Liquid soap or bar soap? There is an ongoing debate about which type is better. Both have advantages as well as disadvantages. Read on to find out the difference between the two and which one will work best for you.
Skin type
Liquid soap contains a lower ph level than bar soap and is therefore gentler and suitable for people with sensitive skin. Because it is also able to retain more than 30% of the skin’s natural moisture, it is really good for dry skin. Bar soap on the other hand, can dry the skin and cause breakouts. However, this doesn’t mean that all types of bar soap are bad for our skin. Bar soap that contains glycerin is good for people with sensitive skin, eczema and psoriasis as this ingredient has healing properties as well as the ability of attracting water to the skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. In addition, bars soaps formulated with glycerin combined with natural oils moisturize skin without drying it. There are lots of bar soaps that don’t contain fragrance, which can be irritating. Most liquid soaps on the other hand are scented, but you can still find some that are fragrance-free.
Efficiency
The liquid type can be used with a washcloth and it produces lather faster than bar soaps, which instead feel nice and creamy in your hands.
Convenience
Because liquid soaps come in a packaging with a pump dispenser, they are very practical to use in the shower, but it is easy to overestimate the amount of soap you need. Soap bars, on the other hand, turns slimy and slips everywhere but you only use the needed amount.
Health risk
Because bar soap is left exposed to moisture, it is more likely to grow small amounts of bacteria. While the risk of getting a disease from the soap is quite remote, it is better not to share it with a large amount of people. Liquid soap, on the other hand, is pumped from the packaging so it is less likely to grow bacteria. However, if you use it with a washcloth, make sure you dry it properly, as it could harbour bacteria otherwise.
Packaging
Liquid soap usually comes in a bottle with a pump dispenser. Refillers are also available so that you don’t need to buy a whole new package. Instead, bar soaps usually come wrapped in paper or cardboard. The packaging is easier to recycle.
Scum
Unlike liquid soap, bars leave a soap scum in the shower, so that you need to clean the tub more often.
Price
Bar soap is usually less expensive than liquid soap and tends to last longer too.
Which type is better?
Both liquid and bar soaps have pros and cons. Just experiment with both to find the type that work best for you.
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
I go for liquid soap
But it depends on what you want to wash though, there are days you wanted to get off the grease and bar soaps do the job 
I use both of them, depending on the purpose. I like those French milled bar soaps with a hint of lavender, those are wonderful!
i usually go for liquid soap when i take a bath. but my skin aint that sensitive, so there’s always a bar soap by the sink if needed.
btw, i can’t seem to finish a bar soap! haha!
I use liquid soap and thankfully, I made the right choice since I have dry skin.
Nikki: I tend to prefer liquid as well, but you can’t really say that one is better than the other. Liquid soap is better for som things, bars for others, so you should choose accordingly to your needs.
Dao: I love those too, they’re soo good!
Sab: Neither can I, they last soo long! I think liquid is mor pratical when taking a shower/bath, but bar soap is good too. It’s nice to ahve both types close at hand.
Alyssa: liquid is a much better choice for sensitive skin. If you ever want to try a bar soap, use a glycerin one, they’re good for sensitive skin as well.
From the above article apparently bar soap have lost in terms of advantages. I actually use both, I like those handmade bar soaps that have no whatsoever chemicals and pure natural ingredients, they look and smell nice. If you like to enjoy a slower bath the bar soup is quite therapeutic.
You’re right, bar soaps have more advantages, but this doesn’t mean that liquid soaps are bad. It’s actually a matter of personal preference. I use both too. Liquid soaps are more pratical for me but I love natural bar soaps as well.
I have OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), which means i wash my hands frequently.
I find that bar soaps dry out my skin less, and hurt less than liquid soaps.
Hi Beany, thanks for your comment. I have the same disorder and wash my hands 50 times a days! I really couldn’t live without a good hand moisturizer, but as far as soap is concerned, bar soaps with glycerin don’t rally dry my skin as much as other soaps. I’m glad bar soaps work wll for you too.
Who writes this stuff? You are completely wrong on most counts, but here’s the most important one;
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/10/science/10qna.html?ref=science
Hi Julie,I wrote the article and I actually did some research for it. If you don’t agree with something I said, you should explain why instead of being rude. Thanks for posting that link, though, it was a really interesting read. I did say in this post that the risk of getting a disease from bar soap is very rare. I used the same var soap as the other members of my family for instance and I never had a problem. However, it’s a fact that the packaging of liquid soap is more sanitary than bar soap.
i usually prefer liquid soap just cuz it’s easier to squirt and go but bar soap really does get that grease and stuff off of me. If you guys are concerned about bacteria after using bar soap, why not put on some hand sanitizer? That’s what I do!
Either way, I’m glad everybody is cautious about what goes on their skin and I’m glad everyone washes their hands!! It’s needed these days.
I agree with you Ashly and thanks for the tip about the hand sanitizer. I’ve been using that quite a lot lately, it’s really necessary nowadays.
I have liquid soap dispensers I find them efficient, inexpensive, sanitary. I refill them with dish soap for sensitive skin which is inexpensive compared to some of the liquid soap refills. My hubby uses bar soap in the shower.
Caper632, I agree with you. I prefer liquid soaps for the same reasons, they’re good and cheap. But using bar soaps is nice too sometimes.
I would go with liquid soap because when you use it your bacteria stayes on your hands and you wash it off instead of leaving a small amount of bacteria on the bar soap. And you dont have to clean your shower/bath tub as often at you would with bar soap.
Katie, those are good points. I think the chances of getting any bacteria infections from a bar soap are pretty remote, but still I prefer liquid soaps as they come in a more hygienic packaging.