Buzz
For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, bars of soap were the go-to bathing option in America. However, by the late 1980s, traditional solid soap began facing stiff competition from liquid alternatives, such as shower gels and body washes.
Thanks to effective marketing—highlighting the notion that bar soap is unhygienic—body washes and shower gels eventually outpaced bar soap. Now, the growing demand for personal care items with fewer chemicals and less waste has allowed bar soap to make a comeback. But with popularity aside, which one is the best fit for you? Here's what to consider.
Understanding the distinctions between bar soap, shower gel, and body wash
Let’s begin with the fundamentals. Keep in mind that bar soaps, shower gels, and body washes are vast categories, and what follows is a broad overview of each (with plenty of exceptions).
Bar Soap
A bar of soap is a solid cleanser typically created by combining an oil (like coconut oil, palm oil, or olive oil) with water and an alkali (sodium hydroxide, also known as lye).
However, many of the major soap bars found today are actually ‘syndet bars’ (‘synthetic detergent’), meaning they are made with synthetic versions of traditional soap ingredients. They are often marketed as ‘beauty bars’ or ‘cleansing bars.’
Shower Gel
Shower gel typically has a thicker, gel-like texture, a stronger fragrance, and is sometimes designed for both the body and hair.
Body Wash
Like shower gels, body washes are liquid cleansers that use mild surfactants to cleanse the skin. However, body washes are usually thinner and creamier compared to shower gels.
How to Choose the Best Cleanser for Your Skin
Given the wide variety of bar soaps, shower gels, and body washes available, it's likely you can find a product with the features you want by checking the labels. Still, here's what to generally consider when choosing a soap for your shower (or bath):
Dry Skin
If you have dry skin and prefer a liquid cleanser, body wash is likely your best option, as it provides more hydration and moisture than shower gel. There are also plenty of beauty bars with added moisturizers for those who prefer solid soap.
Oily Skin
On the other hand, people with oily skin (who don’t require extra hydration) or those who live in hot or humid climates may want to choose shower gels or more traditional bar soaps. Shower gel is also ideal if you simply want to cleanse without any additional effects, or if you enjoy the ‘squeaky clean’ feeling.
Sensitive Skin
Those with sensitive skin are well aware that certain soaps and cleansers can trigger uncomfortable reactions, and they understand the importance of reading labels to check ingredients. One important factor to consider is pH. Body wash typically has a lower pH level than traditional bar soap, making it gentler on sensitive and dry skin.
The other key ingredients to watch out for are fragrances and preservatives. Body washes and shower gels often contain more of these than bar soaps, but this varies depending on the specific product.
