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These Bar Soaps Outshine Body Washes, Say Dermatologists

Even though liquid body soap has reigned supreme in showers across the country since the late ’90s and early aughts, I’ve always preferred using bar soap I appreciate that it's an budget-friendly choice without plastic and has a minimal environmental impact—although I get why body wash might seem tempting. The product has a wonderful aroma, comes in numerous brand options and formulations, and usually features stylish packaging.

However, you may be astonished to discover that there are several advantages to choosing bar soap instead of liquid soap for your everyday use. body care needs. Dr. Brendan Camp , a dermatologist who is board-certified Dermatology Services at MDCS in New York He noted that bar soaps tend to be more efficient at eliminating oils, grime, and residues from the skin compared to liquid soaps. "Since liquid soaps contain water, making them inherently more diluted, they may not work as effectively," he clarified. Additionally, their watery composition increases susceptibility to bacterial contamination. Therefore, despite the common belief suggesting that bar soap harbors more germs, it’s possible that this notion should be flipped around.

Dr. Deanne Mraz A board-certified dermatologist who serves as both the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Connecticut stated that "bar soaps are more environmentally friendly—from creation and shipping to packaging and disposal, they create less of an ecological footprint." Additionally, she pointed out that liquid soaps frequently depend on artificial preservatives to prolong their lifespan and come packaged in potentially non-BPA-free plastic bottles. In contrast, bar soaps do not require added chemical preservatives because they lack water content.

Since most soaps tend to dry out the skin, Camp suggests choosing ones that contain moisturizing components such as "shea butter, avocado oil, glycerin, and ceramides." Additionally, he advised individuals with sensitive skin to steer clear of soaps containing fragrances and dyes because these might cause irritation. For people dealing with this issue, Mraz proposes using a oatmeal-enriched bar soap to soothe their skin.

If you’re interested in swapping out your liquid soap for a bar soap, you don’t have to compromise on quality. Below, we’ve rounded up the best bar soaps for your skin based on the experts’ recommendations. Not only are they effective cleansers, but they’re nourishing and hydrating while remaining affordable as well.

Amazon

Aveeno moisturizing bar soap

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Deanne Mraz recommends this Aveeno bar soap as ideal for those seeking a highly gentle and moisturizing product, particularly beneficial for individuals with eczema-prone or sensitive skin. The colloidal oatmeal provides both calming and mild exfoliation effects, whereas glycerin and paraffin help retain hydration. This soap comes in two varieties: “fragrance-free” and “unscented.”
$9.57 at Amazon
$4.99 at Walgreens
Dermstore

Avene XeraCalm AD Extra Moisturizing 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.
$14 at Dermstore
$9.45 at Amazon
Amazon

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.
Three-pack: $19.23 at Amazon
$5.97 at Walmart
$8.99 at Walgreens
Amazon

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.
$13.21 at Amazon
$3.99 at Walgreens
Amazon

Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile bar soap

According to Mraz, "Castile soap is 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.
Eight-pack: $41.62 at Amazon
Single soap: $4.97+ at Amazon
Unscented: $4.99 at Target
Community Goods

Community Goods shampoo bar

In case you wanted to broaden your collection of package-free bar soaps to include hair care products too, Mraz suggests trying out the shampoo and conditioner bars from Community Goods. As she shared with Pawonation.com, these shampoo bars combine "the eco-friendly advantages of bar soap with formulas designed specifically for hair." This mild and moisturizing shampoo is perfect for keeping up good grooming during all your future summer trips.

I've been fond of using bar shampoos occasionally and usually prefer them. Ethique one.)

$16 at Community Goods
Amazon

Dove Purely Pampering Shea Butter 2-Pack of Beauty Bars

Many excellent choices are available from Dove, but according to tessa flores, a shopping writer for pawnation.com, this shea butter soap stands out. “I find that the scent does not cause irritation and it really moisturizes my dry skin,” she commented. This duo pack provides supreme hydration without leaving an oily residue, feeling heavy, or leaving a filmy layer on your skin.
$6.99 at Amazon
$11.99 at Target
Bearsville Soap Company

The Bearsville Soap Company's sandalwood and myrrh soap

My coworker, Adam Schubek, highly recommends these soaps. He mentioned, "For anyone who enjoys changing their soap fragrances frequently, Bearsville has consistently been my preferred choice over many years. Each bar makes me feel refreshed after showering and maintains its scent long enough without becoming monotonous. A Helpful Hint: Should you come across a limited-edition seasonal variant that appeals to you, purchase it in larger quantities as they might be unavailable for an entire year—or even permanently."
$8.50 at Bearsville Soap Company
Amazon

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.

This set of bar soaps utilizes potent components such as Vitamin C and Retinol along with moisturizing elements including Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Shea Butter, and Olive Oil. These can work together to possibly improve skin discoloration, fade hyperpigmentation, soften texture, and minimize imperfections. The duo pack boasts numerous positive testimonials endorsing its effectiveness, making it a valuable addition to your skincare routine.

$14.99 at Amazon
$9.99 at Walmart
Amazon

Dial Antibacterial Revitalize & Rejuvenate bar soap

The tattoo artist my coworker works with suggests using this antibacterial body bar soap from Dial. This soap effectively cleanses your skin without removing its natural protective layer, which makes it ideal for healing injured, parched, or newly inked skin. It delivers a rich supply of hydrating components ensuring that your skin feels as smooth as a baby’s after use.
$8.49
Amazon

L'Occitane She butter Gentle Solid Soap

Growing up, my mom immersed me in what she considered the epitome of luxury: L'Occitane. The moment I use their lavender-scented bar soap, I am transported to the rolling hills of rural France. Its gentleness combined with effectiveness leaves my skin thoroughly cleansed yet nourished, avoiding that overly dry "squeaky" sensation common from harsh soaps. With each wash, this delightful bar ensures my skin remains perfectly hydrated, silky, and smooth.
$15 at Amazon
$12.05 at Target
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