Are Soap And Shampoo Bars Actually Better For The Environment?

You've probably primarily used liquid shampoos in bottles throughout your life if you're a certain age. It wasn't always that way, though, according to Femina. In years past, keeping your hair clean didn't involve so many bottles. And all those plastic bottles, caps, and pumps can add up, so if you're eco-conscious or just looking for something that takes up less space, perhaps you've noticed shampoo bars. 

These concentrated little bars come with far less packaging, which reduces waste and makes them better for the environment. Another plus is that they supposedly last longer, too. According to National Geographic, this type of shampoo is not only cheaper and greener, but also it's more travel-friendly, which can help when you're on the go. 

However, some things that seem eco-friendly, like reusable cotton shopping bags, turn out to be not as good for the environment as you might initially believe. So are shampoo bars truly better for the planet? Read on to find out if these little bars of soap for your hair genuinely live up to the hype of helping save the environment.

Because they have less packaging and fewer controversial ingredients like microbeads, bar shampoos are more eco-friendly than liquid shampoos, Femina found after investigating the situation. Kadambari Gupte, the founder of Handcrafted soaps by Kadambari, said to the outlet, "It's very important for people to consider soap bars again as they are eco-friendly, easy to use, and help in reducing plastic waste in the country." Another bonus is that you can often recycle the packaging from a shampoo bar.

Finally, in addition to being more eco-friendly, shampoo bars can be kinder to your wallet. The bars themselves cost less, and they end up lasting longer, according to Gupte. "People use more quantity of liquid soap to cleanse their hair or body because one does not understand how much they require. For the same amount of liquid soap in weight, the bar soap will last six times longer," Gupte told Femina.

If you want to make the switch to shampoo bars, there are a few things to keep in mind. You should try to find organic brands because they're typically less harsh, according to Femina. National Geographic recommended you try offerings from Lush Cosmetics, Beauty and the Bees, Ethique, Basin, and Chagrin Valley Soap and Salve. The latter two brands are made in the United States, making them great options.