Liquid soap vs bar soap: which team are you on?
I’m team liquid soap all the way. I’ve never used anything else. Sure, I remember the odd bar soap around the house growing up, but they were just gathering dust on the bathroom shelves (ah, the fate of unwanted presents).
It’s not just a personal preference. Bar soaps underperform in every way. Here’s what make liquid soap better than bar soap:
Liquid VS Bar Soap: Which One Is Better For All Skin Types?
Liquid soap: Made with milder surfactants that don’t disrupt the skin’s protective barrier, it helps skin retain more than 30% of the skin’s natural moisture during the cleansing process. That’s great news for dry and sensitive skin.
Bar soaps: It has harsher cleansing agents and a high ph that disrupt the skin’s protective barrier and cause irritations. The exception? Bar soaps with glycerin and moisturizing oils that can atttract and bind moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated without drying it out.
The Winner: Liquid soap – it’s gentler.
Related: Why You Should Ditch High pH Cleansers
Liquid VS Bar Soap: Which One Is More Effective?
Liquid soap: It produces lather faster than a bar soap and usually cleanses well. It removes all traces of dirt and grime without drying out your skin.
Bar soaps: It feels creamier and lathers less, and removes impurities just as well. But frequent use disrupts the skin’s barrier. What’s the point of being effective if it hurts skin, right?
The Winner: Liquid soap – it cleanses without side effects.
Related: How To Strengthen The Skin’s Protective Barrier (And Why It Matters)
Liquid vs Bar Soap: Which One Is More Convenient?
Liquid soap: It usually comes in a mess-free bottle with a pump dispenser. But, it’s easy to overestimate the amount of soap you need, so you can end up wasting some.
Bar soap: It turns slimy and slips everywhere – a total pain in the neck, really. But, you only ever use the needed amount. No waste. Phew!
The Winner: Liquid soap – it’s more convenient.
Liquid VS Bar Soap: Which One is Safer?
Liquid soap: It’s difficult for nasty bacteria and fungi to find their way inside a bottle of liquid soap. Plus, lots of people can use it without infections spreading.
Bar soap: Bacteria thrive in moist environments. Bar soaps are much more likely to be playgrounds for bacteria and spread infections, especially when shared by a lot of people or not allowed to dry properly.
The winner: Liquid soap, all the way! It’s safer.
Liquid VS Bar Soap: Which One Is More Environmentally Friendly?
Liquid Soap: Often packaged in plastic bottles with pump dispensers, though many brands now offer refill options to reduce waste.
Bar Soap: Usually wrapped in recyclable paper or cardboard, making it the more eco-friendly option.
The Winner: Bar soap – it’s better for the planet.
Did You Know? Brands like Ethique and Lush offer package-free bar soaps for an even lower environmental footprint.
Liquid VS Bar Soap: Which One Is Less Messy?
Liquid soap: It leaves no scum behind. Translation = no cleaning up to do! Yay!
Bar soap: It leaves soap scum in the shower, which you have to clean up. *sighs*
The Winner: Liquid soap – who wants to do extra cleaning?!
Liquid VS Bar Soap: Which One Is Cheaper?
Liquid soap: it’s pretty cheap, but tends to be more expensive than bar soap.
Bar soap: It’s usually very cheap. Sure, there are exceptions (Drunk Elephant, anyone?). But if you’re on a strict budget, you’ll usually opt for a bar soap.
The winner: Bar soap – it’s usually the cheapest.
| BAR SOAP | LIQUID SOAP | |
|---|---|---|
| EFFECTIVENESS | Doesn’t lather much, but cleanses well. | Lathers well and removes all traces of dirt and grime. |
| IRRITATION | High. | Low. |
| CONVENIENCE | Turns slimy and slips everywhere. | Mess-free. |
| SAFETY | Easy bacteria contamination, especially when shared. | No bacteria contamination, can be shared safely. |
| PACKAGING | Wrapped in paper or cardboard. | Plastic bottles with pump dispenser. Refills available. |
| DIRTY FACTOR | Leaves scum in the shower. | Doesn’t leave scum in the shower. |
| PRICE | Very cheap. | Cheap, but pricier than bar soaps. |
FAQ
1. Is bar soap as effective as liquid soap?
Yes, bar soap can be just as effective at cleansing. However, it often comes with a higher risk of drying out your skin and spreading bacteria.
2. Can bar soap cause acne?
Harsh bar soaps can disrupt the skin’s protective barrier, leading to dryness and irritation that may exacerbate acne. Opt for a bar soap with moisturizing ingredients if you’re acne-prone.
3. Is liquid soap better for sensitive skin?
Yes! Liquid soap is generally formulated with milder surfactants and often includes hydrating ingredients, making it a better choice for sensitive or dry skin types.
4. Does bar soap really harbor bacteria?
Yes, especially if it’s left wet or shared among multiple users. However, letting it dry properly between uses can reduce bacteria growth.
Is Liquid Soap Better Than Bar Soap?
Yes, liquid soap is better than bar soap in almost every way. Most importantly, it cleanses skin without drying it out and is safer from bacteria contamination.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
