10 Best Oatmeal Soaps in the Philippines 2026 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist

Remember Cleopatra’s long milk baths? Milk has long been hailed as a beauty product for its ability to reduce wrinkles. The alpha-hydroxy acids, especially lactic acid in milk, work to remove dead skin cells and brighten the skin tone.

You’ll frequently find goat milk as an added ingredient in oatmeal soaps. Since they both impart the same benefits—oil control, natural exfoliation, and pH balance restoration—the pairing between the two is a great match.

Raw honey is packed with nourishing and soothing components that work wonders for acne and autoimmune skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. With its natural healing properties, it reduces inflammation and speeds healing. And like oatmeal, it is a natural exfoliator that helps regenerate new skin cells and promotes a more radiant complexion.

Manuka honey is a type of honey that is most frequently used with oatmeal soaps. What gives it an edge over other types of honey is the presence of a chemical called methylglyoxal which promotes wound healing and recovery from damage.

Vanilla isn’t just an ice cream flavor—it’s also yummy for the skin! Used primarily for their antioxidant properties, vanilla extracts are a great addition to any oatmeal soap. The unique, familiar scent is another benefit that adds to a feeling of care and comfort when you use the soap.

If you have dry skin, look for an oatmeal soap with shea butter or coconut oil in its formulation. With their rich emollient texture, these two substances are some of the best ingredients for moisturizing. They are also abundant sources of antioxidants and fatty acids that can help replenish stressed and tired skin.

You can also look for tried-and-tested hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help moisturize the skin. Other great ingredients that hydrate the skin are ceramides, panthenol, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and cocoa butter.

If you have oily skin, it's best to pick an oatmeal soap that contains tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a staple in products designed for oily and acne-prone skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties are necessary for healing infections and acne, as well as for soothing redness and swelling.

Soap bars are the most commonly available type of oatmeal soap. They are handy and great for traveling—all you need is a tin can or a soap dish to carry them! Soap bars are also more environmentally friendly since they involve very little packaging. Most soaps come in cardboard boxes that are recyclable or biodegradable. 

Soap bars are also the better choice for sensitive skin because they contain fewer ingredients than liquid washes. They do not need chemical additives or preservatives to give them a long shelf life and to keep them stable. Thus, it is easier to make soap bars hypoallergenic. 

Liquid washes and shower gels often contain more hydrating ingredients, so they are a good choice if you have dry skin. These types also have microbeads or other exfoliating ingredients that are much finer than you would find in a bar soap. So if you prefer a milder way to exfoliate, body washes are the better pick. 

One disadvantage, however, is that these two types come in plastic containers that are sometimes not recyclable. If you are concerned about adding to plastic waste, then perhaps a soap bar would be more up your alley.