[Hidden Properties of Soap] Cow Brand Soap's Latest Research and the Science of Cleansing Explained
かずのすけ
Translated from 日本語
Overview
Based on a research release from Cow Brand Soap Kyoshinsha on "selective antibacterial action against resident skin bacteria by tallow-derived soap base composition," this article explains the antibacterial properties of soap, its effects on rough skin and acne, and the true benefits of soap from the perspective of cleansing science.
3 min read
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1. Cow Brand Soap's Latest Research: "Selective Antibacterial Action" Against Resident Bacteria
- Key points of the study: A tendency was confirmed for tallow-derived soap base composition to selectively kill Staphylococcus aureus (a "bad" bacterium), which is involved in atopic dermatitis and other conditions, while leaving Staphylococcus epidermidis (a "good" bacterium), known as a "beautiful-skin bacterium," intact.
- Comparison of individual fatty acids: Sodium caprate and sodium palmitoleate showed a strong tendency to kill S. aureus while sparing S. epidermidis, whereas sodium laurate strongly killed both types of bacteria.
- Comparison of oil and fat blends: Tallow-derived soap showed the property of preferentially killing S. aureus, but the data showed that palm oil-derived soap also exhibited high selectivity, sparing the good bacteria while strongly reducing the bad bacteria.
- About acne bacteria (C. acnes): The data in this study did not include acne bacteria, so differences in selective antibacterial action may have been less likely to appear.
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2. Ingredient Characteristics of Cow Brand "Red Box" and "Blue Box"
- Composition: In addition to soap base, they contain fragrance, tallow, stearic acid, titanium oxide, and a chelating agent (tetrasodium EDTA), so they are not "pure soap" in the strict sense.
- Differences between Red Box and Blue Box: Red Box contains squalane as a moisturizing ingredient, leaving skin feeling more moisturized after washing compared with Blue Box.
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3. The "Biggest Advantage of Soap," According to a Cleansing Science Expert
- Zero residual irritation: Synthetic surfactants and amino acid-based cleansing agents that aren't fully rinsed off remain active on the skin, but soap either binds with minerals in tap water to become "metallic soap" or is neutralized by sebum and turns into "fatty acids." So even if it remains on the skin, it loses its surfactant effect and is less likely to cause irritation.
- Why skin feels "squeaky clean": It's not only due to high cleansing power; the metallic soap left on the skin becomes powdery, creating a sense of friction (the squeaky feeling). Using a filtered shower suppresses the formation of metallic soap, resulting in soap's naturally moisturized after-wash feel.
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4. Recommendations and How to Choose by Skin Type
- Oily and acne-prone skin: With its weak alkalinity, high cleansing power, and no residual irritation, soap is one of the best choices for improving sebum-related problems.
- Dry, sensitive, and atopic skin: Because its cleansing power and alkalinity are themselves strong, it tends to dry out the skin. However, if residual ingredients from commercial facial cleansers cause itching, additive-free soap may keep skin more stable.
- Recommended choice: For sensitive skin that reacts to fragrances and colorants, pure soaps made from 100% soap base, such as "Cow Brand Additive-Free Soap," are recommended over Red Box or Blue Box.
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