Bathing daily is necessary only for special purposes, not for ordinary cleanliness. Too frequent bathing is one of the common causes of skin dryness, especially in cold weather and for the elderly, and may aggravate some skin disorders.
Unless perspiration odor is likely to be a problem – as in hot weather or after sweaty activities – a bath or shower once or twice a week, can usually keep your skin clean and odor free. Or take a quick daily shower or sponge bath, limiting the use of soap (which is drying to skin) to your underarms, genitals, and feet.
You’re best off with the simplest, cheapest soap. Brands differ principally in color and odor. Soaps that float have air bubbles in the cake, which have nothing to do with purity.
All soaps are “deodorant” in that they remove perspiration and bacteria. Some soaps claiming special deodorant properties contain perfumes that may cause photo-sensitivity reactions akin to sunburn. Avoid medicated unless they’re prescribed by a doctor – they may trigger a drug allergy.