In recent years, body wash has surged in popularity, promising a luxurious and convenient shower experience. But have you ever considered if the benefits of body wash are truly worth the hype?
Going years back, not sure what other parts of the world were using to bath when there was no soap. In India, bathing with soil, typically with Multani mitti, or sandal powder (chandan), gram powder (could be yellow gram or green gram powder) was the key bathing ingredients. These work in a similar way as soaps or body-wash to dislodge dirt from your skin’s surface, but at the same time helps to remove the dead skin – work as a light scrub and refreshes the skin. They have their own advantages, but just a little more time consuming as compared to soaps/ body wash. So, for many Indians this is still a premium affair – where they like to groom themselves on weekends or special occasions like weddings.
Let's explore the environmental and economic impacts of body wash versus traditional soap. Considering the rare use of power base body cleaning products, limited to only two types below ☺
The Cost of Packaging: Liquid vs. Soap
When it comes to packaging, body wash generally comes in plastic or glass bottles, which are significantly more resource-intensive to produce compared to the minimal packaging required for bar soap. According to the EPA, the plastic packaging from personal care products like body wash contributes to the 35 million tons of plastic waste generated annually in the U.S., with only about 9% being recycled.
The average body wash bottle contains around 70-85% water, meaning you're paying for a lot of packaging and a product that is mostly water. In contrast, bar soap typically comes in simple, recyclable paper packaging that significantly reduces waste.
Environmental Impact: Total Packaging Material
The environmental footprint of body wash is considerable. According to a study by the nonprofit organization Green Seal, liquid soaps and body washes have a 25% greater impact on global warming than bar soaps due to the energy required for production and packaging.
Also, the plastic waste generated by body wash bottles contributes significantly to landfill and ocean pollution. The Plastic Pollution Coalition reports that an estimated 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, with personal care product packaging being a sarcastically reputed contributor.
Accessories: Loofahs and Washcloths
Using body wash often requires additional accessories like washcloths to create a lather, whereas bar soap can be used directly on the skin. These accessories are often made from synthetic materials that contribute to microplastic pollution. This industry itself have many angles to see. Yes these, days there are some loofahs made of natural materials available, which are charged premium because of natural fiber.
The most common ones are synthetic based. Manufacturers and many clinics recommends to change them in 3 to 4 weeks, maximum of 3 months. Because, of the humid situation they are prone to develop mold or will start having some lingering musty odor. According to a study by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, microplastics account for up to 31% of plastic pollution in the oceans.
Moreover, washcloths need to be replaced regularly, adding to the environmental burden. This creates a cycle of waste that contrasts sharply with the simplicity and minimal waste of using bar soap.
And all these microplastics, washcloths going to land fill only !
Economic Considerations: Price Per Use
Bar soap is typically more cost-effective than body wash. A single bar of soap can last up to six weeks with regular use, while an equivalent amount of body wash may only last half as long. The American Cleaning Institute found that bar soap generally provides more uses per unit compared to body wash, making it a more economical choice (American Cleaning Institute).
For example, a standard bar of soap costs about Rs. 40 to Rs. 100 and can last for about 40-50 uses. In contrast, a bottle of body wash can cost between Rs.200 to Rs. 600 and last for about 25-30 uses. In addition, cost of loofahs/wash cloths. The above is only one time use, consider 365 days in a year, and how many years you are living! This discrepancy in cost and longevity highlights the economic advantage of bar soap.
Scientific Findings
Several studies and expert opinions support the use of bar soap over body wash:
Environmental Working Group (EWG): The EWG emphasizes that bar soaps are more eco-friendly due to their minimal packaging and lower carbon footprint during production and transportation.
Green Seal Report: This report highlights that bar soaps have a significantly lower impact on global warming compared to liquid soaps and body washes.
Dermatological Perspective: Many dermatologists suggest that bar soaps, especially those made with natural ingredients, can be just as effective and gentle on the skin as body washes. They also note that bar soaps are less likely to contain preservatives and synthetic fragrances that can irritate the skin.
To be honest, until so many years I never paid attention to what really makes a difference with a body wash or soap or shower gel. When I started exploring, I learned that body wash is more like a creamer base, so helps in extra skin hydration, however shower gel as name suggests is more gel based and doesn’t hydrate the skin as much. So, many users who tried it all say that soap and shower gel leaves a similar impact on the body. One thing is clear here is, the ones who have oily skin and ones who don't feel the need for extra skin hydration can rather opt for bar soaps.
From an environmental impact perspective natural products (sandal power, gram powder etc. ) are THE best option. Best for your skin, no chemicals getting mixed in water, and minimal packaging. Followed by soaps. Needless to say these days even bar soaps have quite a hefty range of organic soaps, fruit base soaps, milk and oil base soaps. This simple choice can make a big difference to the environment.
While body washes offer convenience and a variety of scents, the environmental and economic costs are worth considering. By choosing bar soap, you can reduce your carbon footprint, save money, and minimize plastic waste.
Next time you're shopping for personal care products, think about the broader impact of your choices. Opt for sustainable options that benefit not only your skin but also the planet. Let's move towards a future where our daily routines contribute to the well-being of our planet.
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