I don’t buy the idea that soap collects dead skin cells and bacteria. You rinse it off every time you use it. Body wash is a relatively new invention, and it’s just the power of marketing that convinces people it’s more sanitary than bar soap — just like the marketing that tells people plastic bags are more hygienic than cloth bags or bottled water is more hygienic than tap water. Who’s profiting from you believing the hype?

You mention micro beads… do you realize that micro heads are actually tiny pellets of plastic that get washed down the drain into our waterways where they get ingested by marine life and make their way up the food chain? http://myplasticfreelife.com/2007/07/flushing-plastic-down-drain/

I just can’t agree that body wash is “the way to go” when it comes in a polluting plastic bottle. Too many “natural” products are only natural on the inside but still come packaged in plastic, which itself is full of toxic chemicals and cannot be truly recycled.

I hope you’ll stick around and read a lot more on this site about the problems with plastic.

UMMMM … NO.

I think you might be one of the few girls on this planet who isn’t bothered too much by people’s body odors.

But as a man, I can tell you that 99% of women DON’T WANT YOU TO SMELL BAD. I’ve been in embarrassing situations before where girls have told me I needed to brush my teeth before we made out because my breath wasn’t very fresh or that I needed to use a stronger deodorant.

These were my younger high school and early college years so I was kind of stupid when it came to hygiene and I didn’t realize just how important hygiene is when you are dating or in a relationship.

Now that I’m in my late 20s I’m older and wiser and I’ve learned from those embarrassing situations. You need to find a balance between having good hygiene and using harsh possibly toxic chemicals like SLS (SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE or SODIUM LAURYTH SULFATE) which are actually carcinogenic chemicals that are used in toothpastes, shampoos, and body washes to create a stronger foam or lather.

There are many body washes out there that are much more natural and some are even completely organic and they come in very masculine scents or at least clean fresh gender neutral scents. Frankly, soap bars tend to be a little gross because they collect dead skin cells and bacteria. And if dropped on the floor or sink most people feel gross using it again. This is why body washes are becoming so popular amongst both women and men. They are just easier, faster, and cleaner to use. Not too mention that many of them come with exfoliating agents such as micro beads.

Body washes are the way to go, but finding a more natural one is important. Old Spice Scented Body Wash is just another low-quality commercial product loaded with toxic chemicals but packaged in a nice bottle and nicely advertised on TV.

We use nothing but body wash in the bathroom primarily because it doesn’t leave soap scum. Although there is a residue, it is soft and washes off easily. Bar soap may be more environmentally-friendly but the chemicals you need to remove the scum aren’t. We use a wall-mounted soap dispenser and that probably cuts down on the waste; a bottle lasts us *months*. (I also itch less than with bar soap.)

As fo the EWG ratings, they are bogus if you have any respect for the FDA.

Not only is bar soap better for the environment, but less chemicals is better for us too. The soap I buy is about $5 a bar, good quality, and if I take care of it properly by using a soap dish that drains, it lasts for well over a month. It doesn’t leave a film on my skin or in the shower, and I would assume that the poster who claims all bar soap does is probably using a commercial bar that is full of chemicals and made from tallow.

I use bar soap for my face, body, and hair. I also find that using bar soaps, esp. those made with natural oils and essential oils for scent, to be a much more luxurious and sensual way to get clean.

So, lots of benefits. I try to include a nice, delicious smelling bar of pretty, natural soap with every gift I give, to turn everyone on to or back to the benefits of using bar soap.

My husband technically uses bar soap, but most of the time he just sudses up with his shampoo and washes with the bubbles that run down rather than a separate step.

I guess I’m saying we’re of the “use only enough” camp, rather than embracing a particular flavor.

Plus it comes post recycled cardboard that can be recycled again. I get it at the Farmer’s market.