Natural Bar Soap Vs Liquid Soap. Which Is Better?

2020 may not have been the summer we expected with the you-know-what-situation, but maybe this new 10pm curfew could be a perfect way to embrace cosy nights in as we transition into the Autumn.

You could find yourself neglecting your skin in the Autumn and Winter seasons but it’s crucial to take great care of your skin as the chilly days approach us. When colder days arrive, our skin is more prone to drying out and cracking due to the drop in temperatures and low humidity which draws moisture away from the skin. To avoid this, it’s key to keep your skin moisturised, and you must also choose a soap that best suits your needs when scrubbing up in the shower. 

At Holy Lama Naturals, we were soap advocates way before CODIV-19 made it even more of a must-have (not that any of us weren’t keeping clean or using toilet roll before the pandemic, but you know what we mean). You may have opted for liquid soaps or stuck with a traditional bar soap… but… which is better?

Is one truly better than the other? Let’s dive into the key differences between the two foamy friends.

The science-y bit

Scientifically, both soaps work just as well at reducing the number of pathogens on your hands. Whether you’re using liquid soap or bar soap, the rubbing motion when you scrub your hands creates lather that lifts dirt and microorganisms which are then washed away by water.

It’s not just the inside that counts

Liquid soap requires packaging which is often made from plastic. This is obviously less environmentally-friendly, whereas it’s bar-shaped counterpart can come in a cardboard box, paper wrap or be completely packaging-free which is more sustainable. Our handmade natural bar soaps are packed in a natural shell, made from the leaf of an areca palm tree.

On the other hand, bar soaps require a soap dish to accompany it. While this may be counterproductive to the no-packaging-angle, you can buy one dish to last a long time and avoid sending more plastic to the landfill. For this reason, opt for plastic-free soap dishes or you can even use our palm-leaf shell as a soap dish!

The all-important skin factor

Bar soaps can be a little bit more drying on the skin due to their high pH level. Some people prefer a liquid soap if their skin is already more on the dry side.  

On the other hand, liquid soaps tend to include added moisturises and fragrances which can irritate many peoples skin. That’s why we strongly believe our natural soaps are a safe bet. They don’t contain any harsh chemicals and each one contains natural coconut oil to keep you from drying out. 

Exfoliation properties of bar soap vs liquid soap

Bar soaps tend to supply a more intense scrub to remove dead skin cells and dirt off the surface of the skin, whereas liquid soaps are not as effective. Liquid soaps will therefore work better in conjunction with a shower accessory such as a loofah. Our vetivert skin polisher is eco-friendly, natural, and works great for getting the most out of whichever soap form you opt for!

Functionality of bar soap vs liquid Soap

Liquid soaps are easier to store and rarely messy. Bar soaps, however, are known to leave a slimy trail down to the drain or often break into pieces. Holy Lama Handmade Soaps are unique because they’re formulated to avoid these issues. Find out how our natural handmade soaps are made. We know how to raise the bar! 

And the award for best soap goes to…

Liquid or bar soap, each has its own pros and cons. It really just comes down to your preference, specifically in regards to your skin type and needs. We believe, as long as the product you’re using is not harsh on your skin and it keeps you happy you’re all sorted. If it’s eco-friendly and natural too, that is always a big plus in our books.

We hope you’ll give our handmade bar soaps a try. In the meantime, happy scrubbing!