Which Is Better for Your Skin, the Planet, and Your Daily Routine?

For most people, choosing between bar soap and body wash feels like a simple preference.
But the truth is, the difference between these two products touches on skin health, ingredients, environmental impact, and long-term sustainability.
At Crate 61, we spend our days thinking about soap — how it’s made, what goes into it, and how it affects both people and the planet. This guide walks through the real differences between bar soap vs body wash, so you can make an informed choice.

Quick Answer: Is Bar Soap or Body Wash Better?

In most cases, high-quality bar soap is the better option.
Bar soap generally:

• uses fewer synthetic stabilizers and preservatives
• requires less packaging and plastic
• is more concentrated
• often contains simpler ingredients

Body wash, on the other hand, is mostly water combined with detergents, stabilizers, and preservatives to maintain shelf life in liquid form.
That doesn't mean all body wash is bad. But when comparing typical formulations, bar soap tends to be the simpler and more environmentally responsible option.

What Is the Difference Between Bar Soap and Body Wash?

The biggest difference comes down to how the product is formulated.

Bar Soap

Traditional bar soap is made through a process called saponification, where oils react with an alkaline solution to create soap.
Many premium soaps, including cold process bar soaps, retain naturally produced glycerin that helps moisturize skin.
Typical ingredients include:

• plant oils
• mineral ingredients
• natural fragrances or essential oils

Body Wash

Body wash is essentially a liquid detergent system.
Because it is mostly water, manufacturers must add stabilizers and preservatives to keep the formula shelf-stable.
Typical ingredients include:

• water
• surfactants (cleansing agents)
• stabilizers
• preservatives
• fragrance blends

This difference in structure is why bar soap often feels simpler and more concentrated.

Is Bar Soap Better for Your Skin?

This depends largely on the quality of the soap.
Poorly made bar soap can feel drying. But well-crafted cold process soaps often retain natural glycerin and plant oils that help maintain skin balance.
Cold process soap is particularly valued because the method:

• preserves the integrity of natural oils
• retains naturally occurring glycerin
• requires less heat during production

Many people find that plant-based bar soap leaves skin feeling cleaner without the heavy residue sometimes associated with liquid cleansers.

Is Bar Soap More Hygienic Than Body Wash?

A common myth is that bar soap is less hygienic than body wash.
Research has repeatedly shown that properly used bar soap does not spread bacteria in normal use.
Soap works by lifting oils, dirt, and microbes from the skin, allowing them to be rinsed away with water.
As long as the bar is allowed to dry between uses, it remains perfectly hygienic for everyday personal care.

Bar Soap vs Body Wash: Environmental Impact

This is where the differences become significant.

Plastic Packaging

Most body washes are packaged in single-use plastic bottles.
Billions of these bottles are produced each year, and many ultimately end up in landfills or oceans.
Bar soap, by contrast, can be packaged in paper-based packaging that significantly reduces plastic waste.
At Crate 61, our soaps are packaged in FSC-certified paper packaging, designed to minimize reliance on plastic packaging systems.