Moisturizing soaps are great shower companions that help cleanse the skin without leaving it dry and flaky. Unlike regular soaps that tend to strip the skin of its natural oils, moisturizing soaps contain additional ingredients that help replenish moisture. These ingredients may be naturally-derived or chemical-based, but they are all ideal for those with dry skin or those who want to maintain the pH balance of their skin.
Moisturizing soaps are available in bars, body washes, and shower gels. With lots of options in the market, finding the best one could be overwhelming. But don't worry, as we offer you a buying guide and a list of the best moisturizing soaps you can score online. We also asked board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang for some comments and insights about this skincare product. Check below to achieve happier and healthier skin!
Quick List - Top Moisturizing Soaps
Luxe Organix
Calm, Brighten, and Restore, for Supple, Radiant Skin
Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang, MD, DPDS is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila, and achieving healthy skin is her goal in every skin journey she has with her patients. She also aims to raise awareness on healthy skin facts and skincare habits. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and is currently offering online consults for any skin, hair, and nail concerns. You can follow her on her Instagram and Facebook page to know more details about her practice!
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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Moisturizing soaps come in many forms. You can get a bar soap, body wash, or shower gel. Each has its own unique properties that can produce the results you want. It is also important to consider your skin type as some soaps are not for you and could irritate your skin. For more information, read through our buying guide below.
Moisturizing soap generally cleanses the skin, but where you will use it matters, as facial skin can be more delicate and sensitive than other body parts. For the face, opt for a moisturizing soap with a gentle formulation, especially if you have sensitive skin. Soaps infused with glycerin and shea butter can get the job done.
Whether chemical-based or naturally derived, a regular formula with more active ingredients may effectively work for other areas of the body, but be sure to take precautions if you have sensitive skin. There are also moisturizing soaps suitable for both the face and body, perfect if you are on a tight budget.
Soap is a cleansing agent that is made from a fatty acid with an alkali metal hydroxide. The cleansing action of soap comes from its ability to coat oil particles. This mechanism allows the gunk, sweat, and oil from the skin to be rinsed away. Soaps can have different formulations and ingredients. For the face, a gentle facial soap with moisturizing effects is recommended.
Soaps, including moisturizing ones, come in three types; bar, body wash, and shower gel. While they can all clean the skin, their consistency and interaction with the skin vary.
The bar is probably the most common form of soap. This type tends to have fewer ingredients than shower gel and body wash, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. On top of that, it is usually housed in eco-friendly packaging and can last longer compared to an average-sized liquid soap.
However, bar soaps tend to be less hygienic since bacteria can live on them, particularly if you share them with other people. To avoid bacteria buildup, rinse the bar after every shower, then dry it thoroughly before use.
Ordinary bar soap has a relatively high pH which can dry and strip your skin. However, there are different forms of bar soaps. Oils included in bar soaps and the process of adding oil (saponification) change the characteristics of the soap.
Body wash has a thin, runny consistency and is often made with emollients that help soothe the skin, making it a great choice for folks with normal to dry skin types. Since body washes are more hydrating, they are perfect for replenishing and retaining moisture in cold environments that are quite harsh on the skin.
Body wash has a thinner formula with a creamy consistency. It helps moisturize the skin and is more beneficial in colder weather to help avoid stripping moisture away from the skin. Body wash contains milder surfactants and is also pH-friendly to the skin. It normally has a rich foam, is easy to rinse, and causes minimal skin irritation.
Like body wash, shower gel is a liquid cleanser, too, but with a thicker, gel-like consistency. Some formulas are infused with soothing and moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, Aloe vera, and more.
However, its firm viscosity makes it slightly harsher on the skin when applied since it can dry out the skin a little more compared to the other moisturizing soap types. Due to that, shower gels are more suitable for people with oily skin.
Shower gel has a firmer, gel-like consistency. It may also contain a higher concentration of fragrance. It may be more moisturizing than body wash, so it can be more preferred for people living in warmer climates or for people with oily skin.
If you want to keep your skin moisturized, checking the ingredient list will get you one step closer to your skin goals. One of the essential components that you should look into is glycerin, a naturally derived humectant from vegetable oil and animal fats. It draws moisture from the air into the skin, keeping it moisturized and hydrated.
You can also opt for other moisturizing ingredients such as Vitamin E, Aloe vera, shea butter, almond oil, and coconut oil. These components have emollient and humectant properties and are packed with antioxidants and skin-nourishing vitamins.
Moisturizing components include three basic types: humectants, emollients, and occlusives.
The above-mentioned ingredients, if incorporated in soaps, can help maintain the skin's moisture.
Like any other skincare product, moisturizing soaps are also available in different formulations. You can pick between naturally-derived or chemical-based soaps depending on your preference.
If you have sensitive skin, you will surely benefit from getting a naturally derived soap formula. This type usually contains natural and plant-based ingredients like shea butter, Aloe vera, jojoba oil, vitamins, and more.
Additionally, most natural soaps in the market are housed in eco-friendly packaging, which usually catches the heart of eco advocates. However, some natural ingredients can still be harsh on the skin, so always check the ingredient list.
Natural formulations may be beneficial for people with sensitive skin. These may contain fewer additives such as fragrance. Do note, however, that all "natural" doesn't necessarily mean suitable for everyone. It is best to patch-test a product first before using it.
Chemical-based soaps are widely available in the market. They are usually mass-produced for commercial purposes, making them significantly more affordable than natural ones. While the term "chemical-based" often has negative implications for some skincare enthusiasts, it actually isn't always a bad thing.
There are chemical-based components that are beneficial for the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, ceramide, and AHA. Conversely, there are also chemical-based ingredients that you should stay away from, like parabens, sulfates, and triclosan, which can harm and irritate the skin. The key to avoiding these potential irritants is to read the label before purchasing.
Chemicals must not be judged as being harsh to the skin. Remember that all products are made from chemicals, and they are a normal part of a product formulation. Chemicals also serve as preservatives that keep a product stable. When it comes to "chemical-based" soaps, if you're unsure if they are harsh to your skin, it is best to read the label. Also, patch test first.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | For Face or Body | Natural or Chemical | Skin Type | Key Ingredients | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Aveeno Moisturizing Bar With Nourishing Oat | ![]() | Gentle Oatmeal Bar That Leaves Skin Soft and Healthy | Bar Soap | Face and Body | Natural、Chemical | Dry and Sensitive Skin | Glycerin, Avena sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour | 100 g | |
2 | Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash | ![]() | Gentle Cleansing for Sensitive and Dry Skin | Body Wash | Body | Chemical | Normal, Dry, and Sensitive Skin | Glycerin, Aloe barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein | 500 mL | |
3 | Palmolive Naturals Moisture Smooth Bar Soap with Aloe Vera | ![]() | Smooth, Soft Skin Naturally | Bar Soap | Face and Body | Natural | Normal | Sodium Palmate, Water, Glycerin, Talc, Fragrance, Nonfat Dry Milk Extract, OLEA Europaea Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract. | 115 g | |
4 | Luxe Organix Niacinamide + Centella Asiatica Cloud Soap | ![]() | Calm, Brighten, and Restore, for Supple, Radiant Skin | Bar Soap | Face | Natural、Chemical | Sensitive, Irritated, Aging | Centella Asiatica Extract and Madecassoside, Niacinamide, Papaya Extract, Shea Butter, Chamomile Extract | 180 g | |
5 | Human Nature Fragrance-Free Cleansing Bar | ![]() | Pure and Gentle Cleansing With No Fragrance | Bar Soap | Body | Natural | Normal, Dry, and Sensitive Skin | Glycerin, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil | 120 g | |
6 | Dr. Teal's Soothe And Moisturize Lavender Body Wash With Pure Epsom Salt | ![]() | Soothe Your Skin, Calm Your Mind — Hydrate and Relax | Body Wash | Body | Natural | Normal and Dry Skin | Glycerin, Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) Leaf Juice, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter) | 710 mL | |
7 | Be Organic Shea Butter Soap | ![]() | Pure Nourishment, Naturally Soft Skin | Bar Soap | Face and Body | Natural | Normal, Dry, Sensitive, and Aging Skin | Shea Butter | 110 g | |
8 | Dove Beauty Bar White | ![]() | Freshness and Care in Every Bar | Bar Soap | Face and Body | Natural、Chemical | Dry, Sensitive or Normal | Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance, Glycerin, Zinc Oxide | 135 g | |
9 | Kojie San Skin Lightening Soap With Hydromoist | ![]() | Gentle Lightening Soap with HydroMoist | Bar Soap | Face and Body | Natural、Chemical | All skin types, dry or uneven type.. | Kojic Acid, Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Oat Kernel Extract. | 65 g | |
10 | A Bonne Whip Soap Moisturizing Tomato Milk | ![]() | Naturally Nourish Your Skin with the Moisturizing Power of Tomato & Milk | Bar Soap | Face and Body | Natural or Chemical | Normal to Dry | Sodium Chloride, Whey Powder, Parfum, Bentonite, Kaolin, Magnesium Carbonate, Alpha Arbutin, Kojic Acid Dipalmitate, Whey Protein, Allantoi. | 100 g |
Features and benefits:
Type | Bar Soap |
---|---|
For Face or Body | Face and Body |
Natural or Chemical | Natural、Chemical |
Skin Type | Dry and Sensitive Skin |
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Avena sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour |
Net Weight | 100 g |
Reviews mention:
Many users with sensitive or easily irritated skin say this is very gentle and does not cause any stinging or dryness. They also like how it makes their skin feel clean yet moisturized after every bath. Some users note that the formula doesn’t lather much, but this is expected for a gentle body wash.
Type | Body Wash |
---|---|
For Face or Body | Body |
Natural or Chemical | Chemical |
Skin Type | Normal, Dry, and Sensitive Skin |
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Aloe barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein |
Net Weight | 500 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
This bar soap receives positive feedback for its moisturizing properties and affordability. Users appreciate its creamy lather that leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated. A few reviews mention that despite its moisturizing claims, it can leave skin feeling dry after use.
Type | Bar Soap |
---|---|
For Face or Body | Face and Body |
Natural or Chemical | Natural |
Skin Type | Normal |
Key Ingredients | Sodium Palmate, Water, Glycerin, Talc, Fragrance, Nonfat Dry Milk Extract, OLEA Europaea Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract. |
Net Weight | 115 g |
Reviews mention:
The cloud soap receives high recommendations for its calming, brightening, and anti-aging benefits. However, fragrance sensitivity and synthetic components may be points of caution for some users.
Type | Bar Soap |
---|---|
For Face or Body | Face |
Natural or Chemical | Natural、Chemical |
Skin Type | Sensitive, Irritated, Aging |
Key Ingredients | Centella Asiatica Extract and Madecassoside, Niacinamide, Papaya Extract, Shea Butter, Chamomile Extract |
Net Weight | 180 g |
Reviews mention:
Many appreciate this bar for being fragrance-free and non-irritating, especially for those sensitive to perfumes or additives. Some users like that it’s eco-friendly and free of harmful chemicals. A few say it is a bit softer in texture compared to commercial bars, so keeping it dry between uses helps it last longer.
Type | Bar Soap |
---|---|
For Face or Body | Body |
Natural or Chemical | Natural |
Skin Type | Normal, Dry, and Sensitive Skin |
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil |
Net Weight | 120 g |
Reviews mention:
The body wash has a pleasant lavender scent suitable for a spa-like experience at home. Many users describe it as their favorite body wash for relaxation and skin care. Some users note the presence of tea tree oil, which can be irritating for some people.
Type | Body Wash |
---|---|
For Face or Body | Body |
Natural or Chemical | Natural |
Skin Type | Normal and Dry Skin |
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) Leaf Juice, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter) |
Net Weight | 710 mL |
Reviews mention:
The soap is well-regarded for its moisturizing, gentle cleansing, and pleasant scent, with minor issues related to packaging and soap bar handling. Some users find the size of the bar initially slippery or difficult to hold, leading to accidental drops.
Type | Bar Soap |
---|---|
For Face or Body | Face and Body |
Natural or Chemical | Natural |
Skin Type | Normal, Dry, Sensitive, and Aging Skin |
Key Ingredients | Shea Butter |
Net Weight | 110 g |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many reviewers note that it improves skin condition, reduces redness and dry patches. The bar is also commended for its subtle, fresh scent and long-lasting quality. Several users have reported a negative change in scent, describing it as moldy or mildewy, and dissatisfied with the new formulation, it causes skin irritation or headaches.
Type | Bar Soap |
---|---|
For Face or Body | Face and Body |
Natural or Chemical | Natural、Chemical |
Skin Type | Dry, Sensitive or Normal |
Key Ingredients | Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance, Glycerin, Zinc Oxide |
Net Weight | 135 g |
Reviews mention:
Many users praise its balance of whitening and moisturizing, noting less dryness than other kojic soaps. Some report gradual brightening with consistent use. A few mention the scent is mild and pleasant. Overall, well-liked for gentle but effective results.
Type | Bar Soap |
---|---|
For Face or Body | Face and Body |
Natural or Chemical | Natural、Chemical |
Skin Type | All skin types, dry or uneven type.. |
Key Ingredients | Kojic Acid, Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Oat Kernel Extract. |
Net Weight | 65 g |
Reviews mention:
Users of this soap positively consider it as well-regarded for its moisturizing, brightening, and gentle cleansing properties. Its natural extracts and antioxidant ingredients contribute to healthier, radiant skin. However, users with sensitive skin should be mindful of the fragrance and preservatives included in the formula and consider patch testing before regular use.
Type | Bar Soap |
---|---|
For Face or Body | Face and Body |
Natural or Chemical | Natural or Chemical |
Skin Type | Normal to Dry |
Key Ingredients | Sodium Chloride, Whey Powder, Parfum, Bentonite, Kaolin, Magnesium Carbonate, Alpha Arbutin, Kojic Acid Dipalmitate, Whey Protein, Allantoi. |
Net Weight | 100 g |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang.
Washing the face twice a day is enough. Overwashing can dry out the skin, which can damage the skin barrier. People with dry or dehydrated skin can benefit most from using moisturizing soap.
Like regular soap, moisturizing soap aims to clean and wash off gunk and dirt. In doing so, it can keep our bodies clean.
The type of moisturizing ingredients will determine if the soap is suitable for people with oily or acne-prone skin. People with oily or acne-prone skin better look for humectants or emollients. These moisturizing ingredients are lightweight, with less risk of clogging the pores.
It's better for people with oily skin to avoid occlusive types of moisturizers because these have a higher risk of clogging the pores. Meanwhile, people who have acne-prone skin may also benefit from using medicated washes such as those containing salicylic acid.
Dry skin tips:
To ensure that your skin is well taken care of, you will need more than just moisturizing soaps. Check out some of our recommended skin essentials that will make your skin look softer and more vibrant!
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Author: E. Hubilla
Editor: R. Umlas
Re-editor: Anne Lamug
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: Aveeno|Moisturizing Bar With Nourishing Oat
No. 2: Cetaphil|Ultra Gentle Body Wash
No. 3: Palmolive Naturals|Moisture Smooth Bar Soap with Aloe Vera
No. 4: Luxe Organix|Niacinamide + Centella Asiatica Cloud Soap
No. 5: Human Nature|Fragrance-Free Cleansing Bar
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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