Colorful packaging boxes of Prep U arranged artistically on a vibrant geometric background.

Clear Skin, Naturally—Every Day Starts with Castile

Prep U’s Castile Bars deliver gentle, plant-based cleansing for teens and active skin. Tackle breakouts, sweat, and sensitive skin—no harsh chemicals, just pure, effective care.

Bar Soap vs. Face Wash: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing the right facial cleanser can feel overwhelming—especially with so many options promising clear, healthy skin. Should you use a bar soap or a liquid face wash? What’s really best for teens and young adults? In this guide, we break down the pros and cons, bust common myths, and help you find the perfect Prep U cleanser for your unique skin.

Why the Right Cleanser Matters

Your face is exposed to everything—sweat, oil, pollution, and bacteria—every day. Using the right cleanser is the foundation of a healthy skincare routine. But not all cleansers are created equal. The wrong formula can leave skin feeling tight, dry, or even cause breakouts. That’s why it’s important to understand your options and choose what works best for your skin type and lifestyle.

Bar Soap for Face: The Truth

Bar soap has come a long way from the harsh, drying formulas of the past. Today’s facial bar soaps—like Prep U’s collection—are crafted with gentle, plant-based ingredients that cleanse without stripping your skin’s natural moisture.

Benefits of Bar Soap:

Eco-Friendly: Minimal packaging and plastic-free
Lasts Longer: Solid bars are more economical per use
Simple Ingredients: Fewer preservatives, often vegan and cruelty-free
Travel Friendly: Easy to pack and TSA-approved
Versatile: Many bars work for both face and body

Potential Drawbacks:

Some bars (not Prep U!) can be too harsh if made with strong detergents
Needs proper storage to avoid getting mushy

Who Should Use Bar Soap?
Bar soap is great for teens and young adults seeking a simple, effective, and eco-friendly routine—especially those with oily, acne-prone, or combination skin. It’s also a smart choice for anyone looking to cut down on plastic waste.

Face Wash: The Liquid Cleanser Advantage

Liquid face washes are a popular choice for their convenience and luxurious texture. Prep U’s Foaming Daily Face Wash for All Skin Types is designed to deliver a gentle, effective cleanse that’s perfect for every skin type.

Benefits of Liquid Face Wash:

Convenient: Pump or squeeze bottles are easy to use
Rich Lather: Many formulas (like Prep U’s foaming wash) provide a satisfying, deep clean
Targeted Solutions: Can be formulated for specific skin concerns (acne, sensitivity, etc.)
Mess-Free: No soap dish required

Potential Drawbacks:

Usually comes in plastic packaging
May run out faster than a bar

Who Should Use Liquid Face Wash?
Liquid face wash is ideal for those who love a foamy cleanse, want a quick and easy routine, or have specific skin concerns that benefit from targeted ingredients.

Bar Soap vs. Face Wash: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Bar Soap (Prep U)	Liquid Face Wash (Prep U)
Packaging	Plastic-free, minimal, eco-friendly	Recyclable plastic pump bottle
Ingredients	Plant-based oils, clays, essential oils	Gentle surfactants, soothing botanicals
Lather	Creamy, soft	Rich, foamy
Skin Types	Oily, acne-prone, combo, sensitive, dry	All skin types (especially sensitive/normal)
Travel	TSA-friendly, no leaks	Travel size available, but can leak
Longevity	Lasts 4–6 weeks with proper care	Typically lasts 3–4 weeks
Use	Face & body	Face only
Best For	Teens, eco-conscious, multi-use routines	Teens, easy routines, foamy cleanse lovers

How to Choose: Bar Soap or Face Wash?

Consider a Bar Soap if:

You want an eco-friendly, zero-waste routine
You prefer simple, plant-based ingredients
You like the flexibility of using one product for face and body
You travel often and need something TSA-friendly

Consider a Liquid Face Wash if:

You love a rich, foamy lather
You want a quick, mess-free cleanse
You have very sensitive skin or specific concerns (like redness or eczema)
You prefer a pump bottle for convenience

Can’t decide?
Many Prep U customers use both—a bar soap for the shower and a foaming face wash at the sink, or alternate depending on the season and their skin’s needs.

Prep U’s Top Picks

Cleansing Bars (Bar Soap)

Tea Tree Cleansing Castile Bar: Deep cleans and helps fight breakouts with natural tea tree oil.
Charcoal Face & Body Exfoliating Bar : Detoxifies and unclogs pores with activated charcoal and bentonite clay.
Sandalwood Cleansing Bar : Hydrates and soothes with shea butter and sandalwood essential oil.
Peppermint + Oats Cleansing Bar: Gently exfoliates and refreshes with peppermint and oats.
Alpine Shave Bar: Multi-use bar for shaving and cleansing, with French green clay and fresh essential oils.

Liquid Face Wash

Foaming Daily Face Wash for All Skin Types: Gentle, vegan, and cruelty-free formula that removes dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping skin. Perfect for teens and young adults seeking a quick, effective cleanse.

Compare all cleansing bars or Shop Foaming Daily Face Wash

FAQs: Bar Soap vs. Face Wash

Is bar soap really safe for your face?
Yes—if it’s formulated for facial skin, like Prep U’s gentle, plant-based bars.

Will liquid face wash dry out my skin?
Prep U’s Foaming Daily Face Wash is designed to cleanse without stripping or drying, making it safe for all skin types.

Can I use both bar soap and face wash?
Absolutely! Many teens alternate based on season, activity, or skin needs.

Which is better for acne-prone skin?
Both can work—Tea Tree and Charcoal bars are great for breakouts, while the Foaming Daily Face Wash is gentle enough for sensitive, acne-prone skin.

Does bar soap last longer than liquid face wash?
Generally, yes. A single Prep U bar lasts 4–6 weeks with daily use.