No body care routine is complete without the perfect cleanser. When it comes to cleansing skin below the neck, two of the most popular options are soap and body wash. Both help to refresh and rejuvenate our skin, but each has its pros and cons. Next, we’ll share everything you need to know about soaps and body washes so you can decide which one is best for you and your skin.
Soap vs. Body Wash: What’s the Difference?
Both soaps and body washes are made from cleansers, both of which are designed to remove dirt and oil from the skin. However, the recipe and manufacturing process of these two products are different. The soap goes through a corrosive process that involves heating oil and wax and then adding lye. The mixture is then cured for six to eight weeks, evaporating off the chemical components.
Liquid body washes don’t require the same manufacturing process and are generally considered to be gentler than soaps and don’t peel as easily as soaps. Body wash also contains water, so it is not a concentrated product. Body washes are also great for targeting certain skin types and conditions. For example, oils, extracts, moisturizing, clarifying, or exfoliating ingredients can be easily added to body washes to target specific skin concerns.
Pros and Cons of Soaps
One of the biggest selling points of soap is that its formula does not contain water. Since soaps do not contain water, they are less likely to harbor bacteria (unless stored improperly in water), so there is little or no need for preservatives in the formula. Another plus? Soaps require less packaging. With the exception of a paper sleeve or cardboard box, soap does not require heavy packaging or plastic. This makes it a more eco-friendly option and also easy to store.
On the other hand, one of the concerns people have about soap is that it has a higher pH. Soap has a pH between 9 and 10, and there is no way to lower the pH due to the multiple steps required to make it. Washing your body with a soap with a pH higher than your skin may cause dry skin in some people, especially those with sensitive skin. However, it’s worth noting that many soap products today contain oils and moisturizers in an attempt to counteract this effect.
Additionally, many soaps are notorious for leaving residue behind. Bath soap is known to leave a slimy residue on the skin and in the shower, which some people find uncomfortable.
Pros and Cons of Shower Gels
Most people love the feel that shower gel brings to their skin. They often contain gentle, calming, and moisturizing ingredients. Some even contain emollients and ceramides that make the skin feel soft without disrupting the skin barrier or natural oils. Other ingredients can be added to body washes to promote healthy skin.
Body washes are a bit more hygienic as compared to soaps because they come in tubes or bottles. This ensures that the formulation does not come into contact with water or other elements, which could harbor bacteria. Unlike soap, the pH of body wash can also be adjusted during the formulation and manufacturing process. The pH of body washes is usually closer to the pH of the skin, which is why body washes are beneficial for people with very dry skin.
One of the disadvantages of liquid body wash is that there is no way to avoid using plastic packaging. Although many brands use recycled packaging (or make their packaging recyclable), it still creates waste for the environment. Another difference is that body washes require preservatives to prevent mold, which may make it less desirable if you’re looking for a cleaner product.
When to Use Soap or Body Wash
If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, you may be more inclined to use soap. Soaps are usually free of potentially harsh ingredients, so the risk of allergies is low.
If you have very dry skin, or if you find your skin tight, scaly, rough, or itchy, then a body wash may be better for you. Liquid body washes tend to moisturize and soothe the skin more. They are often preferred by people suffering from chronic conditions such as eczema or acne because they can employ potent active ingredients to alleviate the problem. Nowadays, many body washes are formulated to be as gentle as possible to meet your skin’s needs.
Ingredients to Look for and Avoid
Almost all skin types can benefit from shower gels and soaps that contain ceramides, glycerin, and oil-based ingredients such as avocado, Morocco nuts, and coconut. These ingredients help lock in moisture, allowing you to cleanse your skin without disrupting its barrier function. If you’re looking to remove dead skin, look for gentle formulas that contain exfoliating ingredients like lactic acid or salicylic acid.
Whether you’re using soap or body wash, you should avoid formulas that contain fragrances if you have sensitive skin. Companies don’t have to disclose what chemicals they use for this purpose, which can trigger allergies or reactions. The antimicrobial triclosan is another ingredient to avoid because it is irritating and may pose a health risk. Although triclosan is no longer allowed in over-the-counter soaps in the United States, you can still find it in some international products and industrial soaps. You also need to steer clear of products that contain harsh antimicrobials. This ingredient reduces the number of beneficial bacteria on your skin, leaving your skin feeling dry.
Conclusion
Soap and body wash are two powerful body care products that cleanse and refresh our skin. Although they serve the same purpose, the form and recipe are different. Sometimes one may be more suitable than the other. For example, if you have very sensitive skin, soap may be the best choice, as it usually consists of fewer ingredients and is usually non-irritating. If you’re looking for a more targeted formulation (such as targeting dryness or exfoliation), you may want to use a body wash, as many contain custom active ingredients. Ultimately, choosing between soap and body wash depends on your skin type, concerns, and personal preferences.