Whipped Soap vs Bar Soap: What's the Difference (and Which One Suits Your Shower?)

You know the feeling: the shower is the one quiet corner of the day, and the soap you reach for either makes it a little nicer or doesn't. If you've been eyeing a tub of whipped soap and wondering how it's different from the bar you already own, here's the simple version.

What is whipped soap?

Whipped soap is a soft, mousse-like cleanser, whipped until it's light and fluffy, like a cloud in a tub. Mallow's whipped soaps are handmade in Australia and vegan-friendly. They use a gentle cleanser made from coconut oil, plus glycerin and sorbitol, which help your skin hold onto moisture. You get a creamy lather and soft skin, not that tight, squeaky feeling.

What is bar soap?

Traditional bar soap is made by combining oils or fats with lye, then setting it into a solid block. It's classic, it's long-lasting, and plenty of people love it. Many traditional bars can leave skin feeling a bit tight afterwards, which is why some people look for something softer.

Whipped soap vs bar soap: the quick comparison

• Texture: whipped soap is fluffy and scoopable; bar soap is firm and solid.
• Lather: whipped soap goes creamy and rich with very little effort; bars vary a lot by recipe.
• After-feel: whipped soap is designed to leave skin soft, thanks to moisturising glycerin and sorbitol; some traditional bars feel more drying.
• Scent: this is where whipped soap has fun, with dessert-style scents like Marshmallow, Vanilla Buttercream and Lychee & Guava.
• Mess and storage: a bar sits in a dish; whipped soap lives in its tub, so there's no soggy soap in the corner of the shower.

How to use whipped soap

Scoop a small amount onto your hands, a pouf or a washcloth, work it into a lather, and rinse. A little goes a long way. Keep the tub lid on and out of the direct spray so it stays fluffy.

Which one should you choose?

There's no wrong answer. If you want a no-fuss bar that lasts, a bar is great. If you want your shower to feel like a small treat, with a creamy lather and a scent that makes you linger a bit longer, whipped soap is the cosy upgrade. A good place to start is the Marshmallow Whipped Soap for something soft and sweet, or the Lychee & Guava Whipped Soap if you prefer fruity and fresh.

Whipped soap FAQs

Is whipped soap better than bar soap?
It depends on what you like. Whipped soap suits people who want a soft, creamy lather and a more indulgent shower; bar soap suits people who want something simple and long-lasting.

Is Mallow whipped soap vegan?
Yes. Mallow whipped soaps are made without animal fats and are vegan-friendly.

Does whipped soap make a good gift?
Very. It looks as good as it smells. Pair it with a whipped body crème in the Perfect Pair Pack for an easy gift that feels thoughtful.

Want to make a whole evening of it? See our at-home spa night routine, or read more about why whipped soap's cloud-like texture is so loved.