Body wash and hand soap may seem like they would be interchangeable, but there are some significant differences to consider before using hand soap as a body wash. Hand soap is designed to clean hands, which means it is usually harsher on the skin than body wash. This product is also typically more moisturizing, so it is better for people with dry skin.
Is hand soap same as body wash?
Hand soap and body wash are similar in that they are both liquid soap products that are used for cleaning the skin. However, there are some differences between the two.
The main difference between hand soap and body wash is their formulation and purpose. Hand soap is typically formulated to be more gentle and moisturizing, as it is designed to be used frequently throughout the day without drying out the skin. It is also often formulated with antibacterial agents to help kill germs and prevent the spread of illness.
Body wash, on the other hand, is formulated to be more cleansing and exfoliating, as it is designed to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells from the body. It is often formulated with moisturizing ingredients to help keep the skin soft and hydrated, and may also contain exfoliating agents, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid, to help improve skin texture and tone.
While hand soap can be used to wash the body, it may not be as effective at removing dirt and oil as body wash. Similarly, while body wash can be used to wash the hands, it may be too harsh for frequent use and can cause dryness or irritation.
In summary, while hand soap and body wash are similar in function, they are formulated differently to meet the specific needs of the skin on the hands and body.
If you want to know Can You Use Hand Soap As Body Wash? keep reading this article, resTORbio will show you the answer.
Can You Use Hand Soap As Body Wash?
You may have found yourself in the bathtub or shower only to find that your body shower gel is no longer available. Or you might have gone to the grocery store to buy hand soap at a lower price or in a larger size. You might have thought it was strange to use soap for your body.
Yes. Hand soap, however, is made with different ingredients to body wash. Therefore, depending on your skin type, it will likely produce different results.
Hand Soap vs. Body Wash Ingredients
Bar Hand Soap Ingredients
Hand soaps are typically made with a mixture of sodium hydroxide or lye and solid fats such as palm oil, animal fats, or other oils. This allows the bar to stay stable when in use as well as when stored at room temperature.
Liquid Hand Soap Ingredients
Also, liquid hand soaps often contain sodium hydroxide. However, instead of solid fats, they contain glycerin. This is made from liquid fats such as soybean oil. The liquid soap is then infused with antibacterial ingredients to kill bacteria and stop fungus growth.
There are also richer moisturizing liquid soaps that can be used in place of glycerin. These soaps contain additional nourishing ingredients such as essential oils, oatmeal, and milk proteins. To prevent dry, cracked hands or to heal them.
Body Wash Ingredients
This product can also be made following the same process that liquid hand soap. However, instead of sodium hydroxide, they may contain surfactants such as sodium Laureth sulfate (SLES), sodium lauryl sulfate(SLS).
These surfactants, which help increase oil and dirt distribution in water, penetrate and unbind unclean matter and capture it during the cleaning process to remove it from the skin.
Somebody washes also contain potassium hydroxide as an active component. This, like sodium hydroxide and fat oils, creates a chemical reaction called Saponification which allows dirt and oils to be suspended and then washed off.
Related: Bar Soap Vs Body Wash 2022: Which Is Better For Your Skin?
Hand Soap vs. Body Wash Effects
Although trace amounts of potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide are good for establishing pH, soaps containing too much sodium or potassium hydroxide may be acidic. This can cause skin irritation and damage, as well as stinging or burning.
Too much soap with alkaline can cause the skin to lose its natural oils and damage proteins, which can lead to a change in the structure of your skin.
It can also cause the skin's acidic layer to be damaged, which protects it from harmful bacteria and other contaminants.
This can alter the skin's microbiota (or good bacteria) and enzyme activity in the skin's surface layers that have favorable pH. This can cause severe skin damage. Your skin will be further damaged if you continue to use the soap.
Antibacterial soaps can also damage your skin's protective microbiota, making it more vulnerable to contamination.
Hand soaps can be effective for your hands but may cause irritation to your skin if you use them on a regular basis.
Body washes can also include secondary surfactants that help soothe the skin during the cleaning process. This makes them gentler than hand soap. They are pH-friendly because they don't contain alkalis. This helps to prevent skin dryness and skin damage.
Additional detergents are often added to body washes. These add a richer lather than hand soaps and give your skin a more luxurious feel.
Bar soaps can be seen as less hygienic due to the fact that multiple people frequently use them. This can lead you to question whether it is safe to use on your skin. Body wash allows you to use fresh soap every time you use it, which makes it easier to apply to your skin.
How to use Hand Soap as a Body Wash
To avoid skin irritation or drying, you should look for a product that is free of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide or that contains only a tiny amount of either ingredient, meaning neither sodium hydroxide nor potassium hydroxide is listed as one of the first three ingredients.
You might also consider making your own soap with bath-friendly ingredients. This soap can be used as a hand soap or body wash.
How to Make Your Own Bath Wash-Friendly Hand Soap
What you will need:
- 1 4-ounce of Castile soap or all-natural soap.
- Cheese grater, potato peeler, or knife
- Choose the essential oil you prefer
- Purified water
- Small boiling pot
- Liquid soap dispenser/bottles, about 4
Step 1 - Turn the Bar into Soap Flakes
You can grate, shave or cut the 4 ounces of all-natural soap into small flakes.
Natural soaps, such as Castile soap, are made using non-toxic, synthetic-free, vegetable oil-based ingredients, such as coconut oil or castor oil, which are then incorporated with almond oil, avocado oil, or walnut oil for added lathering, moisturizing, and cleansing effects.
Step 2 - Melt the Soap Flakes
The soap flakes should be placed in a bowl. After that, let eight cups of water boil. The heat should be turned off, and the soap flakes should be covered with boiling water. To melt the soap in hot water, use a large spoon or a wooden spoon.
Let the liquid soap cool in the bowl for 15 minutes. Mix the mixture once more to incorporate all the ingredients and thicken it.
Step 3 - Allow the Liquid soap to Cool
Let the liquid soap cool in the bowl covered for at least 12 hours or overnight. If the soap becomes too thick after thickening, heat the soap and add more water to thin it. If the liquid soap is too thin, you can warm it and add more soap flakes.
Step 4 - Add Essential Oils
After you have achieved the right consistency, you can add 15 to 20 drops of essential oil to the bowl. Lemon is naturally antibacterial and helps improve skin condition; lavender has calming and moisturizing properties; and peppermint, helps with itching and cooling the skin.
Step 5 - Pour the liquid soap into bottles or dispensers
Add the liquid soap to the bottles or dispensers you prefer, and cover the container with the lid. To ensure that the ingredients are well mixed, shake the container. The homemade soap can be kept in the refrigerator for up to seven days.
The soap will lather up on your skin and body when you apply it to your hands.
Coconut milk can be added to hot soap to make it creamier and more creamy. This will increase its nourishing properties.
Conclusion
Can hand soap be used as body wash? We think the answer is yes! Just remember to consider the different properties of each product and how they might affect your skin. For example, hand soap is often more drying than body wash, so be sure to moisturize afterward. Thanks for reading!
