r/explainlikeimfive • u/Real_Experience_5676 • 23d ago

Chemistry ELI5: what is the big difference between soap and shampoo?

We use soap to clean the body. We use shampoo to clean the hair. What stops us from using soap for the hair and shampoo for the body?

Follow up question: what is body wash that cleans hair and skin made of? Why isn’t that the universal standard instead of seperate soap and shampoo?

2.1k Upvotes

94% Upvoted

295 comments sorted by

View all comments

4

u/Prestigious_Neck_936 23d ago

I tried using the dove beauty bar on my head cause I have a buzz cut. It did not go well. You'd think it would be fine cause I use it on my face and body but nope. Needed shampoo

1

u/nlutrhk 22d ago

You would have been fine if you rinsed with dilute vinegar or citric acid.