Pears soap is gentle and maintains your skin’s natural oil balance. It is suitable for all skin types. It hydrates the skin, keeping it soft. As a mild cleanser, Pears is ideal for sensitive skin. This makes it a good fit for most skin needs.
We will look into aspects of Pears Soap such as ingredients, safety and side effects. Keep reading to know more!
Table of Contents
Pears Soap Ingredients
- Aqua
Water is the main solvent, as with most cleansers.
- Sorbitol
This sugar alcohol makes the soap viscous. It is also a humectant that helps the skin retain moisture. This gives the skin a smooth, silky feel.
- Sodium Palmate and Sodium Palm Kernelate
These are surfactants derived from palm or coconut oil. Helps to lather and clean. They are also emulsifiers. They promote blending and combining of the oil and water components.
- Sodium Stearate
This compound helps the soap to be molded and hardened. This gives the soap its shape and consistency. It keeps the soap chemically stable, without using artificial preservatives.
- Glycerin
This is the key ingredient in this formulation. Glycerin absorbs water from within the deeper layers of the skin. It also attracts moisture from the air around.
- Sodium Rosinate
This is a thick liquid derived from a resin (sodium rosin). It promotes foaming. It is effective no matter how hard or soft the water is.
Pears soap benefits
- Gentle on the skin
Pears is very gentle on the skin. Dermatologists may recommend Pears for skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It prevents such conditions from worsening, by keeping dryness at bay.
- Mild cleanser
Pears does not damage the skin by using very harsh surfactants, which can remove moisture
- Maintains oil balance
The Pears soap uses glycerin and other humectants. This helps to retain the skin’s natural oils. This formula makes sure that the skin’s natural oils are retained. So the skin remains soft and smooth.
- Hydrating
Glycerin is the main hydrating ingredient in Pears soap. It doesn’t coat the skin with a greasy film. This allows the skin to breathe, keeping it vibrant and healthy.
- Promotes healing
Pears Soap is great to moisturize and promote healing. It keeps the skin youthful. The soap softens cracks, especially during winter.
- Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
Pears doesn’t trigger many allergies. It is apt for sensitive skin. It also doesn’t clog pores. So it is a good option for people with oily skin.
Pears soap side effects
There aren’t any specific negative side effects of Pears Soap. But there can be some drawbacks. For example, while it uses safe ingredients, it is not completely natural.
It does contain some chemicals, other than naturally derived ingredients. So if you were searching for an organic soap, this isn’t it.
If one were to really nit-pick, then Pears may not be the best cleanser. Since it is so mild, it exfoliates very gently. So you may not feel as squeaky clean as with stronger soaps.
Pears soap may not be good for facial application, compared to the body. But this depends from person to person. Pears face wash is a gentler option if that’s what you need.
What is the TFM of Pears soap?
The Total Fatty Matter (TFM) of Pears Soap is at least 60%. This makes it a Grade 3 TFM soap. The Grades from 1 to 3 are assigned to soaps. This is based on how much of the fatty acids in it are converted to soap.
This process is called saponification. Higher saponification means more refined and superior soap. The higher the value, the better the quality. It will be much more moisturizing. And less harsh and harmful to the skin.
So Pears is middling in terms of quality, texture, and effectiveness. TFM is usually higher for ‘toilet soaps’. These are luxury, high-end, beneficial soaps. Pears is not a toilet soap, but a ‘bathing bar’. It is a regular cleaning soap, which isn’t meant specifically for grooming or cosmetic purposes.
So for its purposes, the Pears TFM is just right.
What is the pH of Pears soap?
Pears has a high pH of 9.8. Most soaps have a pH that ranges from 9-10. But this is highly alkaline. It may not be suited to all skin types. This is especially the case for sensitive facial skin.
Ideally, soaps should have a pH similar to that of the skin. This could range from 5.5 to 6.5.
With such an alkaline pH, Pears can cause dehydration or inflammation. It causes a pH imbalance, reducing the skin’s ability to protect itself. This makes it more vulnerable to infections, flaky patches, impurities, and flare-ups.
Does Pears Soap contain animal fat?
No, Pears is completely vegetarian. It does not use any kind of animal fat (tallow). Tallow fat or salt helps create a luscious, smooth foam or lather. This lather also acts as a mild cleanser. It helps to alleviate symptoms of skin diseases.
Many soaps are also thought to contain pig fat or lard. But Pears does not use these animal-derived salts or fats. Animal fats are not essential to get this creamy, soothing effect. So Pears soaps can be used by vegans. They are cruelty-free as well. Pears soaps are not tested on animals.
Does Pears soap contain parabens, SLS and other chemicals?
Pears soaps and body washes are paraben-free. Parabens are usually added as preservatives. They prolong the soap’s shelf-life. They prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi. Instead, Pears uses Butylated HydroxyToluene (BHT) and Sodium Meta-bisulfite.
Pears isn’t completely organic. It contains synthetic lab-made or plant-derived chemicals like propylene glycol, BHT, and Tetrasodium EDTA. These chemicals aid in better absorption, maintaining chemical stability, and function as preservatives respectively.
Pears also contains SLS – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. It is one of the most common surfactants used in soap, shampoo, and conditioners. It helps the soap to lather and froth. This action helps in easy, even application and thorough cleansing.
Does Pears soap contain coal tar?
Pears Soap does not contain coal tar (a by-product of coal production). Coal tar is great for psoriasis. The liquid additive helps soothe the itchiness and flaky patches. It also slows down the disproportionate growth of skin cells. This growth is what makes psoriasis so troublesome.
Pears is gentle on skin that has eczema or psoriasis. But it isn’t the best solution. This is because it doesn’t address this problem directly. It just helps to not further aggravate the situation.
Does Pears soap contain palm oil?
Yes, Pears Soap does contain chemicals derived from palm oil. These include Sodium Palmate and Sodium Palm Kernelate. Sodium Palmate is extracted from palm oil. Palm oil in itself is derived from the whole palm fruit.
Palm kernel oil is taken from only the nut or seed (kernel). The kernel is crushed to release the oils. The fatty acids from the oil are made into sodium salts. They act as surfactants, emulsifiers, and cleansing agents.
Both compounds of palm oil are safe for use. But it may cause itching on temperamental skin.
Does Pears soap contain lye?
This is a tricky answer. Pears soap may not contain lye. But it does use lye in the manufacturing process. Lye is also known as sodium hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide is not an active ingredient. But it is used to make the sodium salts of palm oils.
Sodium hydroxide (lye) is combined with fatty acids from palm oil. Lye is also added to sulfur dioxide to make sodium meta-bisulfite. This is an antioxidant and disinfectant. So Pears soaps will probably contain traces of lye from this chemical process.
Most soaps contain lye. In this form, it is completely harmless.
Does Pears soap contain magnesium?
No, Pears soaps do not have magnesium in them. They don’t contain magnesium sulfates or hydroxides. Magnesium in soaps provides a range of health benefits. It allows the skin to absorb crucial minerals. It also soothes the nerves, relaxing the muscles too.
Magnesium regulates oiliness, improves complexion, and softens the skin.
Instead of containing magnesium, Pears soap contains Tetra-sodium EDTA. This compound works as a water softener and stabilizer. It actually removes hard minerals like magnesium from water, so that the soap can work better.
Does Pears soap contain salicylic acid?
No, Pears soap does not have salicylic acid as an active ingredient. Salicylic acid is used in soaps to tackle acne. It helps with the drying and healing of existing pimples. The compound prevents further breakouts. It is also used to lighten acne scars. Pears hasn’t been formulated to address acne. Although it is calming, it does not have any specific benefits for acne-prone skin.
On the contrary, it contains benzyl salicylate. This is an ester of salicylic acid, which is used to give fragrance to the soap. It can be irritating and cause allergies, aggravating sensitive skin. Other than perfuming, it has none of the skin beneficial properties of the acid it is derived from.
Is Pears soap safe during pregnancy?
Yes, Pears soap should be fine for pregnant women to use. Pears is mild on the skin. It can be soothing since the skin is much more sensitive during pregnancy. It doesn’t cause any specific toxicity.
It does not contain many chemicals that pregnant or nursing women should avoid. These include Cocamidopropyl betaine, MCI/MI, silicones, etc. These are surfactants, preservatives, and smootheners respectively.
They also don’t contain very unsafe preservatives like DMDM Hydantoin which release formaldehyde.
At the same time, it does contain ingredients of moderate concern. They are better avoided, because of possible side effects.
For example, propylene glycol can be harmful. It has been known to cause anything from skin allergies to liver, kidney, and heart issues. This is problematic for pregnant women especially. Their bodies are weaker during this time. They cannot fight against the toxicity as strongly.
Glycol ethers can affect fetal development as well. Pears also contains BHT (Butylated HydroxyToluene). This compound is used as an antioxidant. It prevents spoilage of the soap and prolongs shelf life.
But it is feared to be carcinogenic. It is believed to cause organ damage and disrupt hormones. But there is minimal evidence of this, even in animal tests.
Pears is dermatologically tested to be moderate on sensitive skin. But you can take your doctor’s opinion on whether it is suitable for you. Every pregnancy and skin type is different.
Is Pears soap safe for babies?
Pears is rather safe for babies. But it may not be the best option for babies and infants. It doesn’t contain parabens, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, or salicylic acid. These are the main culprits. But it does contain fragrances, alcohol, and sulfates.
These could all cause discomfort to a baby’s fragile skin.
Even though Pears is very tender, its pH is very alkaline. Baby skin pH is even more delicate. An alkaline soap can cause redness, allergies, inflammation, etc. The soap is labeled hypoallergenic. But ingredients like colorants and glycol ethers can cause breathing problems.
Obviously, the chemicals that aren’t good for adults tend to be even more harmful to babies. Baby skin absorbs and reacts more strongly.
Is Pears soap safe for pets?
Not exactly. Pears is not very harsh. Glycerin-based soaps are also rather safe and useful for animals. But Pears has a high alkaline pH which is unsuitable for animals. Pets have different body pH.
They also tend to have thinner skin compared to humans. This means they absorb the chemicals faster. They will react more severely. In addition, Pears contains other chemicals and fragrances too.
It can increase chafing, blisters, and lesions. Also if your pet licks their coat, they could get sick from these additives. Using human soap for pets can do more harm than good.
Is Pears soap safe for tattoos?
Yes, it should be okay to use Pears soap on your new tattoo. The glycerin traps moisture and prevents peeling. This is great for the healing of the tattoo. Dryness can make you scratch, spoiling the tattoo shape.
Pears can gently clean the blood, excess ink, and grime. It is not too rough on the exposed skin. Natural essential oils are also a hydrating salve. But Pears does contain fragrances, despite being hypoallergenic. These can irritate the skin, increasing inflammation.
Pears is an average soap for tattoo after-care. It isn’t the best option out there. But it most likely will not make things worse either.
Does Pears soap lighten or darken skin?
Pears soap is meant to be a universal cleanser. It doesn’t contain bleach or any bleaching agents. It is not meant to change the shade of skin or improve complexion.
The Pears formula is meant to moisturize, not whiten. It may remove some blemishes or scars. But that may just be a natural process.
There are now versions of Pears such as Pomegranate soap. This variety claims to brighten skin. In the same vein, it doesn’t cause the skin to become darker either. If it causes blemishes, it is because the skin is sensitive.
But the soap itself does not have ingredients for de-tanning. It is not meant to lighten or even out the skin tone.
Does Pears soap make skin dry?
No, on the contrary, it hydrates the skin. It keeps the skin smooth, supple, and healthy. It is ideal for people who have dry skin. Pears has four types of humectants that absorb and retain water. These include glycerin and sorbitol.
These keep the skin dewy and plump. This moisture cover also protects the skin from damage.
But, remember that the reactions of oily, normal, combination, and problem skin, all vary.
In some uncommon cases, the Pears soap can dry skin out. Glycerin sometimes dehydrates hyper-sensitive skin. These dry patches can come across as discolorations. This is why some people think it darkens the skin.
We sure hope our safety guide will help you decide if Pears is your soapy soulmate!
References:
- https://www.pearspuresince1807.com/us/product-category/bar-soaps
- https://incidecoder.com/products/pears-transparent-soap
- Does Glossier Skincare Have Fragrance? - October 21, 2022
- Is Aveeno Color-Safe? - October 20, 2022
- Is Acure Color-Safe? - October 20, 2022
