The Hidden Impact of Traditional Soap and Shampoo Bars
Soap and shampoo bars have become quite popular lately, but they come with their downsides. Have you ever noticed the stubborn, fatty residue soap scum can leave behind in your bathroom? This buildup doesn’t just mar your shower experience—it can also cause organic matter to accumulate in waste systems, contributing to water pollution.
While many soap and shampoo bars rely on surfactants like Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) for their cleansing power, these surfactants aren’t as eco-friendly as they might seem. Although SCI is biodegradable to an extent, its safety data shows that in high concentrations, it can be harmful to aquatic life. Fats, especially when improperly broken down, can interfere with oxygen levels in water bodies, potentially causing harm to marine life.
So, how do we avoid contributing to this environmental problem? This is where Alkyl Polyglycosides (APGs) come in as a better alternative.
APGs: Gentle on the Earth, Gentle on You
Unlike traditional surfactants, Alkyl Polyglycosides (APGs) are derived from renewable sources like corn, potatoes, and coconut. What makes APGs special is their ability to break down quickly and completely, returning to nature without leaving harmful residues behind. In short, APG-based cleansers are kinder to both the environment and your skin.
That’s why at Alix Skincare, we’ve chosen APGs as the foundation for our cleansing products. For example, our Alix Face Skin + Hair Gentle Cleanser harnesses the mild yet effective power of APGs to give you a thorough cleanse without stripping away your skin’s natural moisture. With a pH of 5.7, it's perfectly balanced for your skin, keeping your acid mantle intact while ensuring a clean that feels natural.
The Acid Mantle: Your Skin’s Built-In Defense
Speaking of your skin’s natural barrier, let’s talk about the acid mantle. This thin layer of oil and sweat on the surface of your skin is essential for keeping your skin hydrated, healthy, and protected from harmful bacteria. The acid mantle’s slightly acidic pH, typically between 4.5 and 5.5, creates an environment where your skin can thrive while fending off environmental irritants.
Unfortunately, many traditional soap and shampoo bars have a much higher pH (around 9-11), which can disrupt this delicate balance. When your acid mantle is compromised, your skin becomes vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and even inflammation. On the other hand, APG-based cleansers like ours maintain a skin-friendly pH, ensuring that your skin’s natural defenses stay strong.
Sustainability in Every Step: Alix’s Packaging Philosophy
Sustainability doesn’t stop at the ingredients. At Alix Skincare, we’ve taken it a step further by ensuring our packaging contributes to a greener planet. Our bottles and containers are manufactured in New Zealand and are part of a closed-loop recycling process. This means that once you’re done with the product, the packaging is sent back, repurposed into long-lasting items like fence posts, outdoor chairs, and road products.
This approach not only reduces waste but also minimizes our reliance on paper-based packaging, which can be equally harmful to the environment when overused. By choosing Alix, you’re making a conscious decision to support sustainable packaging that transforms waste into valuable resources.
Why Alix Skincare? The Perfect Blend of Nature and Science
At Alix Skincare, our philosophy is simple: what’s good for the planet is good for you. By using biodegradable ingredients like APGs and embracing sustainable packaging, we’ve crafted a product line that is gentle on your skin, your hair, and the environment. Whether you’re choosing our Face Skin + Hair Gentle Cleanser or our new Hand & Nail Care Bundle, you can trust that you’re making a thoughtful, eco-friendly choice.
As a special thank you for being part of our journey, we’re offering 10% off any of our cleansers. Just use the code Sweetener at checkout.
