10 Best Bar Soaps of 2023 (Dermatologist-Recommended)

Pros:

• Mild cleansers; no sulfates
• One quarter of each bar is actually moisturizing cream
• Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, pH balanced
• PETA-certified cruelty-free
• Recommended by Dr. Levy

Cons:

• Some reviewers claim the bars they received smelled bad

Dove is a brand familiar to many, and this bar soap is a mild choice for sensitive skin or facial use. It claims to be made up of one-fourth moisturizing cream, and it's hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.

"I've been using the Dove beauty bar soap for over 20 years," Dr. Levy says. It's gentle, sensitive, and effective at leaving the skin feeling smooth, clean, and hydrated. The fragrance is minimal. I recommend the sensitive skin bar for those with eczema or atopic dermatitis."

• Simple formula makes it a safe choice for most users
• Organic, vegan, cruelty-free, and fair trade ingredients
• Post-consumer recycled paper packaging
• Company known for ethical business practices

Cons:

• Labeled as mild for face use, but we think it's still a bit too harsh for that

Throughout its decades-long history, Dr. Bronner’s soaps have developed a kind of cult following for their superior quality and wide range of uses. The hemp-oil-based bar soaps are no different. 

Even the Baby-Mild version was too harsh for some reviewers' faces, but for use on the body, most reviewers say it's non-drying and non-irritating. Other uses for these bars include things like homemade laundry soap.

• Quadruple-milled so it's consistent and dense
• Contains shea butter for moisturizing
• Large bars perfect for the bath or shower

Cons:

• Some reviewers got bars that had only a weak scent

This soap from Pre de Provence is quadruple milled and comes in a huge variety of formulas, all enriched with shea butter. The milling process makes for bars that are uniform in consistency and last longer.

Pros:

• Pine tar can help treat itchy, dry, or inflamed skin
• Lactic acid, oatmeal, and pumice to exfoliate dead skin
• Goat's milk is rich in fatty acids for hydration

Cons:

• It can leave black stains on washcloths
• Dissolves easily if not kept dry between uses

This goat milk soap comes in a variety of formulas, like Oatmeal and Honey, Pear Cider, and Coffee Scrub. They all offer the benefits of goat's milk: lactic acid for gentle exfoliation, and fatty acids for moisturizing. This pine tar bar also soothes itchiness from conditions like eczema or bug bites.

Reviewers caution it can get gooey and leave black flakes, so make sure to let it dry between uses and keep it out of the shower spray. Users find it works wonders on itchy skin and isn't too harsh for sensitive skin, either.

• Few, simple ingredients good for all skin types
• Natural fragrance of Bay Rum is reminiscent of clove, cinnamon, pine, and orange
• Kaolin clay and sea salt for gentle exfoliation

Cons:

• Some reviewers wanted the scent to linger after their shower ended, but say it doesn't

Dr. Squatch makes a variety of natural soaps, with interesting scents like Pine Tar, Spearmint Basil, Grapefruit IPA, and Cool Fresh Aloe. This one has few ingredients, making it a good choice for mildly sensitive or normal skin.

Reviewers do mention it needs to be kept out of the shower spray or it'll dissolve quickly, and some wished it lasted longer in general. But they love how it lathers well and makes their skin feel soft.

Pros:

• Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic
• 24 bars, each with a different scent
• No animal testing
• Vegan ingredients

Cons:

• You can't pick and choose fragrances from the Amazon listing

Glycerin soaps are great for dry skin as well as oily, and this variety pack is great for those who like to switch things up a lot! You get 24 different scents, like lavender, pineapple, spring rain, and sandalwood.

Reviewers mention that the oatmeal variety is gently exfoliating. They also like how the soaps are not drying and don't leave behind any film.

• Salicylic acid fights acne and removes warts
• Apricot kernel powder to exfoliate dead skin and soften calluses
• Reviewers say it works great for keratosis pilaris

• Salicylic acid amount is not listed
• It's not a full-sized bar; better for targeted areas

This bar has apricot pieces for physical exfoliation, but the star ingredient is salicylic acid, which breaks down dead skin, clears pores, and helps address acne. It may be a bit harsh for your face, but if you suffer from body acne, you should give it a try.

Reviewers wish the bars were bigger, but those with KP say it helped smooth their skin a lot. They also found it cleared up acne on their back or shoulders. 

• Olive oil, shea butter, and avocado lock in moisture
• Green tea leaf provides antioxidants
• Vitamin E supports the health of aging skin

Cons:

• Some felt the scent was too strong

This soap’s ingredient list includes shea butter, olive oil, and avocado. These make it a wonderful choice for dry skin. Green tea and vitamin E add benefits for aging skincare.

• Tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties
• Mild exfoliation from sea salt
• Skin-calming aloe and oatmeal
• Willow bark provides salicin and can help with acne
  

Cons:

• Reviewers with oily hair didn't like it to replace their shampoo

This little bar of soap is super versatile. Formulated to be gentle yet cleansing on everything from your hair to your face to your body, it is ideal for anyone who likes a no-fuss shower routine. It's enhanced with tea tree oil, a natural deodorant and antiseptic, as well as other botanicals.

• Made with mineral-rich Dead Sea mud
• Cleansing and exfoliating charcoal may be beneficial for oily skin
• Packed with organic oils
• Lemongrass, eucalyptus, and peppermint essential oils for aroma

Cons:

• Quite a few reviewers said it caused acne breakouts

This soap from Aspen Kay Naturals is handmade and contains only natural ingredients. It is suitable for all skin types and is scented with essential oils. The key ingredient is mud from the Dead Sea, which is meant to exfoliate, draw out impurities, and hydrate.