Buying guide
Best African Black Soap: Bar and Liquid Picks
Four African black soaps chosen from published ingredients: an unscented fair trade bar and liquid, plus two widely sold store brands, with tips to avoid dryness.
All articles
Ingredient guides, honest comparisons and practical advice, newest first.
Showing 1 - 12 of 21 Posts
Buying guide
Best Shampoo Bars: A Soap-Based and a Soap-Free Pick
Three shampoo bars chosen from published ingredients: a classic soap-based bar, a fragrance-free pH-balanced bar and a conditioning syndet, plus how to choose for your water.
Comparison
Shampoo Bar vs Liquid Shampoo: Pros, Cons and Who Should Switch
Shampoo bars cut plastic and travel well, but soap-based and syndet bars behave very differently on hair. Here is how to choose.
Comparison
Castile Soap vs Regular Soap: What Is the Difference?
Castile soap is plant-oil soap, traditionally olive oil. Here is how it compares with typical store-bought bars and body washes in ingredients, feel and uses.
Comparison
Antibacterial Soap vs Regular Soap: Is Antibacterial Better?
The FDA found no evidence that consumer antibacterial soaps prevent illness better than plain soap and water, and removed common antibacterial ingredients. Here is what changed.
Comparison
Bar Soap vs Liquid Hand Soap: Which Is More Hygienic?
Do germs live on bar soap? Here is what research says about bar soap hygiene, how it compares to liquid hand soap, and how to choose for your sink.
Comparison
Bar Soap vs Body Wash: Which Is Better?
Bar soap and body wash both get you clean. Here is how they really differ in ingredients, skin feel, cost, hygiene and packaging, so you can pick what suits you.
Soap Care
Can You Bring Bar Soap on a Plane? TSA Rules Explained
Yes. Solid bar soap is allowed in both carry-on and checked bags, with no size limit. Here is how the TSA rules work and how to pack soap neatly.
Soap Care
Hard Water and Soap: Why You Get Soap Scum
Hard water makes soap lather poorly and leaves scum on your skin and shower. Here is why, and what you can do about it.
Comparison
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate vs Soap: What Is the Difference?
SLS is a synthetic detergent found in many body washes and shampoos. Here is how it differs from true soap, what safety reviews say, and who might want to avoid it.
Ingredient guide
What Is Aleppo Soap? Olive and Laurel Oil Explained
Aleppo soap is a traditional Syrian soap made from olive oil and laurel berry oil, then aged for months. Here is how it is made and what the laurel percentage means.
Ingredient guide
What Is African Black Soap? Ingredients, Uses and Cautions
African black soap is a traditional West African soap made with plant ash and oils. Here is what goes into it, what the evidence says, and how to use it without drying your skin.