If you want to get started quickly, read the brief overview first and then go into the details.
The most important facts in 60 seconds
- Solid shower gels are based on concentrated formulas with oils and mild surfactants, while liquid shower gels often consist mainly of water.
- Problematic additives such as parabens, silicones or microplastics are easier to avoid with solid products, especially with certified natural cosmetics.
- On average, one piece replaces two to four bottles of shower gel, making it noticeably more economical and practical for everyday use.
- Modern solid shower gels are mildly formulated. Replenishing oils support the skin barrier and leave the skin feeling calm.
- Less packaging, compact form, ideal for the bathroom, travel and sports bag. Simply leave to dry for a long shelf life.
- Clear added value for your routine: noticeable care, controlled application, focused on the essentials.
That's why we at NASH decided to develop our own shower soaps. About the NASH shower soaps
Many of us know the difference between shower gel and solid shower soap, but hardly anyone knows how big it really is. Solid soaps are not a short-lived trend product, but a consistent development in terms of care, efficiency and effectiveness. They cleanse the skin thoroughly, provide noticeable care and conserve valuable resources without using plastic bottles or unnecessary chemical additives.
In this article, we would like to explain and highlight the key differences so that you can make a conscious decision for your skincare routine. Because if you understand the difference, you will also recognize why opting for solid products is not only more skin-friendly, but also makes more sense in the long term.
1. conscious ingredients instead of fillers
Perhaps the biggest difference lies in the composition. While liquid shower gels often consist largely of water and synthetic surfactants, high-quality solid soaps concentrate on the essentials: natural oils, mild plant-based surfactants and nourishing components. [1] [3]
Many shower gels contain ingredients such as parabens, silicones or even microplastics, which are not necessary for skin care and whose effects on nature have not yet been fully researched. [3] Solid skincare products, especially certified natural cosmetics, deliberately avoid such additives and instead rely on the power of nature.
| Type of ingredient | Solid shower gel (natural cosmetics) | Conventional shower gel |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Vegetable oils and fats, e.g. coconut and olive oil | Water, often up to 80 % |
| Cleansing | Mild, plant-based surfactants | Synthetic surfactants, e.g. petroleum-based |
| Conditioning agents | Natural oils, shea butter, cocoa butter | Often small amounts, silicones for suppleness |
| Additives | No parabens, silicones, microplastics | May contain parabens, silicones, microplastics, PEGs |
High-quality oils such as coconut oil for thorough cleansing and a creamy lather, olive oil to soothe and protect the skin barrier or castor oil to boost the lather and make the skin feel supple nourish the skin while showering instead of stripping it of moisture. [4] Gently cleanses the skin and leaves it feeling balanced, without a synthetic film.
2. longer lasting and noticeably more economical
Another decisive advantage of solid shower pieces is their yield. On average, a single piece replaces two to four bottles of shower gel. [2] This is easy on the wallet and reduces packaging material and transport volume. Whereas with liquid products, more than necessary is often squeezed out of the bottle in an uncontrolled manner, a solid piece only foams up as much as is actually needed.
A 100 g solid shower soap lasts for around 3 to 5 weeks if used daily for showering, while a 250 ml bottle of shower gel is often empty after just 2 to 3 weeks. [2] If you allow the soap bar to dry well after use, for example in a soap dish with a drain or a soap bag, it will remain solid and durable for a long time, without any preservatives, which are necessary in water-based products. [3]
3. better for your skin and its natural balance
Our skin has a natural acid mantle with a slightly acidic pH value of around 5.5, which protects it from drying out and the penetration of unwanted germs. [5] Conventional, highly alkaline soaps with a pH value of 9 to 10 can temporarily disrupt this protective layer. [1] [5]
However, modern solid shower bars are a far cry from classic curd soap. Many are now formulated to be pH-neutral or so mild that they only have a minimal effect on the skin's protective acid mantle. High-quality, moisturizing ingredients are more important than a neutral pH value. Natural oils in solid soaps help to strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture. The result is calm, nourished skin without a feeling of tightness and without an artificial film. The difference is particularly noticeable on sensitive skin.
4. less packaging, more value, no sacrifice
Another advantage of solid care products is their compact form. No plastic bottle, no pump head, no unnecessary waste. Switching to solid products significantly reduces packaging material and saves space in the bathroom at the same time. Thanks to their compact form, solid shower bars are ideal for traveling, sports bags and small bathrooms, practical, space-saving and uncompromisingly clean.
5. a conscious routine for a long-term effect
Switching to solid care products is more than just a product swap, it is a conscious decision for a new routine. Once you have made the switch, you will quickly notice the difference. Skin feel, fragrance and care effect change noticeably. The routine itself becomes more mindful and more focused on the essentials.
Shower soaps at NASH
NASH offers new solid shower soaps. The focus is on clear formulas and comprehensible INCI lists. If you are interested, you can find details on ingredients, application and sizes on the product page.
References
- Less is More (2024). What is the difference between shower gel and soap? https://lessismore.co/de/blogs/journal/difference-shower-gel-soap
- diobi (n. d.). Yield of soap. https://diobi.de/ergiebigkeit-von-seife/
- Hesse Consumer Center (2024). Tips on how to avoid plastics in cosmetics. https://www.verbraucherzentrale-hessen.de/plastiksparen/7-tipps-wie-du-kunststoffe-in-kosmetik-vermeidest-53439
- Elfis Kräuterwelt (n. d.). Boiling soaps. https://www.elfiskraeuterwelt.at/seifen-sieden/seifen/
- AOK (2025). pH value of the skin: How to keep the skin barrier healthy. https://www.aok.de/pk/magazin/koerper-psyche/haut-und-allergie/ph-wert-der-haut-so-bleibt-die-hautbarriere-gesund/
