Does Bar Soap Expire? How to Tell if its Safe to Use

I’ve been on my own journey with bar soaps over the last few decades. As a child, bar soap was the only option but as liquid soaps gained popularity, I along with the majority of people switched to liquid soaps. Since living a greener life, and with natural soap bars becoming much more common I’ve switched back to bars. The one question I often get asked is – does bar soap expire?

On average, bar soap can last anywhere from several months to a few years. The exact duration depends on various factors, including the soap’s formulation, storage conditions, and frequency of use. Bar soaps containing natural ingredients may have a shorter shelf life due to their organic nature.

That’s the short answer but to answer the question fully I’ve needed to do quite a lot of research and below is what I’ve found out including how to tell if your bar of soap has indeed expired.

Before you read on, if you are looking to compare bar soap with liquid soap then why not read my article “Bar Soap vs Liquid Soap: The winner might surprise you” next?

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How Long Does Bar Soap Last?

This is an interesting question as you can take this question two ways.

1. How long does a bar of soap last until it is gone?
2. How long does a bar of soap last before it becomes unusable?

In this article, I’m only going to address point #2.

When stored properly, bar soap can have a surprisingly long shelf life.

The actual length of time a bar of soap will last before it becomes “out of date” largely depends on three main factors.

1. Soap Bar Storage

The way the soap is stored is important to its shelf life,

Ideally, soap bars should be stored in their original packaging to prevent contamination and decay.

2. Extreme Temperatures

Avoiding extreme temperatures is also a good idea if you want to maintain the quality of the bar.

3. Soap Bar Ingredients

The ingredients of the soap bar play a big part in the length of time it can be used. Bars that use natural ingredients don’t last as long as their commercial alternatives.

How Long Does Natural Bar Soap Last?

I love natural soap bars.

They are becoming much more popular these days and you can see why.

Not only are they kinder to our planet but also because the ingredients used tend to make for a gentler cleansing process.

That said, due to their lack of preservatives, natural soaps tend to have a shorter shelf life compared to their commercial counterparts.

Typically, natural bar soaps can last around 12 to 18 months.

It’s essential to check the packaging or consult the manufacturer for specific recommendations about storage and longevity.

Quick tip, if you normally discard the small leftover soaps then I’d encourage you to read my article “What to do With Leftover Soap Bars, 15 Creative Uses” next to find out how you can use these small pieces of soap to your advantage.

How Long Does Commercial Bar Soap Last?

Commercial bar soaps, often mass-produced and packed with preservatives, have a longer shelf life compared to natural soaps.

These soaps are formulated to resist bacterial growth and maintain their quality for extended periods.

Typically, commercial bar soaps can last anywhere from 2 to 5 years.

However, it’s still recommended to use them within a reasonable time frame to ensure optimal performance.

In my opinion, this is the only real benefit commercial soap has over natural soap bars although, honestly, it’s a stretch to call it a benefit.

Natural soap bars keep long enough for you to consume them before they go out of date.

Is It Okay to Use Expired Bar Soap?

Good question!

In my experience using a bar of soap that in theory “has expired” is generally safe, especially if it has been stored properly and shows no signs of deterioration or spoilage.

Soap, by its nature, is inhospitable to bacterial growth, making it less prone to contamination.

What I would say though, is that you should use some common sense when opening a bar of soap that was purchased a long time ago.

In some ways it’s the same theory as checking if veggies have passed their best, checking for colour and odour etc.

I go through this in more detail next.

How to Tell if a Soap Bar Has Expired?

There are several things you can do to check if your soap bar has expired.

1. Visual Inspection – Take a Closer Look

Take a closer look at the appearance of the soap.

If the bar has changed in colour or texture, or if there are any visible signs of mould, discolouration, or spots, it may indicate spoilage or bacterial growth.

2. Smell Test – Take a Good Sniff

Take a whiff of the soap.

If the soap has an unpleasant or rancid odour, it is likely to have reached its use-by date.

Fresh soap should have a clean, pleasant scent.

3. Texture and Consistency – How Does it Feel?

Examine the texture and consistency of the soap.

If it has become excessively hard, crumbly, or brittle, it may have lost its moisture content over time and could be less effective.

4. Expiration Date – Check the Label

Check the packaging or label for an expiration date or a recommended “best before” date.

In my experience, manufacturers often provide guidelines on how long the shelf life of their products is.

It might be there is a use-by date or perhaps an indication of use-by duration displayed on the packaging – for example, “Use Product within two years or purchase”.

5. Usage Test – Does the Soap Still Perform?

Rub the soap between your hands and observe its lathering ability.

If the soap produces minimal lather or fails to create a rich and creamy foam, the likelihood is that it has lost its effectiveness.

6. Allergic Reactions – Check After Use

Pay attention to how your skin reacts to the soap.

If you notice any unusual skin irritations, redness, itching, or rashes after using the soap, it is advisable to stop using the soap immediately, whether the soap bar has expired or not.

Please note, these indicators are not definitive and so If you have any doubts about the soap’s freshness or safety, it is best to err on the side of caution and replace it with a fresh bar.

What Will Happen If You Use Expired Soap?

What I’ve found with soaps that have expired is that they simply won’t work as well.

So a soap bar that’s come to the end of its useful life may not lather or clean as well as it should.

It may also not smell quite as nice as it should due to a lack of fragrance, in fact, it might give off an unpleasant smell.

Despite these minor drawbacks, expired soap is unlikely to cause any serious health concerns.

Can Expired Soap Cause Allergic Reactions – What are the Side Effects?

Whilst incredibly rare, some individuals may experience side effects of using expired soap such as skin irritation or allergic reactions.

This can be attributed to the breakdown of certain ingredients or the introduction of contaminants.

Quick warning, if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies, then it’s always best to exercise caution and perform a patch test before using an expired soap bar on any part of your body.

If any adverse reactions occur, stop using the soap immediately and seek medical advice if necessary.

Does Soap Expire if Unopened?

So what I’ve found is that if soap bars remain unopened and sealed in their original packaging they will last longer.

Clearly, if you have opened the soap but don’t use it regularly then the soap will degrade much quicker than an unopened bar.

Just the fact that the bar is open to the elements will affect its longevity.

Remember though, an old unopened soap bar may have deteriorated over time and so it’s always worth performing the checks I listed above to make sure it’s safe to use.

Common FAQs

Does Bar Soap Last Longer Than Liquid Soap?

As a general rule, bar soap will last longer than liquid soap. Unlike bar soap which has low water content, liquid soap is more susceptible to contamination due to its water-based formulation. Bacteria and mould can also thrive in a liquid soap dispenser, shortening its lifespan.

What to Do with Expired Soap Bars?

Expired soap bars can be used for all kinds of hacks around the house from solving a sticking drawer, or loosening a stiff lock to stopping annoying squeaks. Expired soap bars are also great in the garden where they can be used to protect plants from animals.

Does Antibacterial Soap Expire?

Just like all soaps, antibacterial soap will expire if not used quickly enough. Even though the antibacterial properties found in these soaps help to provide extra protection against bacteria, it’s the effectiveness of the soap bar itself that can degrade over time.

Conclusion

So that’s it!

I do hope that this article hasn’t put you off buying natural soap bars because whether natural or commercial, bar soap can last for a significant period when stored properly.

Personally, I love natural soap bars and wouldn’t switch back to liquid soaps now.

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