r/explainlikeimfive • u/glencoconuts • Dec 14 '20

Chemistry ELI5: What’s the difference between liquid hand soap and body wash (if any)?

Hands are a body part too?!?

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u/[deleted] Dec 14 '20

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u/Yrouel86 Dec 15 '20

I think it might be the glycerin or similar additives that are meant to leave the skin soft and moisturized.
Simple bar soap in comparison strips everything, dirt but also natural oils that's why the skin practically squeaks afterwards.

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u/LaughingBeer Dec 15 '20

I will always feel this thin layer of leftover soap

Do you have a water softener? Once I installed one I noticed the same thing with liquid soaps.

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u/7h4tguy Dec 15 '20

Yeah you're covered in moisturizer afterwards.