# Recommedation needed for a non-coconut-based soap that will kill COVID **URL:** \ **Category:** The Quarantine Zone\ **Tags:** covid-quarantine\ **Created:** [April 11, 2020, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549 "2020-04-11T05:01:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/1 "2020-04-11T05:01:47Z")
I have a friend who suffers from _many_ allergies. Coconut is one of his deadliest. He once was hospitalized because somebody standing 10 feet away from him had washed his hair using coconut shampoo. About 95% of the soaps in the world, he says, contain coconut, and the 5% that don’t, he says, can’t kill COVID germs effectively. Is there one out there that does? His hands bleed when he uses coconut soap, but “better that than getting covid.” He’s got so many pre-existing conditions that he’s terrified if he gets it, he’ll die from it. ---
**Author:** ![Saturn\_Dreams](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@Saturn\_Dreams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saturn_Dreams)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/2 "2020-04-11T06:06:42Z")
Try a traditional Savon de Marseille. It only contains four ingredients and uses olive oil instead of coconut for its fatty acid. L’Occitane also makes some soaps without sodium cocoate, for example, “Terre de Lumière”. > [@ekedolphin](#): > > About 95% of the soaps in the world, he says, contain coconut, and the 5% that don’t, he says, can’t kill COVID germs effectively. Which soaps is he talking about that won’t kill germs? Soap is soap is soap and they all work based on the same principle. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/3 "2020-04-11T07:22:25Z")
Olive oil is another allergy of his, I’m afraid. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 7:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/4 "2020-04-11T07:46:23Z")
Hand sanitizer to kill the virus followed by whatever soap he can tolerate should more than do the job between messing up the virus and mechanical removal of its remains. I suspect that soaps he can tolerate will work just fine, but not being familiar with his conditions or what soaps he can use I hesitate to state that as fact. [How soap kills covid-19](https://en.unesco.org/news/how-soap-kills-covid-19-hands) ---
**Author:** ![GreenWyvern](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/greenwyvern/32/2834_2.png) [@GreenWyvern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenWyvern)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/5 "2020-04-11T07:52:36Z")
Glycerine soap. You get pure glycerine soaps specifically designed to be non-allergic. As others have said, any soap will kill viruses. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 8:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/6 "2020-04-11T08:06:10Z")
Glycerin soaps still require an origin for the oil from which the glycerin comes, and that could be olive oil or coconut oil which could potentially trigger an allergy. “Hypoallergenic” is not a guarantee that _no one_ could have an allergic reaction to it, just that it’s highly unlikely. Nonetheless, as someone for whom Vaseline Intensive Care Lotions generate a bright red, itchy rash I am proof that you can still have a reaction to something labeled “hypoallergenic”. If the person in the OP can find a glycerin soap that is NOT sourced from either coconut or olive oil that might well work for his/her purposes. ---
**Author:** ![GreenWyvern](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/greenwyvern/32/2834_2.png) [@GreenWyvern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenWyvern)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 8:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/7 "2020-04-11T08:19:12Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > If the person in the OP can find a glycerin soap that is NOT sourced from either coconut or olive oil that might well work for his/her purposes. There’s highly purified glycerine, and synthetic glycerine. ---
**Author:** ![Die\_Capacitrix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/die_capacitrix/32/9_2.png) [@Die\_Capacitrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Die_Capacitrix)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 9:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/8 "2020-04-11T09:00:08Z")
According to [this](https://www.healthline.com/health/olive-oil-allergy#symptoms) article, the alternative oils are as follows: > [@](#): > > While olive oil can be a very beneficial oil for skin health, other healthy alternatives are available: > > Argan oil is high in vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. It’s a nongreasy moisturizer that improves skin elasticity. > Rosehip seed oil is an anti-aging oil that contains vitamins E, C, D, and beta-carotene. It’s nourishing, protective, and hydrates the skin. > Marula oil can reduce irritation and inflammation, as well as hydrate. It has antimicrobial properties that make it great for skin that is prone to acne. [Argan oil soap](https://drorganic.co.uk/products/moroccan-argan-oil-soap-100g-3-5oz) [Rosehip seed oil](https://www.pureformulas.com/rosehip-seed-oil-soap-bar-5-oz-141-grams-by-roots-fruits.html) What about products from [Cetaphil](https://www.cetaphil.com/us/product/gentle-cleansing-bar)? ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 9:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/9 "2020-04-11T09:11:18Z")
Goat’s milk soap, perhaps? I’ve been ordering soap from this place since visiting PEI on vacation in 2012. > **[The Great Canadian Soap Co. - Handcrafted Natural Goat Milk Soap and Body...](https://www.greatcanadiansoap.com/Default.asp)** > > The Great Canadian Soap Co is a small, family based company in Prince Edward Island. Our specialty is goat milk soap made right on the farm with fresh goat milk from our own goats and with natural oils and butters. Our product line includes All... ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/10 "2020-04-11T15:14:42Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > Goat’s milk soap, perhaps? Not one of the Rolling Stones better albums, although the single _Angora_ was quite good. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/11 "2020-04-11T15:36:01Z")
> [@ftg](#): > > Not one of the Rolling Stones better albums, although the single _Angora_ was quite good. 😉 Nothing but a bit of fluff, that one. ---
**Author:** ![Ruken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f475e1/32.png) [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/12 "2020-04-11T15:36:25Z")
If you’re ok with making your own, you can use whatever fat is safe. ---
**Author:** ![Ruken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f475e1/32.png) [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/13 "2020-04-11T15:42:59Z")
> [@GreenWyvern](#): > > Glycerine soap. > > You get pure glycerine soaps specifically designed to be non-allergic. As others have said, any soap will kill viruses. 😕 “Pure glycerin soap” still has soap in it. Adding UHP synthetic glycerol isn’t going to help anyone. ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/14 "2020-04-11T16:22:17Z")
He’s not allergic to soap. I assume it’s the coconut derived cocamidopropyl betaine used in many soaps that he’s allergic to. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/15 "2020-04-11T16:25:54Z")
> [@ekedolphin](#): > > I have a friend who suffers from _many_ allergies. Coconut is one of his deadliest. He once was hospitalized because somebody standing 10 feet away from him had washed his hair using coconut shampoo. If this is literally true (a smell from 10 feet away sent him to the hospital) then your friend is so fragile that I doubt we could ever offer any useful advice. But, why doesn’t this person just use whatever soap they already use? Presumably, this person has had to take major precautions in regards to their lifestyle for years; why is it different now? If the concern is that their special medicated soap doesn’t work to protect against the transmission of viruses, comfort them by telling them that - assuming it is indeed soap - they are mistaken. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/16 "2020-04-11T16:27:09Z")
> [@ekedolphin](#): > > About 95% of the soaps in the world, he says, contain coconut I wondered about this and so googled it, and ran across this [coconut allergy blog](http://coconutallergy.blogspot.com/2014/04/coconut-free-soap-fan-mail-from-melissa.html), in case that helps and he doesn’t already know about it. ---
**Author:** ![Nicest\_of\_the\_Damned](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8baadc/32.png) [@Nicest\_of\_the\_Damned](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nicest_of_the_Damned)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/17 "2020-04-11T16:34:56Z")
There are alternatives but different oils have different properties that need to be balanced so the soap is not too drying and the bar is sufficiently hard. If you can find a small batch artisanal soap maker (there are lots on places like etsy) they might be able to work with whatever oils your friend can tolerate. Might not be cheap, though. Almost certainly though their equipment will have processed olive and coconut oils. Palm oil might be an alternative but the sustainable stuff is somewhat pricey. I have made soap at home. It does take some research and investment in equipment but it’s very much doable. You do need to be careful with lye. It will be harder in a home with pets or small children. I gave it up when I got cats. ---
**Author:** ![Ruken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f475e1/32.png) [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/18 "2020-04-11T18:08:57Z")
> [@CarnalK](#): > > He’s not allergic to soap. I assume it’s the coconut derived cocamidopropyl betaine used in many soaps that he’s allergic to. And thus glycerol isn’t going to help anyone. Likely won’t hurt though. ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/19 "2020-04-11T18:44:24Z")
> [@Ruken](#): > > And thus glycerol isn’t going to help anyone. Likely won’t hurt though. Your comment was “still has soap in it” which doesn’t make any sense. But to your actual point, here is [a commercially available “Pure Glycerine Soap”](https://puresoapworks.com/product/pure-glycerine-soap/) which contains Sodium Cocoate, which I assume will kill our OP’s friend. Any hypoallergenic soap should work. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2020, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549/20 "2020-04-11T18:52:05Z")
> [@Ruken](#): > > And thus glycerol isn’t going to help anyone. Likely won’t hurt though. Why? According to wiki common sources of the fat are > [@](#): > > Typical plant sources include soybeans or palm. Animal-derived tallow is another source. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommedation-needed-for-a-non-coconut-based-soap-that-will-kill-covid/851549.md?page=2)