- #1
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What's the difference between the two?
Comparing Soap and Shampoo: Understanding the Differences
- Thread starter MathematicalPhysicist
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the differences between soap and shampoo, exploring their compositions, uses, and the commercial aspects surrounding their production and marketing. Participants share personal preferences and opinions on the necessity of specialized cleaning products.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that the differences between soap and shampoo are minimal, with one preferring unscented liquid soap for its suds and economy.
- There is a viewpoint that the market for both soap and shampoo is largely commercial, aimed at encouraging consumers to spend more money on specialized products.
- One participant defines soap as a salt of a fatty acid, contrasting it with detergents or surfactants that are not classified as soaps.
- Another participant notes that certain shampoos contain additional ingredients for aesthetic purposes, while basic soap can suffice for cleaning.
- Some participants reflect on historical practices, questioning the need for modern cleaning products compared to ancestral methods of cleaning.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing opinions on the necessity and effectiveness of soap versus shampoo, with no consensus reached on the topic. Some agree on the commercial aspect, while others emphasize the functional differences.
Contextual Notes
Participants reference historical practices and personal preferences, which may introduce assumptions about the necessity of modern cleaning products. The discussion does not resolve the technical definitions of soap versus shampoo.
- #2
turbo
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Very little. I prefer to use unscented liquid soap made for hunters, distributed by Hunters Specialties. It is VERY sudsy and economical.
- #3
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I had a sneaky suspicion that it's all commercial to buy both soap and shampoo and spend our money by those companies.
- #4
turbo
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If you can get that unscented liquid soap, use it top-down and be happy. There is no reason to buy all sorts of specialized stuff to use in the shower. Think of it - when our ancestors jumped into the local pond or river to clean up, did they have plastic squeeze-bottles of chemical goo? Liquid soaps (detergents/surfactants) certainly speed up the cleaning-time, but they are not absolutely necessary.loop quantum gravity said:
- #5
symbolipoint
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Very simply soap is a salt of a fatty acid. Detergents or surfactants which are not salts of fatty acids are not soaps.
- #6
DavidSnider
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It depends on the shampoo. Something like pantene has a bunch of ingredients to make it more shiny or 'bouncy' or smell like fruit or whatever. Soap will work perfectly fine for simply being clean.
Last edited:
- #7
mgb_phys
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This stuff, cleans anything from hair to engines http://www.sierradawn.com/
- #8
Hurkyl
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Our ancestors didn't use refrigerators either, but I don't think I've seen you argue that we shouldn't refrigerate food.turbo-1 said:
- #9
mgb_phys
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You wouldn't insist on buying a beer fridge separate from the milk fridge,Hurkyl said:Our ancestors didn't use refrigerators either, but I don't think I've seen you argue that we shouldn't refrigerate food.
but my wife seems to think you need separate shower cleaner and bath cleaner.
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