Bar soap has gotten a bit of a bad rap recently, and honestly, I get it. I’ve been invested in the skincare world for years. I don’t think anyone’s complaining about traditional bar soap’s ability to clean your skin. But does it also have to rob you of every ounce of moisture?

And I hear this all the time—especially from customers with sensitive skin, eczema, and even those recovering from medical treatments. They’re not just looking for soap; they’re looking for nourishment.

As someone who happens to be a dry-skinned gal herself, I’ll tell you this much. The problem isn’t bar soap itself. It’s the kind of bar soap you’re using.

So, let me break it down for you. Let’s explore why some bar soaps dry out your skin, if there are fit alternatives, and how to choose a bar soap that actually supports your skin barrier. 

So, What is Bar Soap Made of?

Bar soap is basically a mix of fats or oils and lye—when those two meet, they go through something called saponification and turn into soap. Sounds simple, right? But that process creates a super alkaline bar with a pH way higher than your skin’s. 

And that’s where the trouble usually starts. Most people don’t realize that not all bar soaps are the same. Some use synthetic detergents, others stick with natural oils, and a few actually help your skin instead of wrecking it. It’s not just about being “clean”—it’s about what your skin goes through to get there.

Does Regular Bar Soap Dry Your Skin

Yes. If your skin feels tight, dry, or a little raw after using bar soap, you’re not imagining it. The way traditional soap is made—and how most people use it—can mess with your skin’s natural defenses. Here’s why that happens:

The Alkaline Problem

Your skin’s pH is slightly acidic (~5.5), but most bar soaps are way more alkaline (pH 9–10). That mismatch breaks down your acid mantle, making it harder for skin to retain moisture and fight irritation.

Stripped of Good Oils

Soap removes oil—all oil. That includes the natural oils your skin needs to stay balanced. Harsh ingredients like SLS, synthetic fragrances, and alcohol only make the damage worse.

It’s Not Just the Soap

Long, hot showers and over-scrubbing amplify the dryness. People often ask, “Is removing skin oils actually bad?” and “Why does my skin feel dry mid-shower?”—because yes, it’s already reacting to the stripping effects.

The Dilemma—Bar Soaps Exist in All Shapes and Sizes

Here’s the truth: just because it’s labeled “bar soap” doesn’t mean it’s all the same. I’ve tested more than I can count—some left my skin soft and calm, others made it feel like sandpaper. What matters most is what’s in it and how it’s made.

Commercial vs. Natural Soaps

Most big-brand soaps you’ll find at the drugstore are packed with harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and cheap fillers. They’re made to be mass-produced—not skin-friendly. And while many natural soaps sound better, they’re not all gentle. If the formula isn’t balanced or it’s missing moisturizing fats, it can still dry you out.

What to Look For in a Better Bar Soap

Look for a bar with a pH closer to your skin’s (around 5.5), and choose one that’s superfatted—meaning it leaves behind a little nourishing oil. No SLS, no fake fragrances, no alcohol. I swear by cold-processed, triple-milled bars. They’re rich, long-lasting, and give you that clean feeling without wrecking your skin.

Is Bar Soap Worse Than Body Wash?

Not exactly. Most body washes aren’t true soap at all—they’re detergent-based cleansers made with gentler surfactants that are pH-balanced for your skin. Even better, many contain humectants like glycerin, which help draw moisture into the skin while cleansing. 

Bar soap, especially the commercial kind, lacks these hydrating extras and often comes with a high pH that strips away protective oils. So yes—when it comes to preserving your skin barrier, body wash usually wins.

Is It the Soap or My Water That’s Drying Me Out?

Honestly, it’s probably both. Hard water can leave behind a film that makes even a decent soap feel drying, and when combined with a harsh bar, your skin doesn’t stand a chance. I’ve had customers tell me their skin changed just from installing a simple shower filter.

Can a bar soap be hydrating?

It can, but only if it’s made with the right stuff. Most bar soaps are designed to cleanse, not care for your skin—but when you use one made with goat milk, nourishing fats, and a pH that plays nice with your skin, the difference is immediate. Our bars were made for that exact reason.

Why Goat Milk Bar Soap Is Different (and Better)

Most bar soaps strip your skin. Goat milk bar soap doesn’t. In fact, when done right, it’s one of the few bar soaps that can cleanse and support your skin at the same time. At Legend’s Creek Farm, we created our goat milk bars for people who need more than just a basic clean—they need something that actually helps their skin feel better.

Lower pH = Gentler Bar

• Goat milk naturally brings down the high alkalinity of traditional bar soaps.

• That means our bars are closer to your skin’s pH, keeping your acid mantle intact.

Moisture-Building from the First Use

• Caprylic acid and fatty acids in goat milk strengthen the lipid barrier, keeping the skin moist.

• Lactic acid gives light, natural exfoliation—no scrubbing, no irritation.

• Vitamin A helps heal dry, cracked skin with every wash.

Built for Sensitive, Irritated, or Aging Skin

• Goat milk bar soaps calm flare-ups, perfect for eczema, rosacea, or chemo-sensitive skin.

• Probiotic-rich milk supports a healthy skin microbiome.

Our Pick: The Best Bar Soap for Dry Skin

If you’ve been let down by bar soap before, I get it—I was right there too. That’s exactly why we created our Triple-Milled Goat Milk Bar Soap at Legend’s Creek Farm.

✅ It’s long-lasting, creamy, and actually helps your skin instead of stripping it.
✅ We don’t cut corners—these bars are cold-processed, packed with nourishing oils,
✅ They're loaded with real goat milk to keep your skin feeling soft and calm.

Whether you go for a classic like Oatmeal Milk & Honey or stick with one of our fragrance-free options, these bars are gentle enough for just about anyone—including people going through chemo or managing eczema.

We hear from customers all the time who tell us our soap was the first one that didn’t make their skin worse. That means everything to us.

Every bar is certified cruelty-free and made with ingredients we’re proud to put on our skin. Because cleaning shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort.

Bar soap isn’t bad—it’s just been misunderstood.

If your skin feels dry or tight after using it, that’s not something to ignore. It’s your skin asking for better. And better is absolutely possible. Dive into quality skincare that’s worth your while—visit our store today!