Soap VS Body Wash: What Is The Difference Between Bar Soap & Body Wash?
The big question when it comes to bathing is ‘Which is better soap or body wash?’ We’ve all grown up using soap bars but then shower gels have become the new norm for arguably making for the best bathing experience. So soap vs body wash, which one of these bathing essentials is really the right choice for your body care needs? Read on to explore.
Difference Between Soap And Body Wash
The differences between soap and body wash are pretty obvious when you look at the packaging and the fact that it is a solid vs liquid comparison. But what else differs when it comes to formulation and effectiveness? Let’s compare soap vs body wash.
Also Read: Difference Between Shower Gel And Body Wash
Cleansing Properties
There is not much body wash and soap difference when it comes to cleansing properties because both products are made for exactly the same reason which is cleansing the skin. The only difference here is that soap is in solid form and needs to be swiped all over the body and then massaged with your hands to create a lather and then shower gels are liquid cleansers that need to be poured onto a loofah or on your hands and massaged on your body to create a lather.
Hygiene Concerns
When it comes to hygiene, other than it being a product to cleanse your body, packaging is what can raise some hygiene concerns. When it comes to body wash versus soap in this respect, body wash might win because soaps can collect bacteria if not kept in a clean place or if too many people are using the same bar of soap. Body wash on the other hand is not contaminated as it is stored in its bottle and needs to be dispersed out onto a clean loofah each time you take a bath.
Exfoliating Action
Choosing between body soap vs body wash for exfoliating action is tricky. Some soaps offer a gritty texture as they are meant to be exfoliating while typical bars of soap do not really exfoliate the skin unless they have exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid. Body washes on the other hand typically offer exfoliating if you are traditionally pairing it with a loofah. Some body washes also offer exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid or vitamin C sans any gritty texture to effectively remove dead skin cells and deep clean the pores.
Travel-Friendly Capabilities
Body wash or soap which is better to take along when you are travelling? Shower gels are great to take on vacation as they are hygienic, easy to use. Soaps on the other hand will need a clean place to store so that they do not get contaminated. It also is not convenient to pop out a bar of soap to wash your hands or face while you are in transit.
When Is It Better to Use Soap Or Body Wash?
The differences between body wash and soap are mainly based on their specific requirements and circumstances. Here is the lowdown.
When It Is Better To Use Body Wash
It is better to use a body wash when you are travelling or if you simply want to have an indulgent bathing experience without having to think too much about how you store your body cleanser. Body washes are easy to store and there is no worry about contaminants ruining your body wash as it comes sealed in a bottle with a dispenser.
When It Is Better To Use Body Soap
It is better to use body soap if you know that you are the only person using it and you do not share a bathroom with anyone else. Soaps are great to use if stored in a clean environment. It also has a lesser impact on the environment as unlike body washes, soaps are not packaged in plastic bottles.
St.Botanica Recommended Body Wash
Is a body wash better than soap in your opinion? Well, then you should consider adding these natural body washes to your bathing routine.
Goji Berry Body Wash With Vitamin C For Glowing Skin
This is exactly how to keep skin hydrated with a simple cleansing step. This body wash has a super hydrating formula and is enriched with vitamin C rich goji berries that will also give you glowing skin.
Mandarin Cypress Body Wash
This is the best body wash for dry skin because it is infused with mandarin and cypress that not only gives off a refreshing fragrance but also hydrates and nourishes the skin.
Aloe vera, Green Tea & Cucumber Body Wash
Enriched with aloe vera, green tea, and cucumbers, this body wash fits perfectly into an oily skin care routine. It controls excess oil production and makes the body feel cool and refreshed with the smoothest skin ever.
Bulgarian Rose Otto Glow Body Wash
This body wash will make a great fit for a skincare routine for dry skin. It is a natural body wash that is infused with rose oil to give your skin the most therapeutic, moisturising, and pampering experience ever. It is great even for sensitive skin as it has a soothing effect that gives relief from dryness and more.
St.Botanica Recommended Body Soap
If you have been contemplating between bar soap vs body wash and find that soap is the best fit for your routine, we have got you covered. Even if you are still struggling to figure out what is better soap or body wash, these nature-infused soap bars are about to win your vote. Check them out.
Smoky Rose & Geranium Handmade Luxury Soap
A handmade soap that you will fall in love with, this product delivers the most luxurious bathing experience. It contains the benefits of rose water for skin and makes your skin feel smooth, refreshed, and pampered.
Madurai Jasmine & Mogra Handmade Luxury Soap
Enriched with jasmine and mogra flowers, this natural skin care product is a handmade soap meant to make your bathing experience therapeutic. It gives off a sensual fragrance and helps make your skin look brighter and feel nourished.
Sensual Amber Handmade Luxury Soap
This bathing product will make you fall in love with bar soaps. The handmade soap is infused with amber to give you a musky scent while you cleanse and nourish your skin with its natural formula.
Ingredients To Look For In A Body Wash Or Bar Soap
If you have dry skin or sensitive skin, you can look for shea butter for skin in bath soaps or body washes as it will be extremely moisturising. The best ingredients for skin like oily and acne-prone are ingredients such as charcoal, neem, tea tree, and aloe vera.. Rose is also a great soap and body wash ingredient that suits all skin types and is great for curbing skin concerns like bacne, dryness, and irritation.
Soap Vs Body Wash: Ingredients To Avoid
Soap vs body wash, no matter which one is your pick, there are a few harmful ingredients that you must avoid when choosing your favourite body cleansing product. Avoid cleansers that contain sulphates and parabens as they are harmful to your health. Also, avoid alcohol in cleanser formulations as these can be very harsh on the skin.
Body Soap Vs Body Wash: Final Verdict
After taking all these factors into consideration, whether it is Body Wash or Bar Soap that meets your bathing needs, it is up to you to decide. And no matter what you choose, rest assured that with the above bathing product recommendations, your body care needs will be met spectacularly and your skin will feel its best ever.
FAQS On Body Wash Versus Soap
Does body wash kill germs?
Yes, all body washes are formulated for the purpose of killing germs that get on your skin.
Is body wash the same as liquid soap?
No, not all liquid soaps are body washes. A body wash will be formulated differently and contain nourishing ingredients as well to take care of the skin on your entire body.
Is it good to use body wash every day?
Yes, you can use body wash daily while bathing as it is a great body cleanser to clean, nourish, and pamper your skin and senses with. Look for body washes that do not contain harsh chemicals like sulphates and parabens as such body washes are safe for daily use.
Can I use body wash on my face?
Yes, you can use it on your face but since the skin on the face requires special care and is more delicate than the rest of your body, you might still want to stick to using a separate face wash for your facial skin needs. Skin concerns like pimples, dark circles, and the like can also call for special attention, and the right face washes can help treat those skin concerns.
Can I use body wash as a hand soap?
Yes, it does work as a germ-killing soap so it can be used to wash your hands as well. Body washes might also be more gentle on the skin and therefore it might even be a good idea to swap your drugstore hand wash with a body wash every now and then.
Which is better soap or body wash for oily skin?
Both soap and body wash are suitable for oily skin. It depends on the ingredients in both soaps and body washes that will determine which is better. Whether you want to use a soap or a body wash, look for ingredients like tea tree, green tea, aloe vera, and rose to cater to your oily skin needs.
