Liquid Soap on Shabbos

Question: I know that we’re not supposed to use soap bars on Shabbos but can we use liquid hand soap?
Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 328:22) writes that one may rub oil into a (minor) wound on Shabbos, but not fat that will melt. The Mishna Berura (328:71) adds that this applies equally to oil that has solidified. The Rema (OC 326:10) explains that one cannot use bar soap on Shabbos because it is nolad, (creating a new entity). The Mishna Berura (326:30) explains that doing so is also an issur of memachek (smoothing).
R’ Moshe Feinstein (OC 1:113) writes that he didn’t allow liquid soap in his house, either, as it is also a potential issur of memachek.
Nonetheless, the Aruch Hashulchan (OC 326:11) and Kaf Hachaim (OC 326:43) write that one can prepare liquid soap before Shabbos. R’ Yaakov Yechezkel Posen (Kitzur Hilchos Shabbos 32:4) writes that common practice is to be lenient like these poskim. Similarly, R’ Yosef Shalom Elyashiv (Kovetz Teshuvos 1:38, quoted in Orchos Shabbos 1:17:n40; Dirshu Mishna Berura 327:n32) permits using liquid soap on Shabbos, writing that the foam produced is no different to pouring beer on Shabbos, which is permitted even though it produces a foamy head.
In conclusion, while one mustn’t use soap bars on Shabbos, one may wash one’s hands with liquid soap.

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