Soap or body wash: how they differ and how to choose for your skin type

Most people use soap for bathing, but the number of people using body wash is rising. Many wonder what the difference is between the two, since both are used to clean the body and to feel fresh.

The biggest difference is that soap is solid and cleans the skin deeply. Body wash, on the other hand, is a liquid cleanser. It cleans the skin and also gives it more moisture, or hydration.

They are also made differently. Traditional soap is prepared through saponification, by mixing oil or fat with an alkali. Most body washes are water-based and contain synthetic detergents and foaming agents.

The most important point is the effect on the skin. Soap quickly strips away the skin's natural oil and dirt that has settled deep in it, which can sometimes leave the skin feeling dry. Body wash contains extra moisturising ingredients that benefit dry or sensitive skin.

The method of use differs as well. Soap is rubbed directly onto the skin. Body wash is usually applied with a loofah or sponge, which produces more lather.

On durability and the environment, soap lasts longer and is considered better for the environment. Body wash is considered convenient for travel and cleaning. It would therefore not be wrong to say that both have their place. Which one to choose depends on your skin type.