Bar Soap vs. Body Wash – Should You Go Soap-Free?

We’re debating the differences between bar soap and body wash and sharing the best toxic-free products.

What’s your version of clean? 🚿

We’re discussing the difference between bar soap vs. body wash and which are the best toxic-free brands to use! The following are some alternatives to the term “Order” Why should you use soap-free soap?

Have you seen our new series of clean natural products yet? Our team had a discussion about the shower soap after sharing our favorite natural skin care products. Here’s everything we know about bar soap vs. body wash and whether or not you may want to consider going soap-free…

Is bar soap a better alternative to body wash?

Although the purpose of body wash and bar soap is essentially the exact same, I believe that bar soap is a better option for you and your environment.

Since liquid soap contains water, it is impossible to make without preservatives. To extend the shelf life, preservatives must be used to prevent mold, yeast and bacteria growth. Depending on how they are used, preservatives may cause serious skin problems or other health concerns.

Bar soaps don’t require the use of preservatives, and there are many options on the market that I feel are safer to use. Bar soap also lasts about 2 – 3x longer than liquid soap, since bar soap is more concentrated than liquids. With cleaner ingredients, this also means bar soaps are more eco-friendly and leave little to no trace depending on where you’re buying your bars. Bar soaps can also be more convenient to travel with and offer more benefits for the skin, depending on which brand you choose.

What did our team say about the difference between body wash and bar soap?

Our team is a majority that uses bar soap as well as body wash. The least number of members use only bar soap. Do we wash wrongly the majority? 😳

The good news is that there’s really no right or wrong way of washing… as long as you’re following proper body hygiene. 😉 However, it’s important to point out that not all bar soaps are treated the same.

Does there exist a soapless body wash?

You may have heard of “soap-free” before. Soap-free cleaners as well as soap are both designed to remove debris from the skin. However, regular soap also strips your skin of much more than what’s required. It may not have occurred to you that a soapless cleanser is a great option for people with sensitive skin.

Depending on the brand and ingredients used, soap-free cleansers can be made with plant-based or synthetic surfactants. However, organic is preferred. Unlike traditional soaps, “soap-free” cleansers don’t contain fats and alkaline ingredients which can lead to dry skin and disrupt your body’s natural pH balance. A “soap-free” option will provide more natural humectants which will help with a healthier skin pH balance and naturally hydrated skin. Remember, “soap-free” doesn’t mean “chemical-free” so be sure to check the labels before buying.

What is the most important takeaway? Fewer suds can equal a better skin barrier if you’re using the right product.

Here are the top 3 non-toxic products. bar soap, liquid soap, & No soap cleanser recommendations if you’re looking to make a Cleaner switch:

Shopping from a local soap maker who offers bar soap with very minimal ingredients could be your best choice, but if you need something more readily accessible, we love this soap bar made by Dr. Bronner’s. It’s toxic-free and doesn’t contain synthetic preservatives, thickeners, or foaming agents like liquid soaps. It also leaves the smallest carbon footprint, and our top pick is 100% biodegradable.

The bar soap has many other certifications, including Certified Organic, Fair Trade, and EWG Verified. Dr. Bronner’s bar soaps also come in many different aromas including unscented. It’s gentle for all skin types and moisturizing making it a great choice for shaving as well. Overall, Dr. Bronner’s offers a great bar of soap for every age and skin type.

Dr. Bronner’s is not only a great option for body wash, but it even has an endless list of uses around your house making it super versatile! This soap is 2–3x more concentrated than most conventional products, so you can dilute it to stretch your dollar even more. This product is 100% biodegradable and thoughtfully packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic (or you can grab their new refill cartons with 82% less plastic).

Dr. Bronner’s scented soaps are made with certified organic, fair-trade oils and ingredients and developed using sustainable harvesting. Each product comes with multiple certifications including Non-GMO Project Verified USDA Certified Organic and Certified Vegan. So even though, this body wash does have preservatives, rest assured, they’re safe for your body.

This plumping bar is as pure as they get and doesn’t compromise your skin’s natural barrier like harsh soaps can do. This Primally Pure bar will give you healthy skin, a balanced microbiome and an antimicrobial barrier. It’s formulated with naturally antimicrobial and healing ingredients that support cellular renewal and refine skin texture.

Primally pure plumping bar is made from only seven organic ingredients. All of them are biodegradable, sustainably sourced and 100% biodegradable. We love that their products are handmade in the USA (Southern California) and use nature’s most precious elements and nothing more. Truly, if you want the most beneficial “soap” for your skin, we couldn’t love this brand more!

While pricey, Primally Pure also offers a dreamy collection of soap-free body washes – all formulated with the same good intentions.

Psst… Did you know we’re hosting a giveaway at the end of our Clean Living series? Enter your details below:

Hip2Save Clean-Living Swaps giveaway