Germs can live on bar soap. Body wash, as an alternative to bar soap, is a relatively recent phenomenon in the shower, and many consumers believe that because it's in a container, it is more sanitary than a bar of soap. It can be speculated by the nature of the two products that body wash significantly reduces any exchange of germs between users, because it is contained, while bar soap could pass germs from one user to another.

On the Other: There is No Proven Health Difference

A study done at the Dial Corp. Technical Center and published in 1988 in the journal Epidemiology and Infection concluded that washing with contaminated bar soap is unlikely to transfer bacteria. Bars of soap were contaminated with E. coli and P. aeruginosa bacteria at high levels. Sixteen test subjects were then brought in and instructed to wash their hands with the inoculated bars. Researchers found that none of the 16 subjects had detectable levels of either bacterium on their hands after the experiment. Why not? Although the surface of soap can harbor germs, a quick rinse removes the germs.

Bottom Line

When it comes to answering the sanitary question, it is important to note that the study was commissioned by a major bar soap manufacturer, Dial. The bottom line is that for consumers who want to be 100 percent sure they are not passing or receiving germs in the shower, opting for body wash may be the most sanitary option. An alternative for die-hard bar soap fans is to continue using the bar soap, but to have each family member label and use only his own.

Source:

"New York Times: Q & A on Safe Soap"

"Colgate.com: FAQ about Body Soap"

More Information:

"Portland Tribune: Liquid Soap vs. Bar Soap"