Here’s a wild one: Dawn dish soap (the classic blue stuff) is actually around pH 8-9. That’s alkaline! It’s great for oil spills on ducks. It’s not great for your lizard brain’s comfort. Many “gentle” brands hide behind fragrance—but their pH is still high.
Ph Neutral Dishwashing Detergent at Flynn Barney blog
Now, real pH neutral soaps? They often smell like nothing. That’s a red flag for your nose, but a green flag for your skin. Some even say “pH balanced” but aren’t. Check the label! If it doesn’t say “pH 7” or “neutral,” assume it’s a tiny chemical bulldozer.
The Castile Soap Confusion
Castile soap is trendy. It’s olive oil-based. It’s natural. And it’s pH 9-10. People love it for everything. They also complain their hands feel like dried-out corncobs. Mystery solved! It’s still alkaline. Castile is a lovely, tree-hugging beast—but it’s not neutral. Use with gloves. Or a prayer.
