A Nigerian pharmacist and health educator has urged consumers to scrutinise the ingredients in soaps and skincare products, warning that while some compounds support skin health, others can cause lasting damage.
Greatman Adiela Owhor, known online as #OGreat6, shared the guidance in a statement on X on Monday, disclosing both beneficial and potentially harmful ingredients.
Owhor singled out glycerin, shea butter and aloe vera as key allies for healthy skin. “Glycerin attracts moisture and keeps the skin hydrated. It helps heal dryness, cracks, and rough skin,” he explained, adding that soaps containing glycerin are gentle and protective.
He described shea butter as highly effective for damaged skin, saying that it “repairs the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and keeps the skin soft.”
Aloe vera, he said, “soothes the skin, reduces irritation, redness, and itching, and supports healing.”
Natural products such as honey and oatmeal also earned his endorsement.
Honey’s antibacterial properties, he said, help heal wounds and maintain moisture, while oatmeal “relieves itching, eczema, and irritation” and is “gentle and safe for sensitive skin.”
Coconut oil and olive oil, he added, provide further benefits by supporting repair, healing dryness, and nourishing the skin.
However, Owhor cautioned against certain commonly used ingredients.
Harsh sulfates like SLS and SLES, he warned, “strip natural oils, cause dryness, irritation, and worsen eczema.”
Strong artificial fragrances can trigger rashes and itching, while preservatives such as parabens may irritate the skin, and triclosan can disturb the natural microbiome by killing both beneficial and harmful bacteria.
Alcohol-based soaps and artificial colourants also carry risks, Owhor said, as they can dry out the skin, weaken its protective barrier, and increase sensitivity.
He further warned that overuse of medicated soaps could damage healthy skin bacteria, causing dryness and peeling.
The pharmacist concluded by urging consumers to read labels carefully and prioritise mild, skin-friendly ingredients to maintain healthy skin.
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