Poison Ivy Soap (Appalachian Secret)

This soap is intended for people who spend time outdoors and may come into contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac. It is commonly used by gardeners, landscapers, hikers, campers, parents washing children after outdoor play, and pet owners bathing dogs that may carry plant oils on their fur.

This soap may not be ideal for those looking for a heavily fragranced body soap or anyone seeking a medicated or pharmaceutical treatment. It is designed for cleansing and oil removal rather than symptom suppression.

Poison ivy reactions are caused by urushiol oil, which binds tightly to skin, clothing, and pet fur. If the oil is not fully removed, it can continue to spread and trigger reactions long after initial exposure.

This soap is formulated to help lift, bind, and rinse away urushiol oil during washing. By focusing on oil removal rather than masking symptoms, it supports limiting the spread and severity of reactions when used promptly after exposure.

This soap uses a combination of gentle cleansers and oil-binding ingredients to support thorough removal of plant oils.

Colloidal oatmeal supports frequent washing on sensitive or irritated skin. Bentonite clay binds oils and impurities, helping lift urushiol so it can be rinsed away. Burdock root and jewelweed are traditionally associated with skin-cleansing preparations following outdoor exposure.

This is a mechanical cleansing approach and is not a drug, steroid, or medicated treatment.

Many regular soaps focus on surface dirt and may spread urushiol oil rather than fully removing it. Jewelweed-only soaps rely on a single botanical without oil-binding ingredients. Medicated washes typically address itching after a rash has already developed.

This soap is designed to focus on oil removal using clay and oatmeal while remaining gentle enough for repeated use.

For a detailed breakdown of how different approaches compare, see our detailed comparison of poison ivy soaps:

Can this be used on an existing rash?

Yes. It can be used gently on irritated skin, but it is not a medical treatment.

How soon should it be used after exposure?

As soon as possible. Earlier use improves oil removal.

Is it safe for children?

Yes, with supervision and avoiding eyes and mouth.

Can this be used on pets?

Yes. It is commonly used to wash dogs that may carry urushiol on their fur.

How often can it be used?

As needed after exposure. The formula is designed for repeated washing.

This soap is handmade in small batches with an emphasis on function rather than fragrance.

Ingredients include saponified oils of coconut, sunflower, and castor, jewelweed tea, oatmeal, bentonite clay, burdock root, and essential oils of peppermint.

Each bar is approximately 6 oz (170 g). Single-bar and three-bar packs are available. Color, texture, and weight may vary slightly due to natural ingredients and small-batch production.