Why does using bar soap when washing my hands and/or body give it a very grippy feeling after using it, while liquid soap doesn’t?
In: Chemistry
Bar soap has a more alkaline pH than liquid soaps. This breaks down your skin’s natural oil barriers easier and more so than liquid soap. Liquid soap does still break it down, and can still make your skin feel ‘grippy’ but just less so as it’s less alkaline, and not as good at dissolving that oil barrier.
The oil barrier is acidic, and keeps moisture in your skin. When you remove it, your skin can’t hold the moisture, feeling odd.
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