Bar Soap vs. Body Wash
When it comes to body care, choosing the right cleanser is essential! Your skin is your body's largest organ and it plays a crucial role in protecting the rest of your body. When trying to keep our skin clean and healthy, choosing the best body cleanser is not always a straightforward process.
Depending on the product you choose, both bar soap and body wash can be drying. When looking for the best cleanser for your skin, it’s important to look for moisturizing formulas designed to nourish and hydrate your skin. Luckily, you can easily find nourishing bar soaps and body washes at your local store or online. Use our advice below to help you choose between bar soap and body wash, plus how to find the best cleanser for your skin!
Differences Between Bar Soap and Body Wash
Both bar soaps and body washes will effectively cleanse your skin, but their formulations and how they interact with your skin can be vastly different. Some bar soaps can be harsher on your skin compared to body wash. If you prefer bar soap over body wash, look for a mild soap. This type of cleanser effectively washes away daily dirt and grime without overdrying your skin.
Body wash is a good option if you have normal to dry skin or if you are searching for a mild formula. If you are worried about the hygiene level of bars, opt for a body wash. Bacteria can live on some bar soaps, while a bottle protects body wash from heat and moisture in your shower. To avoid bacteria buildup, rinse the bar after each shower and allow it to dry completely before using again.
Bar Soap: Some Pros and Cons
Bar soap is excellent for people who want to cleanse their skin with a simple formula without investing a lot of money. When looking for an effective bar soap, consider the following:
- Bar soap is cost effective and often uses less packaging compared to body wash, so it can be a more environmentally friendly option.
- Moisturizing bar soaps often contain glycerin, an ultra-hydrating ingredient known to moisturize your skin.
- Bar soap often comes in packs of 4 or 8 bars, so you don’t have to worry about running out of your favorite body cleanser.
- Some body washes contain microbeads, which can be harmful to the environment. Bar soaps typically do not contain microbeads.
- Bar soap can be a little messy due to the lack of packaging. After using bar soap, rinse off the bar and let it dry between uses.
Body Wash: Some Pros and Cons
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The best body washes are ultra-hydrating to help you avoid dry skin after showering. Body washes are great for people with dry skin because they effectively cleanse your skin without stripping it of moisture. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a body wash:
- Body wash is effective for many different skin types--from dry to sensitive skin.
- Some body washes contain harsh ingredients that aren't suitable for your skin type.
- If you’re worried about clogged pores on your body, many body wash formulas are non-comedogenic.
- Some bar soaps can be drying, so body wash can be a great option if you often experience dry skin in winter.
- Hydrating body washes are often formulated with nourishing oils and glycerin to deeply moisturize your skin.
Which Body Cleanser Should You Choose?
Simply deciding between bar soap and body wash isn't so simple. Other than paying attention to ingredients, you should carefully consider your skin type. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you should choose a cleanser with a very gentle formula. A moisturizing liquid body wash will likely be better than most bar soaps because they clean without stripping your skin of moisture.
If your skin is normal in texture and hydration, both body wash and bar soap will work for your skin type. In this case, your choice of cleanser is based on personal preference and you can experiment with different ingredients and scents to see which one is best for your skin.
Our Top Body Cleansing Tips
- Bar soap and body wash will both effectively cleanse your skin.
- If you have dry skin, look for mild bar soap and moisturizing body wash to cleanse without stripping moisture.
- Bar soap is a great eco-friendly option since it typically has less packaging than other skincare products.
- Look for paraben-free and dermatologist tested formulas.
- Avoid long, hot showers and always moisturize after bathing to prevent dry skin.
