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Bar soaps aren't new, but they are having a resurgence at the moment. And for good reason: Besides helping to remove makeup, oil, dirt and grime from skin, many of today's bar soap formulas "incorporate milder surfactants such as sodium cocoyl isethionate, which are less drying than traditional soaps," explains Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab Director Sabina Wizemann.
They're also convenient — in addition to being travel-friendly, most bar soaps can be used on face and body, notes Monica Li, M.D., a double board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor for the Department of Dermatology and Skin Science at the University of British Columbia. Bar soap is also waterless, so it's "less likely to harbor bacteria as long as it is not stored in water, which also means less preservatives tend to be added," Dr. Li adds.
In the Beauty Lab, our scientists have thoroughly evaluated a wide variety of bar soaps — including options for sensitive skin and dry skin — taking into consideration how well they cleanse, if they leave skin feeling dry, scent and more. Here, we've rounded up our top picks so you can wash gently and effectively.
Pros
Well-priced- Nourishes skin
- Can be used on face and body
Cons
- Polarizing scent
Olay's GH Beauty Award-winning bar soap is anything but basic: Made with skin-conditioning glycerin and shea extract, the aptly named Ultra Moisture bar is gentle enough to be used on both face and body. These skin nourishers balance the purifying effects of the soap, and it's also well-priced, coming in a pack of eight bars. One tester noted that they "loved the soft lather, satiny feel and clean aroma it left on skin," though some online reviewers find the scent overpowering.
| Size | 3.75 oz. bars |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Sodium Palmate |
Pros
- Pleasant, subtle scent
- Lathers nicely on skin
Cons
- Takes some time to fully rinse soap off of skin
At just around $11 for 12 bars, you'll be hard-pressed to find a deal better than this one. Despite a bargain price, Wizemann calls the lather "luxurious," producing a "thick and velvety foam that leaves skin feeling smooth and satiny." She loves the silky texture of the lather as well as the "subtle and not overpowering" fragrance, which she describes as "fruity and clean." However, she does report that the lather does take longer than others to rinse off your skin.
| Key ingredients | Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Sodium Oleate |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.75 oz. bars |
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Doesn't dry out skin
Cons
- Some online reviewers say they have residue on skin after use
A true classic, Dove's beloved Beauty Bar is a favorite of experts, consumers and editors everywhere — including at Good Housekeeping. GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek says the "tried-and-true product" is "gentle, yet effective," so you can comfortably use it every day. The mildly fragranced bar smells clean and floral. It "doesn't leave my skin feeling dry like traditional bar soaps," she adds. Some online reviewers share that it can leave residue on their skin, so make sure to thoroughly rinse off after using.
| Key ingredients | Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.75 oz. bars |
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Pros
- Warm, sophisticated scent
- Giftable
- Creamy texture
Cons
- Pricey
Give yourself (or a loved one) the gift of a luxurious bar soap. This one is a favorite of GH Beauty Director April Franzino. "It is so creamy thanks to a base of plant oils," she shares, adding that it's the perfect present. She loves this soap for the scent as well, calling it "out of this world," and describing it as "herbal yet warm and incredibly sophisticated. You just want to keep smelling it!" It's on the pricier side, but it's larger than other bar soaps and will last a bit longer.
| Key ingredients | Sodium Olivate, Sodium Cocoate, Glycerin, Argan Oil |
|---|---|
| Size | 7 oz. bar |
Pros
- Can be used on hands, body and face without irritation
- Won't leave skin feeling tight
- Ergonomic shape makes soap easier to hold
Cons
- Contains animal byproducts
Cetaphil is known for its gentle, sensitive skin-friendly formulas, and this bar soap is no different. In her evaluations, Wizemann found that it even suits sensitive facial skin and "does not cause irritation or tightness." The soap also contains glycerin and petrolatum, which are known to help moisturize the skin. She liked the ergonomic shape of this soap, noting that it felt comfortable in her hands.
Be aware that the soap "includes sodium tallowate, a sodium salt derived from animal fats, which may not be suitable for individuals who prefer to avoid such ingredients due to ethical or personal reasons," she explains.
| Key ingredients | Sodium Cocoyl lsethionate, Stearic Acid, Sodium Tallowate |
|---|---|
| Size | 4.5 oz. bars |
Pros
- Fresh pine scent
- Exfoliates skin
Cons
- Some users wish the bar would last longer
For the man on the hunt for a go-to bar soap, this one from Dr. Squatch will quickly become your favorite. Our Beauty Assistant's brother calls it the "only soap he will use." He especially loves that it "leaves my skin feeling clean after every use, smells amazing and exfoliates." While he's used a variety of the brand's bar soaps, he especially loves this one thanks to its fresh pine scent. Online reviewers love using it so much that they wish it came in a larger size that lasts longer.
RELATED: 10 Best Face Washes for Men, According to Our Testing
| Key ingredients | Shea Butter, Oatmeal, Sand, Activated Charcoal |
|---|---|
| Size | 5 oz. bar |
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Pros
- Contains ceramides to help retain skin's moisture
- Also contains other hydrating ingredients
- Leaves skin feeling soft and clean
Cons
- Has a sandy texture upon first use
When we think CeraVe, we think ceramides. The brand's signature ingredients, this bar soap includes three kinds of ceramides, which "support the skin barrier to reduce moisture loss," explains Wizemann. It also includes other moisturizing ingredients like petrolatum and glycerin. So, if you have dry skin, it's safe to say this one will do the trick.
"Hands feel clean and soft, with no residue left behind," Wizemann shares. "It's easy to rinse off my hands and the bar itself, which I love because it leaves the bar clean in the soap dish." When she first used the soap, it felt a bit sandy, but it smooths out after the initial grittiness. Dr. Li recommends this soap as well.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Is the Drugstore Skincare Brand CeraVe Any Good?
| Key ingredients | Sodium Cocoyl lsethionate, Stearic Acid, Ceramides |
|---|---|
| Size | 4.5 oz. bar |
8
Best for Eczema-Prone Skin
Eau Thermale Avène Xeracalm A.D Ultra-Rich Cleansing Bar
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Helps soothe inflamed, itchy skin
- Accessible price point
Cons
- Consult a dermatologist before using on extremely dry or sensitive skin
Recommended by Dr. Li for its "ability to soothe inflamed, itchy and eczema-prone skin," French pharmacy brand Avéne's bar soap is gentle and dry skin-friendly. Dr. Li notes that it "can be used on both the face and body," so the multitasker can be lathered on anywhere on your body that's feeling extra dry. For those with extremely sensitive or dry skin, ask your dermatologist if this is the right pick for you, as some online reviewers still found their skin to be a bit dry after using.
| Key ingredients | Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Maltodextrin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.5 oz. bar |
9
Best for Acne
Carbon Theory Charcoal & Tea Tree Oil Breakout Control Facial Cleansing Bar
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Charcoal and tea tree oil help control acne
- Can be used after a workout to prevent breakouts
Cons
- May not be ideal for sensitive skin
Looking for a natural option to keep acne under control? This bar contains charcoal and tea tree oil to help with acne breakouts. "I sweat a lot when I exercise, so I reach for this after a big workout to prevent breakouts on my back and chest," says GH Freelance Beauty Editor Dori Price. Take note that some online users share that it made their skin feel tight and dry and gave a burning sensation, so this may not be for you if you have extra dry or sensitive skin.
RELATED: How to Build the Best Acne-Fighting Skincare Routine
| Key ingredients | Sodium Palmate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Glycerin, Charcoal Powder |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.5 oz. bar |
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Pros
- Packed with natural ingredients
- Calming lavender scent
Cons
- Can make skin feel a bit tight and dry after use
Dr. Bronner's is a classic go-to for those looking for an affordable, natural soap. Our beauty editors love the unscented liquid version, but this lavender bar proved to perform well in our Lab evaluations as well. "The lavender scent is calming and refreshing," says Wizemann. She describes the bar as waxy and found that it lathers smoothly. "Hands are left squeaky clean, but the skin does have some friction and feels tighter." So, it might be best to apply lotion after using this soap.
| Key ingredients | Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Palm Oil, Sodium Hydroxide |
|---|---|
| Size | 5 oz. bar |
How we choose the best bar soaps
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab tests everything from the best body washes to the best body lotions you can buy. To find the best bar soaps, GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann evaluated four options, taking into consideration aspects like how well the soap lathers, if it dries out skin, how easily it can be rinsed off skin and more. We used these testing results in combination with recommendations from our beauty editors and dermatologists to create this list of the best bar soaps on the market.
What to look for when shopping for bar soaps
Consider the your skin type and concerns before making your purchase, so you can find the best one for your needs.
✔️ Oily or acne-prone skin: Glycerin-based soaps are generally gentle and non-comedogenic, Wizemann explains, making them suitable for oily and acne-prone skin (Dr. Li also recommends using a gentle, non-comedogenic soap in your routine). However, if you're looking for active ingredients in your soap, consider tea tree oil or salicylic acid. "Tea tree oil can help reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation while controlling excess oil," Wizemann says. "Salicylic acid soaps can unclog pores, exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce oiliness." Look for soaps containing a low concentration of salicylic acid (usually around 2%).
✔️ Sensitive skin: If your skin is sensitive, "we recommend avoiding fragrances and opt for unscented options, including essential oils," says Wizemann. Fragrance can irritate sensitive skin.
✔️ Dry skin: In general, but especially if you have dry skin, it's great if your soap "contains added skin-barrier supporting skin care ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid," says Dr. Li. Shea butter is also another good ingredient to look for, Wizemann adds.
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Why trust Good Housekeeping?
GH Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn wrote this guide. She works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to help deliver fact-based, science-backed beauty coverage. Over the years, she has interviewed experts, written product reviews and tested hundreds of body care products, including bar soaps.
In the past decade, GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann has touched, researched, tested and evaluated thousands of products — including evaluating bar soaps for this story. She's also an expert in skincare ingredients, like occlusives, and verifying beauty product claims.
Catharine Malzahn
Beauty Assistant
Catharine (she/her) is the beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-backed beauty content. She was previously an assistant beauty editor at Group Nine Media and returned to Hearst in 2022 after having held editorial internships at Harper’s Bazaar and CR Fashion Book. Catharine received a B.A. in journalism from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Reviewed bySabina Wizemann
Beauty Lab Director
Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.
