If you’ve ever stood in the bath aisle, wondering which product is best for your skin, you’re not alone.
To shed light on this question, experts weigh in on the pros and cons of bar soap, shower gel, and body wash.
Bar Soap is a solid cleanser, while shower gel and body wash are liquid cleansers.
The difference between shower gel and body wash lies in their consistency: shower gels have a thicker, gel-like texture, whereas body washes tend to be creamier, explains Maiysha Jones, PhD, a senior scientist in the North American Personal Care Division at Procter & Gamble.
Which Product Best Suits Your Skin Type?
There’s no definitive right or wrong choice when selecting between bar soap, shower gel, or body wash. It all depends on your personal preference and skin needs, says Sabrina Henry, principal scientist at Aveeno.
While specific products can vary greatly in their formulations, here are some general guidelines:
Moisturizing Properties
Body washes often contain more moisturizing ingredients compared to traditional bar soaps and shower gels, notes Nicole Negbenebor, MD, a dermatology resident at Brown University.
If your main goal is deep cleansing or if you prefer a squeaky-clean feel, bar soap or shower gel may be better suited, says Jones.
That said, traditional bar soaps and shower gels can sometimes strip the skin of its natural moisture, while body washes generally have ingredients that add hydration.
Look for bar soaps with moisturizing components if you prefer solid products but need added moisture.
pH Levels
Traditional bar soaps can be more drying due to their higher pH levels, making them more alkaline than your skin’s natural pH. This can be an important consideration for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Body washes typically have lower pH levels, which are more aligned with sensitive skin, explains Dr. Negbenebor.
“Since our skin’s pH is slightly acidic (around 4 to 5), products with a pH of approximately 5.5 are ideal,” says Yousuf Mohammed, PhD, senior researcher at the University of Queensland Diamantina Institute in Australia. Anything above 6 may be too harsh and lead to skin dryness.
Potential Irritants
For body washes and shower gels, watch for potential allergens like high amounts of fragrances and certain preservatives that can trigger conditions like eczema.
Bar soaps generally contain fewer preservatives, but harsh fragrances or dyes can still irritate sensitive skin, cautions Dr. Negbenebor.
Eco-Friendliness: Which is Better?
From an environmental standpoint, bar soap is often the more sustainable choice because it is typically packaged in recyclable paper, says Eleanor Greene, editor of Green American magazine.
Shower gels and body washes, which are often housed in plastic containers, can have a larger environmental footprint.
However, some brands offer robust recycling and refill programs, which can help mitigate this impact, says Mitch Ratcliffe, publisher of Earth911.com.
Pro tip for an eco-friendly impact: Consider reducing shower time and lowering your water heater temperature to around 120°F to save energy, advises Ratcliffe. Switching to a low-flow showerhead with an EPA WaterSense label can also save significant water—at least half a gallon per minute.
A Personal Take
If you have oily skin and don’t need the extra hydration that body washes provide, bar soap might be your go-to, especially if reducing plastic use is a priority for you. Plus, adopting shorter showers not only saves water but contributes to a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Ultimately, the choice between bar soap, shower gel, and body wash comes down to your specific skin needs and environmental priorities.
