What is the Difference Between Body Wash and Soap

The main difference between body wash and soap is their formation. A body wash is in the form of liquid, whereas soap comes as a bar. 

Body wash and soap are two of the most popular cleansing products to keep the skin clean and fresh. While they serve the same purpose, they differ in several ways, including their form, uses, and how they interact with the skin.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Body Wash 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Soap
     – Definition, Features, Uses
3. Similarities Between Body Wash and Soap
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Body Wash and Soap
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Body Wash, Soap

What is a Body Wash

A body wash is a special liquid we use to clean the body when showering and bathing. Body wash typically has a lower pH value than soap, which means it is less likely to dry out the skin compared to using soap. Body washes mainly contain mineral oil or petroleum derivatives. At the same time, most modern body wash products also have bio ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree, sea salt, coconut oil, and olive oil. Body washes help to nourish the skin and keep the skin hydrating.

When applying body wash, some people tend to use a large amount of body wash, which may cause the skin to dry up. Body wash must be used in smaller amounts. Moreover, body wash is much more hygienic than soap. It is instructed not to use hot water when applying body wash. In fact, using lukewarm water when using body wash is best to avoid drying the skin. Since the skin on one’s face is more sensitive than the skin in the body, it is instructed not to use body wash on the face. Facial cleansers have specific formulas to remove dirt on the face and are ideal for the face.

There are various types of body washes available in the market that cater to different skin types. It’s important for users to choose a body wash that is suitable for their specific skin type rather than using the same type of body wash for all skin types.

What is a Soap

Soap is a product we use to cleanse the body and remove dirt and excess oils that result in unpleasant odors. The main ingredients of soap are oil or fat, lye, and water. Basically, soap is made by mixing fats and oils with a base. Soap comes as bars. Using certain types of soap can alter the natural pH level of the skin and potentially lead to skin irritations. These harsh soaps may also strip away essential lipids and proteins from the skin.

According to the suggestions of dermatologists, people with dry skin should not use soap often. For people with oily skin types, people who live in hot and humid, or people who are looking for a very deep wash after work or workouts, it is best to use a soap bar to get clean easily. At the same time, using bar soap also increases the risk of bacteria growth and potential transmission of bacteria from one person to another. In order to prevent bacterial growth, the soap should be washed properly and dried up.

Similarities Between Body Wash and Soap

• We use both body wash and soap to cleanse the body.
• Both products help to remove dirt and germs.

Difference Between Body Wash and Soap

Definition 

A body wash is a special liquid we use to clean the body when showering and bathing, whereas soap is a product we use to cleanse the body and remove dirt and excess oils that result in unpleasant odors.

Form

Although body wash comes in liquid form, the soap comes as a bar. 

Hygiene 

A body wash is more hygienic than soap.

Effects of Use

Using soap can cause the skin to become dry, whereas body wash typically does not have the same drying effect on the skin.

Conclusion

The main difference between body wash and soap is the formation. The body wash is typically in liquid form, while the soap is commonly found in bar form. Moreover, body washes tend to be more hygienic than soap.

Reference:

1. “Soap.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Handmade soap cropped and simplified” By I, Malene (CC BY 2.5) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Sua-tam-olay-b3-complex-hang-xach-tay-my” By Phuonganhlongan – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia