It’s a debate that has been going on for decades. When you take a shower, should you use a bar of soap or body wash? The answer will vary depending on who you ask, but the right answer for you will largely depend on personal preference, skin type, and your specific needs. Fortunately, we’re here to make skincare easier for men, not more complicated.
Still, there are plenty of questions that need to be answered. For example, what’s the difference between bar soap and body wash? What do dermatologists say about a bar of soap vs. body wash? Is one of them better for the environment? What about fighting bacteria and body odor? Is it better to take a bar of soap or a bottle of body wash when you travel? Finally, where can you find the best bar soap and body wash products for men?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, so let’s get started!
Soap Bar vs. Body Wash: How They Differ
Most men should be pretty familiar with a bar of soap. It’s solid, but when combined with water, it can create a lather that helps cleanse the skin. Alternatively, body wash comes in a gel form that also needs to be combined with water, but can create more lather with less water. That’s really the biggest difference between a bar of soap and body wash; one comes in solid form and the other comes in a liquid or semi-liquid form.
However, the texture can affect the benefits of each. For example, bar soap may be better for the environment and easier to take with you on vacation, while liquid body wash may be better able to provide deep hydration and exfoliation. That said, it will largely depend on the formulation of each. In the sections below, we’ll take a closer look at both options to see which one is better for your skin.
Body Wash vs. Bar Soap: Which Is Better?
As you might have guessed, bar soap and body wash each have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. As a general rule, if either product utilizes natural ingredients and avoids harmful chemicals, it will probably work well for you. However, you may have specific needs that make one cleansing solution better than the other.
The Benefits of Bar Soap
- Gentler Cleansing - If you’re like most men, you prefer to use as few products as possible in the shower. A solid 2-in-1 face and body soap is easier to come by, as bar soap often provides a gentle cleansing that won’t irritate the sensitive skin of your face. Alternatively, body wash is specifically formulated for the thicker skin of the body, and is often not suitable for facial cleansing.
- Cost-Effective - While body wash has become increasingly popular in recent years, bar soap is still the go-to cleansing solution that won’t break the bank. A bar of soap can typically last longer than a standard bottle of body wash, and you can buy a single bar of soap for a fraction of the cost.
- Environmentally Friendly - You should always opt for products that contain natural ingredients that won’t hurt the environment, and this is often easier to do with bar soap. Plus, bar soap often comes in very simple packaging that doesn’t require a lot of plastic (unlike a bottle of body wash).
- Fewer Additives - Most bar soaps are made using a type of fat or oil (like sodium palmate) combined with alkaline or neutral components. While there are soaps out there that contain additives and chemicals that can strip your skin of its natural oils, most soaps contain fewer additives than body wash.
- Travel Friendly - Even if you’ve already used a bar of soap, it’s easy to dry off, throw in a zip-lock bag, and take with you on a trip. You won’t need to worry about a bar of soap “spilling” in your bag or not making it through security due to liquid restrictions. This is a major advantage if you want a quick and easy cleansing product for travel.
The Benefits of Body Wash
- Deep Hydration - Body wash is usually seen as a good alternative to bar soap because of its deep hydrating properties. While natural bar soaps can be hydrating, most traditional bar soaps actually have the opposite effect. They can make dry skin even worse. Alternatively, a natural body wash can provide deep, lasting hydration while you cleanse your skin.
- Strong Exfoliation - In addition to hydrating, body wash is often a great choice for strong exfoliation. Since most body wash products are formulated for the skin of the body (not the face), they contain stronger exfoliants that can clear away excess oil and dead skin cells with ease.
- Heavy Lather - It may not sound that important, but some men prefer body wash simply because a small amount can create a lot of lather. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s any more or less effective at cleansing the skin than bar soap, it does mean that just a small dollop of body wash can go a long way. Additionally, it’s important to note that body wash is often more effective at killing bacteria, which can make it slightly more effective for body odor.
- Multi-Purpose - While you typically won’t want to use a body wash for your face, you can find body washes that double as shampoo. This kind of 2-in-1 product can help save you time and money, as you can wash your entire body and your hair with just one product.
- More Vitamins & Nutrients - Having more additives isn’t always a bad thing — especially when those additives are natural ingredients that promote healthy skin. Natural body wash often contains far more vitamins and minerals than a bar of soap. These ingredients can help keep your skin looking fresh and clean for longer.
Find the Best Body Wash and Bar Soap For Men
Are you sick of getting out of the shower with dry, cracked, or dull-looking skin? Are you trying to decide between a bar of soap and body wash that’s made for men? Do you want to use cleansing products that are dermatologist-tested and naturally formulated? Finally, are you looking for a skincare product that will actually make your skin look and feel better? If so, Anthony has everything you’re looking for.
At Anthony, we take pride in providing natural products that are specifically formulated for men’s skin. Since the choice between bar soap and body wash often comes down to personal preference, we have a few products we think are perfect for men of all skin types:
- Invigorating Rush Hair + Body Wash - A perfect 2-in-1 body wash and shampoo that can cleanse and moisturize your entire body.
- Blue Sea Kelp Body Scrub - A high-performance exfoliant packed with dozens of natural ingredients, vitamins, and minerals.
- Exfoliating + Cleansing Bar - A gentle yet effective cleanser and exfoliator for the face and body.
- Buff It Hydrating Bar - A moisturizing bar soap that helps rejuvenate and exfoliate dull skin with Jojoba beads.
Want to learn even more about men’s bar soap vs. body wash? If so, be sure to check out the great products and solutions available at Anthony today!
