Last updated: August 2026 · The Earthling Co.
Yes, bar soap is drastically better for the environment than liquid soap, boasting a carbon footprint up to 25% smaller across its entire lifecycle. Traditional liquid body washes consist of up to 80% water packaged in single-use plastic bottles with non-recyclable pump dispensers, making them heavy to ship and reliant on petroleum products. Switching to concentrated, waterless bar soap eliminates plastic packaging waste, slashes transportation emissions, and prevents toxic synthetic preservatives from washing into aquatic ecosystems.
4 Environmental Reasons to Ditch Liquid Soap for Soap Bars
1. Eliminates Single-Use Plastic Waste
Over 1.4 billion plastic body wash bottles are used annually in the US alone, with the vast majority ending up in landfills or polluting marine environments. Liquid soaps rely on plastic containers and complex multi-resin pumps that cannot be recycled in standard municipal facilities. Bar soaps are packaged in 100% recyclable, plastic-free paper boxes that leave zero waste behind.
2. Slashes Shipping & Transportation Emissions
Liquid body washes and hand soaps are up to 80% water by weight. Shipping heavy, water-filled plastic bottles across shipping lanes requires vastly more truck fuel and cargo space, releasing significantly higher greenhouse gas emissions. Waterless soap bars are compact and lightweight, maximizing shipping efficiency and shrinking logistics footprints.
3. Requires Less Energy to Produce
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies show that manufacturing liquid soap requires up to 5 times more energy for raw material processing and packaging compared to bar soap. Producing synthetic surfactants and plastic containers consumes significant amounts of petroleum and electricity.
4. Protects Aquatic Wildlife & Water Quality
Because liquid soaps contain so much water, they require synthetic chemical preservatives—like parabens, sulfates, and synthetic dyes—to prevent mold and bacterial growth inside the bottle. When washed down the drain, these bioaccumulative chemicals pass through municipal wastewater treatment and enter rivers and oceans, disrupting marine life. Plant-based bar soaps use clean, biodegradable ingredients that break down safely in nature.
Environmental Comparison: Bar Soap vs. Liquid Body Wash
Evaluating the environmental impact of your daily shower choices:
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Packaging Material: Bar soap uses 100% recyclable or compostable paper packaging. Liquid soap uses multi-layer plastic bottles and non-recyclable plastic pump mechanisms.
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Water Consumption: Bar soap requires minimal water during formulation. Liquid soap requires massive amounts of purified water as its primary filler.
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Transportation Weight: Bar soap is lightweight, dry, and highly concentrated. Liquid soap is heavy and bulky due to its high liquid content.
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Preservative Requirements: Bar soap stays naturally stable without synthetic chemical guards. Liquid soap needs harsh preservatives to prevent bacterial growth in its water base.
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Product Waste: Bar soap can be used down to the last sliver or dissolved into new bars. Liquid soap leaves 5% to 10% of unusable product trapped inside plastic bottle walls.
Sustainable Living with The Earthling Co.
At The Earthling Co., we formulate our Plastic-Free Body & Hand Soap Bars to provide a rich, luxurious lather that cleanses without harming the planet.
Crafted with hydrating plant lipids, essential oils, and zero synthetic sulfates or parabens, each bar is 100% waterless, cruelty-free, and packaged in compostable paper—keeping up to 2 plastic bottles out of our oceans and landfills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does bar soap use more water during actual shower use?
Some consumers wonder if rinsing bar soap takes longer, but studies show water usage during showering depends entirely on individual habits (such as shower length and water flow rate) rather than the type of soap used. However, liquid soap uses significantly more water during the manufacturing phase.
Is bar soap biodegradable?
Yes! High-quality, plant-based bar soaps made with natural oils (like coconut, olive, or jojoba oil) are 100% biodegradable and break down naturally in municipal wastewater without harming soil or marine ecosystems.
How long does an eco-friendly bar soap last?
A single natural soap bar lasts between 4 to 6 weeks of daily use—outlasting standard liquid body wash bottles when stored on a well-draining wooden or silicone soap dish to air-dry between washes.
Make the Zero-Waste Switch Today
Ready to cut single-use plastic out of your shower routine? Explore The Earthling Co. Plastic-Free Soap Collection and discover plant-powered cleansing that is gentle on your skin and kinder to the planet!
