Liquid synthetic detergents good option for Atopic Dermatitis patients

Due to the many options available and conflicting claims on labels, it may be confusing when looking for skin cleanser products for Atopic dermatitis. However, if manufacturers disclose the pH of their products, it can help narrow down the choices. Liquid synthetic cleansers are particularly effective because they closely resemble the pH of normal skin.

AD skin changes pH from acidic to alkaline, contributing to skin-barrier dysfunction. Researchers investigated the pH of 250 cleansing products used for atopic dermatitis (AD) skincare using an Accumet pH meter. Solutions were made by dissolving 1 mL of liquid product or 1g of bar scrapings in 9 mL of distilled water, and pH values 6.65 to 7.35 were considered neutral.

Findings from this research are:

· Of the 250 cleansing products, 37 were soaps, 32 bar soaps and five liquid soaps, and 213 were synthetic detergents (syndets), 14 bar syndets and 199 liquid syndets.

· All soaps were alkaline

· Soap labels did not disclose pH levels.

· In 14 syndet bars, 6 had neutral pH, and eight were alkaline.

· Among the 199 syndet liquids, 84.9% were acidic, 11.1% were neutral, and 4% were alkaline.

· Only 32 syndets, 16.1%, disclosed pH levels.

· Nine bars were labelled 'balanced', with 6 having a neutral pH and 3 having an alkaline pH. Of the remaining 23 syndets, 20 were also referred to as 'balanced', with 2 having a neutral pH, 18 with acidic and 3 with a pH range of 4.25 to 6.0" (pH was 4.40 to 6.11).

· Only 12.8% of cleansers disclosed pH, and the pH varied widely among brands. 84.5% of liquid syndets were acidic, and 11% were neutral.

According to recent findings, liquid syndets may be a better option for patients with atopic dermatitis. Including pH levels on product labels can help health providers advise patients with atopic dermatitis more appropriately.

Reference:

PH Labelling of Skin Cleansers Can Lead to Better Options for People with Atopic Dermatitis. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). February 20, 2024. https://www.prweb.com/releases/ph-labelling-of-skin-cleansers-can-lead-to-better-options-for-people-with-atopic-dermatitis-302066157.html#:~:text=%22Manufacturers%20that%20choose%20to%20disclose,closely%20mimic%20normal%20skin%20pH.%22&text=Skin%20with%20atopic%20dermatitis%20(AD,contributes%20to%20skin%2Dbarrier%20dysfunction. Date accessed: February 20, 2024.