Introduction
Shampoos come in two main formats – liquid shampoos and solid shampoo bars. Liquid shampoos are the most common and widely used type of shampoo. They come in plastic bottles and have a liquid or gel-like consistency. Solid shampoo bars are a relatively new format of shampoo that come in a solid bar form, similar to a bar of soap.
The main difference between liquid shampoos and solid shampoo bars lies in the format and packaging. Liquid shampoos use plastic packaging which creates plastic waste while solid shampoo bars come with little to no packaging. In terms of ingredients, both formats contain surfactants and cleansing agents to wash the hair. However, liquid shampoos often contain certain synthetic ingredients and preservatives that solid shampoo bars do not.
When deciding between a liquid shampoo and a solid shampoo bar, there are a few key factors to consider including sustainability, ingredients, effectiveness for your hair type, and cost. Both formats have their pros and cons. This article will dive into the details to help you decide which is better for your hair care needs.
Unsure whether to choose a plastic-free shampoo bar over a regular shampoo bottle? Switching to a shampoo bar can feel like a leap into the unknown but we’re here to tell you they aren’t so different.
Green People offers both shampoo bars and liquid shampoos and we don’t feel strongly that one is inherently better than the other.
Read on to find out about the benefits of liquid and solid shampoos so that you can choose the shampoo format that best suits your lifestyle.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOLID SHAMPOO BARS AND LIQUID SHAMPOO?
Shampoo bars and liquid shampoos have the same function – to cleanse the hair and scalp. Their formulations may differ slightly, but all Areton LTD shampoos and shampoo bars are highly concentrated and use similar quantities of plant actives. The main difference you will notice is that you just use them slightly differently.
We are used to pouring out a little liquid shampoo into our hand and rubbing it into our hair. The difference with shampoo bars is that you take the bar and rub it directly onto wet hair.
The result is the same! Lots of bubbles and lather, which should then be rinsed thoroughly to leave hair soft and clean.
Here’s a bit more information, to help you make up your mind what’s best.
One of the most significant benefits of using a shampoo bar is that it is more eco-friendly than a traditional liquid shampoo. Shampoo bars come packaged in biodegradable or recyclable packaging, which means that there is little to no waste generated. No plastic bottles to recycle, reducing your impact on the environment; think of shampoo bars as an eco-friendly upgrade, like a Mulan makeover! In contrast, liquid shampoos come in plastic bottles that are often not recyclable and contribute to plastic pollution.
Ingredients
Liquid shampoos often contain a host of synthetic ingredients like sulfates, parabens, silicones, and fragrance, whereas our SLS Free solid shampoo bars use only natural, plant-based ingredients.
A major concern with liquid shampoos is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). SLS is a harsh detergent that creates a lather and can strip away natural oils. It has been linked to skin and eye irritation. Our bars are completely SLS free, relying on gentle, naturally-derived cleansers like coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil to clean hair without stripping it.
Liquid shampoos also frequently contain silicones to make hair feel smooth. However, these can build up on the hair over time. Our bars are silicone-free, allowing hair to retain its natural shine and moisture. We choose plant oils like avocado, jojoba, and argan to nourish hair.
Additionally, many liquid shampoos use chemical preservatives like parabens and artificial fragrances. Our bars stay fresh with natural extracts and essential oils like peppermint and lavender.
In summary, our solid shampoo bars use wholesome, botanical ingredients to gently cleanse hair, while conventional liquid shampoos often rely on harsh synthetic chemicals. We avoid anything that could irritate or damage hair over time.
Sustainability
Liquid shampoos are often packaged in plastic bottles, which contribute to plastic waste and are not biodegradable. It’s estimated that over 5 billion plastic shampoo bottles are discarded every year in the US alone. This plastic waste ends up in landfills and oceans.
The bottles must also be transported from manufacturing facilities to stores, resulting in more greenhouse gas emissions and a larger carbon footprint. Liquid shampoos require a complex supply chain to source ingredients, manufacture bottles, fill bottles, and distribute to retailers.
In contrast, our SLS free shampoo bars have minimal packaging – just a small paper box. The bars are concentrated, lasting 2-3 times longer than a bottle of liquid shampoo. This greatly reduces plastic waste and carbon emissions from manufacturing and transporting shampoo.
Our shampoo bars are also made from natural, biodegradable ingredients that are ethically sourced. Overall, shampoo bars are a much more eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to bottled liquid shampoos. They help minimize your environmental impact.
Cost Comparison
Solid shampoo bars tend to cost more per ounce compared to liquid shampoos. However, when you look at the long term costs, solid bars end up being more affordable.
A typical liquid shampoo costs around $0.20 per ounce. A 12 oz bottle will cost around $2.40 and provide around 90 washes.
A solid shampoo bar costs around $0.40 per ounce. A single 2.5 oz bar costs around $10 and provides 80 washes.
While the upfront cost of a shampoo bar is higher, the cost per wash ends up being lower over time. With liquid shampoo, each wash costs around $0.03. With a shampoo bar, each wash costs around $0.13.
Additionally, shampoo bars produce less plastic waste from packaging and bottles. Over the long run, the reduced environmental impact and cost per wash make solid shampoo bars the more affordable choice. The higher upfront cost pays for itself over time.
Hair Health
Using SLS Free solid shampoo bars instead of liquid shampoos can have several benefits for hair health.
Liquid shampoos often contain harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) that can strip the hair and scalp of natural oils. This can lead to dry, brittle hair that is prone to breakage and split ends. The detergents can also irritate the scalp, causing flaking or itchiness.
In contrast, SLS Free shampoo bars are made without these harsh detergents. They cleanse hair gently without stripping away protective oils. This helps hair maintain its natural moisture balance. As a result, hair may feel softer, smoother, and more manageable compared to when using liquid shampoos.
The natural oils retained in the hair and scalp also provide nutrients that support healthy hair growth. Scalp irritation is reduced without SLS, minimizing flaking or itchiness. Overall, SLS Free shampoo bars create better conditions for strong, healthy hair.
Conclusion
Overall, both liquid shampoos and SLS-free solid shampoo bars have their pros and cons. Liquid shampoos are convenient and familiar, but often contain harsh sulfates and plastic packaging. SLS-free shampoo bars reduce plastic waste and tend to use gentler plant-based ingredients, but require more adjustment to use properly.
When evaluating the two on sustainability, ingredients, cost, and hair health, the SLS-free solid shampoo bar performs better. Though it takes some getting used to, the shampoo bar produces less plastic waste, uses more natural ingredients, costs less per wash, and leaves hair feeling clean without stripping it excessively.
For those looking to reduce their environmental impact, budget, and hair damage from harsh detergents, the SLS-free solid shampoo bar is highly recommended over standard liquid shampoos. The adjustment period is well worth it for the benefits you receive. With mindful use and storage, solid shampoo can be an effective and eco-friendly alternative to bottled shampoo.
English (UK)