Whether you use bar soap or body wash tends to be decided much like your favorite sports team. Maybe it was inherited from what your family liked growing up or maybe you simply chose one years ago based on appearance; either way, it’s all you know now. But showering isn’t the NFL, and where you come from doesn’t subject you to a lifetime of watching the Jets. Not to mention, neither bar soap nor body wash will be as bad for your health.
Both cleansers have their pros and cons, so choosing what’s best for you and your skin will come down to several factors. This is how dermatologists view the debate.
How are Body Washes and Bar Soaps Formulated?
The most obvious difference between bar soap and body wash is that one is a solid and one is a liquid, which impacts how each is created. Bar soaps are made through a process called saponification, which turns oils and fats into soap, creating the cleansing agents that remove dirt, sweat, and excess oil from your skin.
According to dermatologist Dr Chang Son, this can result in a higher alkaline pH. Body washes, on the other hand, are usually water-based and typically have a pH that’s closer to the skin’s natural level, making them less likely to strip away natural oils and cause irritation.
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That being said, bar soaps are less likely to harbour bacteria, as they’re largely waterless, Dr Son says. Plus, bars do not require a container, so they tend to be better for the environment by not relying on plastic. This also means bar soaps aren’t subject to airport liquid restrictions, whereas body washes may need to be packed in containers of 100 ml or less in your hand luggage, depending on your route. Not to mention, you don’t risk any spillage during travel.
Because body washes are water-based, they can more easily incorporate humectants, soothing ingredients, and conditioning agents that help hydrate and support the skin during cleansing, says dermatologist Dr. Rachel Westbay, MD. This also makes body washes easier for formulators to tailor to a specific skin concern. But that does not mean body wash is automatically gentler.
Dr. Westbay cautions that this is a common misconception and what’s more consequential for a body cleanser—whether solid or liquid—is the ingredients that make up its formula. A heavily fragranced or aggressively foaming body wash can still irritate or dry the skin, she says.
How Do Body Washes and Bar Soaps Feel on the Skin?
If you’re a longtime bar soap user—especially with budget options—you’re probably familiar with that squeaky-clean feeling on your skin. Unfortunately, this isn’t as good for your skin as it might feel. See, bar soaps can often remove more oil from the skin’s surface than necessary or ideal, leaving skin feeling tight, Dr. Westbay says.
Body washes, on the other hand, typically feel gentler and more moisturising, thanks to their formulas containing more hydrating and conditioning ingredients. That being said, Dr. Westbay confirms this is not universal, especially with more modern bars that can be just as nourishing as body washes.
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Not to mention, if a body wash contains harsh sulfates or a high pH level, it can just as easily strip the skin of necessary oils. Ultimately, it’s less about soap being liquid or solid and more about what ingredients are included in its formula that determines how a soap feels on your skin.
This extends to specific conditions, like dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, as Dr. Westbay says the soap’s formula is far more important than its delivery system. “The best cleanser is the one that gets you clean without making your skin feel like it has been power-washed,” she says.
The Best Body Washes and Bar Soaps for Men
Best Overall Bar Soap
Best Scented Bar Soap
Best Charcoal Bar Soap
Best Overall Body Wash
Best Multipurpose Body Wash
Best Moisturising Body Wash
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Chang Son, MD, board-certified dermatologist and the founder of SCN Dermatology.
- Dr. Rachel Westbay, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City, and Cetaphil partner.
This article by Josiah Soto was originally published on Men’s Health US – additional reporting was done by the Men’s Health SA team.
