Bar Soap or Body Wash? The Pros and Cons for Your Skin

Experts weigh in on the differences between bar soap and body wash and how each one affects your skin.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:56pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in warm, hazy tones depicting a person's hands lathering up with soap or body wash, capturing the relaxing, sensorial experience of bathing.The choice between bar soap and body wash can impact the skin's pH balance and overall health, but the right product for each individual depends on the specific formulation and ingredients.San Diego Today

When it comes to cleansing your body, the age-old debate is whether to use bar soap or liquid body wash. Both can effectively clean your skin, but the formulations and ingredients differ. Traditional bar soaps often have a higher, more alkaline pH level compared to the skin's natural, slightly acidic pH, which can lead to dryness, sensitivity, and inflammation. However, modern 'syndet' bars can be just as gentle as liquid cleansers. Liquid body washes, on the other hand, are designed to be more pH-balanced and often include added moisturizers, but some still have harsh ingredients that can strip the skin. Ultimately, the key is to consider the specific ingredients in the cleanser and how they will address your skin's needs.

Why it matters

Choosing the right body cleanser is important for maintaining healthy, balanced skin. Understanding the differences between bar soap and body wash can help consumers make an informed decision about which product will work best for their individual skin type and concerns.

The details

Bar soaps are traditionally made with oils, water, and lye, which undergo a chemical process called saponification. Other bar soaps are synthetic detergents, known as 'syndet bars.' Liquid body washes are water-based and also tend to be synthetic detergents, but they often have less concentrated ingredients and are more hydrating. The pH level is a key difference, as traditional bar soaps tend to be more alkaline compared to the skin's natural, slightly acidic pH. This can lead to dryness, sensitivity, and inflammation. However, modern syndet bars can be just as gentle as liquid cleansers. Liquid body washes are designed to be more pH-balanced, but some still contain harsh ingredients like sulfates that can strip the skin of essential oils.

  • The article was published on April 3, 2026.

The players

Brendan Camp, MD

A Manhattan-based board-certified dermatologist.

Azadeh Shirazi, MD

A San Diego-based board-certified dermatologist.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When the pH is elevated, the skin may become more prone to dryness, sensitivity, and inflammation.”

— Brendan Camp, MD, Board-certified dermatologist

“Modern 'syndet' bars can be just as gentle as liquid cleansers.”

— Azadeh Shirazi, MD, Board-certified dermatologist

“Liquid body washes are designed to be more pH-balanced and often include added moisturizers.”

— Azadeh Shirazi, MD, Board-certified dermatologist

The takeaway

When choosing between bar soap and body wash, the key is to consider the specific ingredients and how they will address your skin's needs, rather than focusing solely on the format of the cleanser. Both can be effective, but it's important to find a product that maintains the skin's natural pH balance and avoids harsh, drying ingredients.