10 Best Soaps for Men in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
A soap that is specifically designed for men can be a great help to improve the condition of the skin. It can help maintain the skin’s firmness to avoid early signs of aging; you'd just have to choose whether you prefer bar soap, a body wash, or a shower gel.
You can also look into soap ingredients like activated charcoal, shea butter, and jojoba oil to meet your skin type’s daily needs. Before you add one to your cart, let us help you with our buying guide with comments from Dermatologist, Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz. But before that, we will also share a list of the 10 best soaps for men that you can find online. Let's begin!
Quick List - Top Soaps for Men
Dove
A Soap With Mild and Gentle Formula for All Skin Types
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
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.
Table of Contents
- Expert's Comment About the Top 10 Products
- Frequently Asked Questions Answered By Dr. Katrina Luz
- Is It Advisable to Use the Same Soap for Hair, Face, and Body?
- Aside From a Moisturizing Soap, What Else Would You Recommend for Dry Skin?
- I Think the Soap I Use Gives Me Body Odor. What Is the Best Thing to Do?
- Looking for More Grooming Products?
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
How to Choose a Soap for Men - Buying Guide
You use soaps every day, so it is important to consider which one is best for you. You should base it on your lifestyle, skin type, and other factors. To know more about what features to think about, read through our buying guide below.
Choose Between Body and Facial Soap
Before going through your soap options, you need to understand the difference between a body and a facial soap. Although they both cleanse your skin, they have different compositions. Body soap is designed to remove dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells from your body. It contains more ingredients that may not be suitable for your face.
A facial soap, on the other hand, is specially formulated for lifting off the dirt from your face while keeping the pH balance. It contains a lower pH level which helps to avoid drying out your face. It also does not strip your facial skin of the healthy oils that it needs. Meanwhile, there are also soaps in the market that can be used for both the face and body. You just have to check the label to make sure.
The skin of our face and the rest of the body definitely have minor biologic differences. Thus, it is no wonder that soaps have been marketed as face soaps purely for the face vs. body soaps purely for the body.
In general, if you read the label, the ingredients are generally very similar for both face, and body soaps with minor differences in the order the ingredients are listed, and thus, their concentrations.
Check the Ingredients List and Determine Whether You Prefer a Scented or Unscented Soap
First thing’s first, you must check the label for the soap's list of ingredients. Keep in mind that the shorter the list of the ingredients, the better the soap. Avoid harsh ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate and triclosan because they could damage your skin as well as cause allergies and irritations.
You can go for all-natural soaps that are typically made with plant oils, such as jojoba oil, soybean oil, coconut oil, palm oil, olive oil, and avocado oil, as well as butter, Kojic acid, activated charcoal, and natural glycerin.
You can also opt for an unscented soap if you prefer a mild and fragrance-free option, especially if you have sensitive skin. Meanwhile, if you want a scented soap, you can go for soaps with scents like rosewood and citrus ー it's all up to your preference!
Checking the ingredient list of any skincare product is always a good idea. When it comes to selecting a soap, it's important to make sure that it's generally mild and yet effective in fulfilling its purpose of cleansing our skin.
Look for Ingredients That Will Work With Your Skin Type and Skin Concerns
Like all skincare products, certain ingredients work best for the benefit of a specific skin type. For both the face and the body, the most common skin types among men include dry, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. So when looking for a soap, you should always consider your skin type to get the best results.
If You Have Acne-Prone Skin, Grapeseed Oil Can Help Reduce Breakouts
Men have larger pores than women, which means that they have more active sebaceous glands. This is the main reason why most men have oily and acne-prone skin. If you have this skin type, you must choose a soap with oil-fighting ingredients like grapeseed oil.
Grapeseed oil helps regulate oil production, which in turn controls the formation of acne. Furthermore, grapeseed oil contains vitamin E and fatty acids that help to reduce inflammation due to acne as well as clear clogged pores. It will also keep your skin moisturized! Another great and gentle ingredient for acne-prone skin is sulfur.
Did you know that people with acne-prone skin generally have a lower % of linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid) in their sebum compared to people with normal skin? This deficiency leads to an increase in pro-inflammatory molecules that can eventually lead to clogged pores.
This is why using plant-based oils, particularly those high in linoleic acid, helps reduce breakouts in those with acne-prone skin. Oils rich in linoleic acid include grapeseed oil, rosehip oil, and safflower oil.
Those With Oily-Skin Can Count on Activated Charcoal to Keep Oil at Bay and Remove Skin Impurities
On the other hand, activated charcoal helps to absorb excess oil on your face. It acts like a sponge that cleans out clogged pores which helps to prevent acne breakouts. For the body, it works by drawing out dirt and exfoliating dead skin cells. This is a perfect ingredient that can make your face and body smooth and radiant.
Aside from activated charcoal and grapeseed, you can also look for soaps with tea tree oil, micellar water, retinol, glutathione, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, AHAs, and benzoyl peroxide. They are also highly effective ingredients that are suitable to use for those who have oily faces and acne-prone bodies.
Did you know that for centuries charcoal has been used as an antidote for poisonings? And now, charcoal has made its way into our skincare products with claims of its effectiveness against acne, dandruff, among others. Now, the use of charcoal is generally considered to be safe but definitely still on the lookout for definitive studies on its proven benefits for the skin.
For Dry Skin, Look for Soaps With Shea Butter and Glycerin
Living in a tropical country like the Philippines means that you can be prone to dry skin. You can choose a soap that contains shea butter and natural glycerin ingredients that can make your skin hydrated and moisturized.
Shea butter has antioxidants and vitamins that act as a hydrator. This makes your dry skin smooth, soft, and supple. It also helps to protect your skin from the extreme temperatures that can cause dryness to the skin.
Meanwhile, glycerin is a clear and odorless liquid that comes from vegetable oils and animal fats. It is also known as one of the most effective humectants aside from hyaluronic acid. It improves the function of your skin barrier and provides extra protection to avoid skin allergies and irritations.
Gone are the days that soaps are too harsh that they disrupt the skin barrier! Modern-day cleansers now can contain conditioning polymers and humectants (e.g. glycerin, ceramides) to reduce irritation and even to moisturize the skin.
Ingredients Like Jojoba Oil and Oatmeal Are Sensitive Skin-Friendly
For men who have sensitive skin, you may opt for fragrance-free soap, as well as those that contain ingredients like jojoba oil, aloe vera, chamomile oil, and oatmeal. Jojoba oil is a skin-friendly oil that helps to soften and moisturize the skin, while aloe vera is known to soothe the skin and relieve itchiness.
Chamomile and oatmeal have both anti-inflammatory properties that nourish the skin and heal different skin allergies like eczema and psoriasis. You can also go for soaps with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, olive oil, and cocoa butter that can perfectly work with sensitive skin.
Jojoba oil is another very common ingredient used in soaps, moisturizers, sunscreens, you name it! The great thing about jojoba oil is aside from being a great emollient it also enhances the absorption of other ingredients within a formulation. Fun factーjojoba oil is very similar to sebum, the natural oil in our skin!
Bar Soap, Body Wash, and Shower Gel: Take Your Pick
After identifying your skin type, you may now choose the type of soap you want to use. You'll find many variants that come in the form of bar soap, body wash, and shower gel. Read on below to know the advantage of each kind of soap.
Bar Soaps Contain Fewer Ingredients, Making It a Good Option for Those With Sensitive Skin
Bar soap is the most popular and common type of soap in many households. It is a more cost-effective choice because one piece of soap goes a long way. You can directly rub it on your skin or apply it using a scrub or loofah.
This type of soap also contains fewer ingredients than body soaps and gels. They don’t usually have preservatives in order to extend their shelf life. So this is ideal for men who have sensitive skin. Just remember to dry it off after use to avoid the build-up of bacteria.
Deciding between bar soaps and liquid soaps is pretty much a 'choose what suits you kind of thing.' The great thing about bar soaps is that it tends to last longer. Not to mention, a lot come in more eco-friendly packaging.
Moisturize Dry Skin With a Body Wash
Aside from bar soaps, body washes and shower gels are also available. Both work best for men who have dry, oily, dull, and flaky skin. They are both liquid cleansers that are typically made with emollients or ingredients like plant oils, mineral oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and fatty acids that can moisturize the skin.
A body wash is best for dry skin because it has a creamy and lotion-like texture. It can nourish the skin, especially during cold weather. It can give you smooth and soft skin after every wash.
Body washes have evolved over the years. Now, body washes are incorporated with humectants such as glycerin or occlusives like petrolatum, which seal moisture into the skin while you are still in the shower. This makes them a great choice for those with normal, and particularly, dry skin.
Shower Gel for Those With Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
On the other hand, a shower gel has a thicker and gel-like consistency with a high concentration of fragrance. It is ideal to use for oily skin. However, it is not as good as a body wash when it comes to hydrating and moisturizing the skin.
Although they are both liquid cleansers, the difference between a body wash and a body gel is predominantly textural. Body gels have a firm, gel-like consistency, making them a good option for those with acne-prone or oily skin.
10 Best Soaps for Men to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Weight | For Face or Body | Skin Type | Key Ingredients | |||||
1 | Dove Men + Care Body and Face Bar｜Deep Clean | | A Soap With Mild and Gentle Formula for All Skin Types | Bar | 113 g | Face, Body | All Skin Types | Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Dipropylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol | |
2 | Human Nature For Men Cleansing Bar Soap｜Bamboo Charcoal | | Works Like Magnet in Removing Dirt | Bar | 120 g | unknown | Normal | Cocos Nucifera Oil, Glycerin | |
3 | Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Antibacterial Bar | | A Non-Comedogenic Soap for Dry and Sensitive Skin | Bar | 127 g | Face, Body | Dry, Sensitive, All | Triclosan | |
4 | Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash | | Revitalizes Dry and Itchy Skin With Colloidal Oatmeal | Body Wash | 354 mL | unknown | Dry, Sensitive | Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour | |
5 | Safeguard Bar Soap｜ Arctic Fresh | | Cleanses and Cools Down the Whole Body | Bar | 115 g | unknown | unknown | Zinc Pyrithione, Menthol, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil | |
6 | Oxecure Sulfur Soap | | Your Solution to Clogged Pores and Back Acne | Bar | 100 g | Face, Body | Oily, Acne-Prone Skin | Sulfur, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract | |
7 | Old Spice Captain Shower Gel + Shampoo Body Wash | | A 2-in-1 Body Wash and Shower Gel With Long-Lasting Scent | Body Wash | 400 mL | Body | unknown | Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Citronellol | |
8 | Belo Men Whitening Body Bar | | Brighten Your Skin in Just a Few Days | Bar | 135 g | unknown | unknown | Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil,, Glutathione, Kojic Acid, Alcohol, Malva Sylvestris Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Primula Veris Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Veronica Officinalis Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Morus Alba Root Extract | |
9 | Irish Spring Icy Blast Body Soap | | Drive Away Dirt and Body Odor With This Bar Soap | Bar | 104 g | unknown | unknown | Glycerin, Hydrogenated Tallow Acid, Coconut Acid | |
10 | Palmolive Men Power Clean Bar Soap｜With Charcoal | | Protect Your Skin From Odor-Causing Germs | Bar | 115 g | unknown | unknown | Charcoal Powder, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract | |
A Soap With Mild and Gentle Formula for All Skin Types
Dove is one of the most well-known skincare brands, which provides gentle yet very effective products. This particular face bar is perfect to use for your everyday shower time. It contains purifying grains that help deeply clean the skin, leaving it cleansed and purified.
It is also made with ¼ moisturizing cream that hydrates and moisturizes the skin to prevent the feeling of dryness and tightness. Moreover, this bar soap is dermatologically tested and is ideal for all skin types because of its mild and gentle formula.
| Type | Bar |
|---|---|
| Weight | 113 g |
| For Face or Body | Face, Body |
| Skin Type | All Skin Types |
| Key Ingredients | Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Dipropylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol |
Human NatureFor Men Cleansing Bar Soap ｜ Bamboo Charcoal
Works Like Magnet in Removing Dirt
If you want products that are 100% natural, Human Nature is one of the best brands in the market right now that you can check out. For instance, this cleansing bar is mainly made of coconut oil and charcoal formed from bamboo residue. These natural ingredients work like a magnet to absorb and eliminate dirt from the skin.
It is cruelty-free, paraben-free, sodium lauryl sulfate-free, and free from artificial dyes and fragrances, which makes it perfect for all skin types. Aside from charcoal, it also contains natural glycerin and peppermint that lock in moisture and keep your skin fresh and cool throughout the day.
| Type | Bar |
|---|---|
| Weight | 120 g |
| For Face or Body | unknown |
| Skin Type | Normal |
| Key Ingredients | Cocos Nucifera Oil, Glycerin |
A Non-Comedogenic Soap for Dry and Sensitive Skin
Looking for a soap that best suits your dry and sensitive skin? Search no more because Cetaphil's Gentle Cleansing Antibacterial Bar Soap is the one for you. This soap is safe to use for both the face and body. It is also non-comedogenic and gentle for daily use.
More importantly, it contains triclosan, a known antibacterial agent that can wash away bacteria, germs, and viruses in 20 seconds that you may have obtained from working outside. Additionally, you get to enjoy the 2-in-1 benefits of moisturizing and cleansing.
| Type | Bar |
|---|---|
| Weight | 127 g |
| For Face or Body | Face, Body |
| Skin Type | Dry, Sensitive, All |
| Key Ingredients | Triclosan |
AveenoSkin Relief Body Wash
Revitalizes Dry and Itchy Skin With Colloidal Oatmeal
If you suffer from dry and itchy skin, Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash can be your lifesaver. This hypoallergenic body wash is made with a blend of natural oatmeal, rich emollients, and gentle cleansers. As a result, it locks in moisture after washing to relieve dryness all day long.
It's suitable for those with skin conditions like eczema, atopic dermatitis, and allergies due to its natural ingredients and formula, free from soaps, dyes, and added fragrances. Reviews say that this product is effective at getting rid of itchiness. It also visibly improves skin health and hydration, even for people with sensitive skin.
| Type | Body Wash |
|---|---|
| Weight | 354 mL |
| For Face or Body | unknown |
| Skin Type | Dry, Sensitive |
| Key Ingredients | Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour |
SafeguardBar Soap ｜ Arctic Fresh
Cleanses and Cools Down the Whole Body
The Arctic Fresh variant boasts of a 24-hour cooling effect in addition to its antibacterial feature. This would work well for people who take a bath after a long, hot day. It's also safe to use for people of all ages, meaning families can use it! Customers like this product because of its efficacy and cooling sensation.
| Type | Bar |
|---|---|
| Weight | 115 g |
| For Face or Body | unknown |
| Skin Type | unknown |
| Key Ingredients | Zinc Pyrithione, Menthol, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil |
Your Solution to Clogged Pores and Back Acne
Oxecure is a popular brand that offers effective skincare products for both men and women with several types of skin problems. This soap contains 2.5% of sulfur that is specially formulated for those who have oily and acne-prone skin. This is very helpful as well for those who have back acne.
It deeply cleanses the skin, removes bacteria and dirt, reduces and controls oil production, and clears clogged pores so you can have clearer, brighter, and healthier skin. This soap also contains special ingredients like mangosteen extract, tea leaf extract, and soy protein that work to remove dark spots and acne marks.
| Type | Bar |
|---|---|
| Weight | 100 g |
| For Face or Body | Face, Body |
| Skin Type | Oily, Acne-Prone Skin |
| Key Ingredients | Sulfur, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract |
Old Spice Captain Shower Gel + Shampoo Body Wash
A 2-in-1 Body Wash and Shower Gel With Long-Lasting Scent
It is a 2-in-1 product that is perfect for people who want to get a bang for their buck. People can use this both for their hair and body, making things more efficient. It also effectively removes dirt and odor all over the body. Moreover, users love its convenience because instead of bringing bulky toiletries, they can just bring this one instead.
| Type | Body Wash |
|---|---|
| Weight | 400 mL |
| For Face or Body | Body |
| Skin Type | unknown |
| Key Ingredients | Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Citronellol |
Brighten Your Skin in Just a Few Days
Men nowadays also want a more even skin tone because it helps boost their confidence, and this Belo Men whitening body bar soap can help with that. It is made with powerful ingredients, such as glutathione, kojic acid, and gigawhite. It promises that you can start seeing improvements in just 7 days.
This soap also contains jojoba beads that exfoliate and draw out dirt from your skin to make it softer and smoother. Unlike other whitening soaps, this cleansing bar won't leave your skin dry and itchy; instead, it will supply your skin with lots of skin vitamins to make it healthier, youthful, and glowing!
| Type | Bar |
|---|---|
| Weight | 135 g |
| For Face or Body | unknown |
| Skin Type | unknown |
| Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil,, Glutathione, Kojic Acid, Alcohol, Malva Sylvestris Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Primula Veris Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Veronica Officinalis Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Morus Alba Root Extract |
Drive Away Dirt and Body Odor With This Bar Soap
Another great thing about this soap is it can be used by those with sensitive skin because it is paraben-, phthalate-, and gluten-free. In addition to that, it is 98% naturally derived, which minimizes its negative impact on the environment. Reviewers laud its ability to keep the body clean and odor-free without drying out the skin as well.
| Type | Bar |
|---|---|
| Weight | 104 g |
| For Face or Body | unknown |
| Skin Type | unknown |
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Hydrogenated Tallow Acid, Coconut Acid |
Protect Your Skin From Odor-Causing Germs
Palmolive is a popular brand when it comes to its bath and body products. This soap is made from charcoal powder that helps deeply clean the skin. It is one of the bestselling soaps for men in the market because it protects the skin against odor-causing germs. Aside from this variant, you can also try Palmolive's Fresh Blast soap for men, which makes use of natural essences.
It is recommended that you use this twice a day. You can use this in the morning when you shower to freshen you up and get ready to take on the day, and again at night to make sure that your body is clean before you hit the hay.
| Type | Bar |
|---|---|
| Weight | 115 g |
| For Face or Body | unknown |
| Skin Type | unknown |
| Key Ingredients | Charcoal Powder, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract |
Expert's Comment About the Top 10 Products
A question I often get asked is: "Can I use my wife's skincare products?" or "Can I use my husband's?"
The answer is yes! While of course there are some biological variations, in general, the skin needs of men and women are the same. Thus, their skincare regimens don't have to differ. So men can follow the same skincare tips with women.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered By Dr. Katrina Luz
Besides the tips that we put above, we have more recommendations from Dr. Katrina regarding skincare for men. Read them below!
Is It Advisable to Use the Same Soap for Hair, Face, and Body?
Our hair and skin have different physicochemical properties and manufacturers of haircare and skincare products take these things into account.
For instance, shampoos need to be delicate, cleanse without degreasing, easy to rinse out, and not irritating to the eyes. While soaps are formulated with stronger detergents for the skin, as the skin often contains more oil and dirt than hair.
Aside From a Moisturizing Soap, What Else Would You Recommend for Dry Skin?
I Think the Soap I Use Gives Me Body Odor. What Is the Best Thing to Do?
Rather than the soap, it's possible that other factors may be at play here - inadequate bathing habits or an underlying cause of the body odor itself. If the body odor persists, a visit to your dermatologist may be a good idea.
Looking for More Grooming Products?
Now that you've started adding skincare products to your daily routine, why not look for more grooming products that can help you take care of yourself. Check out the articles below for the best men's grooming products that you can also buy online.
Author: Cristel Joy Aron
Editor and Re-editor: Ayeza Mangulabnan, Valerie Lagura
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
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.
Top 5 Soaps for Men
No. 1: Dove ｜Men + Care Body and Face Bar｜Deep Clean
No. 2: Human Nature｜For Men Cleansing Bar Soap｜Bamboo Charcoal
No. 3: Cetaphil｜Gentle Cleansing Antibacterial Bar
No. 4: Aveeno｜Skin Relief Body Wash
No. 5: Safeguard｜Bar Soap｜ Arctic Fresh
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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