Bars of soap dominated bathing in America in the 19th and 20th century. Solid bars of soap started getting stiff competition from liquid alternatives such as shower gels and body washes. Body washes and shower gels became more popular due to the idea that bar soap is gross. Bar soap is making a comeback because of the shift towards using personal care products with fewer chemicals and less waste. Which cleanser is right for you? Here is what to know. Let's start with the basics. Bar soaps, shower gels, and body washes are massive product categories, and these are general descriptions of each, so there are plenty of exceptions. A bar of soap is a solid chunk of cleanser traditionally made by mixing an oil and a liquid with an alkali.
The difference between bar soap, shower gel, and body wash
Bar soap
Synthetic detergent is used in most of the big-brand bars of soap on the shelves today. They are often labeled as beauty bars or cleaning bars.
Shower gels tend to have a gel-like consistency, a higher concentration of added fragrance, and are sometimes formulated to be used on both the body and hair.
Body washes are similar to shower gels in that they use mild surfactants to cleanse the skin. Products labeled as body wash tend to be thinner and creamier than shower gels.
If you look hard enough, you can probably find the features you want in your preferred format. Generally speaking, here's what to consider when selecting a soap for your shower or bath.
If you have dry skin and prefer a liquid cleanser, body wash is better for you. Those who prefer their soap in solid form can get a beauty bar with a lot of moisturizers.
Those with naturally oiler skin, who don't need the extra hydration, may want to opt for shower gels or more traditional bars of soap. If you want to get clean and nothing else, you can use shower gel.
People with sensitive skin already know that certain soaps and cleansers can cause very uncomfortable reactions, and that it is important to read the labels to assess a product's ingredients. The pH is a factor to consider. The lower the pH level, the better the body wash is for sensitive skin.
The other two main ingredients are fragrances and Preservatives. Body washes and shower gels tend to have more than bar cleanser, but it depends on the individual product.
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