pH is a science nerd’s way of saying “how angry is this liquid?” Numbers run from 0 to 14. Zero is battery acid. Think of it as a tiny, hissing gremlin. Fourteen is drain cleaner—the Hulk of chemistry. Seven is pure, boring, beautiful water. That’s the sweet spot. That’s neutral.
Your skin? It lives around pH 5.5. That’s mildly acidic. It’s like a polite bouncer at a club. Most dish soaps are way more basic (alkaline). They go on a rampage. They strip oil and dirt—and also your natural skin barrier. Ouch.