Why does washing up liquid make your hands dry?

Washing up liquid can make your hands dry because it often contains surfactants and detergents that effectively break down grease and oils, but these ingredients can also strip away the natural oils from your skin. This loss of moisture can lead to dryness and irritation. Additionally, many washing up liquids have a high pH, which can further disrupt the skin's natural barrier. Using hand creams or moisturizers after washing can help counteract this drying effect.