Soap Versus Body Wash: Which One? 

Written by Anushka Shah7th Nov 2022
Soap Versus Body Wash: Which One? 

Skip out the seriousness and plunge into the facts; body wash vs soap - we’ve got the right scoops lined up. 

We’ve all been there, lurking in a supermarket, wondering what we should add to our cart; a trusted good ol’ soap or the new and fancy body wash. Because at the end of the day, your choice - bodywash vs soap doesn’t only decide your washroom aesthetic (it’s true) but also determines what's better for your skin. So, to give you an informed insight into the body wash vs soap department, we’re putting two-body cleansers to test and by the end of this, you will know which one’s for you. So, if you’re making a purchase, you’re doing it with no regrets. Scroll down and plunge into the basics. 

What's the difference between soap and body wash?  

Well ladies, it’s not only the packaging and the ease of use that creates discussion around; body wash vs soap - there is more! While both serve the same purpose i.e. cleansing the skin, the main meat of discussion between body wash vs soap lies in their form and the way they interact with the skin. A bar of soap cleanses the surface of your skin by dissolving the dirt layer. A body wash works in a similar way; however, it not only cleans the skin but also moisturises it and addresses other skin concerns. So to say, in the body wash vs soap chat; the wash goes the extra mile. And now that you may have more questions, we’re going to interspect their differences closely - hold tight, it’s slippery!  

1. Cleansing  

body wash vs soap faq

Know that we’re having the cleansing convo, body wash vs soap -  when it comes getting rid of dirt, oil and grime both products work equally well. Soap as well as body washes come with skin-benefiting ingredients such as essential oils, glycerine, flower extracts and more to not just clean but leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. One body wash that’s a cleansing pro and one that I swear by is the unfailing; St. Ives Radiant Skin Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange Exfoliating Body Wash. Nourishing your skin with all that #TLC, this cleanser knows how to pamper your skin.  

2. Hygiene  

body wash vs soap faq

It’s no secret that  bar soaps aren’t as hygienic as body washes, because there’s always a fear that someone might use the former. However, if you’re all about the body wash vs soap topic and are focusing on the hygiene of it all…before you declare body wash as the winner here’s something you need to know. Body washes are used along with wash cloths and loofahs which are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. So, if you thought all this while, you were safe, think twice or if not, wash your cleaning pals twice!  

3. Exfoliation and moisturising  

body wash vs soap faq

Sometimes all exotic advertisements do is convince us that something that isn’t true, is - which is why some of us will argue that body washes do a better job at exfoliating and moisturising the skin but that’s not really true. Nowadays, soaps contain granules that do an equally good job at exfoliating as any body wash. Even when it comes to moisturising soaps have several skin nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera gel and shea butter that keep skin hydrated for long. So here it really depends on your choice. And if you’re on the hunt for a A1 body wash that offers this level of nourishment, nothing pops in my head other than the St. Ives Soothing Oatmeal & Shea Butter Body Wash; doing what it says and saying what it does, this cleanser hydrates your skin leaving it feeling soft and supple. 

Another star name on our list has to be Love Beauty & Planet Daily Detox Body Wash with Tea Tree and Vetiver Aroma. Naturally purifying your skin, this bodywashes’ earthy scent and ethically sourced ingredients, give your skin and mind the rejuvination it deserves. 

4. Travel friendly  

body wash vs soap faq

Catching flights on the reg? Your trusted pals; the soap bars aren’t the best buddies to rely on. After all, we are sure you’ve left enough of them in the hotel bathroom #guilty! So, when doing the body wash vs soap test here, body wash wins! Why? For it can be easily carried just about everywhere - and that’s super convenient. 

When Is It Better to Use Soap or Body Wash?   

body wash vs soap faq

Well, here’s answering the what and whens of your body wash vs soap situation 

Rather Use Soap:  

  • If you have allergies, a bar soap would be a wiser choice as it contains lesser ingredients, and there are also all-natural options available 

  • If you have oily skin, using soap is a better idea 

Rather Use Body Wash: 

Breaking through the froth, quite literally - here are all the deets for you to make a decision!  

FAQs about Soap VS Body Wash  

body wash vs soap faq

Washing off the reaming curious residue 

Does body wash kill germs? 

A. The regular body wash contains certain chemicals that not only cleanse and moisturise the skin but also kill germs. 

Is body wash the same as liquid soap? 

A. The difference between the two is in the ingredients used and the pH levels of the products, which can make them mild or harsh. 

Is it bad to use body wash every day? 

A. No, using body wash keeps your skin moisturised so there is no harm in using it every day. 

Anushka Shah

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