The scary truth about ordinary soap bars

MANILA, Philippines - While most Filipinas would do everything just to hide their natural skin tone, model/TV host Wilma Doesnt wears her skin proudly.

“I consider my complexion as one of my physical attributes. Most of my colleagues in the modeling industry have silky, white complexion. I’m fortunate to have a natural tan. Kaya nga in demand ako during summer,” Wilma says.

The downside of being dark-skinned though, Wilma adds, is that her skin is prone to dryness. “I can actually write my name on it sa sobrang pagka-dry especially when I use ordinary soap bars. Thank goodness for Dove Cream Bars. Unlike ordinary soaps, Dove is richly blended with moisturizing cream and the mildest cleansers. It doesn’t feel tight on my skin.”

Wilma is just one of the Dove “truthsayers” who managed to break free from the shackles of ugly, tight, and dry skin.

“After I’ve tried Dove and compared it with the soap I was using, I felt the difference right away. I never tried other brands since,” enthuses TV host Claudine Trillo who, like Wilma, swears by Dove’s moisturizing properties. Both ladies have been using Dove Cream Bars for over 10 years now.

In December 2008, Dove initiated an awareness campaign about the harmful effects of ordinary soap bars on skin. They even set up a huge and intriguing billboard right in the middle of EDSA that read, “The Truth Will Set You Free.” Women from all over the metro were puzzled and eventually clamored for the “truth” about their soap bars.

The Revelation

Dove conducted Skin Mildness Tests in various malls nationwide to educate consumers about the harsh chemicals found in ordinary soaps and to encourage them to make the right choice.

“It’s basically a test that measures the alkalinity of soaps,” explains Dove brand manager Dennis Perez.

Two different soaps are dissolved in two separate glasses of water. A special alkaline-testing formulation is dropped in each solution. The results show the pH level of the soaps tested.

“If the solution turned pink, it means the soap has high pH levels, which is harmful to the skin,” notes Perez.

Samples of the ordinary soaps tested turned pink while Dove cream bar retained its original white color.

Breaking Free

The success of the campaign inspired Unilever, maker of Dove, to hold the Dove Toilet Soap swap event at SM Fairview and SM Mall of Asia where shoppers are encouraged to swap their old soap bars for two Dove cream bars.

The crowd at SM Megamall, where the first Dove Toilet Soap Swap Series was held, turned over 1,000 toilet soap bars in just two and a half hours, proof that most women already made their stand.

A total of 1,000 Dove cream bars flew off the shelves as hordes of women, men, and children exchanged their regular soap bars for free Dove during the last leg of the Dove Toilet Soap swap event held at the activity center of SM The Block.

The massive convergence of shoppers enticed other mallers to buy ordinary soap bars at Watsons and SM Supermarket so they, too, can participate in the swapping event. Soaps of different brands, sizes, and colors filled the drop boxes to the brim.

Dove truthsayers Wilma Doesnt, Claudine Trillo, and Lexi Schulze joined the happy shoppers who broke free from their old soap bars.

“It feels good to be free. Moisturizing is the easiest way to have beautiful skin. I just love the feel of Dove on my skin. It’s silkier than soap, gives me a lathery moisture, and is so gentle I can use it all over my body,” Claudine shares.

Lexi couldn’t agree more: “With Dove, you don’t need lotion anymore.”

Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty is all about widening the stereotypical definition of beauty and inspiring women to love and take good care of themselves.

“Akala ng lahat maputi lang ang maganda. Well, I’m black and I’m beautiful. It’s not just about the color. It’s how you take care of yourself,” Wilma adds.

With a total of 4,000 ordinary soaps swapped for Dove cream bars, more and more women are now convinced that ordinary soap bars are indeed harsh on the skin.

Dove Cream Bars are available in leading supermarkets nationwide.