Is it harm to use a soap on face that is used for cleaning private parts by other?

Question

Hello doctor,

Is soap self cleaning? My friend uses a soap to clean the private parts. Is it fine to wash your face with the same soap?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to iciniq.com.

I read about your inquiry regarding if the soap is self-cleaning. Actually the way the soap cleanses in general, it acts as an emulsifier, meaning it helps mixing of oil and all of the organisms present on the area that you are trying to clean with water so it could be washed off. With that premise, the organisms present on the area that you used the soap with might transfer to the soap, as you asked the genital area, but if ever you used the same soap to your face the transfer is minimal since the organisms can also be washed off because it will get mix with water once you rinse it off.

There are some soaps with active antibacterial properties that can kill microorganisms which decreases the transfer of microorganisms to one area to another area.

Regarding the use of the same soap with your face. It would be fine to use but your skin on the face is thinner compared to other areas of the body, we usually suggest mild cleansers to prevent irritation and damage.

I hope this helps.