Quick Answer
If you want a long-lasting, classic bar that’s easy to grip and great for travel, go with the Big Ass Brick of Soap. If you prefer a quick, lathering wash that’s less messy in the shower and easier on sensitive skin, THICK Body Wash is your pick. Both clean effectively, but your routine and preferences will decide the winner.
When you’re standing in the shower aisle, the bar soap vs. body wash debate can feel like a coin flip. With Duke Cannon, the choice is more about how you like to shower than about cleaning power. The Big Ass Brick of Soap delivers a hefty, classic bar experience, while THICK Body Wash brings a concentrated, pump-friendly option. Here’s how they stack up.
We’ve compared these two on the facts that matter: texture, scent options, and how they fit into your daily routine. No fluff—just the trade-offs you need to make an informed decision.
Texture and Application: Bar vs. Pump
The Big Ass Brick of Soap is a solid, hefty bar that you lather directly on your skin or with a washcloth. It’s a hands-on experience that many guys appreciate for its simplicity and control. The bar’s size means it lasts a long time, and it’s easy to take on a trip without worrying about liquid limits.
THICK Body Wash, on the other hand, is a high-viscosity liquid that you apply with a loofah, washcloth, or your hands. It’s less likely to slip out of your grip, and the optional Body Wash Pump (sold separately) turns the bottle into a convenient dispenser. If you’re used to body wash, this will feel familiar—just thicker and more concentrated.
Body Wash Pump
- Bar soap: great for travel, no spills, but can get slippery in the shower.
- Body wash: easy to apply, less mess, but requires a pump or flip-top.
Scent Selection: From Atoll to Coffee
Duke Cannon offers a range of scents in both formats, so you can match your mood or the season. The Big Ass Brick of Soap comes in classics like Midway, Palomino, Midnight Swim, and a special Thermos collaboration with a coffee scent. Each bar evokes a specific vibe—from a secluded Pacific atoll to a moonlit lake swim.
THICK Body Wash also features Midnight Swim, so you can get that aquatic scent in a liquid form. If you find a scent you love, you can mix and match—use the bar at home and the body wash at the gym, or vice versa. The choice often comes down to whether you prefer a bar that sits on the shelf or a bottle that hangs in the shower.
Skin Feel and Moisturizing
Both options are designed to clean effectively without stripping your skin, but they feel different. Bar soap can sometimes leave a slightly tighter feeling, especially if you have dry skin. However, Duke Cannon’s bars are formulated to be gentle, and many users find them fine for daily use.
THICK Body Wash’s thicker formula is designed to work more effectively on your body, meaning a little goes a long way. It rinses clean and can feel more moisturizing than a traditional bar. If you have sensitive skin, the body wash might be a safer bet because it’s easier to control how much you use and it lathers without much friction.
The Trade-Offs
- Longevity vs. Convenience: A Big Ass Brick of Soap lasts a long time because it’s a solid bar, but it can be messy if you don’t have a proper soap dish. THICK Body Wash is more convenient with a pump, but you’ll go through it faster if you use too much. If you want to stock up and save, the bar wins. If you want a quick, no-fuss shower, the body wash is better.
- Travel vs. Home Use: Bar soap is TSA-friendly and won’t leak in your gym bag. Body wash bottles can spill, but they’re easier to use in a shared shower where you don’t want to leave a bar behind. For travel, choose the bar. For home or gym, the body wash is more practical.
- Scent Intensity: Bar soap scents tend to be more subtle and fade faster, while body wash can linger a bit longer on the skin. If you want a scent that lasts, you might prefer the body wash. If you want a stronger scent throw, go with THICK Body Wash. If you prefer a lighter scent, stick with the bar.
Product Facts at a Glance
- Big Ass Brick of Soap® - Midway: While others dream of all-inclusive beach resorts, Duke Cannon knows that when you really want to get away from it all, a secluded atoll in the Pacific is just the ticket. There, with only the occasional albatross to keep him company, he drops anchor for a few days, quietly reflecting, strategizing, and enjoying leisurely pulls from a bottle of rum. This scent is for the guy who wants to feel like he’s on a solo adventure every time he showers—a great choice for a daily escape.
- THICK® Body Wash - Midnight Swim: Fact: most body washes are weak, watered down, and smell like the fog of a junior high locker room. Simply put, they don’t get the job done. But hard-working men require a shower of substance to accomplish a full day’s work. And that’s why Duke Cannon’s THICK® Body Wash has been formulated with a significantly higher viscosity to work more effectively on your body, not spill pitifully down the drain. If you’re tired of watery body washes that disappear before you’ve soaped up, this thicker formula ensures you get a full clean with less product.
Which Should You Choose?
Best For
- Guys who want a long-lasting, classic bar soap experience and don’t mind a little bar maintenance.
- Travelers who need a solid soap that won’t leak or count against liquid limits.
Not For
- Guys who prefer a quick, mess-free lather without having to manage a wet bar.
- Those with sensitive skin who find bar soap too drying—try the body wash instead.
Both Duke Cannon’s Big Ass Brick of Soap and THICK Body Wash are solid choices, but they serve different shower styles. If you’re a traditionalist who likes a hefty bar that lasts, go with the brick. If you want a convenient, thicker liquid that’s easy to use every day, the body wash is your match. Whichever you pick, you’re getting a quality clean that’s anything but ordinary.
