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P.S. I have now returned from rural Kenya where I daily used a little fresh or rain-exposed wood ash for handwashing at least once a day for 5-6 weeks, without getting any damage to my skin. It could feel a bit softer sometimes. Some may be more sensitive to alkaline soap or ash. I was told it can pain if one have open scratches on the fingers but helps to heal them too. Less water was required to remove the ash than soap using typical water for the humid tropics with low lime content (soft water).
Access to soap was often a problem, even where it was least expected. Some used liquid soap in a reused bottle with holes in or a dish with Omo. A water black container with a tap, placed in the sun, can also be recommended.