Liquid or solid? Which soap to choose for traveling?

An essential question! Whether I travel by train, bus, plane, car or on foot, my hygiene matters! But which soap is the most practical, economical and ecological to transport and use? For each there are advantages and disadvantages.

Liquid soap

Shower gels and liquid shampoos have the advantage of being easy to use and clean ! A small amount in your hand, close the cap and that's it: no water mixing with the soap, no dust or hair in the bottle, it's hygienic ! Another advantage when you're traveling is that you wipe the bottle with a towel and you can put it back in your bag or suitcase.

However, even if the product is practical, it has several more or less significant drawbacks , such as a poorly closed bottle that can spill in your bag or for air travel where the transport of liquids is regulated: obligation to transport liquids in containers of 100 mL maximum, which themselves must be placed in a closed airtight and transparent bag, and with a capacity of 1 L in maximum dimensions of 20 cm x 20 cm ... But, the most important is the economic and ecological side, it is a product that runs out quickly (we must regularly buy new ones) and often packaged in non-recyclable plastic bottles . In addition, it is rare to find 100% natural and organic liquid soap at an affordable price, so we fall back on shower gels and shampoos with the addition of chemicals , preservatives or other non-biodegradable substances that can be carcinogenic to humans such as formaldehyde for example, and bad for the planet.

Solid soap

Also called bar soap , easy to carry , it cannot spill in your bag and it is practical! But its strong points are above all economical and ecological . Unlike shower gel, it runs out less quickly, so we buy it less often and the wallet is happy! It is also easier to find 100% natural and organic soap in solid form than liquid and at an affordable price , all with eco-responsible packaging (often wrapped in a simple sheet of paper, or in a cardboard box) which reduces the packaging price and facilitates recycling. A small but not insignificant plus, some solid soaps like Marseille soap, are versatile and allow you to do, in addition to your toilet, cleaning or laundry, which is more than practical when traveling in a Van, Campervan, or even on foot…

However, and as with everything, the bar of soap is not perfect , it remains damp after use which encourages unwanted deposits on it, such as dust, hair or fur... It is also a product that often slips out of our hands when we reach the end of its life, and we have lost count of the number of times we have had to pick it up from the floor.

In conclusion of this comparison

And after thinking about it, we realize that unlike the disadvantages of liquid soap, those of solid soap can be avoided with simple tips . Use a travel soap dish to carry it even when wet, and rinse it before use if it has fallen or is covered with unwanted deposits, is enough to avoid these constraints. By doing this, the bar of soap becomes the practical, economical and ecological solution for hygiene when traveling .

Handmade soap according to your needs

Aleppo soap , composed mainly of two oils , olive and bay laurel, is known for its antiseptic, purifying and soothing properties . With its 30% bay laurel oil content , it is ideal for babies and/or people with fragile or dry skin . However, there are some with a 20% content that can be used for normal skin . This green/brown soap can also be used as an anti-dandruff shampoo , a face mask , it helps treat acne , psoriasis or even eczema , and it is also an excellent shaving treatment . A little tip, a mature Aleppo soap (after 9 months of drying) will float if it is immersed in water before its first use, a good indicator to be sure of the quality of your soap.

Marseille soap has several variations: 100% olive oil, olive and coconut oil, olive oil and animal fat , or even olive and palm oil. Suitable for all skin types, it is THE multi-purpose soap par excellence. In addition to using it as a soap and shampoo , it can be used to do dishes , laundry , cleaning (multi-surface cleaner), but it can also be used as a deodorant , stain remover and aphid repellent (in spray form). It is therefore the ideal soap for adventurous travelers , like Vanlifers!

Sea soap , a lye and vegetable oil, allows you to wash in salt water . It can be used as a soap and shampoo, making it ideal for lovers of the sea and the ocean, but it can also be used as shaving foam ! (A plus for gentlemen)

Homemade soap , another artisanal alternative because it offers freedom in the choice of your oils, your fats, your dyes and fragrances. Made cold, it will offer you an exceptional softness. With homemade, you are sure to make THE soap that suits you. To make your homemade soap go to our blog article: How to make homemade soap in 6 easy steps !

How to transport your soap

There are not a thousand ways to transport a bar of soap, two are enough: a box or a soap pouch will do the trick.

You can buy them or make them yourself.

Tip for the greenest: recycle objects !

Examples:

Use an empty medicine blister pack: melt your soap and use a syringe to fill the cells. Finally, once the soap has resolidified, stick a sheet of aluminum foil to close it and that's it! Practical for all campers , it can be stored in your pocket.

Use the kinder surprise toy box ! Melt your soap, punch a hole in the top of the closed box and use a syringe to fill it. Let it harden and you will have a soap to slip into any bag! Practical in public places where soap is sometimes absent.

For facial care, use an empty foundation box , melt your soap (suitable for the face), pour it where the foundation was and add a small Luffa sponge on top once the soap has solidified. Simply moisten the sponge, rub it with the soap to make it foam, and that's it!

* Good to know , the Luffa sponge is 100% vegetable, biodegradable and exfoliating , it is suitable for all skin types ! It can also be used as a soap dish on the corner of the sink.

Here are 3 examples among hundreds, all you need is some small empty boxes, a little imagination and that's it!

If you want to learn more about traveling, we highly recommend the blog of Sophie and Nicolas, aka So'Colas, a blog dedicated to life in a camper van and traveling .