When it comes to skincare, natural bar soap has gotten a bad rap over the years. Despite being one of the oldest and most effective ways to cleanse, many people still believe common misconceptions about bar soap–that it’s germy, drying, harsh, or less effective than liquid soap. The truth? High-quality, artisan bar soaps like Edens Garden Natural Bar Soap are nourishing, eco-friendly, and a smart choice for both your skin and your wallet.

Today, we’re setting the record straight by debunking five of the most common myths about natural bar soaps, and sharing why bar soap may just be the upgrade your skincare routine needs.

Myth 1: Bar Soap Is Germy

The myth: Many people believe that bar soap harbors bacteria and spreads germs.

The truth: While it’s true that germs can survive on a bar’s surface, research shows they are highly unlikely to make you sick.[1] Simply rinsing your soap before and after use, and storing it in a dry place, ensures a clean, safe bar every time. In fact, washing your hands with soap (bar or liquid) is one of the most effective ways to remove germs.

Pro tip: Store your bar soap on a well-draining soap dish or clean, dry washcloth to extend its lifespan and keep it fresh.

Myth 2: Bar Soap Dries Out Skin

The myth: Bar soap strips the skin and leaves it feeling tight and dry.

The truth: While some mass-market soaps are detergent-based and harsh, Edens Garden Natural Bar Soaps are made with nourishing carrier oils like Coconut and Olive that moisturize as they cleanse. Instead of leaving skin dehydrated, they lift away excess oils and impurities while locking in hydration.

Best for: Those with sensitive, dry, or eczema-prone skin often find natural bar soaps gentler and more hydrating than traditional body washes.

Myth 3: Bar Soap Made With Lye Is Dangerous

The myth: Because lye (sodium hydroxide) is used in soapmaking, bar soap must be harsh or unsafe.

The truth: Here’s where science steps in. During the saponification process, lye completely reacts with oils to create soap, meaning no lye remains in the finished product.[2] When you use Edens Garden Bar Soap, you’re holding a perfectly balanced, gentle, lye-free bar designed to pamper your skin.

Fun fact: Lye is only hazardous if you’re making soap at home. With artisan soap, all the hard work (and chemistry) has already been done for you.

Myth 4: Bar Soap Is Worse for the Environment Than Liquid Soap

The myth: Bottled body wash and liquid soap are more hygienic and eco-friendly than bar soap.

The truth: Studies show that liquid soap has a 25% larger carbon footprint than bar soap. This is due to the amount of energy required to produce, package, and transport liquid soap.[3] On top of that, liquid soap typically comes in plastic bottles, while Edens Garden Bar Soaps are packaged in recyclable, biodegradable paper.

Choosing eco-friendly bar soap is a simple swap that reduces plastic waste and supports a greener planet.

Myth 5: Bar Soap Is Less Economical

The myth: Because natural bar soaps are often sold at a higher price point, they must be more expensive in the long run.

The truth: A little bar soap goes a long way. Research shows people use about seven times more liquid soap per wash compared to bar soap. This means your artisan bar soap will last much longer (sometimes several months), saving you money over time. 

Takeaway: While upfront costs may seem higher, natural bar soap is actually the more cost-effective option for everyday cleansing.

Bar Soap vs Liquid Soap: The Clean Comparison

To make things clear, here’s a side-by-side look at how natural bar soap compares to liquid soap.

Why Choose Edens Garden Natural Bar Soap?

At Edens Garden, we believe your daily routine should be as clean and natural as possible. That’s why our artisan bar soaps are:

• Made with pure essential oils for therapeutic benefits and uplifting aromas
• Crafted with skin-loving carrier oils like Coconut and Olive
• Free from harsh detergents, sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrance
• Packaged sustainably in recyclable paper
• Long-lasting, luxurious, and eco-friendly

From energizing Lemongrass and Peppermint to calming Lavender and Patchouli soaps, each bar is designed to elevate your shower or sink-side ritual.

The Clean Truth

Bar soaps are far from outdated. They’re eco-friendly, skin-nourishing, and economical. By debunking these five myths, it’s clear that natural bar soaps like Edens Garden’s are not only safe but superior to many liquid alternatives.

So next time you’re restocking your bathroom essentials, reach for a sustainable, moisturizing bar soap and enjoy the clean truth, naturally.

SOURCES: 

1. Washing with contaminated bar soap is unlikely to transfer bacteria. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2249330/
2. Afraid of Using Sodium Hydroxide Lye to Make Soap? https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/afraid-of-using-sodium-hyroxide-lye/
3. Comparing the Environmental Footprints of Home-Care and Personal-Hygiene Products: The Relevance of Different Life-Cycle Phases. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es901236f