After verification, experts confirm that stainless steel soap does not remove sweat, grime, or dirt from the body. Moreover, there is no conclusive scientific research to support such claims. Experts recommend using regular soap as the most effective option.
Source: Reels
Thai PBS Verify found that a Facebook account named “Ajarn Tan Wongpisut Thongphan” posted a Reels video claiming: “Stainless steel soap is effective, durable, and unforgettable. It eliminates all types of odors — meat, fish, pork, dog, chicken, and even external and internal body odors. One bar lasts a lifetime, can be passed down through generations, and never wears out. One purchase is extremely worthwhile.”
What is stainless steel soap?
Based on product searches, stainless steel soap is a non-dissolving item made from stainless steel, primarily used for removing strong odors from the hands, such as smells from seafood, onions, garlic, or pungent fruits and vegetables. It is commonly marketed for kitchen use only. (link)
We searched using relevant keywords and found that there have been previous attempts to test stainless steel soap by using it to clean odors from various foods and items — such as in [this] and [this] — but there is still no conclusive evidence that it can remove all types of odors effectively. (link here and here)
Can stainless steel be used to clean the body?
We consulted Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weerachai Phutdhawong (Ajarn Odd), a chemistry lecturer from the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science at Kasetsart University. He explained that stainless steel is an alloy composed of iron, carbon, and chromium. The chromium forms a thin protective film on the surface that prevents corrosion, making stainless steel resistant to scratches and rust. (link)
However, stainless steel has no properties that contribute to cleaning the human body. Body dirt typically comes from sweat, oils, and grime, which require water to be removed. But sometimes water alone is not enough, because sweat and grime are non-polar substances and do not dissolve easily in water.
That’s why soap or surfactants are necessary. These cleaning agents work by binding to the oils and dirt so they can be rinsed away with water. In contrast, using stainless steel soap can actually trap oil on its surface, causing both odor and grease to remain on the skin.
“To clean the body properly, you need surfactants, such as real soap. Using stainless steel won’t remove sweat or dirt — everything will stay just as it is. It’s ineffective and offers no benefit apart from being aesthetically unique.”
Surfactants that can be found naturally, such as those in ลูกประคำดีควาย (the fruit of the wild bitter melon), contain surfactants as well. These natural surfactants can help in cleaning, similar to traditional soaps.
Properties of stainless-steel soap
We also consulted Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jedsada Dentdungbriapan, a professor in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, who stated that there is currently no evidence confirming that stainless steel soap can clean 100%. However, based on the properties of stainless steel, it contains chromium. The theory behind stainless steel soap suggests that the chromium on the surface of the metal, when exposed to water, forms a chromium oxide layer.
It is believed that chromium oxide reacts with sulfur-containing compounds, which cause odors. When it comes in contact with the hands, the chromium oxide layer is removed, thus eliminating the odor. After use or when left unused, the chromium oxide layer will naturally reform. This is the theory stated as the property of stainless-steel soap (link to record).
However, there is no clear evidence to confirm this, and experiments have not reported that stainless steel soap can completely remove odors. As for cleaning the body, stainless steel soap is unlikely to clean the body or disinfect in any way.
