Do you like the scent and softness of bar soap, or do you prefer the convenience and freshly cleaned feel of taking a bath with liquid soap? In reality, both of these soaps can still effectively cleanse your skin.

Dirt will mix with sweat and oils produced by skin glands, and all of this can cling to the skin surface and become a fit environment for bacteria to grow. When you wash your body with a soap bar, the soap will break up the oily film and lifts away debris. Liquid soap works similarly; some formulas found in the soap have added ingredients to restore moisture, while others focus solely on cleansing the skin.

So, which is better, bar soap or liquid soap? Both have strengths and drawbacks. Let’s look at the benefits of each so you can weigh the benefits of liquid soap and the benefits of bar soap for your needs.

Benefits of Liquid Soap

When You Have Dry Skin

If your skin is dry and often flaky, liquid soap is usually a recommended choice for you. Besides cleansing your skin, many liquid soaps have added ingredients that can help in moisturizing and protecting the skin by locking in the skin hydration. That said, some bar soaps also contain oils and other moisturizing components for the skin.

When You Have Chronic Skin Problems

If you live with ongoing skin conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis, or acne, liquid soap is typically the better pick. Clinicians generally avoid suggesting bar soap because of the higher chance of contamination.

When You Need Exfoliation

Many liquid soaps contain actives that help remove dead skin cells more efficiently. You can also increase the skin exfoliation by using a shower puff or a loofah.

Benefits of Bar Soap

Natural Ingredients

Bar soap is often more environmentally friendly than liquid soap. Bar soap is commonly packaged in recyclable materials, and its formulas tend to use ingredients that are gentler on the environment. Many bar soaps also feature more natural ingredients compared with some other liquid soaps.

When You Have Allergies

Bar soap typically contains fewer chemical components than liquid soap. If you have allergies, a hypoallergenic bar soap may be your best option.

According to Healthline, ingredients to avoid when choosing any soap include triclosan, parabens, and fragrances.

In addition, Thehealthy advises to steer clear of foaming soaps because this type of soap that lather can actually make thorough handwashing more difficult. You would not want bacteria to linger between your fingers after you wash your hands, right?

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