Warning to holidaymakers over hotel product that ‘wreaks havoc' on your skin according to beauty expert

The Sun

30-07-2025

FOR many of us, the free amenities in a hotel bathroom can be a welcome gift - especially when we want to quickly freshen up.
After hours of travel, sometimes we just want to head straight out, which means we don't always have time to unpack and find our own toiletries.
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But one skincare expert has warned that reaching for one bathroom staple could be setting your skin up for disaster.
Every day, millions of travellers reach for the little bar of soap on the sink without giving it a second thought.
But this innocent travel staple could actually be wreaking havoc on your complexion in ways you never imagined.
Pro Ryan Porter from Fat Cow Skincare says using hotel soaps on your face could strip away your skin's protective barrier, leaving you with irritation for days.
He said: "Most people don't realise they're potentially damaging their skin every time they use this everyday hotel amenity on their face.
"What appears to be a simple cleansing solution is actually your skin's worst enemy".
Ryan explains that most hotel bar soaps are highly alkaline, which means they can strip away the skin's natural, acid protective shield.
He said: "When you use alkaline soap, you're essentially stripping away this natural defence system.
"It's like removing the security system from your house and wondering why you keep getting burgled.'
They also often contain strong surfactants like sodium tallowate, which means they usually lack hydrating ingredients like glycerin or ceramides that help maintain your skin's moisture barrier.
So when you use it on your face, it can leave the skin feeling incredibly dry and tight.
But Ryan warns that this could be just the start of the problem, with many quickly experiencing redness, increased sensitivity, and even clogged pores and breakouts.
He said: "I've seen clients come back from holidays with what they think is 'travel skin', but it's actually damage from using inappropriate products.
'People with acne-prone or sensitive skin are particularly vulnerable because their skin barrier is already compromised.'
Instead, Ryan suggests bringing your own gentle, pH-balanced cleanser when travelling that you know works well for your skin.
And he says keeping it on you or in an easily-accessed area can make it easier, so there's no reason to lift the hotel soap for convenience.
He advises: 'Pack a small bottle of your regular face wash, or invest in solid facial cleansing bars specifically formulated for facial skin – they're TSA-friendly and won't cause the same damage.'
If you do have to use hotel products, then Ryan suggests looking for pump dispensers rather than bar soaps which can be a little better.
And follow up immediately with a good moisturiser to help repair any barrier damage.
He adds: 'Your holiday photos will thank you.
Hidden Hygiene Horror
BEYOND the chemical concerns, there is an even more unsettling issue with using hotel soap - hygine.
Hotel bar soaps are often unwrapped, reused by multiple guests, and left exposed to bathroom bacteria.
Ryan says: 'Think about it: that soap has been sitting in a damp hotel bathroom, potentially used by dozens of previous guests.
'Even if housekeeping replaces it regularly, there's no guarantee it hasn't been contaminated.'
The warm, moist environment of hotel bathrooms creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.
Using communal bar soap on your face (especially if you have any minor cuts or irritation) could introduce harmful microorganisms to your most sensitive skin.
"There's nothing worse than dealing with angry, irritated skin when you're supposed to be relaxing and having fun.
'Your skin barrier is incredibly sophisticated – it's made up of lipids and proteins that work together to keep moisture in and harmful substances out.
"When you disrupt this with harsh, alkaline soaps, you're damaging the skin's ability to protect itself long-term.
'The science is clear: maintaining proper pH balance is essential for healthy skin function.
"Hotel soaps completely ignore this basic principle, which is why so many people struggle with skin issues after travelling.
"Understanding your skin's natural chemistry and protecting it from unnecessary damage should be a priority for anyone who cares about their complexion.'