Bar Soap vs. Shower Gel: Which Is More Eco-Friendly?

Quick Answer

Bar soap is generally more eco-friendly than shower gel because it uses less packaging, often plastic-free, and requires less water and energy to produce. For a sustainable choice, opt for natural bar soaps like Swedish Dream Seaweed Soap or Halló Iceland Moss Bar Soap, which come with minimal packaging and skin-loving ingredients.

When you're standing in the shower, the choice between a bar of soap and a bottle of shower gel might seem trivial. But if you're trying to reduce your environmental footprint, it's a decision worth thinking about. Both options clean your skin, but their impact on the planet differs significantly.

In this comparison, we'll break down the eco-friendly factors of bar soap versus shower gel, from packaging and ingredients to manufacturing and usage. We'll also highlight some natural bar soaps that make the sustainable switch easy and enjoyable.

Packaging: Plastic vs. Minimal

Shower gel typically comes in plastic bottles that are often not recycled, contributing to the millions of tons of plastic waste entering our oceans each year. Even when bottles are recyclable, the pump dispensers are notoriously difficult to recycle. In contrast, bar soap usually comes in a simple paper wrapper or cardboard box, which is easily recyclable or compostable.

Many natural bar soaps, like those from Swedish Dream and Halló Iceland, are packaged with minimal materials, emphasizing their eco-friendly appeal. By choosing bar soap, you can significantly reduce your plastic consumption, especially if you opt for brands that use plastic-free packaging.

• Look for bar soaps that are naked or wrapped in paper to avoid plastic entirely.

Ingredients and Water Content

Shower gel is mostly water—up to 80%—which means you're paying to ship water and using extra energy to produce the plastic bottle that holds it. Bar soap, on the other hand, is concentrated and contains little to no water, making it more efficient to produce and transport. This also means a single bar can last longer than a bottle of shower gel, reducing the frequency of repurchases.

The ingredients in natural bar soaps often include plant-based oils and botanical extracts that are gentler on the environment. For example, Swedish Dream Seaweed Soap contains marine algae that act as a protective moisturizer, while Halló Iceland Moss Bar Soap uses Icelandic Moss, a lichen known for its soothing properties. These ingredients are sustainably sourced and free from synthetic additives that can harm aquatic life.

• Check the ingredient list for natural, biodegradable components to ensure your soap is eco-friendly.

Production and Carbon Footprint

The manufacturing of shower gel involves more energy and resources due to the liquid filling process and plastic molding. Bar soap production is generally less energy-intensive, and because it's solid, it requires less packaging and transportation space. This results in a lower carbon footprint per wash.

When you choose a natural bar soap, you're also supporting practices that often prioritize sustainability. For instance, Halló Iceland Moss Bar Soap is made with sustainable palm oil, ensuring that the production doesn't contribute to deforestation. Similarly, Swedish Dream's seaweed is harvested from select sources, promoting marine ecosystem health.

• Opt for bar soaps with certifications like sustainable palm oil to ensure responsible sourcing.

Usage and Lifespan

Bar soap can last longer than shower gel if stored properly on a well-draining soap dish. A single bar can provide 2-3 weeks of daily use, whereas a bottle of shower gel might last only a week or two, depending on how much you use. This longevity means fewer resources are consumed over time.

Some bar soaps, like Swedish Dream Sea Salt Pocket Size Soap, are designed for convenience and portability, making them perfect for travel and reducing the need for single-use hotel toiletries. This pocket-size option is also great for guest bathrooms and shaving, adding to its versatility.

• Use a soap dish that allows water to drain to extend the life of your bar soap.

Trade-offs at a Glance

• Packaging: Bar soap uses minimal, often plastic-free packaging, while shower gel typically comes in non-recyclable plastic bottles. Bar soap wins for reducing plastic waste.
• Ingredients: Natural bar soaps often contain biodegradable, plant-based ingredients, whereas shower gels may include synthetic surfactants and preservatives. Bar soap is generally gentler on the environment.
• Lifespan: A bar of soap can last longer than a bottle of shower gel, especially when stored on a draining dish. Bar soap offers better value and less frequent repurchasing.

Natural Bar Soaps to Consider

• Swedish Dream Seaweed Soap: Active marine algae extracted from select seaweeds act as a protective moisturizer for the skin. Seaweed is a gentle clarifier, removing impurities while leaving the skin ultra-fresh, clean & soft. This soap harnesses the power of sustainably sourced seaweed, offering a natural alternative to chemical-laden shower gels that can harm the environment.
• Halló Iceland Moss Bar Soap: Icelandic Moss is a lichen that grows abundantly on lava slopes, plains, and pristine mountainous regions of geothermal Iceland. Moss lichens naturally absorb powerful nutrients from these unpolluted environments and have been used to help soothe and protect the skin since ancient times. By choosing this bar soap, you benefit from a pure, natural ingredient that requires minimal processing, reducing your ecological footprint compared to liquid soaps.

Who Should Choose What?

Best for

• Eco-conscious consumers who want to reduce plastic waste and choose sustainable, natural ingredients.
• Travelers and minimalists who appreciate a compact, long-lasting cleansing option.

Not for

• Those who prefer the convenience of a pump bottle and dislike the messiness of a wet bar in the shower.
• Individuals with specific skin conditions that require liquid cleansers with certain active ingredients not available in bar form.

When it comes to eco-friendliness, bar soap clearly outperforms shower gel in packaging, ingredients, and production. By switching to natural bar soaps like Swedish Dream Seaweed Soap or Halló Iceland Moss Bar Soap, you can make a simple yet impactful change for the planet. So next time you reach for a cleanser, consider the bar—it's a small step that makes a big difference.