Could a Bar of Soap Be the Future of Skin Cancer Treatment?

Could the next advancement in cancer care come from a bar of soap—not a lab?

That question drove 14-year-old Heman Bekele to create an innovation few would expect: Skin Cancer Treating Soap (SCTS). His idea was shaped by early memories from Ethiopia, where he saw outdoor workers exposed to intense sunlight with no protection. That image stayed with him—and later inspired a completely different way of thinking about treatment.

SCTS is a compound-based bar of soap that carries imiquimod, a drug commonly used in certain skin cancer therapies. But unlike traditional delivery methods, this soap uses lipid-based nanoparticles to help the medication stay on the skin, even after rinsing. Instead of washing off completely, the soap is designed to leave behind a thin, localized layer of active treatment.

Every year, 2 to 3 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer, according to the World Health Organization. While non-melanoma types have high survival rates—over 98%—the cost of treatment remains a critical barrier. In many parts of the world, access is limited not by availability of drugs, but by the financial burden of receiving care.

That’s where SCTS aims to make a difference. The soap doesn’t require specialized clinics or equipment, and its projected cost—around $0.50 per pack—positions it as a practical option in resource-limited settings. It could offer early-stage support or complement existing treatment options where access is restricted.

In 2023, Heman was awarded the title of America’s Top Young Scientist through the 3M Young Scientist Challenge. He’s now moving into preclinical development, collaborating with research institutions and mentors. His long-term goal is to make SCTS available by 2028 through a nonprofit model focused on equitable access.