The Move Away from Alkaline Soaps The single most common cause of self-inflicted xerosis is the use of harsh, alkaline soaps. In 2026, the standard of care has firmly shifted toward syndet (synthetic detergent) bars and lipid-enriched liquid cleansers with a pH of 5.5. These products cleanse the skin without stripping the acid mantle, a thin protective layer of oils and amino acids. By...