Bar Soap vs. Body Wash Debate (Or Should You Go Soap-Free?)

We’re debating the differences between bar soap and body wash and sharing the best toxic-free products.

We’re discussing the difference between bar soap vs. body wash and which are the best toxic-free brands to use! Or should you go soap-free?

Have you caught our new clean natural products series yet? After sharing the best natural skin care products, it led our team to a debate about what we use when we shower. Here’s everything we know about bar soap vs. body wash and whether or not you may want to consider going soap-free.

Are you following our Clean Series? Head over to our clean natural products post to discover more toxic-free swaps!

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Is bar soap better than body wash?

While the general purpose of bar soap and body wash are essentially the same, there are some major differences between the two that, in my opinion, make bar soap a better choice for your body and the environment.

For starters, no liquid soap can safely be made without preservatives since it contains water. To keep mold, yeast, and bacteria from growing, preservatives are necessary to extend the shelf life of body washes and liquid soaps. Depending on the preservatives, they can lead to skin issues and other major health concerns.

Bar soaps don’t require the use of preservatives, and there are many options on the market that I feel are safer to use. Bar soap also lasts about 2-3x longer than liquid soap, since bar soap is more concentrated than liquids. With cleaner ingredients, this also means bar soaps are more eco-friendly and leave little to no trace depending on where you’re buying your bars. Bar soaps are also more travel-friendly and can offer more botanicals and healing benefits for your skin depending on the brand.

Check out what our team had to say about bar soap vs. body wash:

The majority of our team uses both bar soap and body wash, and the fewest number of team members use bar soap. Are the majority of us washing wrong? 😳

The good news is that there’s really no right or wrong way of washing…as long as you’re following proper body hygiene. 😉 However, it’s important to note that not all bar soaps are treated equally.

Is there such a thing as a soap-free body wash?

You may have heard of “soap-free” before. Essentially, both soap-free cleaners and soap are intended to clean debris off your skin. However, regular soap also strips your skin of much more than what’s required. So using a soap-free cleanser can be especially ideal for those with sensitive skin and it may be an option you never thought of using!

Traditional soap is made through saponification, where fats (oils) react with an alkali (like sodium hydroxide) to create soap and glycerin. Soap-free cleansers, on the other hand, typically contain synthetic or plant-based surfactants rather than saponified fats. However, some soap-free cleansers may still include fats or oils as emollients or conditioning agents, even if they are not saponified. So, while soap-free cleansers don’t use saponified fats, they can still contain plant-based oils or fatty ingredients that contribute to hydration. A “soap-free” option will provide more natural humectants which will help with a healthier skin pH balance and naturally hydrated skin. Remember, “soap-free” doesn’t mean “chemical-free” so be sure to check the labels before buying.

The biggest takeaway here? Fewer suds can equal a better skin barrier if you’re using the right product.

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Below are our top 3 toxic-free bar soap, liquid soap, & soap-free cleanser recommendations if you’re looking to make a cleaner switch:

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1. Best Bar Soap: Dr. Bronner’s All-One Hemp Pure-Castile Bar Soap

Shopping from a local soap maker who offers bar soap with very minimal ingredients could be your best choice, but if you need something more readily accessible, we love this soap bar made by Dr. Bronner’s. It’s toxic-free and doesn’t contain synthetic preservatives, thickeners, or foaming agents like liquid soaps. It will also leave the smallest footprint and our top choice is 100% biodegradable making it a great eco-conscious choice too.

This bar of soap also boasts many certifications including being Certified Organic, EWG Verified, and Certified Fair Trade. Dr. Bronner’s bar soaps also come in many different aromas including unscented. It’s gentle for all skin types and moisturizing making it a great choice for shaving as well. Overall, Dr. Bronner’s offers a great bar of soap for every age and skin type.

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2. Best Body Wash: Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap

Dr. Bronner’s is not only a great option for body wash, but it even has an endless list of uses around your house making it super versatile! This soap is 2–3x more concentrated than most conventional products, so you can dilute it to stretch your dollar even more. This product is 100% biodegradable and thoughtfully packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic (or you can grab their refill cartons with 82% less plastic).

Dr. Bronner’s scented soaps are made with certified organic, fair-trade oils and ingredients and developed using sustainable harvesting. Each product has numerous certifications, including Non-GMO Project Verified, USDA Certified Organic, and Certified Vegan. So even though, this body wash does have preservatives, rest assured, they’re safe for your body.

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3. Best Soap-Free Cleanser: Primally Pure Plumping Bar

This plumping bar is as pure as they get and doesn’t compromise your skin’s natural barrier like harsh soaps can do. With this Primally Pure bar, you can count on healthy skin and a balanced microbiome. It’s formulated with naturally antimicrobial and healing ingredients that support cellular renewal and refine skin texture.

Primally Pure Plumping Bars are formulated with just 7 organic ingredients that are 100% biodegradable and are sustainably and responsibly sourced. We love that their products are handmade in the USA (Southern California) and use nature’s most precious elements and nothing more. Truly, if you want the most beneficial “soap” for your skin, we couldn’t love this brand more!

While pricey, Primally Pure also offers a dreamy collection of soap-free body washes – all formulated with the same good intentions.

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Make more toxin-free swaps from our Clean Series.