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Liquid Soap vs. Bar Soap: Which is Better for You?
When choosing between liquid soap and bar soap, your decision can depend on personal preference, skin type, sustainability, and tradition. Both forms of soap have unique strengths, and each has a deep-rooted history in skincare and hygiene.
A Brief History
Bar soap is the original form of soap, dating back to Ancient Babylon (around 2800 BCE). Traditional bar soaps, including iconic varieties like Savon de Marseille, were made from natural oils such as olive oil, and were widely used in Europe by the Middle Ages.
Liquid soap, on the other hand, is a more recent invention. It gained popularity in the 19th century with commercial formulations and became a modern household staple in the 1980s with the rise of pump dispensers and antibacterial claims.
Ingredients & Formulations
Bar Soap:
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Often made from saponified oils like olive, coconut, or palm
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May include clays, exfoliants, essential oils, or botanicals
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Naturally rich in glycerin, which moisturises the skin
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Traditionally cold- or hot-processed and cured for weeks
Liquid Soap:
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Usually made with potassium hydroxide instead of sodium hydroxide
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May contain water, humectants, stabilizers, and preservatives
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Can be enhanced with fragrances, essential oils, or moisturisers
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Often available in pump bottles or refill pouches for ease of use
Benefits of Bar Soap
Eco-friendly: No plastic packaging, often biodegradable
Long-lasting: Bars typically last longer with proper drying
Fewer preservatives: Especially in artisan and natural soaps
Tradition and craftsmanship: Especially with French or Castile bars
Benefits of Liquid Soap
- Hygienic: Pump dispenser reduces bacteria transfer
- Convenient: Great for households or shared bathrooms
- Customisable: Easier to add moisturisers or specific scents
- Ideal for sensitive areas: Liquid Castile soap is often gentle and pH-balanced
Skin Type & Allergies
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Bar soap is often more alkaline, which can dry skin if not well-formulated. Look for bars with high olive oil content or added shea butter for sensitive skin.
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Liquid soap can be more balanced in pH and less harsh for daily use. However, commercial versions may contain sulfates, parabens, or artificial fragrances, which can irritate some users.
For allergy-prone or eczema-sensitive skin, fragrance-free or cold-processed bar soaps with minimal ingredients are often a good choice.
Which Should You Choose?
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Choose bar soap if you value tradition, low waste, or are looking for an artisanal option.
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Choose liquid soap for ease of use, shared spaces, or if you prefer pump bottles.
In Provence, both liquid and bar soaps are made following traditional techniques—liquid versions like Savon Liquide de Marseille use natural oils and are cooked in cauldrons, just like the solid blocks.
Ultimately, both liquid and bar soap have a place in a well-rounded skincare routine. Whether you love the feel of a hand-cut bar or the clean convenience of a pump, choose what suits your lifestyle and skin best—and consider products made with natural oils, minimal processing, and Provençal traditions for a luxurious, skin-loving experience.