The pH of common soaps in Nigeria and the Implications for Skin Health and Inflammatory Dermatoses

Abstract

Background: The pH of skin cleansers is important to skin health, particularly for those with sensitive or dry
skin or inflammatory dermatoses. Soaps, which are alkaline, can cause skin dryness and barrier disruption,
while syndets, typically acidic or neutral, are less irritating. The pH of common soaps and cleansers used in
Nigeria is undocumented.

Objectives: This study assessed the pH and costs of various skin cleansers commonly used by
Dermatology patients in Lagos and Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods: Sixty commercial skin cleansers were selected and purchased for pH analysis based on their
popularity among patients attending dermatology clinics in Lagos and Ibadan. A 10% emulsion of each
o product was created using distilled water. The pH of each sample was recorded at room temperature (25 C)
using pH test strips and a calibrated digital water pH meter. The manufacturing country and market cost of
each cleanser were also documented.

Results: Of the 60 cleansers - 49 bars and 11 liquid cleansers, 45 (75%) had an alkaline pH of between 9.0
and 11.1, while 15 (25%) had an acidic pH of between 5.1 and 6.8. Thirty-five cleansers (58.3%) were
manufactured locally and were all alkaline soaps, while 25 (41.7%) were imported, and the majority (15;
60%) were acidic or pH-balanced syndets. The average cost of imported cleansers was 7 times higher than
that of Nigerian-made soaps.

Conclusion: The predominance of alkaline skin cleansers among Nigerian dermatology patients may have
negative implications for skin health, especially for those with inflammatory skin conditions or sensitive skin.
There is a need to advocate for using pH-balanced cleansers and their local production to improve
affordability.

Keywords: pH, Soaps, Cleansers, Skin health, Inflammatory Dermatoses, Nigeria