Unlike some shower gels that leave a "squeaky clean" skin sensation, a well-formulated superfatted soap leaves the skin comfortable, supple, and soft after rinsing.
For decades, it reigned supreme on the edge of our bathtubs. Practical, foamy, and colorful, shower gel became the standard for body hygiene. However, behind this daily ritual lies an industry of water and plastic that is starting to show its limits.
What if true progress meant returning to solid form? Far from the image of "old soap" that dries out the skin, natural superfatted soap is now emerging as a high-performance alternative. A closer look at a soap vs. shower gel match that is more strategic than it seems.
1. How shower gel hijacked our habits
The success of shower gel is not due to dermatological superiority, but to brilliant marketing. In the 70s and 80s, the industry sold "modernity": a pump bottle that was more "hygienic" than a bar of soap lying around, and generous foam synonymous with cleanliness.
The result: we swapped a raw product for a complex solution, creating a dependence on disposable plastic packaging and a gel-like texture that became the sensory norm.
2. What your shower gel bottle actually contains
The reality is often less appealing than the label. A classic shower gel bottle contains:
80% to 90% water: You are primarily paying for (and transporting) water, which requires powerful preservatives to prevent bacterial growth.
Synthetic surfactants: Often derived from petrochemicals (like Sodium Laureth Sulfate), they are used to create lather but are very stripping.
Texturizing agents: Polymers or gums to give that "gel" appearance that offers no benefit to your skin.
3. Why shower gel can weaken your skin
By striving to "cleanse," shower gel ultimately attacks the skin. Aggressive surfactants don't just clean dirt: they dissolve the hydrolipidic film, the skin's natural protective barrier.
This is the well-known vicious circle: the skin feels tight after showering, becomes reactive or dry, pushing us to buy body lotions to compensate for the aggression it has suffered. Some very foamy shower gels can disrupt the skin's natural balance, especially when they contain aggressive surfactants.
Mimosa Soap in wooden box 100g
4. The return of solid soap: the high-concentration alternative
Solid soap is not a step backward; it's an optimization of your routine. Here's why it changes everything:
Maximum concentration: without added water, a 100g bar of soap lasts as long as two or three bottles of shower gel.
Unmatched softness (if chosen well): Unlike gels, a natural superfatted soap (like Maître Savonitto's) respects the skin's hydration.
The ultimate zero-waste routine: No plastic bottles, minimalist and biodegradable packaging. It's the simplest way to reduce the environmental impact of your bathroom.
5. How to successfully transition to solid?
Switching from gel to soap requires a slight sensory adjustment period, but your skin will quickly thank you.
Choose the right ally
Avoid industrial supermarket soaps, which are often too basic. Opt for a natural superfatted soap, rich in vegetable oils and crafted with expertise. This is the key to avoiding the "tight skin" sensation.
Oval Soap on a Rope Lavender Scent Exfoliating 200g
Lavender Scent Exfoliating Soap 100g
Cube Soap Lavender Scent Exfoliating 260g
Adopt good habits
Lather up: do not rub the bar directly on your skin if it is sensitive. Lather it between your hands or use a washcloth.
Let it dry: this is the secret to longevity. Use a slotted soap dish so the water drains away. A dry soap does not melt and remains perfectly hygienic.
Appreciate the difference: after a week, observe your skin. It should be suppler, less dry, and regain its natural radiance.
Maître Savonitto's opinion "Solid soap is not just a toiletry product; it's a complete skincare treatment. By eliminating the superfluous (water and plastic), we focus on the essential: active ingredients that truly nourish the skin."
Ready to free your bathroom from plastic? Discover our range of artisanal soaps designed to transform your shower into a true skincare ritual.