Soap or shower gel: which to choose?

Faced with the ever-growing range of personal hygiene products, one question often arises: "Should I choose soap or shower gel ?" Between tradition and modernity, liquid or solid soap , each option has its own advantages. Let's explore together the essential criteria for making the right choice according to your needs and values.

The essential criteria for choosing between soap and shower gel

To choose the right soap or shower gel , it's essential to consider several factors: your skin type, your environmental concerns, your usage preferences, and of course, the product's ingredients. Here are the key elements to take into account.

Impact on the skin

The choice between soap and shower gel largely depends on your skin type and sensitivity. Traditional soaps, especially cold-processed soaps like those from Rampal Latour, naturally retain glycerin, which moisturizes the skin. They are particularly suitable for normal to oily skin.

Shower gels , on the other hand, are formulated with gentler surfactants and may contain specific moisturizing agents. They are often better suited to dry or sensitive skin, offering a creamy lather and easy rinsing.

Respect for the environment

Environmental impact is an increasingly important factor. Solid soaps generally offer a significant ecological advantage , whether through minimal packaging (often just a cardboard box), the absence of chemical preservatives, or natural biodegradability.

Shower gels typically come in plastic bottles and contain preservatives for stability. However, modern formulas are moving towards more environmentally friendly ingredients. As for the containers, they can be recyclable or refillable.

Format and ease of use

The format directly influences the user experience. Solid soaps are compact, making them perfect for travel. With a good soap dish , they won't leak in your toiletry bag. Furthermore, they generally last longer than shower gels.

As for shower gels, they offer intuitive use with their pump or dosing cap, allowing precise control of the amount used. They are easy to store in the shower without the risk of slipping.

Origin of ingredients

When made using traditional methods, solid Marseille soap contains high-quality vegetable oils and soda ash, which ensure proper saponification. It is free of perfume, preservatives, additives, and artificial colors.

Shower gel has a slightly more complex ingredient list, but it can be natural. For example, the 1L Almond Organic Shower Gel is Cosmos Organic certified by Ecocert. Although it contains fragrance, it is free of parabens, artificial colors, silicones, and ammonium lauryl sulfate.

Whether you choose a solid soap or a shower gel, it is imperative to take a look at the ingredients as these can differ from one brand to another.

Comparison chart: soap vs. shower gel

Liquid or solid soap, how to choose?

Among soaps, it's also important to distinguish between liquid and solid versions. The choice will again depend on your preferences, habits, and environmental commitments. Here's a comparison between these two formats.

The advantages of solid soap

Handcrafted solid soaps retain their natural moisturizing properties, which is a benefit for your skin! The vegetable glycerin, not extracted during the cold saponification process, deeply nourishes the epidermis.

Furthermore, you avoid plastic waste, thus reducing your carbon footprint. Of course, for a more eco-friendly choice, opt for a natural composition for your solid soap!

Finally, with an average use of 6 to 8 weeks, solid soap offers excellent value for money, especially for quality artisanal formulas.

The advantages of shower gel

This shower gel is appealing because of its ease of use. Its fluid texture allows for even distribution on the body, and you get an instant, abundant lather.

Let's not forget that shower gels can also incorporate targeted active ingredients, such as essential oils for aromatherapy or plant extracts beneficial for different skin types, for example.

It should also be noted that in a family context, shower gel avoids the direct sharing of the product.

Comparative table of price and durability between solid soap and shower gel

Our recommendation: a personalized approach

At Rampal Latour, we offer both options because we recognize that the choice between soap and shower gel depends on individual needs. However, we recommend solid soap if you have normal to oily skin , if environmental impact is a priority for you, and if you are looking for an economical product. Shower gel is suitable for people with dry or sensitive skin , those who value ease of use, and those who appreciate special formulas enriched with beneficial ingredients.

In reality, there's no single answer to the question of "soap or shower gel." The key lies in the quality of the ingredients and how well the product meets your specific needs. Whether you choose a traditional cold-process soap or a shower gel with natural ingredients, always prioritize formulas that are kind to your skin and the environment!

At Rampal Latour, our traditional expertise in soap making allows us to offer exceptional products in both categories, so that everyone can find the perfect solution for their daily beauty ritual…