Dermatologist Break Down The Body Wash Versus Bar Soap Debate

Erin Gilbert is a practicing dermatologist in New York City. Here, she explains why she uses body wash instead of bar soap.

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[MrXavierRose]

I use bar soap to save money and not throw away bottle after bottle in landfill. You can use bar soap on your loofah, I do it every day and it's fine... Bar soap, saves money, and the ecosystem

[keturahspencer]

After years of body wash I've moved back to real, bar soap. It's one of the only things that seems to help my skin not be so dry.

[guptaneel]

For smooth glowing skin:
1 - I drink good amount of water. It aids in the process. Drink at least 2 liters water per day.
2 - Daily, I cleanse my face with riceeberry face wash from litleextra. Although I occasionally skip this step due to impatience. It's effective, but consistent daily application is necessary.
3 - I prevent using any soap, etc. on face.
4 - I avoid junk food.
5 - I engage in 30 minutes of exercise daily.
All together, these practices contributed to my clear, radiant skin free from acne, dark spots, and pimples.

[PenyukaKueKeju]

I turned to use bar soap, it's more economical and I feel it cleanses more.

[phoenixashe]

But soap cleans the best. Dry skin is NOT an issue if you follow up with a lotion butter moisturizer.

[AG]

Wtf...she only showed her opinion....where is the debate?

[lela]

I am a soap maker and I feel extremely confused.
Madam dermatologist, after the saponification process, no lye is present in the soap. After that chemical reaction, oil and lye become a new substance we know as soap.
After soap is formed, it produces natural, moisturizing glycerin.
A bar soap with over 50% coconut oil will definitely be drying because that's it's nature, but a balanced bar of soap shouldn't dry you out.

Now liquid body was is basically detergent and the reason they add so much extra (expensive) crap is because DETERGENTS ARE DRYING.

[frsh]

She didn't mention handmade soap, and lye is not active in a soap after the curing process

[TVCHLORD]

did she dip herself in oil before the video

[mr.dueezy]

I'll keep buying soap because it lasts longer and it's cheaper 😅

[kimberlylongshore]

My mama never let us use body wash growing up. It was always Ivory or Dove unscented bar soap because she thought body wash wouldn't get us clean enough or that the fragrance would break us out. Still use Dove bars out of habit now.

[foxxtail]

Then I'll just lotion off after showering when I use bar soap.

[Melesse]

What the fuck. She knows shit all about soap if she thinks there's ANY lye remaining after the saponification process. Basically, with that one comment she's completely exposed that she's not educated on the very thing she's being presented as an expert opinion.

How do I know? I ran a soap making business for years. Saponification is not a complex concept, it's a basic calculation. A calculation used to ensure that not only is there no lye left in the final product, there's actually a buffer of oils left over.

And I'm a body wash user nowadays.

[Kluneberg]

Soap shouldn't dry your skin if you buy the fancy glycerin one or you make your own soap. Companies usually extract the glycerin from soaps so they can sell you hydrating products later, basically make and sell two products instead of one.

[yashadityavyas]

Glycerine soaps/handmade soaps > shower gels

[fuadhuda]

I use bar soap entire my life.. and i dont care with ppl said.. pftt..

[The_NJG]

My problem with bar soaps is that it makes me feel dry. They don’t really spread easy either. I’m either using them wrong, or they don’t work super great for me. Body washes are easier for me to use.

[ladylancelot]

All the bar soaps I've used are very moisturizing. Dove for the win! Never liked liquid soaps unless its used to clean anything other than my body.

[TheYavy]

I always use bar soap cos it gives a feeling more clean

[noodilious]

Olay or dove bar soap and bath and body works lotion after. Saved so much money since i stopped buying expensive shower gels. They go so quick