Dry, irritated skin is a common complaint, and a growing number of dermatologists, aestheticians, and skin-savvy consumers are rethinking whether traditional soap might be part of the problem.
According to experts, soap often works too well. While it removes dirt, bacteria, and surface grime, it also strips away the skin’s natural oils and weakens its moisture barrier. That combination frequently leads to dryness, tightness, and irritation.
Enter Sans Savon, a luxe beauty brand founded by female entrepreneur Erica Halliwell. The brand focuses on soap-free formulations designed to cleanse without disrupting the skin’s barrier or microbiome, promoting healthier skin from head to toe.
For those with sensitive skin, a category that includes over 70% of adults, the appeal is immediate. By removing lathering agents and harsh surfactants, Sans Savon avoids the common triggers that lead to redness, flaking, and discomfort. Users often report feeling a difference after just one wash, experiencing softer, less tight skin that no longer demands an immediate layer of moisturizer post-shower.
Fragrance plays a subtle but important role in the experience. The Charlevoix Boreal Blend delivers a crisp, natural scent without relying on synthetic fragrance. Balsam fir, white spruce, and black spruce essential oils create a grounded, woodsy aroma that feels like stepping through a quiet forest trail with just a hint of sweetness.
But it’s the formulation, not just the fragrance, that sets the brand apart. The products cleanse without stripping, thanks to a micellar complex similar to what’s found in micellar water. This ingredient lifts oil, dirt, and sweat while preserving the skin’s essential moisture.
Erica explains that the products clean effectively while actually protecting and strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier and microbiome. Partnering with small batch likeminded ingredient producers and a creative boutique formulator, the brand has leveraged sustainable raw ingredients that deliver results well beyond what most comparable products on the market offer.
Additionally, an innovative antimicrobial system, adapted from natural deodorant formulas, targets odor-causing bacteria and eliminates 99% of harmful microbes such as E. coli and Salmonella. Meanwhile, the formulas maintain a slightly acidic pH that matches the skin’s natural level. That is in contrast to conventional soap, which tends to be highly alkaline and disruptive to the barrier.
Other key ingredients support long-term skin health. Prebiotics nourish the microbiome, while upcycled humectants draw hydration deep into the skin. Natural oils then lock in moisture at the surface, leaving skin supple, balanced, and resilient, even with frequent washing.
While soap-free skincare might sound like a luxury reserved for enthusiasts with multi-step routines, Sans Savon aims to make it easy and accessible. Those who wash their hands frequently are especially likely to notice the benefits: skin that stays smooth and hydrated without the need for constant reapplication of hand cream.
For those looking to transition away from harsh soaps, the Sans Savon Starter Set ($90) offers a curated introduction to the brand’s full-body approach. It’s currently available at a 30% discount and includes a complimentary body brush (valued at $15) and body bar (valued at $25) to round out the ritual.
