A body bar is a solid piece of body care based on saponified plant oils, such as coconut oil, olive oil and shea butter. Unlike liquid shower gel, a body bar contains no water, no sulfates and no synthetic preservatives. The result: gentle cleansing that keeps the natural skin barrier intact.
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Which soap is the most natural?
The most natural soap is a solid soap based on saponified plant oils, without sulfates, parabens, synthetic perfume or palm oil. Check the INCI list: the shorter and more recognizable the names, the more natural the formula. All ingredients in our bars fall under EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
What's in regular soap?
Conventional shower gel typically contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) as cleansing base, synthetic perfume under the name 'parfum' or 'fragrance', parabens as preservative and palm oil as thickener. These substances cleanse effectively, but can damage the skin barrier and are not necessary for good cleansing.
What is the difference between a body bar and shower gel?
A body bar cleanses via saponification of plant oils. Shower gel uses synthetic surfactants like SLS and contains up to 80% water, which requires preservatives. A body bar doesn't have that water and therefore doesn't need preservatives. The cleansing result is comparable, the formula significantly simpler.
| Property | Body Bar | Shower Gel |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Saponified plant oils | Water + synthetic surfactants |
| Cleansing agent | Sodium Cocoate, Sodium Olivate | SLS, SLES |
| Preservation | Not needed | Parabens or methylisothiazolinone |
| Scent | Essential oils | Synthetic perfume |
| Packaging | Paper/cardboard | Plastic bottle |
| Glycerin | Naturally present | Often removed |
What is soap without SLS?
SLS stands for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a synthetic surfactant that creates a lot of foam. Soap without SLS cleanses via saponified plant oils. The foam is less, the cleansing equally effective, and the chance of skin irritation smaller, especially for sensitive or dry skin.
Is solid soap better for your skin?
Solid soap based on plant oils naturally retains glycerin as a byproduct of the saponification process. Glycerin attracts moisture and supports the skin barrier. In industrially produced liquid soap, glycerin is often removed. The skin feels less tight after solid soap than after SLS-containing shower gel.
Frequently asked questions
The most natural soap is a solid bar based on saponified plant oils, without sulfates, parabens, synthetic perfume or palm oil. Check the INCI list: the shorter and more recognizable the names, the more natural the formula. All ingredients fall under EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. View our ingredients →
A body bar cleanses via saponification of plant oils and contains no water. Shower gel contains up to 80% water, with synthetic surfactants and preservatives to keep the product stable. Body bars are simpler in composition and don't need synthetic additives. Read the full comparison article →
SLS stands for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a synthetic surfactant that creates a lot of foam. Soap without SLS cleanses via saponified plant oils like Sodium Cocoate or Sodium Olivate. The foam is less abundant, the cleansing equally effective, the chance of skin irritation smaller. Read more about SLS →
Parabens are preservatives that keep products with water stable. A body bar contains no water and therefore doesn't need preservatives. Without water, bacteria and fungi cannot grow. The formula remains stable without synthetic additives. Read more about parabens →
Palm oil is used in soap as a thickener and binding agent. It's cheap and effective, but production is associated with deforestation and loss of biodiversity. We use alternatives such as coconut fat and shea butter, which fulfill the same technical function. Read more about palm oil →
Wet the bar and your skin with water. Rub the bar directly on your skin or lather it in your hands. Rinse thoroughly. Store the bar dry between uses: on a soap dish with drainage, not in a wet soap dish. This way a bar lasts longer. Read the full usage article →
Body bars based on plant oils naturally contain glycerin, which hydrates and supports the skin. They contain no SLS, parabens or synthetic fragrances. When in doubt: do a patch test on a small piece of skin before first use. Read more about sensitive skin →