Bar Soap or Body Wash: Which One’s Actually Better for Your Skin?

It's easy to default to the same product you've used since high school, but your skin deserves a bit more thought than that. Lately, bar soap has been making a quiet return to shower shelves. Body wash still dominates for good reason—hydration, flexibility, and easy application—but the old bar’s got a few new tricks, too.

The truth is, each cleanser does a different job. Bar soap is more minimal, often with fewer ingredients and less packaging waste, which is great if you're looking to simplify or cut back. But its higher pH and occasional harshness can dry out your skin if you're not careful.

Body wash, on the other hand, usually leans more hydrating, with ingredients designed to soothe and protect your skin barrier. It's better suited to dry or sensitive skin, but that added comfort can sometimes come with more preservatives and a heavier environmental footprint.

Ultimately, it comes down to skin type and personal preference. If your skin leans oily or you like a short, sharp cleanse, a bar might be your best bet. If you're after softness, versatility, or a little luxury in your routine, body wash is worth the space on your shelf.

Either way, check your labels. Know what’s in the bottle—or bar—and what your skin actually needs.