If you've been using body wash your whole life, the idea of switching to bar soap might take some getting used to. Maybe you consider bar soap to be old fashioned, or perhaps you've heard bar soap is drying for your skin. Sometimes you're just not sure what your objection is, and that's understandable. Marketing has taught us that body wash is the modern, convenient choice. Once you see what you're actually getting with a great natural bar soap, you'll wonder what took you so long to switch.
Why Bother Changing to Handmade Soap Bars?
There are many reasons to make the switch to bar soap, and the first comes down to simple dollars and cents. A good bar of goat milk soap lasts a long time compared to a bottle of body wash. That's because you're getting pure soap in that small package, instead of water, preservatives, and synthetic detergents in a plastic bottle. Bar soap is also more convenient. It takes up less space in your shower and won't get you stopped by TSA when you're traveling by air.
One of the most important reasons to make the switch is your skin health, though. When you choose natural goat milk soap, you'll be getting skin-nourishing ingredients that body wash just can't match. Body washes often leave a coating on your skin that feels moisturizing but is actually residue. Bar soap rinses clean, and when it's made with quality ingredients, it's genuinely moisturizing.
Common Objections to Natural Bar Soap
One of the biggest myths around bar soaps is based on dry skin caused by harsh detergent based soaps. If you've only tried hotel bar soap or cheap drugstore brands, you haven't experienced what quality bar soap can do for your skin. Handmade soaps made with goat milk, nourishing oils, and skin-loving ingredients are incredibly moisturizing.
Another reason people prefer not to use bar soap is that they consider it gross. It's true that a bar of soap left wet on the sink will get gloopy and cause a bit of a mess. But with proper storage, bar soap is actually a clean, low-waste option. Be sure to let your soap dry between uses by using a soap saver sock or well-draining soap dish with good airflow. Your soap will last longer, too!
How to Transition from Your Body Wash to Bar Soap
Ready to make the switch? Set yourself up for success:
Start small. If you're really on the fence, you don't have to go all-in on day one. Try using bar soap just for your hands first, then gradually move to your body when you feel comfortable.
Choose the right soap. Start with something gentle and moisturizing in a scent you love. Our goat milk soaps are perfect for beginners. They're creamy, mild, and feel luxurious from the first use.
Give it two weeks. Your skin has been adjusting to synthetic surfactants for years. Give it time to recalibrate. Most people notice their skin feeling cleaner (not coated) within the first week.
Use a soap saver sock or bag. This small accessory can be a complete game-changer for first-timers. Slip your bar into our Mesh Soap Saver Sock and suddenly handling bar soap feels as easy as using a loofah. You get gentle exfoliation, easier grip, and your soap lasts longer because it dries between uses. We also have a smaller Mesh Soap Saver Bag that's perfect for travel or using up those last little soap pieces.
Get the storage right. Keep your bar on a dish with drainage so it can dry between uses. A wet, mushy bar is nobody's friend.
What to Expect When Switching to Natural Bar Soap
There is a transition period when you change any skincare product. For the first few days, you'll need to adjust to the feel of bar soap. For example, the lather might seem less "foamy" than body wash, but that's because you're not getting synthetic detergents. Real soap's lather is a lot creamier and more luxurious. In about a week, your skin will start adjusting. By week two, your skin will likely feel softer.
Not Sure Which Soap to Try?
If you're hesitant about committing to one soap, try our Goat Milk Skincare Sampler Set. You can test out different scents and formulas and find your favorite without the risk. And if handling the bar feels awkward at first, grab a soap sock.
The switch from body wash to bar soap is all about choosing something simpler, more effective, and better for your skin. Give it two weeks. Your skin (and your wallet) will thank you.
