Introduction:
When I was a child growing up in Sicily I remember visiting my grandmother on the weekends. She lived up in the mountains and always used solid soap. Her bathroom had a clean smell thanks to the essential oils emanating from the soap and I enjoyed washing my hands there, because they smelled nice afterwards. Fast forward to the present and the prevalence of liquid soap seems unavoidable. However, my conviction remains the same – solid soaps not only last longer but also contribute to a more sustainable future by removing the use of plastic packaging.
The Myth of Germs:
A common misconception surrounding solid soap is the belief that it harbors more germs than its liquid counterpart. Many opt for liquid soap under the assumption that it is more hygienic. In reality, both types of soap effectively reduce microbial presence on the skin. The human body is naturally surrounded by microbes, and our microbiome plays a crucial role in protecting us from harmful pathogens, including viruses. Many studies shows that even if some may grow on solid soap or liquid soap bottles, these are not harmful and can be washed away easily with the same soap. So it is a personal preference to use either soap type, especially if this is something that only you or just your family uses.
Effectiveness of Solid and Liquid Soap:
The key to soap's effectiveness lies in its surfactants – molecules with dual properties that interact on one hand with water and the other with dirt, oil and microbes on the skin. Whether it's a bar or liquid soap, both contain these essential surfactants, making them equally adept at cleansing. Contrary to popular belief, studies indicate minimal transmission of bacteria from bar soap to hands during washing (J E Heinze et al. Epidemiol Infect. 1988).
Environmental Impact of Solid Soap vs Liquid Soap:
The most immediate environmental impact of the liquid soap over solid soap is obviously the packaging as well as the plastic bottles that are used to contain the liquid soap. When comparing the environmental footprint of bar and liquid soaps, the differences become apparent. The rise of liquid soap production since the 1980s has introduced synthetic surfactants and increased energy consumption. A 2009 Swiss study has found that liquid soaps demand more energy during manufacturing and a staggering 20 times more energy for packaging in plastic bottles. In contrast, bar soaps, when they have plastic-free packaging, emerge as the more eco-friendly option, especially when it uses ingredients that are natural or organic, rather than man-made fragrances, perfumes and additives.
Aesthetic Considerations:
While both bar and liquid soaps are equally effective, aesthetic preferences may sway individuals towards one or the other. Some find residue left by certain bar soaps on soap dishes less appealing, although this is largely subjective. It's crucial to note that personal hygiene choices should also align with one's environmental consciousness. If the residue is an issue, we simply recommend leaving the soap bar to dry after each use and rinsing the soap dish if needed. This will not only make the soap last longer, but also avoid any unwanted residue left by the soap. Our solid soap also contains sodium citrate, which is derived from lemons, and this ingredient will avoid leaving at the sink, shower or bath a patina on the surfaces left by the fat oils, like olive and coconut oils, present in the soap itself. With just a bit of care when using solid soap, these will perform as well and even better than liquid soaps.
Making the Switch to Solid Soap:
At Monsop we believe in the ability of solid soap to have a great cleaning ability, as well as a positive environmental impact. It is not a matter of one type being considered more in fashion, effective or more hygienic, but simply a personal choice. Hence, the shift from liquid to solid soap for personal use may seem like a small change, but collectively, such choices can contribute to a significant reduction in plastic waste. It's about personal choices and their environmental consequences. Both types of soap effectively cleanse, but the environmental toll of liquid soap production and packaging is substantial. So, the next time you reach for soap, consider the impact of your choices on the planet.