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Bar Soap vs. Liquid Soap

January 10, 2022 4 min read

Whether you opt for plant-based bar soap or conventional liquid soap that comes in a plastic bottle, most experts agree that washing with soap is paramount. In addition to keeping disease-causing bacteria at bay, lathering up with the right soap is key to maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion. But have you ever wondered if one type of soap was better than the other?

Before we dive in, we need to put one stubborn rumor to rest. Contrary to popular belief, bar soap is just as sanitary as liquid soap. In fact, study after study has shown that bar soap is unlikely to transfer bacteria and is equally as effective at preventing disease as its liquid counterpart.

Still, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other differences between bar soap and liquid soap that may lead you to prefer one over the other. In this post, we’ll break down the advantages of bar soap vs. liquid soap and explain how to decide which one is right for you.

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Advantages of Bar Soap

Minimal, All-Natural Ingredients – Liquid soaps typically rely on artificial preservatives and other iffy ingredients to extend their shelf life. In contrast, bar soaps are waterless and don’t need synthetic chemicals to keep them fresh. Additionally, many small-batch soaps are made with higher-quality fats and oils (think shea butter and coconut oil) to nourish and cleanse your body without over-drying your skin.
Eco-Friendly – Bar soaps have made a huge comeback lately, in part due to their sustainable qualities. Here at The Earthling Co., our bar soaps are made with plant-based ingredients that are kind to Earthlings and the planet. They also come in plastic-free packaging and ship 100 percent plastic-free!
Travel-Friendly – With bar soaps, you don’t need to worry about TSA lines or exploding bottles in your luggage. Simply toss your favorite bar soap in your carry-on and you’re good to go!
Cost-Effective – The wonderful thing about all-natural bar soaps is that they often come with a very reasonable price tag, despite being made with high-quality ingredients. They also last longer than liquid soap and you can use up every last bit, so nothing goes to waste.

Disadvantages of Bar Soap

Can Be Messy – If you’re not careful, bar soaps can quickly turn into a mushy, soapy mess. To keep things mess-free, we recommend storing your bar soap in a wooden or silicone soap dish with proper drainage.
Traditional Formulas Can Be Drying – Not all bar soaps are created equal! When shopping for bar soap, make sure to choose one containing gentler cleaning agents, such as activated charcoal and rosemary extract, to keep your skin clean yet moisturized. At The Earthling Co., we have formulated our bar soap to prevent dryness and banned all ingredients that are bad for you or the planet!

Advantages of Liquid Soap

Convenient – There’s no denying the convenience of liquid soap, especially when you have little kids. There is no slippery bar to mess with. Just squirt some soap into your hands and lather up.
Lathers Well – Conventional liquid soaps are known for their ability to produce an impressive lather. However, it’s important to note that this frothy lather usually comes from sulfates, a group of cleansing agents known to strip away natural oils from the skin and cause color fading.

Disadvantages of Liquid Soap

Plastic Waste – One of the biggest downsides to lathering up with liquid soap is that it nearly always comes in a wasteful plastic bottle. By switching to solid soap bars, you can save countless plastic bottles from a landfill and do your part to help the planet.
May Have Iffy Ingredients – Although there is a growing number of clean, non-toxic liquid soaps on the market, many conventional formulas still contain questionable ingredients, including fragrances, dyes, parabens and sulfates.
Mostly Water – Liquid soaps are usually formulated with anywhere between 80 to 90 percent water, so you’re essentially paying for a marked up bottle of water. Not only that, but the few healthy ingredients in liquid soap aren’t as potent since they’re watered down.
Expensive – In general, liquid soap is more expensive than bar soap and runs out much quicker. As a result, you may feel like you’re always buying hand soap or body wash for your family.