Is bar soap more effective than liquid soap?

For centuries, bar soap was the go-to for personal hygiene. While its appearance and form changed over time – from square to round, scented to unscented, clear to opaque – its basic function remained unchanged. Eventually, other cleaning agents emerged, including liquid soaps, initially designed for handwashing. The market then saw the rise of shower gels, also known as body washes, which quickly became a popular alternative to traditional bar soap.

Navigating the skincare aisle can be overwhelming, and this includes choosing between soap and non-soap cleansers. So, which is the better option – bar soap or liquid soap? Fortunately, on a basic level, they are quite similar. Both types of true soap are made from the same essential ingredients: alkali salts of fatty acids and surfactants. These surfactants allow dirt and oil to be lifted and washed away by water [source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration].

Like many health and beauty products, bar and liquid soaps each have their pros and cons. One major downside of bar soap is that it may remove more than just dirt, potentially stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Liquid soaps, while often containing added moisturizers, may also have fragrances and other additives that can irritate sensitive skin [source: Bruno].

If you're budget-conscious, bar soap might be a more affordable option compared to liquid soap [source: Bartels]. However, if you're not a fan of the slimy residue bar soap can leave behind in your soap dish, you may find liquid soap worth the extra cost.

In recent years, there's been a growing debate over which is superior: classic bar soap or trendy shower gel. Keep reading to learn more about these two contenders before you pick a side.

Pros and Cons of Bar Soap

Bar soap may have been around longer than liquid soap, but it often gets overlooked when compared to its more modern, flashy counterpart.

A common concern with bar soap is the potential for bacteria transfer. Because multiple people sometimes use the same bar, there are worries about germs spreading. However, research has shown that while used bar soaps may have slightly more bacteria than unused ones, no bacteria remain on the skin after use [source: Heinze]. To ease concerns, those using bar soap can ensure each person has their own individual soap.

One downside of bar soaps is that many have a higher pH level compared to liquid soaps. This can lead to drier skin, which can be uncomfortable and slow to heal if injured. However, what liquid soap lovers may overlook is that there are many soaps on the market with low or neutral pH levels, which are less drying [source: Baranda].

Supporters of bar soap often highlight that most bar soaps contain glycerin, which is beneficial for those with skin conditions like eczema and even for individuals with dry skin [source: American Academy of Dermatology]. Additionally, bar soaps can be a convenient choice for people with fragrance allergies, as many options are fragrance-free. In contrast, fragrance-free liquid soaps are not as widely available.

So, are you ready to switch back to bar soap? Not so fast – the next page has some intriguing facts about liquid soap that might make you rethink your decision.

Pros and Cons of Liquid Soap

Like bar soaps, liquid soaps come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. A downside of liquid soap is wastefulness. With bar soaps, it's easy to gauge how much soap you need on your washcloth or loofah, but liquid soaps, which often come in pump-action or squeezable bottles, tend to encourage overuse. When you factor in their higher price, this can lead to unnecessary waste that bar soaps don't typically produce [source: Bartels].

If you're a fan of body wash, don't despair. Liquid soaps do have their perks. Unlike bar soap, which can leave behind a messy pile of soap scum if left in standing water (although soap savers can help), liquid soap doesn't have this issue. Plus, while bar soap might slip down the drain, you're less likely to lose a bottle of liquid soap. Liquid soap also creates a richer lather, which many people find more appealing than the lighter lather of bar soaps.

Stronger bar soaps, especially those intended as deodorants, can be too harsh for some people, stripping away essential oils and irritating the skin. Many liquid soaps and body washes, however, contain moisturizing ingredients and are generally milder than bar soaps. Women, whose skin tends to be more sensitive than men's, can especially benefit from liquid soaps with moisturizers, as bar deodorant soaps can leave dry spots and cause itching.

Ultimately, the choice between liquid soap and bar soap is a personal one. More than the form of the soap, it's important to consider how your skin reacts to certain additives like fragrances and moisturizers. No matter which option you choose, remember that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration declared in 2016 that antibacterial soap's benefits are unproven, and the active ingredients triclosan and triclocarban have not been proven safe for daily use [source: FDA].