📅 Published on February 18, 2025 | Updated regularly for accuracy
When it comes to soap, there are many misconceptions. From bubbles and antibacterial claims to bar soap hygiene and liquid vs. solid formats, many common beliefs about soap aren’t actually true.
At Lickskillet Soap Co., we believe in fact-based skincare—so let’s separate truth from fiction. Whether you’re wondering if more bubbles mean better cleaning or if antibacterial soaps are superior, this guide will clear up the most common soap myths.
🫧 Myth 1: More Bubbles Mean Better Cleaning
🗯 The Claim
Many people believe that soap's effectiveness is directly tied to how much it lathers—the more bubbles, the cleaner the skin.
🔬 The Science
✅ Emulsification, Not Foam: Soap cleans by reducing water’s surface tension, helping to emulsify and wash away oils, dirt, and bacteria. Bubbles form when air gets trapped in surfactant molecules, but they don’t indicate cleaning power.
✅ Visual Misconceptions: While lots of foam feels satisfying, it doesn’t mean the soap is working better. Some low-lathering soaps are actually more effective at removing oils and impurities.
✨ Key Takeaway
Foam doesn’t equal clean. Look for soaps with quality ingredients that cleanse without stripping your skin—like our gentle, handcrafted goat milk soaps.
🦠 Myth 2: Antibacterial Soap Is Superior
🗯 The Claim
Antibacterial soaps—often containing triclosan or triclocarban—are marketed as more effective than regular soap at killing germs.
🔬 The Science
✅ Mechanical Removal vs. Bacteria-Killing: Regular soap breaks down dirt, oil, and germs, allowing them to be rinsed away. Studies show antibacterial agents don’t significantly improve this process for everyday use.
✅ FDA & CDC Findings: According to the FDA and CDC, antibacterial soap has no proven advantage over regular soap. Overuse of antibacterial agents may even contribute to antibiotic resistance.
✨ Key Takeaway
For daily handwashing, regular soap is just as effective. Our handmade goat milk soaps provide a gentle yet powerful cleanse—without unnecessary chemicals.
🦠 Myth 3: Soap “Kills” Viruses
🗯 The Claim
Many believe soap kills viruses, instantly destroying them on contact.
🔬 The Science
✅ Soap Disrupts, Not Kills: Soap doesn’t kill viruses in the way antibacterial agents do. Instead, it breaks down the lipid membrane of many viruses (like influenza and coronaviruses), rendering them inactive.
✅ Proper Washing is Key: Thorough scrubbing for at least 20 seconds (Happy Birthday to you....!), preferably in warm water, ensures that viruses detach and rinse away.
✨ Key Takeaway
Soap inactivates viruses rather than killing them outright. The key is proper washing technique—not just the soap itself.
🚿 Myth 4: Using a Shared Bar of Soap Transmits
Sicknesses
🗯 The Claim
People often believe that germs linger on bar soap and spread between users.
🔬 The Science
✅ Bacteria Rinse Off: While bacteria can sit on the surface, lathering and rinsing removes them. Research shows that bar soap does not transfer bacteria when properly used.
✅ Proper Storage Matters: Letting soap dry between uses minimizes microbial presence. A well-drained soap dish prevents unnecessary bacteria buildup.
✨ Key Takeaway
Bar soap is just as hygienic as liquid soap when stored properly. Keep your handmade soap on a natural wood soap dish to maximize hygiene.
🧴 Myth 5: Liquid Soap Is More Hygienic Than Bar Soap
🗯 The Claim
Because liquid soap comes in a bottle, many assume it’s cleaner than bar soap.
🔬 The Science
✅ Packaging vs. Storage: Liquid soap stays sealed, but soap dispensers can harbor bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Meanwhile, bar soap dries between uses, reducing bacteria growth.
✅ Hygiene Depends on Use: Proper storage—keeping bar soap dry and cleaning dispensers regularly—is more important than the form of soap.
✨ Key Takeaway
Both liquid and bar soap are equally hygienic when stored and used correctly. Choose what feels best for your routine.
🧼 Myth 6: All Soap Is Essentially the Same
🗯 The Claim
Many believe soap is just soap, regardless of ingredients or production methods.
🔬 The Science
✅ Different Soaps, Different Benefits: Soap formulas vary widely—from moisturizing goat milk soap to harsh commercial detergents. Ingredients affect cleansing, hydration, and skin feel.
✅ pH & Skin Compatibility Matter: Some soaps are gentler and better suited for sensitive skin than others. Goat milk soap, for example, has a creamy lather and mild pH that won’t strip natural oils. Our Just Soap is a great choice!
✨ Key Takeaway
Not all soaps are created equal! Handmade goat milk soap nourishes and protects skin—unlike harsh, mass-produced soaps.
🖐 Myth 7: More Soap or Harder Scrubbing = Better Cleaning
🗯 The Claim
The more soap you use, or the harder you scrub, the cleaner you’ll get.
🔬 The Science
✅ Soap Works Best in Moderation: There’s a limit to how much soap you need—using more won’t necessarily clean better.
✅ Over-Scrubbing = Skin Damage: Too much friction can strip natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
✨ Key Takeaway
Use just enough soap and wash gently for an effective yet skin-friendly cleanse.
💡 Conclusion: The Truth About Soap
Understanding the science behind soap helps us separate fact from fiction. So now you know:
✔ Foam doesn’t equal cleaning power
✔ Antibacterial soaps aren’t superior for daily use
✔ Soap inactivates viruses—it doesn’t “kill” them
✔ Bar soap is just as hygienic as liquid soap
✔ Not all soap is created equal - For a gentle, effective, and nourishing cleanse, choose handmade goat milk soap from Lickskillet Soap Co.
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