10 Best Bar Soaps [Cosmetic Chemist-Reviewed]

Pros:

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

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.

It's gentle, sensitive, and effective at leaving the skin feeling smooth, clean, and hydrated. The fragrance is minimal. The sensitive skin bar is great for those with eczema or atopic dermatitis.

Pros:

• Natural & Vegan Ingredients (Vitamin C, Retinol, Collagen)
• Multipurpose (Face, Body)
• Hydrating & Gentle (SLS/Paraben-Free)

Cons:

• Potential for Irritation

This turmeric dark spot corrector soap harnesses the power of nature to address hyperpigmentation. It combines vegan-friendly ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and collagen, known to help reduce dark spots and promote an even skin tone. The soap also features turmeric, a popular ingredient prized for its potential anti-inflammatory and brightening properties.

Free of SLS and parabens, this soap is suitable for daily use on most skin types. While clinical studies may be limited, the natural approach of this turmeric dark spot corrector soap offers a chance to achieve a radiant complexion. Remember, a patch test is recommended before widespread use, especially on the face.

Pros:

• Long-lasting scent and deodorant protection
• Gentle formula
• Multi-purpose (Hands, Body)

Cons:

• Not entirely vegan
• Potential for fragrance sensitivity

Made with 98% naturally derived ingredients, Irish Spring Original Clean offers a clean and invigorating experience. It features a long-lasting scent and 12-hour deodorant protection to keep you feeling fresh throughout the day. The gentle formula is mild on skin and contains flaxseed oil. This sudsy lathering soap washes away bacteria and doubles as a convenient hand soap. Plus, the carton is recyclable!

While a large portion of the ingredients are naturally derived, this soap may not be vegan due to the presence of sodium tallowate, an animal-derived fat.

Pros:

• Hydrating formula
• 3-in-1 Convenience (Face, Body, Shaving)
• Dermatologist recommended

Cons:

• Potential irritation from fragrance

This hydrating body and face bar from Dove Men+Care promises deep cleansing without drying. Its 3-in-1 functionality makes it convenient for a streamlined routine. As a dermatologist-backed product designed for men's skin, it offers a hydrating clean with a refreshing scent. 

Be aware of the fragrance if you have sensitive skin, and consider checking the ingredient list to see if the formula is okay for you.

Pros:

• Targets hyperpigmentation
• Natural ingredients (Glycerin, Tea tree oil, Coconut oil)
• Multipurpose (Face & Body)

Cons:

• Potential for Irritation (Fragrance & Kojic acid)

This kojic acid soap from Kojie San is designed to brighten and even out skin tone. It uses kojic acid, a popular ingredient for addressing hyperpigmentation, alongside natural moisturizers like glycerin and coconut oil. 

This soap can be used on both face and body, making it versatile for your skincare routine. However, keep in mind that kojic acid and fragrance can irritate sensitive skin, and extensive clinical research may be limited. We recommend a patch test before widespread use.

• Organic, vegan, cruelty-free, and fair-trade ingredients
• Post-consumer recycled paper packaging
• Company known for ethical business practices

Cons:

• Usable on face, but reviewers noticed dryness

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 - face, body, and hair. The hemp oil-based bar soaps are no different. The soap also comes in a variety of options, like lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus.

Even though some reviewers noted dryness after use on the face, most reviewers say it's non-drying and non-irritating for the entire body. Other uses for these bars include things like homemade laundry soap.

Pros:

• Natural, vegan ingredients (Turmeric powder, Shea butter, Ginger Root oil)
• Suitable for daily use
• Handmade quality

Cons:

• Size is on the smaller side

This vegan turmeric soap is packed with natural ingredients like turmeric powder and shea butter to promote a radiant complexion and a smoother skin texture. it is formulated to leave your skin looking more youthful and refreshed.

Its gentle cleansing experience makes it suitable for daily use. The formula may also help soothe irritated skin, potentially making it a good choice for those with sensitivities. Each bar is handmade with care for a premium quality product.

Pros:

• Vegan ingredients (100% plant-based)
• Sustainable choice (Eco-friendly packaging)
• Blend of nourishing oils (Olive, Coconut, Shea butter, Avocado)

Cons:

• Higher price for quality

Crate 61's Vegan Bar Soaps offer a luxurious and natural approach to skincare. Made in Canada using cold process methods, these soaps are packed with nourishing ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. Combined with kaolin clay for cleansing, they aim to leave your skin feeling clean and healthy. 

The use of essential oils and natural colorants creates a variety of scents and avoids harsh chemicals. However, essential oils can irritate some users, and a patch test is recommended. The eco-friendly packaging and variety of scents make them a thoughtful and sustainable gift-worthy option, as they come in over 15 scents.

Pros:

• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Multipurpose (Face, Body)
• Non-comedogenic (Won't clog pores)

Cons:

• Comes wrapped in plastic

Cetaphil's  Gentle Cleansing Bar offers a mild cleansing experience for sensitive skin. This soap is designed to wash away dirt and germs without stripping the skin's natural oils. Clinically tested and suitable for both face and body, it can be a good option for those who prioritize gentle cleansing. 

While this product is not made to be vegan, reviewers mentioned that the additional plastic wrapping on the soap seems unnecessary. Most other soaps on our list simply come in paper boxes that are sustainable and recyclable. 

Pros: 

• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Multipurpose (Hands, Body)

Cons:

• Not vegan, but beeswax comes with benefits

Basis' bar soap is designed for sensitive skin with its fragrance-free and dye-free formula. Soothing ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile aim to calm and comfort the skin. It's versatile, functioning as both a body wash and a hand soap, and rinses clean without leaving residue.

While not vegan, this soap makes use of beeswax. This ingredient makes the soap harder and denser, giving it longevity and a more stable lather. Beeswax can also act as a mild humectant, helping skin retain moisture.