Bar soap offers a gentle, effective cleanse that many dermatologists trust over body wash for healthier skin.
While liquid body wash has dominated showers since the late '90s, I’ve always favored bar soap. It’s an affordable, eco-friendly choice with a smaller environmental footprint. I get the allure of body wash: delightful scents, a variety of brands, and chic packaging.
However, you might be surprised to learn that bar soap has distinct advantages over liquid soap for your daily cleansing routine. Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, notes that bar soaps are often more effective at removing oil, dirt, and residue from the skin. He explains, “Liquid soaps are water-based, making them more diluted and potentially less effective.” Moreover, because they contain more water, they can be more susceptible to bacterial contamination, countering the myth that bar soap is unsanitary.
Dr. Deanne Mraz, another board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Connecticut, adds that bar soaps are more environmentally friendly. They typically have a lower impact in terms of production, transportation, packaging, and waste. She highlights that liquid soaps often rely on artificial preservatives and come in plastic containers that may not be BPA-free. In contrast, bar soaps are waterless and don’t require synthetic chemicals to maintain freshness.
That said, it’s essential to choose the right bar soap, as many soaps can be drying. Camp suggests looking for bars with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, glycerin, and ceramides. For those with sensitive skin, both experts recommend avoiding soaps with fragrances and dyes, opting instead for bar soaps containing colloidal oats to soothe and nourish the skin.
If you’re considering making the switch from liquid to bar soap, you don’t have to sacrifice quality. We’ve compiled a list of the best bar soaps recommended by experts that not only cleanse effectively but also provide nourishment and hydration, all while remaining budget-friendly.
1. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser bar
Mraz is a fan of this multi-tasking, fragrance-free hydrating cleansing bar from CeraVe. You can't go wrong with this dermatologist-beloved brand, and the bar soap is no exception. It's gentle enough to use on both face and body, effectively getting rid of grime, sweat and dirt while helping to boost your skin's natural moisture barrier.
2. Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile bar soap
A great choice for dry skin — it is vegetable-based and free of chemicals, synthetic ingredients and is hypoallergenic." Because Dr. Bronner's uses hemp seed oil in its formula, it creates a soft, smooth later that won't dry out skin. I love the peppermint scent, but the brand has quite a few options, all of which smell delightfully fresh.
3. Aveeno moisturizing bar soap
Recommends this Aveeno bar soap for anyone looking for an ultra-gentle and nourishing formula, making it great for eczema-prone or sensitive skin. The colloidal oats are soothing and exfoliating, while glycerin and paraffin lock in moisture. It's available in "fragrance-free" and "unscented" options.
4. Avène XeraCalm A.D Ultra-Rich cleansing bar
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp , recommended this French pharmacy staple from Avène. Made with evening primrose oil and thermal spring water, he noted that this hydrating bar soap can effectively cleanse skin "without disrupting the skin's natural microbiome." It's a great option for people of all ages and can calm eczema-prone skin.
5. Dove Purely Pampering Shea Butter beauty bar two-pack
The Dove Purely Pampering Shea Butter beauty bar comes in a convenient two-pack and is designed to nourish and hydrate the skin. Infused with shea butter, this bar soap provides a rich, creamy lather that leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. Ideal for daily use, it effectively cleanses without stripping moisture, making it suitable for various skin types. The soothing scent adds a touch of luxury to your bathing routine while promoting a pampering experience.
6. Valitic Kojic Acid dark spot remover bar soap
This cult fave is also recommended by Flores, who uses it "on my arms for my KP and my underarms for any hyperpigmentation — and it really works," she proclaimed.
These bar soaps harness the power of active ingredients like vitamin C and retinol combined with the nourishing benefits of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, shea butter and olive oil to potentially help even out skin tone, lighten dark spots, smooth skin and reduce blemishes. This two-pack has myriad glowing reviews attesting to its prowess, and could be a good tool in your skin health arsenal.
7. Dial Antibacterial Refresh & Renew bar soap
My colleague's tattoo artist recommends this antibacterial body bar soap from Dial. It thoroughly cleanses the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture barrier, making it perfect for repairing damaged, dry or recently-tatted skin. It'll infuse the skin with a hefty dose of moisturizing ingredients that will leave skin feeling baby soft.
8. Vanicream cleansing bar
Both experts enthusiastically recommended this Vanicream bar soap. Mraz stated that it "is great for dry skin and skin prone to eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. It's very gentle, while also deeply hydrating." Both she and Camp made a point to mention that it's free of drying and irritating ingredients like dyes, fragrances and other common irritants while also being noncomedogenic.
9. L'Occitane Shea Butter Extra-Gentle solid soap
My mother raised me in the cult of L'Occitane, if you ask us it's the height of luxury. I love the soft lavender scent of this bar soap, it makes me feel like I'm bathing in the French countryside. It's gentle and effective, leaving my skin feeling clean and refreshed without that icky squeaky clean feeling that strips the skin. This bar soap is excellent for leaving skin deliciously balanced, soft and smooth.
10. The Camel Soap Factory
An all-natural range of products made from high-quality vegetable oils and camel milk. Their entire line is free from harmful ingredients such as parabens, SLS, synthetic colors, and various chemicals, ensuring a gentle and safe experience for your skin.
Camel milk is rich in alpha-hydroxy acids, vitamins, and anti-aging proteins, helping to lighten and even skin tone while nourishing and boosting the skin's natural immunity. The alpha-hydroxy acids work to rejuvenate the skin, while the vitamins and minerals support healthy growth. Additionally, the natural glycerin from saponified olive oil enhances hydration. With regular use of the SADU Natural Collection soaps, you can expect fresher, more youthful-looking skin.
