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Bar Soap vs. Liquid Soap? Which is better?
During this corona virus crisis, everyone is concerned with keeping clean and sanitized. With typical grocery stores out of stock on “antibacterial” liquid soap and sanitizer, consumers are scrambling to find different ways to protect their loved ones.
Here's the good news... There is plenty of evidence to suggest that bar soap is as effective as liquid soap and sanitizers.
But what about the “antibacterial” claim? Soap -- all soap-- works because it is inherently antibacterial, antiviral, and removes unwanted germs from our body with the proper hand washing technique. There are many published studies that demonstrate how bar soaps and liquid soaps produce the same germ-killing result, confirming that it's actually the mechanical action of washing your hands with running water for 20 seconds that produces the cleaning results.
But what about germs on the bar soap itself?
According to experts, there is no evidence to suggest that bar soap transfers infectious diseases. To confirm this, scientists have analyzed the effects of adding germs to the surface of a bar of soap and then analyzed the hands of subjects after washing. No germs.
However, how the soap bar is situated on the sink makes the difference. If water is allowed to accumulate under the bar soap, this creates conditions for bacterial growth, so it is best to keep the soap propped up on a holder or on a towel that reduces wetness.
There is an expediency to liquid soap and hand sanitizers, but don’t let marketers worry you. Your favorite bar soap, even that old bar lying around, will keep you clean just as well.
What makes bar soaps better?
- Bar soaps are typically more environmentally sustainable. They take fewer resources to produce and they’re often packaged plastic free.
- Moisturizing bar soaps don’t dry out the skin the way many liquid soaps and sanitizers do.
- Many bar soaps have much cleaner ingredient decks than liquid soaps because they are easier to produce and stabilize.
What makes liquid soaps better?
- Convenience, expediency, and an extra layer of caution in a public environment such as hospitals and restaurants.
- Liquid soaps don’t leave residue where they sit.
So there you have it. We have lovely 'clean' soaps, both bar and liquids for you!
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