For me and my skin/hair/scalp, using no products when showering besides the occasional, situational use of a facial cleanser (always at the end) is best for me. I have very sensitive skin and I react poorly to most products.

After I stopped regularly using most products in the shower I stopped getting dandruff (my scalp is very healthy now), my short hair is always very soft (but never oily), my acne improved significantly, my skin isn’t dry or irritated anymore (nor is it very oily in certain areas), and I have almost zero body odor (I’m somebody who sweats very little and has low body odor regardless - but I’ve still noticed an improvement).

I shower daily and use a deliberate, thorough washing routine, starting at my face and scalp and working downward to redistribute natural oils across my skin. I sometimes use a clean washcloth for exfoliation. This approach has worked well for my skin’s sensitivity and oil balance. I still use soap when it is reasonable and necessary to do so.

Have I bought into Big Soap capitalist propaganda without even noticing??

The skin’s oil layer (sebum) and its flora (microbiota) are critical to skin health, but I don’t think most commercial products are designed to support them.