You use a body bar in the shower as an alternative to liquid shower gel. The difference: body bars contain saponified plant oils instead of sulphates, and don't need preservatives.
Step-by-step instructions
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Wet your skin
Step into the shower and wet your skin with warm water. This opens the pores and prepares the skin for cleansing.
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Wet the body bar
Hold the body bar under running water until the surface is moist.
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Apply to the skin
Rub the body bar directly over your skin in circular movements. You can also first create a lather between your hands and then apply it.
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Massage and cleanse
Massage the lather gently over your entire body. Note: body bars are not intended for face or hands.
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Rinse thoroughly
Rinse all soap thoroughly with warm water. Make sure no residue remains.
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Store the bar dry
Let the body bar dry after use on a soap dish with drainage holes. This extends the lifespan considerably.
How long does a body bar last?
A body bar lasts on average 4-6 weeks with daily use. This is comparable to 2-3 bottles of 250ml shower gel. The exact duration depends on:
- —How dry you keep the bar between uses
- —The size of the ba
- —How often you showe
- —Whether you use the bar directly on the skin or first create a lather
Tip: By keeping the bar dry between uses, it can last up to 2x longer. Invest in a soap dish with drainage holes. this makes a big difference.
Storage: the most important tips
The biggest enemy of a body bar is moisture. When the bar stays constantly wet, it dissolves faster. Therefore:
- —Use a soap dish with drainage holes
- —Place the dish outside the direct water stream
- —Let the bar dry completely between showers
- —Preferably store in a ventilated area
What not to use it for
Body bars are developed for body care. Do not use them for:
- —Face: Facial skin is more sensitive and needs specific care
- —Hands: For hands, a milder hand soap is more suitable
- —Intimate areas: These areas require pH-balanced products
Why not shower gel?
Body bars and shower gels do the same thing. cleanse your skin. but in different ways. Shower gels are water-based and therefore contain sulphates (like SLS) and preservatives (like parabens). Body bars are water-free and cleanse with saponified plant oils.
Read more in our body bar vs. shower gel comparison.
Last updated: 2026-02-03