Bar Soap vs. Body Wash – Should You Avoid Soap?

We discuss the difference between bar soap and body wash and share the best non-toxic products.

We discuss the difference between bar soap vs. body wash and which are the best non-toxic types to use! Or do you have to go without soap?

After sharing the best natural skin care products, it led our team to a discussion about what we use in the shower. Here’s everything we know about bar soap versus body wash and whether or not you might want to consider bar soap.

Are you following our clean series? Head over to our clean natural products post for non-toxic swaps!

Is bar soap better than body wash?

Although bar soap and body wash serve the same basic purpose, there are important differences that make bar soap a better choice for both your skin and the environment. Because liquid soaps are water-based, they require anti-fungal, yeast and bacteria-inhibiting agents. These preservatives extend shelf life but can also contribute to skin irritation and potential health concerns, depending on how they are made.

Bar soaps, on the other hand, require no preservatives and are usually made with simple and clean ingredients. They are also very concentrated, meaning that one bar usually lasts 2-3 times longer than liquid soap. With fewer ingredients and less packaging, bar soaps are often eco-friendly, travel-friendly, and, depending on the product, can offer nourishing botanicals and skin-supporting benefits.

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

Most of our team uses both bar soap and body wash, with a small percentage of team members using bar soap. Are most of us doing laundry wrong? 🤔

The good news is that there really isn’t a right or wrong way to shower…as long as you follow proper body hygiene. 😉 However, it’s important to note that not all bar soaps are created equal.

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

You may have heard of “soap-free” cleansers before. Both bar soap and soap are designed to remove dirt and debris, but traditional soap can strip the skin more than necessary. Because of this, soap-free cleansers can be especially helpful for sensitive skin, and may be an option you may not have considered before.

Traditional soap is made by saponification, where fats or oils are reacted with an alkali (such as sodium hydroxide) to form soap and glycerin. Soap-free cleansers instead use synthetic or plant-based ingredients instead of saponified oils, although some still contain plant oils or fatty ingredients like cosmetics. Although they don’t rely on saponified oils, soap-free cleansers can provide humectants that help support healthy skin’s pH balance and naturally hydrated skin. Just remember: “soap-free” does not mean “chemical-free,” so always check ingredient labels before buying.

The biggest takeaway here? Fewer suits can equal better skin barrier if you use the right product.

Below are our top 3 non-toxic ones bar soap, liquid soap& soap-free cleanser recommendations if you want to do a clean change:

If you can’t get it from a local soap maker, Dr. Bronner’s is one of the most affordable and reliable non-toxic changes out there. Unlike liquid body wash, this bar skips unnecessary additives and features a short, deliberate ingredient list that supports both skin health and resilience. It’s gentle enough for daily use, works well for all ages and skin types, and doubles as a shaving soap thanks to its creamy lather. With unscented or naturally scented bar options, it’s an easy, low-waste choice for a truly clean process.

Dr.’s liquid soap. Bronner’s stands out as a body wash because it’s designed to do so much more than just cleanse your skin. Its highly concentrated formula means it goes a long way when cleansed, making it a practical and budget-friendly replacement for many household products. Made from responsibly sourced ingredients and produced with sustainability in mind, this soap supports both personal health and environmental impact. Although it contains preservatives, they are carefully selected and considered safe, which helps to maintain the integrity of the product without violating hygienic standards.

Primally Pure’s Plumping Bar is a more gentle alternative to traditional soap, designed to cleanse without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier or microbiome. Its lightweight, thoughtful formula supports healthy skin function while helping to improve overall texture and firmness, making it ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types. Every bar is purpose-built, using high-quality ingredients and a hands-on manufacturing process that demonstrates the brand’s commitment to skin health over shortcuts. And while it’s a splurge, Primally Pure also offers a great line of soap-free body washes made with the same skin philosophy, giving you a liquid option without compromising your standards.

Make more non-toxic swaps in our clean series.