Liquid Soap or Solid Soap: Which is better?

When you are at the drugstore, you will be surprised by the many different types of soap available. But which soap is recommended for hand washing? Is liquid soap really more hygienic than a bar of soap? How long can you use a bar of soap?

Both types of soap have their advantages and disadvantages. Consider our article before making a decision in the store. Additionally, you should also pay attention to the topic of consumption. The environmental impact should not be ignored.

Summary of Key Points

• Soap does not kill bacteria but rather removes germs and dirt from the skin's surface. Water alone does not have the same effect as water combined with soap. It does not matter whether you use liquid soap or a bar of soap.
  
  
• Clean the soap dish. The soap dish is often neglected and can become a breeding ground for germs.
  
  
• Liquid soap generates more plastic waste than bar soap: Bar soaps are typically packaged in a cardboard box or wrapped in paper, while liquid soap is sold in plastic packaging.

Liquid Soap vs Bar Soap: The Pros and Cons

The COVID-19 pandemic has led us to pay more attention to hand washing. Perhaps you have compared the various skin cleaning products in the drugstore - such as soaps.

As you know, there are bar soaps and liquid soaps. But do you know the pros and cons of each type of soap? You will find out the pros and cons in this article.

 

Which is more economical, liquid soap or bar soap?

Generally, bar soap is more economical than liquid soap because it is typically more concentrated and contains less water. Bar soap also produces more lather, which covers the skin better and provides a more thorough cleaning.

However, this can also depend on the quality and type of soap, as there are some liquid soaps that are very concentrated and require only a small amount to produce sufficient lather for cleaning.

Another advantage: Bar soap cannot be over-dosed. This means that bar soap is significantly more economical than liquid soap. Ultimately, the choice between bar soap and liquid soap depends on personal preferences and needs.

Is liquid soap more hygienic than bar soap?

Apart from the question of which soap is more hygienic, it should be noted that both types of soap remove germs and dirt from the skin but do not kill bacteria.

Studies - such as one from the Journal of Environmental Pathology Toxicology and Oncology - have confirmed that there are significantly more germs and bacteria on a bar of soap compared to liquid soap. This means liquid soap is more hygienic than a bar of soap in a soap dish.

Ultimately, this is not surprising. Liquid soap is dispensed from a container, so direct skin contact is excluded. It should be noted that bacteria and germs on a bar of soap do not survive for long in the unfavorable environment. There is also no transfer of bacteria and germs during hand washing because they are directly removed by the friction.

For your home bathroom, a bar of soap in a soap dish is sufficient. In a public restroom, liquid soap might be more suitable as many different people use the soap.

What can you do to ensure that the soap and the soap dish do not become a breeding ground for germs?

• Rinse the soap with water after use.
• Use a soap dish with ridges or holes so that the soap can dry well.
• You should clean the soap dish at regular intervals because it can become dirty over time and thus become a breeding ground for germs.

Which soap is more sustainable?

Bar soaps generally contain fewer chemical additives than liquid soaps and are therefore gentler on the skin and more environmentally friendly.

With liquid soap in dispensers or refill bags, significantly more plastic packaging is used. Investigations by Öko-Test have shown that some liquid soaps contain harmful microplastics.

Bar natural soap is available in unpackaged stores or packaging-free in drugstores. Some stores offer soap in environmentally friendly cartons.

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Is liquid soap easier to dose than bar soap?

Once you press the dispenser, a certain amount of liquid soap is dispensed. Studies have shown that people tend to press the dispenser multiple times. This means that more liquid soap is generally used than needed.

Studies have shown that a single pump dispenses significantly more soap than is needed for hand washing. Nevertheless, and you can observe this yourself in public places, more than one pump is often used.

Conclusion

For hand washing, you should always use some form of soap. In public spaces, liquid soap is generally available - mainly for hygiene reasons. In your own bathroom, a bar of soap in a soap dish is sufficient.

As long as you ensure that the soap is rinsed with water after hand washing, you need not worry about germs or bacteria. Additionally, you help the environment by choosing a bar of soap over liquid soap.

FAQ

Can liquid soap be used instead of shower gel?

Yes, liquid soap can also be used as an alternative to shower gel. Both have similar cleaning properties and often contain similar ingredients such as surfactants and moisturizers. However, liquid soap is generally less concentrated than shower gel and can therefore be used up more quickly.

Additionally, liquid soap may tend to strip the skin of oils more than shower gel, as shower gel typically contains more moisturizing ingredients. For sensitive skin, liquid soap may lead to dryness.

It is advisable to limit the use of liquid soap as a shower gel substitute to a short period or opt for a particularly moisturizing variant.

Is bar soap as suitable for sensitive skin as liquid soap?

Bar soap can be as suitable for sensitive skin as liquid soap. However, it depends on the type of soap. A bar soap containing natural ingredients such as aloe vera or shea butter can be especially gentle on sensitive skin and help to moisturize it.

However, it is important to note that some bar soaps may also contain potentially irritating ingredients such as fragrances or artificial colorants.

It is also important to note that soap, in general, may not be suitable for every skin type, especially if the skin is already prone to dryness or irritation. In this case, it may be better to use a specially formulated cleansing lotion or a mild shower gel specifically designed for sensitive skin.

It is always a good idea to check the ingredients on the packaging and consult a dermatologist if you have concerns.

Can liquid soap go bad?

Liquid soap has an expiration date. Generally, it is shelf-stable for twelve months when unopened. If the liquid soap has an unpleasant odor or does not lather, you should dispose of it.

Bar soaps last significantly shorter, depending on their ingredients (flower pieces, essential oils, etc.), sometimes just a year. The fewer ingredients in the soap, the longer it can last.

Keep reading - it's still interesting:

• Removing soap residues: Tips for residue in the bathroom

• Solid Shampoo for Healthy and Strong Hair