When you buy soap do you look for ones that say “moisturizing” on the label? A variety of body soaps on the market proudly make this claim, but do they really add moisture to your skin? Unfortunately, they may not work as well as you might think which is why you could be wasting your money on these cleverly promoted products.

The primary function of soap is to clean the skin and remove dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. Along with removal of the dirt and oil, most soaps remove some of the natural oils that help to protect your skin and keep it moist and supple. Although all soaps have certain basic components such as fatty acids which help to surround the dirt and oil so that it can be removed by water, they differ in their added ingredients which can range from supplemental moisturizing agents, fragrances, and even deodorants. Although these added ingredients can be an added selling feature and may make your soap smell nice, this may be the extent of their action. This is particularly true when it comes to moisturizing body soap.

Some body soaps contain ingredients that can sensitize the skin such as fragrance, while others may have harsh cleansers and potentially toxic components which means that cheaper isn't always better when it comes to purchasing a soap. If you select a moisturizing body soap, there's a good chance that your selection will have only small amounts of the moisturizing agent which will not be enough to have an impact on your skin's condition. One way to determine how much moisturizer is actually in a moisturizing body soap is to read the label and see how far down the moisturizer is listed on the label. If it isn't in the top few ingredients, there's probably not much moisture to speak of in your chosen brand of soap.

Even if you do select a moisturizing body soap with adequate amounts of moisture, most of it will be removed by water during the rinsing process with very little remaining on the skin. By the time you reach for your bath towel to dry your skin, the last bit of added moisture will most likely be removed.

Where does this leave you if you want smooth, moist skin after your bath? Don't waste your money on moisturizing body soaps. Instead, invest in a good body lotion without fragrances or other harsh chemicals and apply it after every bath or shower. It's best to apply a layer while your skin is still damp to get maximum benefits. Don't necessarily select the most expensive moisturizing lotion when a product as simple as shea butter can provide the moisture benefits your skin needs after a bath or shower. If your skin is excessively dry, jojoba oil can also be an effective moisturizer.

The bottom line is this. Don't depend on moisturizing body soap to keep your skin moist and supple. Use a soap without harsh chemicals or added fragrances and follow up with an effective moisturizing body lotion. Your skin and pocketbook will thank you.