These expert-loved bar soaps can be used on sensitive skin, dry skin and more.
1
BEST OVERALL BAR SOAP
Olay Ultra Moisture Shea Butter Beauty Bar
2
BEST VALUE BAR SOAP
Caress Daily Silk Bar Soap
3
BEST BAR SOAP FOR EVERYDAY USE
Dove Original Beauty Bar
4
BEST SMELLING BAR SOAP
Lafco Chamomile Lavender Bar Soap
5
BEST BAR SOAP FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar
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Bar soaps, while nothing new, are having a resurgence at the moment. And they're trending for good reason: Besides helping to remove makeup, oil and general dirt and grime from the skin, many options currently available "incorporate milder surfactants such as Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, which work both in soft and hard water and are less drying than traditional soaps," explains GH Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab Director Sabina Wizemann.
They're also convenient — many can be used on both face and body and are portable and travel-safe, notes Monica Li, M.D., double board-certified dermatologist and Clinical Assistant Professor for the Department of Dermatology and Skin Science at the University of British Columbia. Bar soap is also waterless, so it's "less likely to harbor bacteria as long as it is not stored in water, which also means less preservatives tend to be added," Dr. Li adds.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab has evaluated bar soaps, taking into consideration aspects like how well they cleanse, if they leave skin feeling dry, scent and more. From bar soaps for sensitive skin and dry skin to bar soaps for everyday use, we've rounded up the best picks on the market so you can wash gently and effectively. Ahead, the 10 best bar soaps for all skin types, according to experts.
1
BEST OVERALL BAR SOAP
Olay Ultra Moisture Shea Butter Beauty Bar
Now 27% Off
CREDIT: OLAY
PROS
Well-priced
Nourishes skin
Can be used on face and body
CONS
Polarizing scent
Olay's GH Beauty Award-winning bar soap is anything but basic: Made with skin-conditioning glycerin and shea extract, the aptly named Ultra Moisture bar is gentle enough to be used on both face and body. These skin nourishers balance the purifying effects of the soap, and it's also well-priced, coming in a pack of eight bars. One tester noted that they "loved the soft lather, satiny feel and clean aroma it left on skin," though some online reviewers find the scent overpowering.
Size3.75 oz. barsKey ingredientsSodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Sodium Palmate
2
BEST VALUE BAR SOAP
Caress Daily Silk Bar Soap
CREDIT: CARESS
PROS
Pleasant, subtle scent
Lathers nicely on skin
CONS
Takes some time to fully rinse soap off of skin
At just around $11 for 12 bars, you'll be hard-pressed to find a deal better than this one. Despite a bargain price, Wizemann calls the lather "luxurious," producing a "thick and velvety foam that leaves skin feeling smooth and satiny." She loves the silky texture of the lather as well as the "subtle and not overpowering" fragrance, which she describes as "fruity and clean." However, she does report that the lather does take longer than others to rinse off your skin.
Key ingredientsSodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Sodium OleateSize3.75 oz. bars
3
BEST BAR SOAP FOR EVERYDAY USE
Dove Original Beauty Bar
Now 18% Off
CREDIT: DOVE
PROS
Gentle formula
Doesn't dry out skin
CONS
Some online reviewers say they have residue on skin after use
A true classic, Dove's beloved Beauty Bar is a favorite of experts, consumers and editors everywhere — including at Good Housekeeping. GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek says the "tried-and-true product" is "gentle, yet effective," so you can comfortably use it every day. The mildly fragranced bar smells clean and floral. It "doesn't leave my skin feeling dry like traditional bar soaps," she adds. Some online reviewers share that it can leave residue on their skin, so make sure to thoroughly rinse off after using.
Key ingredientsSodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Lauric AcidSize3.75 oz. bars
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4
BEST SMELLING BAR SOAP
Lafco Chamomile Lavender Bar Soap
CREDIT: LAFCO
PROS
Warm, sophisticated scent
Giftable
Creamy texture
CONS
Pricey
Give yourself (or a loved one) the gift of a luxurious bar soap. This one is a favorite of GH Beauty Director April Franzino. "It is so creamy thanks to a base of plant oils," she shares, adding that it's the perfect present. She loves this soap for the scent as well, calling it "out of this world," and describing it as "herbal yet warm and incredibly sophisticated. You just want to keep smelling it!" It's on the pricier side, but it's larger than other bar soaps and will last a bit longer.
Key ingredientsSodium Olivate, Sodium Cocoate, Glycerin, Argan OilSize7 oz. bar
5
BEST BAR SOAP FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar
CREDIT: CETAPHIL
PROS
Can be used on hands, body and face without irritation
Won't leave skin feeling tight
Ergonomic shape makes soap easier to hold
CONS
Contains animal byproducts
Cetaphil is known for its gentle, sensitive skin-friendly formulas, and this bar soap is no different. In her evaluations, Wizemann found that it even suits sensitive facial skin and "does not cause irritation or tightness." The soap also contains glycerin and petrolatum, which are known to help moisturize the skin. She liked the ergonomic shape of this soap, noting that it felt comfortable in her hands.
Be aware that the soap "includes sodium tallowate, a sodium salt derived from animal fats, which may not be suitable for individuals who prefer to avoid such ingredients due to ethical or personal reasons," she explains.
Key ingredientsSodium Cocoyl lsethionate, Stearic Acid, Sodium TallowateSize4.5 oz. bars
6
BEST BAR SOAP FOR MEN
Dr. Squatch Men's Natural Soap in Pine Tar
Now 40% Off
CREDIT: DR. SQUATCH
PROS
Fresh pine scent
Exfoliates skin
CONS
Some users wish the bar would last longer
For the man on the hunt for a go-to bar soap, this one from Dr. Squatch will quickly become your favorite. Our Beauty Assistant's brother calls it the "only soap he will use." He especially loves that it "leaves my skin feeling clean after every use, smells amazing and exfoliates." While he's used a variety of the brand's bar soaps, he especially loves this one thanks to its fresh pine scent. Online reviewers love using it so much that they wish it came in a larger size that lasts longer.
RELATED: 10 Best Face Washes for Men
Key ingredientsShea Butter, Oatmeal, Sand, Activated CharcoalSize5 oz. bar
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BEST BAR SOAP FOR DRY SKIN
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar
CREDIT: CERAVE
PROS
Contains ceramides to help retain skin's moisture
Also contains other hydrating ingredients
Leaves skin feeling soft and clean
CONS
Has a sandy texture upon first use
When we think CeraVe, we think ceramides. The brand's signature ingredients, this bar soap includes three kinds of ceramides, which "support the skin barrier to reduce moisture loss," explains Wizemann. It also includes other moisturizing ingredients like petrolatum and glycerin. So, if you have dry skin, it's safe to say this one will do the trick.
"Hands feel clean and soft, with no residue left behind," Wizemann shares. "It's easy to rinse off my hands and the bar itself, which I love because it leaves the bar clean in the soap dish." When she first used the soap, it felt a bit sandy, but it smooths out after the initial grittiness. Dr. Li recommends this soap as well.
RELATED: CeraVe Review: Is the Drugstore Skincare Brand Any Good?
Key ingredientsSodium Cocoyl lsethionate, Stearic Acid, CeramidesSize4.5 oz. bar
8
BEST BAR SOAP FOR ECZEMA-PRONE SKIN
Eau Thermale Avène Xeracalm A.D Ultra-Rich Cleansing Bar
$14 AT AMAZON$12 AT WALMART$14 AT SKINSTORE
CREDIT: AVÉNE
PROS
Helps soothe inflamed, itchy skin
Accessible price point
CONS
Consult a dermatologist before using on extremely dry or sensitive skin
Recommended by Dr. Li for its "ability to soothe inflamed, itchy and eczema-prone skin," French pharmacy brand Avéne's bar soap is gentle and dry skin-friendly. Dr. Li notes that it "can be used on both the face and body," so the multitasker can be lathered on anywhere on your body that's feeling extra dry. For those with extremely sensitive or dry skin, ask your dermatologist if this is the right pick for you, as some online reviewers still found their skin to be a bit dry after using.
Key ingredientsDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Maltodextrin, Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateSize3.5 oz. bar
9
BEST BAR SOAP FOR ACNE
Carbon Theory Charcoal & Tea Tree Oil Breakout Control Facial Cleansing Bar
Now 30% Off
CREDIT: CARBON THEORY
PROS
Charcoal and tea tree oil help control acne
Can be used after a workout to prevent breakouts
CONS
May not be ideal for sensitive skin
Looking for a natural option to keep acne under control? This bar contains charcoal and tea tree oil to help with acne breakouts. "I sweat a lot when I exercise, so I reach for this after a big workout to prevent breakouts on my back and chest," says GH Freelance Beauty Editor Dori Price. Take note that some online users share that it made their skin feel tight and dry and gave a burning sensation, so this may not be for you if you have extra dry or sensitive skin.
RELATED: How to Build the Best Acne-Fighting Skincare Routine
Key ingredientsSodium Palmate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Glycerin, Charcoal PowderSize3.5 oz. bar
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10
BEST NATURAL BAR SOAP
Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Bar Soap in Lavender
Now 10% Off
CREDIT: DR. BRONNER'S
PROS
Packed with natural ingredients
Calming lavender scent
CONS
Can make skin feel a bit tight and dry after use
Dr. Bronner's is a classic go-to for those looking for an affordable, natural soap. Our Beauty Assistant loves the unscented liquid version, but this lavender bar proved to perform well in our Lab evaluations as well. "The lavender scent is calming and refreshing," says Wizemann. She describes the bar as waxy and found that it lathers smoothly. "Hands are left squeaky clean, but the skin does have some friction and feels tighter." So, it might be best to apply lotion after using this soap.
Key ingredientsOrganic Coconut Oil, Organic Palm Oil, Sodium HydroxideSize5 oz. bar
How we choose the best bar soaps
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab tests several body products, from the best body washes to the best body lotions you can buy. GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann evaluated four bar soaps for this story, taking into consideration aspects like how well the soap lathers, if it dries out skin, how easily it can be rinsed off skin and more. These, in combination with editor and derm favorites, make up our list of the best bar soaps on the market.
What to look for when shopping for bar soaps
Shopping for a bar soap? Consider the your skin type and concerns before making your purchase, so you can find the best one for your needs:
✔️ Oily or acne-prone skin: Glycerin-based soaps are generally gentle and non-comedogenic, Wizemann explains, making them suitable for oily and acne-prone skin (Dr. Li also recommends using a gentle, non-comedogenic soap in your routine). However, if you're looking for active ingredients in your soap, consider tea tree oil or salicylic acid. "Tea tree oil can help reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation while controlling excess oil," Wizemann says. "Salicylic acid soaps can unclog pores, exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce oiliness." Look for soaps containing a low concentration of salicylic acid (usually around 2%).
✔️ Sensitive skin: If your skin is sensitive, "we recommend avoiding fragrances and opt for unscented options, including essential oils," says Wizemann. Fragrance can irritate sensitive skin.
✔️ Dry skin: In general, but especially if you have dry skin, it's great if your soap "contains added skin-barrier supporting skin care ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid," says Dr. Li. Shea butter is also another good ingredient to look for, Wizemann adds.