Different Soap Types And Their Uses

With a greater emphasis on handwashing lately, there’s a lot of thought about the type of soap needed for effective handwashing. Ultimately, washing your hands with any hand soap is a success, but it’s also essential to understand the different types of soap out there. Some hand soaps work best in certain situations or facilities too. Then, you can select the right soap type for your needs.

Liquid Soap

Liquid hand soap is the most common type of soap you’ll see in homes and businesses for handwashing. You can find cheap liquid soap or even luxury quality. It doesn’t just stop at liquid soap, though. Different types of liquid hand soap have various purposes. 

Moisturizing Soap

Moisturizing soap has a moisturizing agent that helps moisturize your hands as you wash them. Frequent handwashing every day can dry out your hands, but it’s necessary. Some examples of moisturizing agents in these soaps are aloe, cocoa butter, and shea butter. So, if you notice your skin especially dry after handwashing, a moisturizing soap may help.

Antibacterial Soap

Antibacterial soap has become increasingly popular because it kills all the bacteria on your hands if adequately used. However, research shows that antibacterial soap is no better at removing germs than other liquid hand soap. However, healthcare facilities often use antibacterial or antimicrobial soap, which is effective and necessary in those settings.

Natural Soap

Natural hand soap uses natural ingredients like essential oils and leaves out harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfate, phthalates, artificial fragrances, and synthetic dyes. Natural hand soaps are just as effective as regular hand soap in getting rid of germs through proper handwashing. It usually costs more than conventional hand soap, but it’s a good middle ground between regular hand soap and completely chemical-free hand soap.

Chemical-Free Soap

Most hand soaps on the market have a chemical detergent in their ingredients. Even a hand soap that’s considered “natural” usually has a chemical detergent along with its natural ingredients. A chemical-free soap uses plant-based ingredients and is made with oil and lye. These hand soaps can get pricey, but it’s a necessary investment for some. On the other hand, plant-based and chemical-free soaps might be necessary if you have extra sensitive skin, and sometimes it’s a lifestyle choice. Regardless, chemical-free soap can still be effective at removing germs as other hand soaps.

Foam Soap

Believe it or not, foaming hand soap is just liquid soap pushed through a unique dispenser to give it the foam texture. One of the benefits of foam hand soap is that it provides more of a lather, making it easier to wash your hands. In addition to regular foam soap, you’ll find foam hand soaps that are all-natural, antibacterial, and moisturizing.

Bar Soap

Bar soap is less common as hand soap and more often seen as a body wash for showers. The problem with using bar soap for handwashing is it can spread germs between people because of all the handling. Not to mention, it can get messy and slippery very quickly! So leave the bar soaps in the shower and choose liquid hand soap for your handwashing needs.

Body Soap

Body soap may look the same as liquid hand soap, but there are key differences. Hand soap contains stronger ingredients because it’s supposed to remove germs and dirt from your hands. On the other hand, body soap still removes dirt but is often more gentle than hand soap. This is why it’s not recommended to substitute body soap for hand soap when washing your hands. The good news with hand soaps is that you don’t have to be picky when choosing one because they are all effective at cleaning your hands!

The Perfect Pair for Effective Handwashing

Hand soap is just one of the tools you need for proper handwashing. A sink is the other key component for handwashing, but this can be difficult if your facility, office, or school has limited plumbing and sink options. Handwashing with hand soap and water is said to be more effective than hand sanitizer, so offering this should be a priority. A portable sink is a great solution for places that don’t have access to traditional sinks. There are portable sinks for every need including, child-height, ADA compatible, outdoor, NSF certified, and more. Bottom line, if you’re looking for a portable sink for your facility, there is one to fit your requirements.

All Portable Sinks is your partner for high-quality portable sinks for classrooms, daycares, healthcare offices, outdoor facilities, commercial facilities, spas, and more. Anywhere you need a portable sink, our team is here to help you find the perfect one. Search our inventory of portable sinks or contact us today with any questions. We are passionate about helping you provide a clean and safe environment!