Why Soap Bars Are Better Than Shower Gel (And Why More People Are Switching)
Walk into any supermarket and you’ll see shelves full of brightly coloured shower gels, all promising soft, glowing skin.
But here’s the truth… most of them are largely water, packaged in plastic, and built around synthetic detergents designed to foam rather than truly care for your skin.
More and more people are starting to question that and are making the switch back to something simpler, more natural, and far more effective…
The soap bar.
Natural Soap vs Shower Gel. What’s the Difference?
At a glance, they do the same job. They cleanse your skin. But how they do it is completely different.
Most shower gels are:
- Water heavy formulas
- Made with synthetic cleansing agents
- Packaged in single use plastic
Natural soap bars, on the other hand, are:
- Concentrated (no added water)
- Made using plant oils and butters
- Plastic free and long lasting
At Sheffield Skincare, our soaps are made using the traditional cold process method, blending oils like olive, rice bran, coconut and castor oil to create a bar that cleanses while leaving your skin feeling soft and cared for.
Are Soap Bars Better for Your Skin?
This is one of the most asked questions.
Many people find that switching from shower gel to natural soap leaves their skin feeling noticeably different… in a good way.
Instead of that tight, stripped feeling, your skin feels:
- Soft
- Comfortable
- Balanced
That’s because our soaps are superfatted at 5%, meaning a portion of nourishing oils is left in the bar to condition the skin as you cleanse.
We focus on skin first, scent second, using essential oils, clays and botanicals rather than synthetic fragrances or fillers.
If you have more delicate skin, we always recommend starting with a naked, unscented bar, which keeps things as simple and gentle as possible.
How Long Does a Soap Bar Last?
A good quality soap bar should last.
On average, a 100g bar used daily in the shower will last 4 to 6 weeks.
To make it last even longer:
- Keep it on a draining soap dish
- Allow it to dry between uses
- Avoid leaving it sitting in water
Because soap bars are concentrated, you’re not paying for water… you’re paying for the ingredients that actually do the job.
Why Does My Soap Bar Crack?
This is completely normal and usually comes down to how it’s stored.
Soap can crack if:
- It’s left sitting in water
- It softens and then dries repeatedly
- It’s dropped
Keeping it dry between uses will help maintain its shape and longevity.
Can I Use a Body Soap on My Face?
Some natural soaps are gentle enough to use on the face, especially those made with simple, nourishing ingredients.
However, if your skin is more sensitive or reactive, it’s always best to choose an unscented option and see how your skin responds.
Is There Lye in Soap?
This is a question that comes up a lot.
Yes, lye (sodium hydroxide) is used in the soap making process. It’s essential for turning oils into soap through a reaction called saponification.
But here’s the important part:
There is no lye left in the finished bar.
Once the process is complete, what you’re left with is a gentle, skin cleansing product.
Is Bar Soap Hygienic?
Yes, when used properly, bar soap is just as hygienic as liquid soap.
Research has shown that although bacteria can be detected on the surface of a soap bar after use, they are not transferred to the skin in any meaningful way during washing.
In one study published in the Journal of Environmental Health, researchers found that even when soap bars were intentionally contaminated with bacteria, no measurable bacteria were transferred to users’ hands during normal washing.
Soap works by loosening dirt, oils and microbes from the skin so they can be rinsed away with water, whether it’s in bar or liquid form.
What’s the Difference Between “Real Soap” and a “Beauty Bar”?
Not all bars are created equal.
Real soap is made from oils and an alkali (like the cold process soaps we make).
Many commercial “beauty bars” are actually synthetic detergent bars (syndets) designed to mimic soap but made with different ingredients.
That’s why switching to a true, handmade soap often feels completely different on your skin.
Why Choose Bar Soap Over Liquid?
This is where soap really stands out.
Choosing a soap bar means:
- No plastic bottles
- Less energy used in transport (they’re compact and lightweight)
- No unnecessary water in the product
All of our soaps are:
- Palm oil free
- Packaged in recyclable card
- Handmade in small batches in Sheffield
It’s a small change that makes a big difference.
Are All Soap Bars Vegan?
Not always.
Some traditional soaps use ingredients like tallow, goat’s milk or honey.
At Sheffield Skincare, most of our bars are plant based, but we always recommend checking individual ingredients if this is important to you.
What Makes Our Soap Different?
For us, soap isn’t just about getting clean.
It’s about how your skin feels after.
Our soaps are:
- Cold process made in small batches
- Superfatted to leave skin soft, not tight
- Made with high quality plant oils
- Designed to create a creamy, conditioning lather rather than big, airy bubbles
- Free from unnecessary fillers and plastic packaging
Customers often tell us the same thing:
“My skin feels soft, not stripped”
“The lather is so creamy”
“They last so much longer than I expected”
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you’ve been thinking about moving away from shower gel, this is your sign.
To make it easier, we’re currently offering:
Any 3 soaps for £15
(usually £19.50) for the month of May 2026
It’s the perfect way to try a few, find your favourites, and start a new routine.
Final Thoughts
Switching to soap isn’t about going backwards.
It’s about choosing something:
- simpler
- more thoughtful
- and better for your skin and the planet
Once you experience the difference, it’s hard to go back.