The Benefits of Handmade Soap for Your Skin Microbiome

Handmade soaps, especially those crafted with natural oils and gentle botanicals, are far kinder to your skin. Here’s why they can help support your microbiome:

1. Gentle cleansing without stripping
   Natural soap cleanses effectively while leaving behind some of the skin’s natural oils – important food and shelter for beneficial microbes.
2. Retains natural glycerin
   Unlike mass-produced soap, handmade bars keep their natural glycerin, a humectant that attracts moisture. Hydrated skin = a healthier microbiome.
3. Free from harsh chemicals
   No artificial foaming agents, no unnecessary antibacterial additives – meaning your skin’s microbial balance isn’t thrown off course.
4. Plant oils that feed the skin
   Ingredients like olive oil, shea butter, and coconut oil nourish the skin barrier, giving your microbiome a healthy environment to thrive in.

Choosing the Best Soap for Skin Microbiome Care

If you’re wondering what’s the best soap for skin microbiome health, the answer is simple: choose a handmade soap that is:

• Made with natural oils and butters
• Free from synthetic detergents and sulphates
• Scented with essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances
• Gentle enough for daily use

Your microbiome isn’t asking for complicated skincare – just a bit of respect and a gentle touch. I should know – I learnt this the hard way many years ago and couldn’t understand why my skin was feeling dry, itchy and well…. Meh after showering or simply washing my hands. Turns out changing shower gels/liquid soaps every few weeks made things worse. It was the ingredients in the liquid soap/shower gels that was affecting my skin.

Choosing the Best Soap for Skin Microbiome Care

Well obviously I’m going to say my soaps are the best. But in all honesty, if you’re searching for the best soap for skin microbiome health, then avoid harsh detergents and synthetic additives, and your skin — and its friendly microbes — will thank you.

Your skin is alive, and looking after it means looking after the living ecosystem that keeps it balanced. Switching from harsh commercial cleansers to natural handmade soap is a simple step that can help protect your microbiome, leaving your skin stronger, calmer, and more comfortable.

Sometimes, the best skincare isn’t found in a fancy bottle – it’s just in a humble bar of soap.