If your skin is easily irritated, you might need to switch to a mild soap for sensitive skin. You may have had trouble using different beauty products because they weren't hiyang with your skin type. If you don't have an underlying skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, it's likely that you have sensitive skin.
Using soap that's specifically formulated for sensitive skin can help you avoid the itching and redness that occur when you try new skincare products. With guidance from dermatologist Dr. Angelie Chua, we have created a guide to help you choose the best soap for your sensitive skin and offer tips on how to reduce irritation.
Quick List - Top Soaps for Sensitive Skin
Dr. Angelie Chua is a dedicated Thomasian physician specializing in dermatology, with board certification from the Philippine Dermatological Society. She completed her residency at UST Hospital and is currently pursuing a fellowship in Trichology (hair disorders). Passionate about beauty, health, history, music, and travel, she fosters continuous learning and expertise in diverse fields. Dr. Chua is committed to providing exceptional care and staying at the forefront of dermatological advancements for the benefit of her patients.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Choosing between bar and liquid soap can be challenging for those with sensitive skin. Each type offers unique benefits, so it’s important to understand which type best suits your needs.
Bar soaps often contain fewer stabilizers and additives, which allows for a higher concentration of active ingredients. This can be beneficial for sensitive skin, as fewer ingredients reduce the likelihood of irritation.
Bar soaps are typically more economical and eco-friendly due to minimal packaging. However, they can sometimes feel drying, so it’s essential to select a formula with moisturizing properties, such as added glycerin or natural oils, to keep sensitive skin hydrated.
Liquid soaps often include moisturizing agents, making them gentler for sensitive skin, though preservatives might cause occasional irritation.
Liquid soaps are often formulated with added moisturizing agents, making them potentially gentler on sensitive skin. The creamy consistency of liquid soap can feel less drying, especially for those with very delicate skin.
However, liquid soaps may contain preservatives to maintain shelf stability, which could sometimes irritate sensitive skin. If choosing a liquid soap, look for ones labeled as “preservative-free” or “suitable for sensitive skin” to reduce potential irritation.
Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested soaps offer gentle cleansing without risking irritation, making them ideal for daily use.
Hypoallergenic soaps are formulated to reduce allergic reactions, a key concern for sensitive skin types. Choosing products that are also dermatologist-tested means they have been evaluated for safety, especially for skin prone to reactions.
Although not available for most products in the Philippines, also try looking for the National Eczema Association certification, which signifies added assurance for sensitive users. These certifications help identify soaps that have undergone rigorous testing for safety and suitability for sensitive skin.
Natural ingredients like oats, coconut oil, honey, and shea butter offer anti-inflammatory and moisturizing benefits.
For sensitive skin, natural ingredients provide gentle yet effective nourishment. Coconut oil and honey add moisture, while oats and shea butter calm inflammation and dryness.
Oats, in particular, contain phenols, starches, and beta-glucans, which provide anti-inflammatory properties and form a protective barrier to lock in moisture. Soaps with these components help maintain a balanced skin barrier, reducing irritation in hot, humid climates.
Ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides help retain moisture, preventing skin from feeling tight or dry.
Moisturizing ingredients are crucial in combating dryness, a common issue for sensitive skin. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid act as humectants, attracting and locking in water to keep skin supple, while ceramides support the skin’s protective barrier.
Regular use of a moisturizing soap with these ingredients can prevent discomfort and tightness, keeping skin soft and hydrated even after washing.
Even if your soap includes moisturizing ingredients, remember to follow up with a good moisturizer for healthy, well-hydrated skin.
Chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, fragrances, and alcohols can irritate sensitive skin, so it's safer to opt for chemical-free soaps.
Many sensitive skin issues stem from harsh additives that disrupt the skin’s natural balance:
Choosing sulfate-free and fragrance-free soaps helps maintain the skin’s natural oils and prevents irritation, allowing sensitive skin to feel calm and balanced after cleansing.
Non-comedogenic soaps with gentle acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid effectively cleanse while keeping sensitive skin balanced.
Non-comedogenic soaps are specifically designed to cleanse without clogging pores, reducing the risk of breakouts for acne-prone skin. These soaps gently remove impurities while preventing irritation, making them a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
For effective acne management, look for soaps with gentle active ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil combined with hydrating elements like glycerin or ceramides to keep the skin nourished. These target breakouts without overwhelming sensitive skin. However, it’s crucial to start with low concentrations of these ingredients to avoid irritation and gradually let your skin adapt.
pH-balanced soaps help maintain the skin’s natural acid mantle, reducing the risk of irritation.
Sensitive skin benefits from soaps that match the skin's natural pH level, which typically ranges from 4.5 to 5.5. Using a pH-balanced soap minimizes disruptions to the acid mantle, the skin's protective layer, which helps guard against environmental irritants.
Soaps in this pH range cleanse effectively without stripping natural oils, making them an excellent choice for preventing dryness and irritation in sensitive skin.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Key Ingredients | Hypoallergenic | Dermatologist-tested | Fragrance-free | Paraben-free | Alcohol-free | pH-Balanced | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Johnson's Milk and Rice Body Wash | ![]() | Nourish Your Skin with the Gentle Touch of Milk & Rice | Liquid | Natural Milk & Rice Extracts | 500mL | |||||||
2 | Be Organic Oatmeal Soap | ![]() | Soothing Wash for Dry and Sensitive Skin | Bar | Saponified Oils of Palm, Coconut, Olive, and Castor, Essential Oil, Ground Oatmeal | 110g | |||||||
3 | Cetaphil Baby Gentle Cleansing Bar | ![]() | Hypoallergenic Bar for Gentle, Moisturizing Baby Cleansing | Bar | Glycerin | 127g | |||||||
4 | Perla Perla Pure Bath Hypoallergenic Soap | ![]() | Pure Coconut Care, Gentle on Skin, Tough on Germs | Bar | 100% Coconut Oil | 125g | |||||||
5 | Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Dermo-Cleanser | ![]() | Gentle Cleanse, Lasting Moisture, Stronger Skin | Liquid | Aqua (Water), PEG-90 (moisturizer)) | 150ml | |||||||
6 | Dove Dove Body Wash Sensitive Skin | ![]() | Gentle Care, Silky Soft — Nourish Your Sensitive Skin with Dove | Liquid | Water (Aqua), Glycerin | 1000mL | |||||||
7 | Aveeno Aveeno Dermexa Body Wash | ![]() | Gentle cleansing, soothing relief for very dry, eczema-prone skin | Liquid | Water, Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, Glycerin | 280mL | |||||||
8 | CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash | ![]() | Hydrating Body Wash With Ceramides | Liquid | ceramides, hyaluronic acid | 296mL | |||||||
9 | Vanicream Gentle Body Wash for Sensitive Skin | ![]() | Pure Care, Gentle Clean – Perfect for Sensitive Skin | Liquid | water, glycerin, coco-glucoside | 355mL | |||||||
10 | Oilatum Bar Soap | ![]() | Gentle Care for Dry, Sensitive, and Eczema-Prone Skin – Locks in Moisture, Soothes and Protects Daily | Bar | Liquid Paraffin and Glycerin | 100g |
Type | Liquid |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Natural Milk & Rice Extracts |
Hypoallergenic | |
Dermatologist-tested | |
Fragrance-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
pH-Balanced | |
Net Weight | 500mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many users love the creamy lather and rich, soothing scent. They also like how it helps with dry patches and itchiness. Some suggest that a pump bottle version would be more convenient for use in the shower.
Type | Bar |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Saponified Oils of Palm, Coconut, Olive, and Castor, Essential Oil, Ground Oatmeal |
Hypoallergenic | |
Dermatologist-tested | |
Fragrance-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
pH-Balanced | |
Net Weight | 110g |
Features and benefits:
Users describe it as non-irritating and effective even for adult acne-prone or sensitive skin. One noted it didn’t sting when it contacted the genitals and praised its clean finish. Another shared it helped clear scalp and facial breakouts due to its gentle, fragrance-free nature.
Type | Bar |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Glycerin |
Hypoallergenic | |
Dermatologist-tested | |
Fragrance-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
pH-Balanced | |
Net Weight | 127g |
Made from 100% pure coconut oil, ensuring a natural and effective cleanse that thoroughly removes impurities from the skin.
Contains lauric acid, a natural antimicrobial agent proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria and provide antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal benefits.
Clinically proven hypoallergenic, making it safe and gentle for sensitive skin, including delicate baby skin.
Promotes overall skin health by protecting against harmful microorganisms and helping prevent skin issues like acne, psoriasis, and chicken skin.
Free from surfactants, dyes, artificial preservatives, and harsh chemicals like SLS, ensuring a pure and safe bathing experience.
Type | Bar |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | 100% Coconut Oil |
Hypoallergenic | |
Dermatologist-tested | |
Fragrance-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
pH-Balanced | |
Net Weight | 125g |
Gently and effectively cleanses skin while softening it.
Formulated for dry and sensitive skin, respecting its unique needs.
Contains BioMimic Technology to strengthen and repair the skin’s moisture barrier.
Maintains the skin's natural hydration, preventing dryness.
Free of fragrances, preservatives, and colorants, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Can be used with or without water.
Type | Liquid |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Aqua (Water), PEG-90 (moisturizer)) |
Hypoallergenic | |
Dermatologist-tested | |
Fragrance-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
pH-Balanced | |
Net Weight | 150ml |
Dove Body Wash Sensitive Skin is a gentle, hypoallergenic body wash to cleanse without irritation and leave sensitive skin feeling soft and moisturized.
It features a creamy, rich lather with plant-based moisturizers to regenerate the skin’s natural moisture barrier, keeping skin silky-smooth and hydrated for up to 24 hours.
The formula is free from parabens and sulfates, microbiome-friendly, and 98% biodegradable.
Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash is PETA-approved vegan and not tested on animals, aligning with ethical and sustainable skincare values.
This body wash is also dermatologist-recommended, soothing dryness and irritation, making it ideal for daily use on sensitive skin.
Type | Liquid |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Water (Aqua), Glycerin |
Hypoallergenic | |
Dermatologist-tested | |
Fragrance-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
pH-Balanced | |
Net Weight | 1000mL |
Aveeno Dermexa Daily Emollient Body Wash 280ml gently cleanses without drying the skin, leaving it feeling soothed and moisturized.
Formulated with Prebiotic Colloidal Oatmeal and Ceramides, it helps restore and strengthen the skin barrier and enhances the skin's ability to retain moisture.
Suitable for very dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin, it is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist tested.
The soap-free formula is fast-absorbing and free from parabens, silicones, phthalates, lanolins, dyes, and cortisone.
Its 98% biodegradable formula comes in a recyclable bottle made with 50% post-consumer recycled plastic, reflecting environmental care.
Type | Liquid |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Water, Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, Glycerin |
Hypoallergenic | |
Dermatologist-tested | |
Fragrance-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
pH-Balanced | |
Net Weight | 280mL |
Users love the skin-soothing and hydrating results, especially during colder months or for dry skin conditions. Many say they noticed smoother skin after consistent use. Some recommend pairing it with a ceramide-based moisturizer to enhance results even further.
Type | Liquid |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | ceramides, hyaluronic acid |
Hypoallergenic | |
Dermatologist-tested | |
Fragrance-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
pH-Balanced | |
Net Weight | 296mL |
Specifically formulated for sensitive and easily irritated skin. Free of fragrances, dyes, parabens, and sulfates to minimize irritation.
Contains moisturizing ingredients to help maintain skin’s natural barrier.
Gentle cleansing formula that effectively removes dirt and oils without stripping moisture.
Formulated with ingredients dermatologists consider desirable and not irritating or sensitizing to the skin; awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association.
Type | Liquid |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | water, glycerin, coco-glucoside |
Hypoallergenic | |
Dermatologist-tested | |
Fragrance-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
pH-Balanced | |
Net Weight | 355mL |
The Oilatum Soap Bar is specially formulated for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin, providing gentle everyday cleansing.
Acting as an emollient cleanser, it helps lock in moisture by forming a protective barrier on the skin, preventing dryness and irritation.
Contains helpful ingredients and no harsh detergents to leave the skin moisturized and soft while maintaining its natural oily protective layer.
Suitable for both adults and children, and safe for daily use to help manage itchy, dry skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.
Free from harsh detergents, it replenishes essential oils lost through regular soaps, leaving skin smooth and hydrated.
Type | Bar |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Liquid Paraffin and Glycerin |
Hypoallergenic | |
Dermatologist-tested | |
Fragrance-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
pH-Balanced | |
Net Weight | 100g |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by dermatologist Dr. Angelie Chua.
Generally, products containing natural or plant-based ingredients have a lower tendency to irritate compared to products with synthetic ingredients. However, this is not always true. Some plants, such as poison ivy, ragweed, baby’s breath, and plant oils, can cause allergies.
Lather helps dislodge dirt and bacteria, but high-lather soaps can be too drying for sensitive skin. Opt for low-foaming soaps that cleanse effectively without stripping natural oils.
Fragrance-free soaps have no added fragrances, while unscented soaps may contain masking agents to hide odors. These masking agents, like benzyl salicylate or coumarin, can still irritate sensitive skin.
Nobody wants to feel grimy after a long day, but you must ensure that you use gentle products that won't be too harsh on your skin. Check out these other picks to give your skin some tender loving!
10 Best Cleansers for Sensitive Skin in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Exfoliators for Sensitive Skin in the Philippines | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Deodorants for Sensitive Skin in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Johnson's|Milk and Rice Body Wash
No. 2: Be Organic|Oatmeal Soap
No. 3: Cetaphil Baby|Gentle Cleansing Bar
No. 4: Perla|Perla Pure Bath Hypoallergenic Soap
No. 5: Physiogel|Daily Moisture Therapy Dermo-Cleanser
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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