Science Says: Most Drugstore Soaps Are Harming Men’s Skin and Health

We’ll say it straight — most drugstore soaps are trash for your skin.

That $3 bar might look “clean” on the shelf, but under the surface? It’s loaded with chemicals designed for shelf life, not skin health. And if you’re a man who already battles dry skin, acne, or irritation, those ingredients might be making it worse — not better.

Here’s what science (not marketing) says about what’s inside those commercial soap bars — and why switching to a natural alternative is one of the smartest grooming moves a guy can make.

❌ What's Actually in That Cheap Soap?

1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Strips Skin and Damages Barrier Function

• SLS is one of the most common ingredients in commercial soap — it’s what makes it foam.

• In a study published by the Journal of the American College of Toxicology, SLS was shown to cause significant epidermal irritation and skin barrier disruption.¹

• Men with oily or acne-prone skin may think they need “deep cleaning,” but SLS can strip natural oils too aggressively, triggering more oil production — and more breakouts.

2. Triclosan: Linked to Hormonal Changes in Men

• Triclosan was banned from hand soaps in 2016 by the FDA, but still appears in body washes and bar soaps in some cases.

• A 2020 study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that triclosan exposure in men was associated with testosterone suppression and endocrine disruption.²

• Why does this matter? Your soap shouldn’t be messing with your hormones. Full stop.

3. Parabens: Known Endocrine Disruptors

• Methylparaben, propylparaben — these are preservatives commonly found in big-brand soaps.

• Research published in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry shows parabens mimic estrogen in the body and may interfere with male reproductive health.³

• Studies have found detectable levels of parabens in urine samples of adult men — with higher levels linked to reduced sperm quality.⁴

4. SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate): Skin Irritant and Contaminant Risk

• Similar to SLS, but goes through a process called "ethoxylation" that can leave behind 1,4-Dioxane, a potential carcinogen according to the EPA.⁵

• Not only can this irritate your skin, but it can introduce long-term health risks through dermal absorption — especially for guys who use soap daily (which should be all of us).

5. Artificial Colors and Cheap Fillers: Just Marketing Gimmicks

• Some commercial soaps are dyed neon green, bright blue, or “charcoal black.” None of this is functional — it's all for show.

• These colorants often come from petroleum or coal tar, and have been linked to skin hypersensitivity, especially in men with shaving irritation or eczema.⁶

• If it looks like it belongs in a candy store, it probably shouldn’t be touching your skin.

🔬 So What’s the Better Option? Natural Soap, Backed by Real Ingredients

Men’s skin is different — it’s thicker, produces more oil, and is often exposed to harsher elements (workouts, shaving, outdoors). That’s why natural soap isn’t just a “clean beauty” trend — it’s a better solution for real-life skin.

Kettner For Men bars are cold-processed and made with actual skin-beneficial oils:

• Coconut oil and olive oil – to cleanse without stripping

• Shea butter – to restore moisture and soothe irritation

• Goat milk or charcoal (depending on the bar) – to support healthy skin microbiome and reduce inflammation

None of the above interferes with your hormones, causes unnecessary dryness, or leaves behind a chemical film.

🧼 Natural Soap Is Backed by Science, Not Just Buzzwords

• A 2015 study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that **natural-oil-based soaps significantly outperformed synthetic cleansers in hydration and skin barrier recovery.**⁷

• Dermatology journals consistently recommend sulfate-free, paraben-free soaps for men dealing with dryness, acne, or post-shave sensitivity.

The Bottom Line

You wouldn’t put engine degreaser on your face — but if you’re still using commercial soap, that’s basically what’s happening.

Scientific research proves the ingredients in most store-bought soaps are linked to skin irritation, hormonal disruption, and long-term health concerns — especially for men.

Kettner For Men was built to be the opposite of that: real ingredients, bold scents, and soap that respects your skin (and everything under it).

👉 Shop Our Natural Soap Bars

📚 Sources:

1. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, Vol. 2, No. 7, 1983

2. Environmental Health Perspectives, 2020: "Triclosan and Hormone Disruption in Men"

3. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2015

4. Human Reproduction Journal, Vol. 31, Issue 2, 2016

5. EPA Fact Sheet: 1,4-Dioxane Contamination & Risk

6. National Eczema Association: Color Additives and Skin Irritation

7. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2015 – "Comparison of natural soap vs synthetic cleansers on skin hydration"