What is Syndet? Revolutionising Skincare and Haircare through Syndopal

At Stephenson, we absolutely love soap – who wouldn’t? It stood the test of time for both personal and household cleaning, the high pH of soap makes it perfect for removing dirt and grease, but the same property can make it unsuitable for some applications. When it comes to hair and sensitive skin, there is a need for something gentler with a milder neutral pH. 

Syndet is an incredible innovation in the world of cleansing, which is soap-free and gentle on your skin & hair. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of Syndet and why solid formats are the future of soap-free cleansers, shampoos and conditioners. 

What Is Syndet or What Are Syndet Products? 

What Is the Difference Between Soap & Syndet? 

Why Is Syndet Good for Skin and Hair? 

What Are the Benefits of Syndet? 

Common Syndet Ingredients  

What is Syndet or what are Syndet products? 

A few years ago, we wrote an in-depth article about Soap VS Syndet, the differences, and why the two are great at cleaning but have different features and benefits.  

Syndet is short for synthetic detergent and is a type of cleansing agent that is made from surfactants. The reference to “synthetic” concerns the chemical process and has nothing to do with the ingredients, so it isn’t entirely accurate, as most of these surfactants tend to be naturally derived. The term that better suits these products is Solid Surfactants. These solid surfactants are gentle and pH balanced, which makes them ideal for use on sensitive skin, hair and scalp.   

What is the difference between Soap and Syndet? 

The main difference between soap and syndets is the chemical process by which to make them and the pH of the products once made. To create soap, you mix fats and oils together and react them through a process called Saponification to produce a soap with a pH often around 9/10. Syndets are created through a blend of surfactants, which can be plant, animal or petroleum-derived. In our instance, we have a range of natural syndets. The Syndopal range has a high natural percentage as it uses plant-derived surfactants, making the range between 94 - 99% natural. You can view the Syndopal range here. 

Why is Syndet good for skin and hair? 

Firstly, Syndet is gentle on the skin/hair and doesn’t strip away natural oils. This makes it an ideal choice for those with sensitive or dry skin. Secondly, as syndets are pH balanced, it means it does not disrupt the natural pH balance of your skin. This helps to maintain the skin's natural barrier function and prevent irritation. Thirdly, Syndet is effective at removing dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin without leaving any residue behind. 

What are the benefits of Syndets? 

Syndets, solid natural surfactants, are a type of cleansing agent that has become increasingly popular in recent years due to their many benefits. Here are a few points as to why their popularity continues to increase; 

1. Gentle on the skin: Syndet is formulated to have a pH level that is close to that of the skin, making it less likely to cause irritation or dryness. This makes It a great option for people with sensitive skin or those who have conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.  

2. Effective cleansing: Syndet is an effective cleanser that removes dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin without stripping away its natural oils. It lathers well and rinses off easily, leaving the skin feeling clean and refreshed.  

3. Suitable for all skin types: Syndet is suitable for all skin types, including dry, oily, and combination skin. It can be used on the face, body and hair and is available in various formulations to meet different application needs.  

4. Environmentally friendly: Syndet contains less water and can be packaged without plastic. Because Syndet has a high natural percentage, It is also biodegradable, which means it breaks down naturally without harming the environment. 

5. Travel Friendly: Solid formats include bars and cubes that are compact, easy to use and do not require any plastic packaging. Solid formats are also convenient for travel, as they are TSA-approved and can be easily packed in a carry-on bag. 

Syndet is a great option for anyone seeking a gentle, effective, and environmentally friendly cleansing agent. 

Solid formats are also more environmentally friendly than liquid formats. As solid format products are concentrated, they are made with very little water compared to liquids made using between 80-95% water.  Liquid formats require plastic packaging, which can contribute to plastic waste. Solid formats, on the other hand, do not require any plastic packaging and can be stored in reusable containers. 

Common Syndet Ingredients 

Surfactants: Synthetic surfactants such as sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI), sodium coco sulfate (SCS), cocamidopropyl betaine, and various other mild or gentle surfactants. These surfactants help generate foam and cleanse the skin.  

Conditioning Agents: Ingredients like cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, and stearyl alcohol are often added to syndets to provide conditioning and moisturizing benefits, helping to prevent dryness and maintain skin or hair softness. 

Humectants: Substances like glycerin, propylene glycol, or sorbitol are included to attract and retain moisture, enhancing the hydrating properties of the syndet. 

pH Adjusters: Ingredients such as citric acid or sodium citrate are used to adjust the pH of syndets to a slightly acidic level, which is closer to the skin's natural pH and helps maintain the skin's protective barrier. 

Conclusion 

Syndet is a soap-free and gentle cleansing agent that is perfect for daily use. It effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin without leaving any residue behind. Solid formats like bars and cubes are the future of soap-free cleansing as they are convenient, environmentally friendly, and have a longer shelf life. Learn more about Syndopal and how your brand can disrupt markets worldwide with solid-format Cleansers, Shampoos & Conditioners.