Differences between bar soap and liquid soap
Soap is something that each of us uses almost every day. Often, we still don't think about what kind of soap we should use. For example, washing our hands with soap is a routine that we don't necessarily give a single thought to. Bar soap and liquid detergent are both intended for cleansing the skin and removing bacteria, but they have surprisingly many differences. Not only do their shapes and compositions differ from each other, they also have differences that affect health, well-being and the environment that may be worth considering.
Soap is used daily and the soap you use can have a significant number of effects that you might not immediately think of.
Let me say right away that most liquid soaps sold in stores are not actually real soap!
If you have a bottle of liquid detergent at home, look at the INCI: you will notice that the first ingredient is probably water. This is one of the best signs to tell the difference between soap and detergent.
A product may be called soap when it is made from a combination of fats or oils and alkaline ingredients that undergo the process of saponification. This process converts the fats and oils into soap and glycerin. The soap may not contain significant amounts of synthetic detergents or chemicals that are not part of the traditional soap recipe.
So read the product descriptions carefully so you don't get fooled!
There are differences between bar soap and detergent in favor of bar soap
Bar soap is a solid form of soap, usually made from fats or oils and alkaline ingredients. During the manufacturing process, it is pressed into molds and allowed to harden. Bar soap is generally a more environmentally friendly and healthier option than liquid soap. In this article, I will explain why.
Bar soap is a gentler and healthier alternative to detergent, as it contains more natural ingredients and fewer chemicals than liquid detergents. Detergent is made by mixing water and various chemicals. Detergent often also contains a variety of preservatives and fragrances. The ingredient list in detergents can be very long for this reason. You can easily compare the ingredient lists between bar soap and detergent and see a clear difference in favor of bar soap.
A bar of soap is hygienic
Despite common beliefs and prejudices, bar soap is a hygienic alternative for washing hands and body. Although bar soap can collect bacteria on its surface, several studies have shown that the alkalinity of bar soap creates an unfavorable environment for bacteria, preventing their growth and reproduction. In addition, the chemical structure of soap, which breaks down lipids and oils, helps remove dirt and bacteria from the skin. As long as bar soap is allowed to dry between uses, it does not act as a breeding ground for bacteria. Studies have also confirmed that the bacteria that may be present on the surface of bar soap do not increase the risk of disease, as the soap effectively removes bacteria and other microorganisms from the skin during washing.
You may not have thought about it, but liquid detergent can be less hygienic in this sense, as its button is touched with dirty hands and, unlike bar soap, it is not rinsed between uses. Therefore, bar soap is even a more hygienic option, contrary to popular belief.
Sopo soap has a handy magnetic soap holder where you can hang your bar of soap after use. This type of holder is ideal for storing bar soap, as it allows it to dry between uses and does not melt and soften like it would in a container where it would be floating in water. It is good to store bar soap in this holder or on a grid that allows the water to drain away.
Bar soap lasts longer in use
Bar soap often lasts longer than liquid detergent, because liquid detergent is often used in unnecessarily large quantities. It can be difficult to dispense a small enough amount from a pump bottle, and especially in families with children, detergent is used more than is actually needed.
Bar soap is rubbed between wet hands and is easier to take the required amount. Only a small amount of soap is needed during washing, so it is not intended to be used in large quantities at once. Bar soap also lasts longer than liquid detergent without spoiling if it is stored correctly in a place where it does not constantly accumulate moisture.
Bar soap is convenient to take with you on your travels.
Bar soap is easy to take with you in a case or bag designed for it, for example when you travel. Liquid detergent takes up more space and can be difficult to carry. It can accidentally leak into other luggage. In addition, large bottles of liquid are not allowed on airplanes in hand luggage, so bar soap is easier to carry with you for that reason too.
"Liquid soaps" are sold in long rows of shelves in supermarkets and are easily available. For this reason, they are also often cheaper, as they are easier to make and the ingredients are not as high-quality as in many bar soaps. Genuine bar soaps, often handmade and containing high-quality and natural ingredients such as herbs, can be more expensive as a one-time purchase than cheap liquid soaps, but they usually last much longer in use.
Bar soap moisturizes the skin
Many handmade bar soaps tend to contain more moisturizing and soothing ingredients. This makes them gentler on the skin and means you don't have to constantly oil your hands. The herbs, essential oils, and other natural ingredients often used in bar soaps are gentle on the skin, and their scents can also be healing.
p.s. here is a blog written by Maria, if you are interested in washing your hair with bar soap: Washing your hair with bar shampoo or bar soap
Sopo soap has the world's first bar soap containing forest microbiome, Clean dirt. In addition to other ingredients that are healthy for the skin, it also contains forest microbiome, which actually improves your health and immunity. Its regular use can have a positive effect on the immune system and the diverse microbiome of the entire body.
Many liquid soaps, on the other hand, contain many artificial chemicals that can dry out and even irritate the skin.
Using bar soap saves the environment
One significant difference between bar soap and liquid detergent is their environmental impact. The natural ingredients in bar soaps make them a more environmentally friendly option.
In addition, bar soaps use less packaging material than detergents, which is already a big advantage for the environment, as there is almost no waste generated from bar soaps. Bar soaps are often packaged in cardboard or paper, which means that the environmental impact of the packaging material is significantly lower than that of detergents, which are usually packaged in plastic. Therefore, if environmental impacts are important, bar soaps are a more sustainable option from an environmental perspective.
Liquid soap made from real bar soap is perhaps a better and more practical choice for public spaces, so I have a tip for you on how to make liquid soap from bar soap in this case! Grate and chop the soap into hot water where the soap melts. Put this water-soap mixture in a pump bottle. Make only a few days' worth of liquid soap at a time to ensure that the liquid soap stays in good quality throughout the use period.
In the Sopo online store you will find a wide selection of genuine handmade, natural and well-being bar soaps. You can use the bar soaps found in our online store to clean your entire body, hair and home, and you don't need any other detergents.
0 comments