Do metal soap bars work?

Metal soap bars have become an increasingly popular personal care product in recent years. But do they actually work? Here we’ll examine what metal soap bars are, who they benefit, and whether or not they live up to their claims.

What are metal soap bars?

Metal soap bars are bar soaps that contain metallic salts as an additive. The most common metal used is silver, but bars may also contain copper, zinc, or other metals.

These metallic salts are dissolved into the soap base during manufacturing. The idea is that when you wash with a metal soap bar, trace amounts of the metal ions are deposited onto the skin. This is supposed to create an antimicrobial effect that kills bacteria and reduces body odor.

Most metal soap bars contain a very small percentage of the metallic salts, often less than 1%. This keeps the bars gentle rather than drying for the skin.

Purported benefits of metal soap bars

There are several purported benefits of using metal soap bars:

• Reduce body odor – The metal ions are thought to create an antimicrobial effect that reduces bacteria on the skin and decreases body odor.
• Treat acne – For those with acne-prone skin, the antimicrobial properties of metal soap may help kill acne-causing bacteria.
• Prevent infection – An antimicrobial effect could help prevent common skin infections like folliculitis.
• Reduce inflammation – Anti-inflammatory properties may calm conditions like eczema.
• Improve skin healing – Metals like copper and zinc play key roles in wound healing.

Overall, the main claimed benefit is the ability of these soaps to decrease bacteria on the skin, serving as a mild antimicrobial and anti-odor agent.

Do metal soaps really work?

Research on metal soaps has shown they do provide antimicrobial activity when applied to the skin. However, the effects are quite mild compared to dedicated antibacterial products.

One study tested silver, copper, and zinc soaps against common bacteria like E. coli and S. aureus. The metal soaps showed a 3 to 38% inhibition of bacterial growth compared to non-antibacterial soap.

While measurable, this is relatively low compared to topical antibacterials that may show 95% or greater inhibition. However, antibacterial products can sometimes be irritating or drying when used frequently.

For day to day hygiene, metal soaps do appear to offer a slight reduction in bacteria. This may in turn decrease body odors and acne-causing bacteria.

Research on other purported benefits like treating infections, eczema, and improving wound healing is lacking. Any antimicrobial effects from metal soaps would likely be too weak to treat established infections or significantly impact skin conditions.

Who may benefit from metal soap bars?

While the antimicrobial effects of metal soaps are mild, some people may benefit from using them:

• Those with increased body odor – The metal ions help kill odor-causing bacteria.
• People with acne-prone skin – Reducing bacteria may help prevent breakouts.
• Those who get skin infections like folliculitis – An antimicrobial effect could help prevent infection.
• People who use antibacterial soaps – Metal soaps provide a milder alternative.

However, there isn’t strong evidence that metal soaps can treat existing infections or skin conditions. Their benefits likely come from daily use in reducing bacteria long-term.

Are there any risks to metal soap bars?

Metal soap bars only contain a small percentage of metallic salts, making side effects very unlikely. The metals are dissolved into the soap base and aren’t thought to be readily absorbed through the skin.

Metal soap bars haven’t demonstrated any serious risks with normal use. But a few precautions are still recommended:

• Do a patch test before full body use, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Start by using the bar a few times a week and increase gradually if tolerated.
• Avoid contact with eyes and damaged skin.
• Rinse thoroughly after use.
• Consult your dermatologist if you have any concerns.

Additionally, the antibacterial effects of metal soaps could theoretically contribute to antibiotic resistance with long-term use. But this risk is likely minimal given the mild strength of these products.

Are metal soaps better than regular soap?

For the average person, regular soap and water is completely sufficient for day to day hygiene and cleaning. But metal soaps may offer some advantages:

• Slightly greater antimicrobial effects
• Long-lasting bar form
• Natural, non-irritating ingredients
• Skin benefits from ingredients like silver and copper

However, these benefits tend to be modest for most people. Metal soaps are unlikely to significantly change your hygiene or skin compared to any mild, quality bar soap.

They may be most useful for those needing extra odor control or acne-fighting effects from the increased antimicrobial properties.

Are metal soaps worth the cost?

Metal soaps tend to cost $1-3 more per bar compared to normal soap. Whether or not they are worth the extra cost depends on your specific needs and preferences.

If you struggle with body odor or acne, the antimicrobial properties may be worth paying a premium. The same goes if you prefer all-natural products and ingredients.

However, regular hand or body soap works perfectly well for most people. If you don’t notice any specific problems with odor or your skin, metal soaps are unlikely to provide significant extra benefit.

How do you use a metal soap bar?

Metal soap bars can be used on the body just like regular bar soap. Here are some tips for getting the most out of a metal soap bar:

• Wet bar and work into a lather between hands
• Gently massage lather over skin paying special attention to hands, feet, underarms and acne-prone areas
• Rinse thoroughly after washing
• Pat dry with a clean towel
• Store bar in a dry location between uses
• Use once or twice daily as needed

Take care not to get metal soap in your eyes. Discontinue use if any irritation develops.

For best results, use on a regular basis to take advantage of the cumulative antimicrobial effects over time.

Conclusion

Metal soap bars do appear to offer mild antimicrobial effects from ingredients like silver and copper. This can provide some skin benefits:

• Reduced bacteria and body odor
• Decreased acne breakouts
• Lower risk of some skin infections

However, these effects are quite small compared to dedicated antibacterial products. For most people with normal skin, regular soap and water is sufficient.

Metal soaps may be most useful for those struggling with body odor or acne who want a natural bar soap with some antibacterial properties. But they shouldn’t replace medical treatment if you have an active skin condition.

Given the high cost, metal soap bars are worth trying if you think the antimicrobial effects could benefit your skin specifically. But they likely won’t provide dramatic changes for the average user.

References

Study on antibacterial activity of metal soap bars: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2017.