Blog · Sustainability
Natural soap or shower gel: what’s the real difference?
Ingredients, how long it lasts, packaging and a few tricks: what changes when you switch from shower gel to a natural soap bar – and how to do it without regrets.
What’s the difference?
A shower gel is a liquid cleanser: it is mostly water, with added surfactants, thickeners, preservatives and fragrances. It needs a bottle, almost always made of plastic.
A solid soap, on the other hand, is made by reacting plant oils or butters with a base: the result is a concentrated bar, with no water to transport and no need for bottles. Handmade soaps often keep part of the oils, which makes the lather softer.
The advantages of a soap bar
- Less packaging: no bottle, just a paper wrap or nothing at all.
- It lasts longer: it is concentrated, so a 100 g bar sees you through many showers if you let it dry between uses.
- Ingredients you can read: plant oils, butters, herbs, flowers. Many of our soaps are also palm oil free.
- Perfect for travel: no liquid limits on planes and no leaks in your suitcase.
The trick that changes everything: the soap dish
The number one reason people give up on soap bars? They melt in a puddle of water. Use a draining soap dish (with slots, or made of wood) and keep it away from the shower spray: the bar stays dry and lasts much longer.
From our shop
Lavender soap – 100 g
- With lavender oil and flowers
- Relaxing scent
- For hands and shower
From our shop
Natural propolis soap – 100 g
- Handmade
- Palm oil free
- For face, hands and shower
What about hair?
The same principle applies to shampoo: a shampoo bar is rubbed directly onto wet hair or between your hands, lathers like a liquid shampoo and replaces several bottles. The first few washes may feel different: give your hair a few days to adjust.
You’ll find the whole range in our soaps and natural cosmetics categories.
From our shop
Calendula shampoo bar – 100 g
- Replaces the plastic bottle
- Ideal for travel too
- Handmade
Frequently asked questions
Does solid soap dry out the skin?
It depends on the recipe. Handmade soaps with plant oils are generally gentle; if your skin is very dry, choose nourishing varieties and moisturise after showering.
Is it hygienic to share a soap bar in the family?
Yes: just rinse it before use and let it dry on a draining soap dish.
How long does a 100 g soap bar last?
Much longer than you’d think, especially if it stays dry between uses. On average it replaces several bottles of shower gel.
Can I take solid soap on a plane?
Yes, solid products don’t fall under the liquid limits for hand luggage.
Take the first step
Start with one bar for the shower and one for your hands: the rest will follow.
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