These Bar Soaps Are Superior To Bodywash, According To Derms

Even though liquid body soap has reigned supreme in showers across the country since the late ’90s and early aughts, I’ve always preferred using bar soap. I like that it’s an affordable, plastic-free option with a small footprint — though I understand why body wash can be so appealing. It smells divine, there are myriad brands and formulas to choose from and the packaging is often very chic.

But you might be surprised to find that there are a few benefits to picking a bar soap over a liquid soap for your daily body care needs. Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, pointed out that bar soaps can actually be more effective at removing oil, dirt and residue from skin than liquid soaps. “Liquid soaps are water-based, which means they are more diluted than bar soaps,” he explained, which could make them less effective. The fact that they’re water-based also makes them “more prone to contamination with bacteria,” he added. So while you may have heard the myth that bar soap is germy, the opposite might be true.

Dr. Deanne Mraz, a board-certified dermatologist and the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Connecticut mentioned that “bar soaps are better for the environment — from production and transportation to packaging and waste, they have a lower impact.” She also explained that liquid soaps often “rely on artificial preservatives to extend their shelf life and are stored in plastic containers that might not be BPA-free.” Bar soaps, on the other hand, are waterless and don’t need synthetic chemicals to keep them fresh.

Because soaps, in general, can be drying, Camp recommends looking for those with hydrating ingredients like “shea butter, avocado oil, glycerin and ceramides.” He also noted that those with sensitive skin should avoid soaps with fragrances and dyes, as they can potentially be irritating. If that sounds like you, Mraz recommends seeking out a bar soap with colloidal oats to nourish your skin.

If you’re interested in swapping out your liquid soap for a bar soap, you don’t have to compromise on quality. Below, we’ve rounded up the best bar soaps for your skin based on the experts’ recommendations. Not only are they effective cleansers, but they’re nourishing and hydrating while remaining affordable as well.

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