Debunking Soap pH Myths: Why Litmus Tests Are Misleading and What Really Matters
Confused by viral videos about soap pH and litmus tests? Discover why real soap science doesn’t match social media myths — and why properly made cold process soaps are the safest, most nourishing choice for your skin.
Scroll through social media and you’ll likely come across videos showing litmus paper dipped into soap lather, followed by dramatic declarations about whether the soap is “skin-safe” or “harsh.” Most claim that a soap must have a pH of 5.5 — the same as your skin — to be good for you.
But here’s the truth: most internet litmus tests about soap pH are misleading.
In this blog, we’ll bust the popular soap pH myths, explain why DIY litmus tests aren’t reliable, uncover the reality behind so-called “pH 5.5” soaps, and show you why properly crafted cold process soaps are completely safe — and often better for your skin.
1. Understanding pH – And Why It Matters in Soap
pH is a scale that measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is — from 0 to 14.
- pH 7 is neutral (like pure water).
- Below 7 is acidic.
- Above 7 is alkaline.
Your skin naturally has a slightly acidic pH, typically between 4.5 and 5.5, which helps form the acid mantle, protecting against bacteria, pollutants, and moisture loss.
Natural handmade soaps, especially cold process soaps, typically have a pH of 8.5 to 10. This slight alkalinity isn’t harmful — it’s part of what allows soap to cleanse effectively, removing dirt, oils, and pathogens.
2. Why Internet Litmus Paper Tests Are Flawed
Those viral litmus paper videos may be entertaining, but they’re scientifically inaccurate. Here’s why:
- Litmus strips are made for clear liquid solutions, not thick, oily, or foamy substances like soap lather.
- Soap naturally contains glycerin, oils, botanicals, and other moisturizing elements that interfere with strip readings.
- DIY users usually test lather or a surface rub, not a proper solution, making the reading meaningless.
- True soap pH testing involves a 1:10 dilution (1 g soap in 10 g distilled water) and using a calibrated digital pH meter.
3. The Truth About “pH 5.5” Soaps – How Are They Made?
You might have heard of “pH balanced” soaps boasting a pH of 5.5. But here’s the secret: they’re not real soaps — they’re syndet bars (short for “synthetic detergent”).
Typical ingredients in pH 5.5 bars:
- Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSA)
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- PEG compounds
- Synthetic fragrances
- Synthetic colors
- Chemical emulsifiers & preservatives
These bars are detergent-based cleansers, not natural saponified soaps.
Effects of pH 5.5 Syndet Bars
- Stripped-down formulations: They lack moisturizing oils or glycerin naturally found in real soap.
- Hidden ingredients: Often loaded with synthetic fragrances and preservatives.
- Skin feel: Might seem gentle at first but can cause dryness, tightness, or irritation with prolonged use.
- Environmental impact: Most syndet bars are not biodegradable and are less eco-friendly.
4. Is Cold Process Soap With pH 9 Harmful? Absolutely Not!
Well-crafted cold process soaps are completely safe and offer major skin benefits:
- Made from plant-based oils like coconut, sunflower, olive, and castor.
- Superfatting leaves extra oils, creating a moisturizing layer.
- Natural glycerin is produced, which hydrates and protects skin.
- No synthetic detergents, SLS, or PEGs.
Even though they have an alkaline pH (around 8.5–10), handmade soaps cleanse gently without disrupting your skin’s natural ability to heal and balance.
✨ Remember: Lemon juice has a pH of 2, but you wouldn’t wash your face with it daily, would you? Similarly, low pH doesn’t automatically mean safer or better.
5. So What Should You Trust When Choosing a Soap?
- ✅ Full and honest ingredient list
- ✅ Cold process method (not syndet bars)
- ✅ Natural oils and butters
- ✅ Essential oils instead of synthetic fragrance
- ✅ Superfatting for moisture retention
- ✅ Eco-friendly and biodegradable formulation
Conclusion: Let Science, Not Strips, Guide Your Soap Choice
Litmus paper tests done at home are not reliable indicators of soap safety. True soap pH testing requires proper dilution and equipment, not quick foam-dip experiments.
Choosing soap should be based on the quality of ingredients, the traditional method of making, and how your skin feels — not just chasing numbers like 5.5.
A well-made cold process soap with a pH of 8.5–10 is completely safe, deeply moisturizing, and better for your skin’s long-term health than most pH 5.5 synthetic bars.
Trust nature, transparency, and real skin science.
🌿 At TRIO Handmade Soaps, we don’t chase viral trends — we follow centuries-old natural traditions, full ingredient transparency, and a commitment to your skin health.
Discover moisturizing, cold-processed, toxin-free soaps that are genuinely good for your skin.
👉 Explore Our Natural Soaps Here
