If you’ve ever found yourself in a pinch and wondered if you could use hand soap as body wash, we’re here to help. What’s the difference between different soaps and what’s the best option when body wash isn’t available? We’ll answer all those questions and more below.
Can Hand Soap Be Used as Body Wash?
The short answer: yes. If you need to get clean, hand soap lifts soil and microbes from skin, effectively cleansing it. But should you regularly use hand soap as body wash? The answer to that question is more complex.
What’s the Difference Between Hand Soap and Body Soap?
Learn the differences between the two types of soap, from their formulas to their functions.
Intended Functions
Both hand soap and body soap clean and remove germs thanks to surfactants, but the levels to which they do these things are decidedly different.
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Disinfecting
A good hand soap is formulated to physically destroy germs and remove germs and chemicals from your skin once it's lathered up. Many soaps meant for hands are antibacterial, which contain ingredients that prevent or reduce bacterial infection. These ingredients can be harsh and may not be meant to be used regularly on the rest of your body.
Meanwhile, body wash is usually formulated to remove dirt and oil from skin, while also keeping it moisturized – disinfecting is usually not a part of its formula. That means daily or regular use won't harm or dry out your skin.
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Getting Rid of Dirt
When lathered up, hand soap forms pockets called micelles that target germs and bacteria. Body wash can also contain micelles, particularly micellar water cleanses and hydrates skin without needing to be rinsed off. However body wash is formulated to remove dirt from skin and usually does this with gentler, more natural ingredients.
Different Forms
Hand soap can either come in:
- Liquid
- Foam
- Bar form
Liquid soap is usually the best method for washing hands, as they also usually contain a moisturizing agent to prevent dry skin.
Body wash usually comes in liquid form and often contain foaming agents such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Coco Sulphate (SCS).
Both soap and body wash create lather when used, but they feature different molecular structures. Body wash is more viscous, with a pH between 6-7, while soaps usually have a pH between 9-10.
Ingredients
Soap is mainly composed of alkali salts of fatty acids and it is the only ingredient that provides the product's cleaning action. Body washes are considered cosmetic, meaning they can also contain fragrances and moisturizing agents that keep skin smooth and refreshed.
Effects on the Skin
Hand soap is meant to be used on hands, so regularly using it on the body can irritate skin and even lead to dermatitis in some cases. Body washes are specifically formulated to be used daily and across the whole body, and using one with a pH-balanced, acidified body wash can protect your skin barrier and keep skin healthy and hydrated.
Which Is More Expensive?
Body wash is generally more expensive than hand soap, as it's meant to be used every day over a greater amount of skin. Liquid soap is usually cheaper, with bar soap usually being cheaper due to less cost related to its production.
Why Is It Possible to Use Hand Soap as Body Wash?
Though it is not recommended to regularly use hand soap to clean your body, it is still possible to do when necessary. Here’s why.
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Hand Soap as an Effective Cleanser
Washing with plain soap and water is still an effective way to get rid of germs and avoid illness. Soap meant for hands often contain ingredients such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, which when used excessively, can irritate skin and cause burning or irritation. Using it once, however, typically does not yield these results.
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Natural Hand Soap is Gentler
If you use a natural soap made from natural, plant-powered ingredients, this is usually gentler on skin compared to antibacterial hand soap, which can harm the skin's barrier and leave it irritated. It is also formulated to nourish and protect skin, making it the best choice if you have to use hand soap on your body.
Disadvantages of Using Hand Soap as Body Wash
Learn why you should avoid regularly using hand soap as body wash and its effect on your skin.
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Dry Skin
Frequent hand washing can often dry out skin and damage the epidermal barrier. This leaves your skin parched and in need of moisture. It's important to use a hydrating lotion after washing to lock in as much moisture as possible.
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High pH Levels
Due to the aforementioned ingredients of potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide, soap meant for hands typically raises a skin's pH level. This high acidity can result in burning, stinging, and damage.
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Thinner Texture
Hand Soap usually has a thinner consistency compared to body wash, meaning it runs off skin quicker when applied. You will probably need more hand soap to effectively clean your body, not making it an ideal soap to use on a regular basis.
Use Natural, Plant-Powered Formulas for the Best Results
Puracy’s Natural Body Wash and Hand Soap each contain formulas that feature gentle, effective ingredients that protect skin from germs and bacteria, while also keeping it nourished and healthy. Whether you’re regularly washing your hands or showering after a long day, our personal care essentials are formulated with safe, natural ingredients that are tough on germs and gentle on skin.
