In the late 1950s, while treating patients with eczema and atopic dermatitis, Doctor Heinz Maurer, a German dermatologist, observed a common challenge: many skin conditions struggled with lasting recovery, not due to insufficient treatment, but from ongoing damage by highly alkaline cleansing products (pH 8-10). These products disrupted the skin's natural acid mantle, leading to dryness, itching, and hindering the effectiveness of long-term care.

Driven by a desire to revolutionize traditional skincare, Doctor Maurer and his team dedicated over a decade to research. Their efforts culminated in the development of a soap-free cleansing bar with a pH of 5.5. In 1967, Doctor Heinz Maurer founded Sebapharma, laying the foundation for Sebamed, a brand born from scientific innovation and a deep understanding of sensitive skin.

Doctor Heinz Maurer with a Sebamed antibacterial bar in the research laboratory. *Photo: Sebamed*.

According to dermatological studies, healthy skin is covered by a biological acid mantle with a pH of approximately 5.5. This mildly acidic environment is crucial for maintaining the skin's protective barrier.

At a pH of 5.5, the epidermal lipid structure remains stable, and the stratum corneum's water-retention capacity improves. This limits transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Additionally, this environment supports beneficial microorganisms and inhibits harmful bacteria.

Sebamed has consistently applied the pH 5.5 principle across its skincare, body, and hair care product lines. Products are developed for gentle, soap-free, and alkali-free cleansing, aiming to maintain a stable physiological pH even with daily use.

The Sebamed pH 5.5 product range suits various users, from those with sensitive or easily irritated skin to those in the recovery phase. All products are dermatologically tested, ensuring long-term, safe use.

The Sebamed pH 5.5 product range. *Photo: Sebamed*.

At specialized scientific programs, Associate Professor Doctor Huynh Van Ba, Vice President of the Vietnam Dermatology Association, and Doctor Tran Quoc Cuong, Head of Dermatology Department at Kien Giang General Hospital, emphasized the importance of selecting appropriate pH cleansing products for sensitive, acne-prone, and atopic dermatitis skin.

Doctor Tran Quoc Cuong presenting a specialized report on skin pH at the 11th Scientific Forum. *Photo: Sebamed*.

Reports also show that Vietnamese skin is prone to protective barrier disruption when using alkaline cleansing products. Maintaining a pH of 5.5 helps skin recover faster, reduces irritation, and supports the treatment of pathological skin conditions.

Beyond general skin care, the brand also focuses on body areas with distinct physiological characteristics, such as intimate areas. Unlike the rest of the body, intimate areas have a more acidic physiological environment, with a natural pH ranging from 3.8 to 4.5.

This acidic environment helps maintain beneficial bacteria and limits the growth of harmful microorganisms. Using pH-inappropriate cleansing products can disrupt physiological balance, causing dryness, discomfort, and even increasing the risk of infection.

Sebamed intimate wash is designed with a pH of 3.8, close to the optimal physiological threshold of intimate areas, helping maintain the natural balance of this sensitive region. The formula is soap-free, alkali-free, and dermatologically and gynecologically tested. It cleanses gently without causing dryness, discomfort, or disrupting the physiological environment.

The product is enriched with lactic acid, which supports the activity of beneficial bacteria and enhances natural self-protection mechanisms. Bisabolol and aloe vera extract soothe the skin, limit odor, reduce itching, and help intimate areas maintain balance with daily use.

Sebamed intimate wash. *Photo: Sebamed*.

"For over 55 years, Sebamed has steadfastly committed to physiological pH skincare, developing products based on science and rigorous German clinical testing. This approach prioritizes safety and long-term stability, helping the brand earn trust in over 85 countries", a brand representative said.

The Dan