You’re in the shower, rushing to get ready. What do you reach for: soap, or body wash? If you’ve ever been stuck figuring out what’s the right type of cleanser for your body, the first step is to know what’s important about both. The essential purpose of bar soap and body wash is the same - to clean the skin from dirt, oils, and dead skin. The difference lies in how they’re made.

Bar soap is made by heating oil and wax, then adding lye. It is usually a no-nonsense product with few ingredients that are meant solely to clean the skin. Previously known to have a notoriously high pH, between 9 and 10, most bar soaps now have added natural ingredients or components that help in balancing it out and making it safer for the skin. 

Body wash consists of more ingredients, usually with a water base with added surfactants, fragrance, and components that give specialised results based on skin type or condition. It explains why there’s such a variety in body washes, as there are almost endless combinations of scents and ingredients. 

In terms of effectiveness, you can’t go wrong with either if you’re just looking for a daily cleanser. With body washes, you get added benefits based on their composition, providing a more holistic and nourishing experience. Certain scents in body washes have also been shown to relax, adding to a calming shower experience. 

Soaps and body washes work differently on varying skin types as well. Bar soaps may have a stronger stripping action, which may be harmful and damaging for sensitive and dry skin, but necessary for oily and especially dirty skin. The control over the soap gives you that extra advantage in fighting lodged grime and sweat. For skin types that can’t handle bar soap, body washes may offer some respite as they can be formulated to hydrate dry skin, or soothe irritated and rough skin, depending on your needs.  

Botanic Hearth has a wide range of body washes for all skin types. 

For dry skin: 
Bulgarian Lavender and Ylang Ylang body wash: Packed with powerful ingredients, this body wash deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin, with the help of Ylang Ylang and Vitamin E. Bulgarian Lavender provides a soothing scent that helps you relax and enjoy your shower to its fullest. 

 

For irritated skin: 
British Rose and Almond body wash: Delicate yet effective, British Rose gives an exotic, floral scent that uplifts your mood. It also immensely hydrates the skin, aided by Shea Butter that smoothens and removes fine lines. Almond oil gently soothes irritated and rough patches on the skin to even out its texture. 

 

For sensitive skin: 
Mandarin Orange and Honey body wash: Refreshing and soothing, Mandarin Orange reduces redness and sensitivity, packed with antioxidants that boost skin cell growth. Honey reduces breakouts and keeps aggressors at bay due to its antimicrobial nature. Lemon peel extract refreshes the skin, and Rosemary Leaf extract provides additional hydration and protection to keep the skin balanced and revitalised. 

Oat and Niacinamide body wash: Exfoliating and soothing, Oat cleanses the skin without aggravating it. Niacinamide evens out skin tone and reduces blemishes and redness, leaving the skin relaxed and strenghtened.

 

For combination skin: 
Jojoba and Hyaluronic Acid body wash: Jojoba mimics the skin's sebum to regulate oil levels. Hyaluronic acid locks in moisture, and these ingredients work in harmony to ensure that the skin's oil and hydration levels stay at a healthy level to prevent dryness or oiliness. 

 

For acne prone and bumpy skin:
Calendula, Neem and Salicylic body wash: Salicylic Acid unclogs dirt and dead skin cells from pores to exfoliate the skin. Neem refreshes and detoxifies the skin, and Calendula soothes and calms. 

 

For all skin types: 
Tea Tree body wash: Perfect for all skin types, this body wash is broad in its effectiveness. Tea Tree oil controls oil production and unclogs pores, while Sea Buckthorn oil moisturises and prevents dryness and Peppermint oil cools and revitalises the skin.