Is Bar Soap Better Than Body Wash? Here's the Truth

There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about whether bar soap is better than body wash. Some people are firmly team solid soap, while others love the liquid format. But have you ever examined why you use what you use and whether it’s right for you?

In this article, we’ll break down the bar soap versus body wash debate so you can see which product works best for your needs. We’ll also cover key ingredients to look out for when purchasing so you can get the best wash for your skin.

Is Bar Soap Really Better Than Body Wash?

Bar soap isn’t necessarily better than body wash; both products have pros and cons. But they’re equally effective at removing dirt and oil. The real difference between body wash and bar soap is in their format, ingredients, and manufacturing process.

Which is right for you depends most on your personal preferences. For example, a solid bar may suit a small shower shelf better than a space-hogging bottle. But a liquid formula may be a better fit for those with hard water who dread scrubbing soap scum at the end of the week. 

Bar Soap vs. Body Wash: What's the Difference?

Both bar soap and body wash offer targeted approaches, including formulations with hydrating and exfoliating ingredients to improve skin feel. The main difference is solid versus liquid. Here’s a comparison of the pros and cons of both:

Is Body Wash the Same as Hand Soap?

No, body wash isn’t the same as hand soap. Both products clean your skin, but body wash is used for whole-body cleaning. Hand soap works better on your hands for frequent washing, and it may include antibacterial ingredients to prevent the spread of germs. 

Ingredients To Look for and Avoid

Choosing between bar soap and body wash ultimately depends on which formula better suits your needs. But once you’ve selected a format, you’ll also want to check the ingredients list to make sure the product works for your skin.

Ingredients To Look for

Here are some common bar soap and body wash ingredients that tend to help skin feel its best:

• Glycerin: Naturally derived moisturizers like glycerin nourish skin and help it bounce back after a thorough wash.

• Natural exfoliants: Oatmeal and sand exfoliate your skin with a gentle grit to scrub away stubborn grime.

• Moisturizing oils: Coconut and olive oil are natural moisturizers that help replace some of the natural oils you’re scrubbing away.

• Shea butter: Shea butter helps skin feel soft and hydrated.

Ingredients To Avoid

Here are some ingredients that have made our sh*t list:

• Parabens and phthalates: Preservatives and solvents that may cause endocrine disruption

• Sulfates: Foaming agents that can be too aggressive on skin

• FD&C colors: Synthetic dyes that don’t readily break down in the environment and can block sunlight needed for aquatic life

Try Dr. Squatch’s Bar Soaps and Body Washes To Stay Clean

Bar soap and body wash are both great ways to wash off the day. It really comes down to personal preference, so choose which one best suits your shower routine. At Dr. Squatch, we offer both natural bar soaps and liquid body washes to fit every lifestyle. Here are some of our favorites:

• Zero grit soap: Fresh Falls bar soap with kaolin clay and a crisp forest waterfall scent

• Light grit soap: Summer Citrus bar soap with pumice powder for a gentle scrub and lemon essential oil for a fresh fragrance

• Heavy grit soap: Pine Tar bar soap with a combination of oatmeal and sand to deliver intense exfoliation with a rugged, woodsy scent

• Total moisture soap: Shea Butter bar soap with zero grit and zero fragrance for next-level nourishment

• Classic body wash: Coastal Mist body wash with zero grit and a refreshing ocean spray scent

• Exfoliating body wash: Wood Barrel Bourbon body wash with argan shell powder for grit and a bourbon and oak profile

Check out our full soap and body wash collection to find your perfect fit.