At LISS Products, we believe good care starts with a deep understanding of what a horse actually needs. That's why we're constantly digging into the science behind skincare and researching which ingredients and formulas best match a horse's natural balance. One important aspect of this is skin pH, which differs greatly from that of humans. Yet we see horse owners often reaching for human skincare products, without realizing this can do more harm than good. In this blog we explain why that is, and why we believe it's essential to develop skincare products that are genuinely tailored to what horses need.
What is pH, and why does it matter?
pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The scale runs from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A lower value means acidic, a higher value means alkaline. Skin has a natural pH balance that helps protect against bacteria, fungi, and other harmful outside influences.
Skin pH: humans vs. horses
In humans, skin pH averages between 4.5 and 5.5, meaning the skin is mildly acidic. This helps maintain a healthy skin flora and prevents infections. Horses, on the other hand, have a much higher skin pH, ranging between 6 and 8 depending on factors such as breed, diet, and environmental conditions. That means their skin is considerably less acidic than ours.
Why are human skincare products harmful to horses?
Because a horse's skin pH is higher than a human's, products developed specifically for people (such as shampoos, conditioners, and lotions) can disrupt the natural protective layer of horse skin. This can lead to:
- Dryness and flaking
- Itching and irritation
- Increased susceptibility to infection
- A dull, unhealthy coat
On top of that, many human shampoos and soaps contain harsh cleansing agents and fragrances that are too strong for a horse's sensitive skin. This can create skin problems that could easily be avoided with the right care.
Fragrance deserves particular attention here, because a horse's nose is far more sensitive than ours and a strong artificial scent is not a neutral addition. We looked at that separately in how scent affects a horse's wellbeing.
Ingredients matter more than labels
The same principle applies well beyond shampoo. An ingredient that behaves helpfully in one context can work against you in another, which is exactly what happens with glycerin in leather care: it is genuinely useful in human skincare and a poor fit for tack. We took that apart in detail in Glycerin and Leather: Friend or Foe?
The lesson carries over. "Gentle", "natural" and "nourishing" describe marketing, not chemistry. What matters is whether the formula suits the surface you are putting it on. We followed that thought further in is "100% natural" actually better for your horse?, including why some of the most dangerous things a horse can encounter are entirely natural.
Our research into the perfect equine skincare
At LISS Products, we take horse care seriously. That's why we invest a lot of time researching the ideal balance between cleansing and care, without disrupting the horse's natural skin barrier. We don't just analyze pH. We also look at which natural ingredients best support healthy, hydrated skin and a shiny coat.
By combining this knowledge with our passion for horses, we're working on a skincare product that isn't just effective, but also fully tailored to what a horse needs. We want to create something you can use with complete confidence, because it supports the skin's natural balance instead of disrupting it.
Conclusion
While it might be tempting to grab a bottle of human shampoo if you don't have anything else on hand, it's important to remember that your horse's skin needs a completely different kind of care. At LISS Products, we take a horse's pH balance extremely seriously, and we let scientific research guide us toward the best solutions. We look forward to bringing a product to market soon that gives your horse the care it deserves. Keep following us, and be among the first to hear about our latest developments!
Sources
- Geiser, D. (2015). Equine Skin and Coat Care. Equine Science Journal.
- Smith, J. (2018). pH Balance in Horses: What You Need to Know. Veterinary Dermatology.
- Equine Veterinary Association (2020). The Effects of Human Shampoo on Horse Skin.
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