Both bathing solutions are common. Is one better than the other? Is one product a clear winner in the bar-soap-vs.-body-wash debate? What exactly are the differences between bar soap and liquid soap? As you choose your personal cleanser, use the following guide to decide which is best for you.

Differences between bar soap and liquid soap

The main difference between these two products is the ingredients used to make them. Liquid soap is made with potash (potassium hydroxide). Bar soap is made with lye (sodium hydroxide). Bar soap also contains higher quantities of superfat and glycerin.

When it comes to effectiveness for cleaning, there is not much difference between bar soap and liquid soap. There are, however, unique pros and cons to each type of soap.

Bar soap pros

• Cost-effective: Bar for bar and ounce for ounce, you will typically pay less for bar soap than liquid soap. If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, bar soap is probably your best bet.
• Environmentally friendly: Due to the natural ingredients found in bar soap, this is the greener option of the two. If this is a top priority for you, you may want to choose bar soap over liquid soap.
• Pure ingredients: Some manufacturers produce bar soap with minimal, pure ingredients. There’s usually no need for chemical preservatives or other extraneous ingredients, so you get just what you need to get clean.

Bar soap con

• Skin dehydration: Bar soap contains a harsh ingredient that can dehydrate your skin; therefore, washing with a bar soap can remove natural oils from the body and leave it dehydrated. If your skin has ever felt extra tight or “squeaky clean” after bathing with bar soap, this is why.

Body wash pros

• Moisturizing: Unlike bar soap, which can dehydrate the skin, liquid soap is better for moisturizing. It does not contain the same drying ingredients as bar soap, so if dry skin is a concern, you may be better off choosing liquid soap.
• Hygienic: Liquid soap may be slightly more hygienic than bar soap, depending on how the bar is stored and used.

Body wash cons

• Chemical ingredients: Liquid body wash contains preservatives, so it may include harsh chemicals that you don’t want on your skin or in the environment.
• Cost: In many cases, liquid soap is more expensive than bar soap, so this might not be the most budget-friendly option.

Find the right soap for you

Want to learn more about the differences between bar soap and liquid soap? Visit Soaps & Scents today. We have been making beautiful handmade soaps for over 20 years, so we are your go-to experts for all things soap. We offer bar and liquid soaps in a variety of fragrances and even some fun soaps such as our Ducky or Cupcake soaps. We make everything by hand in small quantities, and all of our soaps are free of animal products. If you haven’t had a chance to try our wonderful soaps and products, you’re in for a treat! Stop by today to find the perfect cleansing solution for your needs.