by Trayle Kulshan

Created on: May 30, 2010

Choosing between bar soap and body wash seems like a mundane choice, but there are a surprising number of variables to consider. In fact, you have already made this choice the last time you purchased one or the other, somehow quickly weighing a few aspects which are important to you - but did you consider them all?

For most of us, the first reaction to such an everyday selection is based upon a straightforward, aesthetic preference: Some relish the rich, moisturizing, perfumed foam of a body wash enjoyed with an exfoliating loofah. On the other end of the spectrum, some enjoy the simple, clean-rinsing suds lathered from a classic, white bar of

Ivory soap between their hands.

Sometimes we make such a choice based on a deeper analysis: Do you prioritize a "green" lifestyle? Are you traveling? Do you have special skin care needs? What about the price?

Today there are so many choices, you are sure to find the perfect product (or two) that fulfills all your needs.

Do you prioritize a "green" lifestyle?

If you are concerned about making the best choices for the environment, bar soap is usually the better way to go. The first green aspect to consider is packaging. Bar soap often comes in bio-degradable and/or recycled paper boxes, or a small plastic wrapping. These options generate less waste than the plastic bottle required for body wash.

The other green feature to note about cleansers is how much ends up in the environment (i.e. downstream, after you use it). Because soap is a solid, you will usually use less per shower and what ends up in the environment is more diluted than if you used a liquid body wash.

Indeed, there are environmentally friendly body washes (and soaps), but are sometimes expensive or found only at specialty stores. Tom's of Maine is very popular in the US market and makes both bar soaps and body washes for the environmentally concerned bather.

Are you traveling?

Considering the potential for liquid bottle blowouts in your luggage and airport security rules, bar soap is generally a better option for the frequent traveler - or at least a better choice for those days on the road. This may be disappointing news if you tend to prefer body washes, but the good news is that there are many new (fancy!) soaps out there that can be fine substitutes for body wash.

Do you have special skin care needs?

If you have allergies, dry skin or any other skin condition, then you may have fewer choices, but this shouldn't have to dictate you choice between a bar or body

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