An 8oz or 236ml hand soap lasts for about 3-4 weeks if used moderately by one person. They completely depend on the size and usage of the hand soap.
In most cases of liquid hand soap, they last 3-4 weeks but if we talk about the foaming hand soap, they last only 2-3 weeks when used in moderate amounts for an 8oz bottle.
Why should you use Hand Soap?
Hand Soap is used as our hand contains a lot of infections and touches the sensitive areas of our body like eyes, ears, mouth, etc, and can cause damage to the sensitive areas if the infections are still on the hands.
To remove those infections from our hands, we must use Hand Soap and keep our bodies and our surroundings healthy. We should teach our kids, neighbors, and everyone to use hand soap and be healthy.
Source:- National Center for Biotechnology Information
In the image above, NCBI studied people who don’t use Handwash, use water only, and use Soap and Water respectively, and calculated the number of harmful bacteria in their hands. The report indicates that the people who use soap and water have the least harmful bacteria on their hands.
On average, does bar soap last longer than liquid?
The longevity of the liquid soap depends on the size. If both the soaps are of the same weight, then, yes, bar soap lasts approximately 6 times longer than Liquid Soap.
Bar Soap is made up of a high concentration of Fatty Acids and has a lot of additional chemicals and additives to make it dense and compact. Also, people generally use less bar soap, while the case is the opposite with Liquid soap. Liquid soap is made up of water and other liquid ingredients and is used high in quantity generally and people use it more frequently so it doesn’t last longer.
What is the Science Behind Liquid Soap: Let’s Understand in Detail
The ingredients in your liquid soap play an important role in its shelf life, working, effectiveness, and overall antibacterial performance. You should know that commercial soaps often contain preservatives that extend their lifespan (read ingredients used for better understanding). In contrast, natural soaps have a shorter shelf life (are effective) due to the absence of these additives.
Natural soaps are usually made with moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, turmeric, ale vera gel, soybean oil, and glycerin. Essential oils are added for fragrance and added benefits. However, these natural ingredients, especially volatile essential oils in the liquid soaps, can contribute to a shorter shelf life.
The type of oils or fats used in soap-making significantly impacts its overall properties, including its cleansing ability, fragrance, texture, and durability. Coconut oil is a popular choice for its moisturizing and cleansing qualities. Understanding your soap’s ingredients can help you make informed decisions about its suitability for your needs and proper storage.
Top Liquid Hand Soaps to Use in 2024
1. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Hand Soap
Mrs. Meyer’s is one of the best choices for cruelty-free, budget-friendly liquid hand soap. It is made with plant-based ingredients like aloe vera, essential oils, and olive oil, and this soap is gentle on your hands and free from harmful chemicals.
Key features:
- Cruelty-free and plant-based: It is made without animal-derived ingredients, parabens, or phthalates.
- Good Scents: Choose from multiple flavors of fragrances to suit your preference.
- Budget-friendly: It is affordable and a quality hand soap.
- Refill option: It is available in larger refill bottles to save money (Reusable bottles).
Specifications:
- Price: $3.00
- Type: Liquid gel
- Antibacterial: No
2. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ is an adaptable, versatile, and dermatologist-recommended liquid soap perfect for sensitive skin. It is enriched with hydrating glycerin and sustainably sourced shea butter, this gentle cleanser helps to soothe and moisturize your skin.
Key features:
- Suitable for sensitive skin: It is made to minimize skin irritation and is recommended for those with eczema.
- National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance: It is free from known allergens and irritants.
- Supports skin barrier: This soap helps to restore and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier.
- Hydrating: It contains moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin soft and supple.
Specifications:
- Price: $16.99
- Type: Liquid foaming
- Antibacterial: No
3. Plaine Products Hand Wash
Plaine Products Hand wash is the best choice for those looking to prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness, This biodegradable liquid soap comes in a reusable aluminum bottle and provides a refill program to minimize waste.
Key features:
- Eco-friendly: It is a biodegradable formula and has reusable packaging.
- Zero waste: The refill program reduces the need for single-use bottles.
- Sustainable: It is made without GMOs, palm oil, or harmful chemicals.
- Cruelty-free: It is vegan and Leaping Bunny certified.
- Variety of scents: It is available in four different fragrances (scents).
Specifications:
- Price: $20
- Type: Liquid gel
- Antibacterial: No
Is it dangerous to use expired or old liquid soap?
First, you need to understand that liquid hand soap does expire and it may not necessarily harm you but you can see the side effects of expired soaps like skin irritation or dryness, and remember that it’s less effective. The other properties of handwash like fragrance can fade with time. In some cases, especially with natural or hand-made soaps, expired items can develop mold or bacteria over time.
We recommend you not to use expired or old liquid soap, and it’s best to discard them if they show any sign of spoilage such as a rotten smell, discoloration, or skin irritation.
What are the signs that liquid hand soap has gone bad?
If the hand soap has lost its scent, it means it has passed its prime. You can still try testing it to see if it lathers, but remember its quality or effectiveness has been compromised. Additionally, some soaps can become dry and cracked (started showing separation of the product), which is another sign they’re expired and should be thrown out or never be used again.
Liquid soaps generally have a shelf life of 1-2 years. Over time, the product’s ingredients can separate or degrade, decreasing the soap’s quality. Expired or old liquid soap changes in texture, color, or scent. Check the expiration date of the product while buying and be mindful of any noticeable alterations in the product.
Market Size of Liquid Hand Soap (2024-2028)
Source: Technavio
Comparison between purchasing liquid hand wash soap online versus offline
| Aspect | Online Purchase | Offline Purchase |
| Price Comparison | Easy to compare prices from different sites. | A bit difficult to compare prices across various stores. |
| Reviews and Ratings | Easily check ratings and reviews | You should rely on personal judgment as there’s no review available |
| Product Inspection | Can’t inspect the product before buying | Can check the product before purchasing (Its scent, packaging) |
| Personal Interaction with Seller | No personal interaction with the store seller | Can take assistance from store seller |
| Discounts and Offers | Available through online promotions, coupon codes, etc. | A bit difficult to find discounts and offers. |
| Eco-Friendliness | Extra packaging wastage because of shipping and delivery. | No plastic wastage |
Can you wash any other product with hand soap?
Hand soap can be used to clean items like cars or dishes in a pinch (only if necessary), but we won’t recommend it for these purposes.
Below are the following reasons why we do not recommend you use hand wash soap for different products like cars and dishes:
1. Washing a Car
Why Not Ideal: Hand soap is not made to handle the dirt, grease, or oily nature that is typically found in cars. It can remove or affect the protective wax coating that is painted on the car’s surface, making it prone to scratches and damage.
Recommended Alternative: Use car-specific soap or less acidic detergent specifically made to clean without harming the car’s paint (wax) or protective layer.
2. Washing Dishes
Why Not Ideal: Hand soap does not effectively remove food grease or bacteria that are found on dishes. It can leave residues that can affect the taste or safety of the food and health.
Recommended Alternative: Use dishwashing liquid (made for dishes), which is specially designed to remove grease and clean dishes thoroughly.
Should we use antibacterial hand soap?
There is no proof that antibacterial soaps are more effective than regular soap in preventing infections in most home or public settings. As a result, plain soap is recommended for use in non-healthcare environments and at home, unless consulted by your doctor.
How to Wash Your Hands with Soap?
Washing your hands with bar soap is simple but it’s not what you think how to do it. There are many effective ways to keep your hands clean and healthy. Here’s one of the doctor recommended way:
- Wet your hands under lukewarm of warm water
- Take a small amount of soap in the palm of your hands and rub it to create a lather.
- Now scrub your hands together with the help of your fingertips and pay attention to your palms, wrists, in the middle of the fingers, and thumb.
- Now, rinse your hands thoroughly under lukewarm or warm water and wash them until there is no soap lather remaining in your hand.
- Wipe and dry your hands with a clean towel.
Important Note: A pea size of liquid soap goes a long way. If you’re using a soap bar, make sure to lather it first and then apply it to your hands.
Here’s a quick guide from the WHO (World Health Organisation) on how to wash your hands with soap:
How long does a bottle of hand soap last if left open?
The expiry date of the product is mentioned over the product, you can rely on that too but if you left it open under moisture then it’ll take around 3 months for the soap to be of no use.
There are several signs of soap poisoning like irritation in the skin, reddish skin, continuous itching after use, bad smell in some cases, and feeling like skin burning in worst cases. You better ensure that the soap is not expired and is completely safe to use.