Shower care routines have come a long way in the last few years. Not long ago we discovered all the showers and cocktails. Recent innovations have further enhanced the experience with skincare-based products that double as fragrance boosters. We love just as good body wash as the next person, but the body bar is becoming just as innovative. Bar soaps have always been a staple for shower cleansing and ease, but the latest formulas do more. Packed with skin care ingredients, they were formulated to target the most common problems, and for good reason, they have become a staple of body care routines. Like serum in skincare routines, bodybars offer high concentrations of ingredients for targeted treatments and visible results. They are great for rubbing acne, rough areas and treating hyperpigmentation daily. Their humble features still exist, but they think of moisture and soothing skin from shaving, but there is no denying that there is a boom in body bars. Earlier, we chatted with skin experts about the rise of trends and the best bars to add to your shower routine.
Featured experts
Sarah Akram is a celebrity, skincare expert, board-certified dermatologist in Hackensack, Maryland, founder of Dr. Nana Beauty Krish Smith, founder of New York and founder of New York.
Body bar trends
Seasonality is part of the reason why bodybar launches are on the rise today. They are the perfect way to achieve a naturally sparkling look that is popular in the summer, and the bar format makes things even easier. Beyond that, body bars have evolved to contain ingredients tailored to common skin problems. Aesthetician Christine Smith explains this to be a real change. “Bar’s new crops don’t just make the smell better, they’re packed with activity such as acids, peptides and ceramides,” she says. Also, many formulas contain many plant ingredients, making them attractive for beautiful beauty enthusiasts. Body wash may have dominated the industry with a luxurious aesthetic for some time, but today’s body bars bring the same rich quality to the shower without any extra weight.
While washing is often commonplace on water-based basis, celebrity aesthetician Sara Akram explains that soap bars offer highly concentrated formulas specifically for certain skin care issues, such as sensitive skin types and people who are prone to acne. At Barkrenser, Dr. Naana Boake, a dermatologist in Hackensack, New Jersey, says that acids such as salicyl, glycolic and lactic acid are ideal for gently peeling off the skin, and lightening acids like Kojic can help with pigmentation. Body bars also tend to be pH-balanced with moisturizing ingredients that provide long-term hydration without greasy residues. According to Smith, sustainability also plays a role in the bodybar boom. Less decorative packaging reduces waste and plastic use.
Targeted treatment
It’s best to think of your body bar as your personal treatment, and search the bar based on the pressing issues at hand. “It’s important to find the best one for your skin, as there’s not just one bodybar. Many formulas can address concerns such as keratopathy (kp), eczema, hyperpigmentation, and even fungal issues,” says Akram. Drying and sensitivity are other issues that are difficult to alleviate with basic soap bars and washes. But Dr. Boayke says using bars with barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, glycerin and shea butter can help seal moisture even after washing. The key is to stick to materials known for their skin benefits. “Nutrition of niacinamide, AHAS, BHAS, and nutrient lipids in solid form can have the same effects as facial serum and cream,” says Smith. For sensitive skin, she recommends skipping the fragrant, harsh alkaline bars and looking for formulas that contain oats and butter.
The perfect body bar to try
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