Bath Wars

Like all life changing debates, such as deciding whether to go with the vanilla or chocolate flavor ice cream or drink an iced cold Coca-Cola instead of Pepsi, a new war is brewing over bath care. Liquid and cream bath cleansers have been a fast, growing trend over the past few years. It’s popularity over soap bars have shown a surge in sales of over 35%, as reported by the Mintel market research firm. Women consumers find liquid body washes the more modern alternative to soap and have no problem splurging on high-end brands. As a matter of fact, most women will tell you they think a bar of soap is outdated and have skipped using it altogether. How fickle the female persuasion can be. And don’t ever try to persuade a woman who has sworn loyalty to her favorite skincare regime to give it up. When a girl decides to stick with a product or method she loves, it’s usually done so with a blood oath. Okay, so perhaps that’s a twinge on the dramatic side but which exactly is the better option, bar soap or body wash? Aside from personal preferences, I have tried to break down the pro’s and con’s of each type. Let the soap versus body wash battle begin! Stay Beautiful! XOXO

 BODY WASH

Pro:

better moisturizing qualities
more neutral pH balanced skin formula
luscious fragrance formula
scrub body wash improves circulation/exfoliates skin

long term skin brightening effect with glycolic formula

glycerins, sunflower oils or other oils hydrate the skin

more popular among women consumers

scented formula loses potency out of shower
softening effects may dissipate immediately after shower
higher cost than bar soap, especially in higher-end brands

bottles are bulkier to travel with

may not completely remove dirt/grime

SOAP

Pro: 

travel friendly 

antibacterial/kills germs
better odor protection

new formulation with rich hydrating oils 

cost efficient/less expensive in bulk packs

Con: 

traditional formula may be more drying

Bottom Line: While soap bars are more drying because of the sodium hydroxide required to start the cleansing process, yet, they are hands down the better cleaning method of choice when it comes to removing dirt and grime. However, some bar brands manufacture liquid body washes that have dual cleansing and hydrating action

The results? That would have to be a question only you can decide. You’d have to factor in what you’re willing to pay, your body’s own particular skin needs and dare I say it, even being drawn to purchase by the allure of fancy brand packaging with luxurious fragrance options. As for myself, being a middle child, I always strive to find the balancing approach. Keeping the scales of justice even, I choose both. I’ll never give up my Lever 2000 because I swear it’s CLEAN game is strong enough to even make the angels heavenly fresh! But because my skin is sensitive and slightly on the dry side, my shower routine is finished off with a creamy, oily body wash. So there you go. When it doubt, choose both. What’s your clean method? 

Thank you Natalie for posting my write-up!

Written by Maria Rosaria. Do not copy or distribute without my express permission.