A synthetic soap is a cleansing agent made from synthetic surfactants rather than natural fats or oils. Unlike traditional soap, which is made by saponifying fats with an alkali (like sodium hydroxide), synthetic soaps use synthetic detergents(or syndets) derived from petroleum or plant-based sources.
Characteristics of Synthetic Soaps
- Made from synthetic surfactants (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium cocoyl isethionate)
- pH-balanced, often gentler on the skin compared to traditional soaps
- Better performance in hard water (prevents soap scum formation)
- Can be formulated with additional skin-conditioning agents like moisturizers or antibacterial components
Examples of Synthetic Soaps
- Beauty bars like Dove (which use syndets instead of traditional soap)
- Liquid body washes
- Shampoo bars
- Facial cleansers
