For years I avoided bar soaps because I only associated them with my skin feeling tight and dry, something I wanted to avoid at any cost. Instead, I relied on liquid
body washes
or
shower oils
. While reporting and testing bar soaps for this story, I noticed a shift in many of their formulas — they’re not as drying as I always thought and work as well as a traditional body wash. (That dryness typically came from formulas with unbalanced pH levels — something many brands have now adjusted for, according to
Dr. William Huang
, a board-certified dermatologist and adjunct professor at Duke University.)
To help debunk common bar soap misconceptions, I spoke to three board-certified dermatologists about their advantages over body washes and what to consider when shopping for one. Alongside the help of my colleagues, I also tested some popular options.
SKIP AHEAD
How I picked the best bar soap
|
The best bar soap
|
How to shop for bar soap
|
Why trust NBC Select?
Selected.
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Best overallDove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
$11.97$13.99Amazon
Learn more
-
Best for sensitive skinAvène XeraCalm A.D Ultra-Rich Cleansing Bar
$undefined$14.00Amazon
Learn more
-
Best for dry skinCerave Hydrating Cleanser Bar
$5.97$7.99Amazon
Learn more
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Best for oily skinHerbivore Bamboo Charcoal Bar Soap
$undefined$14.00Nordstorm
Learn more
How I picked the best bar soap
To help make this list and determine which bar soaps our team wanted to test, I spoke with experts about what to keep in mind:
-
Skin type
: This plays a significant role in determining which bar soap is best for you. If you havedry
skin, you’ll want formulas with moisturizing ingredients, including glycerin and shea butter. If you have
sensitive
skin, you should avoid triggers like physical exfoliants and fragrances. For those with oily and acne-prone skin, consider options with chemical exfoliants that will combat breakouts and excess oil. Our list has options for all skin types.
-
Function
: Although the primary function of a bar soap is to cleanse the skin, many options on the market double as an exfoliating treatment. We have both non-exfoliating bar soaps and exfoliating ones on our list. -
Price
: Bar soap tends to be budget-friendly — much more so than shower oils or liquid body washes. There are soaps as low as $4 on this list, with some even including value pack items where you can get multiple bars for under $20.
Related
Your body wash could be drying out your skin
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The best bar soaps in 2024
Below, is a compilation of expert-recommended soaps, ones our team tried and liked, as well as highly rated options from popular drugstore brands like Cerave and Panoxyl.
Best non-exfoliating bar soaps
Best overall:
Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
- Can use on face and body
- pH balanced
- Non-drying
- Not sold individually
In general, most dermatologists will recommend a bar of Dove Sensitive Skin Soap, says
Dr. Maya K. Thosani
, a board-certified dermatologist at
Modern Dermatology
in Scottsdale, Arizona. That’s because it effectively cleanses the skin without irritating it, she says. Along with cleansing agents, it also has some of Dove’s moisturizing cream to combat dryness and help the skin retain moisture, according to the brand.
Dove’s bar soaps are also a favorite of NBC Select staff. “It’s a drugstore classic for a reason,” says NBC Select SEO updates editor
Nikki Brown
. “Just a good old fashioned soap for people who don’t want to fuss with a long or expensive
skin care routine
.”
Best for eczema:
Vanicream Cleansing Bar
Vanicream Cleansing Bar
- Has a rich lather
- Helps with psoriasis
- Nothing to note at this time
After being recommended this by his dermatologist years ago, NBC Select commerce editor
Cory Fernandez
uses this gentle, non-irritating bar on his face and body. “It does a great job keeping my skin moisturized hours after a shower,” he says. The soap, which has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, is also free of common irritants like fragrances in its formula, according to the brand.
Best for sensitive skin:
Avène XeraCalm A.D Ultra-Rich Cleansing Bar
Avène XeraCalm A.D Ultra-Rich Cleansing Bar
- Improves skin barrier
- Safe for all ages
- Naturally scented
This NBC Select-staff favorite bar soap, which you can use on both the face and body, will preserve moisture in your skin, according to the brand. “The lather is milky and hydrating and made my skin feel nourished after using,” says NBC Select editorial projects manager
Rebecca Rodriguez
, who has sensitive skin. You can use it morning and night, and because it’s unscented it’s great for those with sensitive skin. It’s also formulated with ingredients like postbiotics and thermal spring water that help soothe the skin and reduce irritation and itchiness.
Best for dry skin:
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser Bar
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser Bar
- Can use on face and body
- Safe for eczema-prone skin
- Low lather
This bar soap’s great for those with especially dry skin since it’s formula has
ceramides
and
hyaluronic acid
, two popular ingredients that are key for hydrated skin. It’s also soap-free, meaning it effectively cleanses the skin without compromising moisture or disrupting the
skin barrier
, according to experts in our guide to the
best body washes for sensitive skin
. Reviewers say it creates a rich and creamy lather and doesn’t cause any unwanted breakouts or flare-ups. It’s one of the most affordable options on this list and has a 4.7-star average rating from over 17,400 reviews on Amazon.
Best for face and body:
Vellum Street Soap Company Fat Marshmallow Bar Soap
Vellum Street Soap Company Fat Marshmallow Bar Soap
- Lasts a long time
- Safe for kids and adults
- Suitable for all skin types
- Doesn’t lather much
“I understand that from the outside looking in, someone covering their face in beef tallow seems gross but my skin has never looked or felt better,” says Brown. “I discovered this brand on a solo road trip and, out of curiosity, decided to give this a shot. My hormonal breakouts have decreased and I’m not even close to finishing the bar I bought well over six months ago — it lasts a very long time.”
Best budget pick:
Raw Sugar Living Eco Body Bar
Raw Sugar Living Eco Body Bar
- Non-drying
- Easy to hold
- No fragrance-free option
“I loved everything about this lemon verbena-scented soap,” says Fernandez, who received a sample from the brand. “It’s the perfect size for holding in your hand, and the 12 rounded knobs on it make it easy to hold on to.” You can also use the knobs as a tension reliever over your muscles while you cleanse the skin, according to the brand.
Most creamy lather:
L’Occitane Shea Milk Sensitive Skin Extra Rich Soap
L’Occitane Shea Milk Sensitive Skin Extra Rich Soap
- For ages 3+
- Softens skin
- Can use as a shaving gel
- Has added fragrance
When I want a bar soap that’s gentle and non-irritating on my dry, sensitive skin, I typically reach for this option from L’Occitane. It leaves my skin feeling moisturized, and though I generally avoid products with added or artificial fragrances, this one’s scented very subtly, so it doesn’t trigger or worsen my
eczema
patches. Its creamy lather is also great for shaving because it creates a slippery surface that makes it easy to swipe my razor over.
Most gentle:
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-drying
- Has a creamy lather
- Has masking fragrance
Fernandez also loves using this Cetaphil bar because it’s extremely gentle and “by far the most moisturizing one I’ve ever tried.” The soap-free formula has ingredients that prevent the skin from drying out, and protect it from irritation, including tightness, according to the brand. Plus, you can use it on your face and body.
Strongest scent:
Papatui Enriching Bar Soap
Papatui Enriching Bar Soap
- Effectively removes sweat
- Doesn’t leave a residue
- No fragrance-free option
- Low lather
This bar soap removes sweat, dirt, oil, and more using mango butter, avocado oil and
niacinamide
. “This is one of those soaps that smacks you in the face with a distinct scent, which isn’t bad at all, but I think if you’re searching for a more subtle scent, this might not be your best option,” says NBC Select commerce editor
Jordan Bowman
, who received the sandalwood scent from the brand.
Best for active lifestyles:
Solpri Shield Athletic Soap Bar
Solpri Shield Athletic Soap Bar
- Lathers well
- Free of common irritants
- Higher price point
- Has a light citrus scent
This plant-based soap uses ingredients like glycerin and a blend of oils (including tea tree and eucalyptus oil) to cleanse the skin and prevent fungal conditions, according to the brand. The oils help reduce the overgrowth of bacteria that’s caused by consistent sweaty conditions from working out and using communal gym equipment, according to Solpri. The soap has a 4.5-star average rating from over 3,700 reviews on Amazon.
Best exfoliating bar soaps
Most longlasting:
Good Time Cleansing Body Bar
Good Time Cleansing Body Bar
- Gently exfoliates the skin
- Non-drying
- No fragrance-free option
Brown says Good Time is the one brand of bar soap that doesn’t leave her skin feeling taut and sticky. The Cleansing Body Bar works on all skin types and is available in three scents, but Brown prefers Summer’s Here. “I absolutely adore the scent and how it lingers in the air after every shower,” she says
“Normally, I have to replace my bar soap every couple of weeks if I’m using it everyday,” says Brown. “Good Time soaps last longer, especially when stored properly in my shower — I’ll only need to replenish once a month, on average.” One bar of soap is equivalent to three bottles of liquid soap, according to the brand.
Best for uneven skin texture:
Jukebox Watermelon Disco Natural Body Soap
Jukebox Watermelon Disco Natural Body Soap
- Minimal ingredients
- Moisturizing
- Easy to use
- Has physical exfoliants
NBC Select reporter
Zoe Malin
enjoys using this watermelon-scented exfoliating bar, which has a light aroma, since it’s not too intense on her skin. “There are little poppy seeds in the bar, which act as an exfoliant, but they’re quite gentle and don’t irritate my sensitive skin,” says Malin, who received a courtesy sample from the brand. The poppy seeds throughout the bar help smooth out dry and bumpy skin for an overall smoother and even texture, according to Jukebox. “The bar also fits perfectly in the palm of my hand, so it’s very easy to get a good grip on.”
Best for oily skin:
Herbivore Bamboo Charcoal Bar Soap
Herbivore Bamboo Charcoal Bar Soap
- Can use on face and body
- Minimizes appearance of pores
- No artificial fragrances
- Can leave a residue
With charcoal and tea tree oil in its formula, this bar soap can target any blemishes without drying out the skin, according to the brand. “It really helped smooth out the texture on my back and clear up a shoulder breakout I had,” says NBC Select associate SEO reporter
Ashley Morris
, who has oily skin. “I also like the smell — it was subtle and not overpowering, which is an issue I have with a lot of other bar soaps,” she says (after trying the sample she received from the brand.) However, it can leave a slightly sticky residue, so Morris recommends following it with a moisturizing shower gel.
Best exfoliating option:
Fable & Rune Sea Palm & Cypress Goats Milk Soap
Fable & Rune Sea Palm & Cypress Goats Milk Soap
- Improves fine lines
- Scented
- Higher price point
“This produces a milky lather with very little effort and is gentle on my sensitive skin, leaving me feeling soft and moisturized.” The brand’s
bar soaps
come in a
fragrance-free
version as well as multiple fragrance options, too. “The scent is soothing without feeling overwhelming,” says Rodriguez. “I also like that the scent lingers on me more than other soaps or body washes I have used.” Each bar is formulated with goat milk, which has
alpha-hydroxy acids
(a chemical exfoliant) in it to remove dead skin, along with vitamin A to reduce fine lines,
acne
and more, according to the brand.
Best scrub:
Marlowe No. 109 Coffee Soap Bar
Marlowe No. 109 Coffee Soap Bar
- Not too abrasive
- Coffee-scented
- Not easy to hold
After receiving a sample from the brand, Malin loves using this coffee-scented bar soap to wake herself up in the morning because it makes her skin and bathroom smell like a cup of
espresso
. “The soap develops a creamy, sudsy lather as I use it, and I found it to be very moisturizing, and my skin feels softer afterward,” she says. “There are exfoliating coffee grounds in the bar, and they’re very gentle on my sensitive skin, which I appreciate. It’s technically designed for men, though anyone can really use it, according to Malin.
Best for acne-prone skin:
Panoxyl Bar Soap with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
Panoxyl Bar Soap with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
- Safe for daily use
- Can use on face and body
- Caution for sensitive skin
This bar soap, which has a 4.6-star average rating from over 1,700 reviews on Amazon, uses
benzoyl peroxide
to treat and prevent breakouts. Reviewers say it helps control their acne, including whiteheads and
blackheads
, on their chest,
back
and face without leaving their skin feeling too dry and tight. “I use the liquid version of this whenever I have some breakouts bubbling up and I love how quickly it dries pimples up,” says NBC Select editor
Lindsay Schneider
. “The formula’s definitely on the stronger side so I don’t use it every day.”
Best splurge:
Atwater Body Scrub & Cleansing Bar
Atwater Body Scrub & Cleansing Bar
- Effectively removes grime
- Improves skin texture
- Higher price point
“I’ve noticed that bar soap sometimes makes my skin feel really dry, but my skin felt hydrated and clean after using this,” says NBC Select social media assistant Caitlin Cusack, who received a sample from the brand. “The scrub was gentle on my skin but still left it feeling soft and smooth,” she says. She also loves that its larger size made it easier to grip and less likely to slip out of her hands.
Related
Here is why you shouldn’t use a loofah, according to experts
How to shop for bar soaps
Skin type and ingredients
Your skin type is the most important factor to consider when shopping and regardless of your skin type, you should look for a hydrating formula.
Hydrating ingredients
typically come in the form of humectants, emollients and occlusives. Humectants, like glycerin, attract moisture to the skin, while emollients (like squalane/
squalene
) lock in moisture, and soothe and soften it, according to experts. Occlusives, like petrolatum, create a defensive layer that stops irritants from entering (ingredients like petrolatum) and also prevent water loss. Here’s what to look for beyond hydrating ingredients:
-
If you have
dry skin:
The more moisturizing, the better. Look for formulas with shea butter, glycerin or other oils, according to Thosani. -
If you have
oily skin:
Exfoliating cleansers with either beta- or alpha-hydroxy acids will be best, says Thosani. They work by removing dead skin and debris to unclog pores and remove excess oil, according to experts in our guide toexfoliating
.
-
If you have
sensitive skin:
Look for fragrance-free options (not just unscented, which often has masking fragrances to make it smell neutral). You’ll do better with simple bar soap without parabens, essential oils and preservatives, according to Thosani. -
If you have
acne-prone skin:
Focus on antibacterial bar soaps (they typically come labeled as so) to help minimize breakouts. Proceed cautiously with them, however, because they can cause dryness and irritation, according to board-certified dermatologistDr. Kseniya Kobets
.
-
If you have
normal skin:
You can really use anything and choose what formula you like based on your personal preferences, says Thosani.
As important as it is to know what to look for, it’s equally important to know what to avoid. Huang recommends staying away from sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), fragrances and parabens, as they can worsen
eczema
, dry skin and contact dermatitis. No matter your skin type, try to minimize the use of any gritty grains and grounds (like ground apricot or walnut pits) since they can be too abrasive and potentially damage the skin barrier, according to Thosani.
Frequently asked questions
They’re both excellent options, but here’s what to know when deciding:
Bar soaps:
- Bar soaps are easy to use and good job efficiently dissolving dirt and oil from your skin, says Huang.
-
They usually have fewer ingredients (they don’t need as many stabilizers) and are generally hypoallergenic, says Thosani. Because they have fewer ingredients, they can be a good option for those with contact
dermatitis
concerns, says Huang.
- It’s a common misconception that bar soaps are all drying. Many bars on our list, including Cerave and Vanicream, have hydrating ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, dimethicone, sorbitol, propanediol, simethicone and petrolatum to prevent or offset any dryness, says Kobets.
- Bar soaps can be a better alternative for the environment since they often have recyclable cardboard packing and no microplastics, like beads in their formulas, says Huang.
- Bar soaps are best for travel where you don’t want to bring liquid in a carry-on or one that comes in a heavy bottle, according to Kobets.
Liquid body wash:
- Liquid gels and washes tend to have more ingredients than bar soaps and are therefore sometimes problematic for people with allergic contact dermatitis, says Huang.
- Body washes are often formulated to have a closer pH to normal skin than bar soaps, according to Huang. The main reason why many people find bar soap more drying is because the pH level (of the bar soap) isn’t always balanced. If the pH is high, it can be drying to many people, he says.
No. Although bacteria can grow on bar soap, it doesn’t translate to an increased risk of infection because the bacteria will wash away the moment you lather the bar (a chemical reaction called saponification), says Thosani.
If you’re using bar soap, make sure you are using it after using your
shampoo
and conditioner because the soap will be able to remove any of their residue.
You’ll want to first emulsify the product in your hands with water to wash away any remaining bacteria on the bar; this is especially important if your soap’s been in a bit of water and has a mushy feeling because it can accumulate more bacteria that way. You can then use it to lather all of your skin or to extensively lather body folds, which a bar soap is perfectly conducive to, including small crevices around your ears, belly button and toes, says Thosani.
Remember to keep it short and sweet. Quick contact is ideal because the longer the soap and suds remain on the skin, the more drying the bar soap will be, according to Huang.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
-
Dr. William Huang
is a board-certified dermatologist and adjunct professor at Duke University’s School of Medicine.
-
Dr. Kseniya Kobets
is a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at
Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care
.
-
Dr. Maya K. Thosani
is a double board certified in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery atModern Dermatology
in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am an
associate reporter
covering beauty and wellness, and have written extensively about the body care category including recent stories on the best
body lotions
and
body serums
. For this story, I interviewed three board-certified dermatologists and shared their recommendations as well as NBC Select-staff favorites that met their guidance.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of
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