Exfoliating soaps are just one of many ways to get soft and smooth skin. Because they slough away dead skin and impurities, they leave you with deeply-cleansed skin and a clearer complexion. Some exfoliating soaps also have a whitening action, which is perfect for Pinays who are dreaming of getting a fair and glowing complexion like that of many artistas.
They’ve definitely proven themselves to be effective, which is why there’s an abundance of them in the market. To help you find the best exfoliating soaps around, we’ve compiled our top picks in a curated list. We also prepared a buying guide to help you know how to choose the best exfoliating soap for you.
Quick List - Top Exfoliating Soaps
Some By Mi
An Exfoliating Anti-Acne Soap for Clear and Glowing Skin
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
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
What makes an exfoliating soap effective is its ingredients. They’re what penetrate your skin to be able to give you that deep cleanse. Here are some common ones that you will encounter in your search for a good exfoliating soap.
Since alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are water-soluble, they work on exfoliating the outermost layer of your skin. On the other hand, beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), which are oil-soluble, are able to penetrate your skin more deeply, so they can exfoliate the deeper layers of your body or face.
They clean out your pores and help clear breakouts, too, so we recommend them for those with acne-prone skin. They’re also recommended to use for those with oily skin types, especially BHAs since these can help reduce sebum production. More than making sure your skin stays smooth, these ingredients also help a lot in ensuring your skin stays shine-free.
Our skin naturally exfoliates as new skin cells are developed—typically every 28 days. Certain factors such as aging, external environment, and lifestyle can slow down this natural process. This is where chemical exfoliation with the aid of acids such as glycolic acid, mandelic acid, and salicylic acid, to name a few, come in.
Natural ingredients like charcoal and clay are very effective in drawing away impurities by absorbing dirt and oil from your skin. They will also leave your skin feeling taut and firm, adding to the glass skin effect.
Some more natural ingredients you might find in exfoliating soaps are tea tree, coffee, lemon, oatmeal, and bran. They help give your skin a deep clean and dry out any blemishes, so they can be sloughed away for a smoother and more supple skin texture.
Clay is a soft, loose material with minerals. Because of its absorbent properties, it has been used in skincare products aimed at removing impurities.
An important part of whitening your skin is exfoliating it to get rid of any dark marks, so it’s no surprise that these whitening ingredients are also excellent exfoliators. They will lift away dead skin cells, revealing a radiant complexion that will make you look like you’re glowing from within.
These ingredients are often combined not just for their maximum whitening effects but also because they have nourishing properties. This is helpful if you have dry skin since you can still exfoliate without experiencing any redness or irritation.
A multifunctional soap with antioxidants and lightening ingredients can help even-out skin tone. Ingredients such as niacinamide (brightening and hydrating effects) or Vitamin C (brightening and protecting from UV-induced damage) are great options.
If you have specific skin concerns that you want to address, your exfoliating soap can help. Check out the added ingredients that come with it to see which product will be best for your skin type.
You may be concerned about exfoliating your face, especially if you have dry skin. You don't need to worry, though, because some soaps contain moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, goat's milk, and shea butter to ensure that your skin still stays hydrated after exfoliation. This will prevent any redness and loss of moisture.
Some exfoliating soaps also contain beneficial and skin-friendly chemicals like glycerin and niacinamide to help nourish your skin. This is incredibly helpful if you think that natural moisturizing ingredients are not enough to give you the moisture that your skin needs.
For those with dry or sensitive skin, an exfoliating soap incorporated with hydrating and/or moisturizing ingredients may just be the trick. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These can give you the extra hydration you need as well as protect your skin barrier from irritation.
Those with oily and acne-prone skin might do better with exfoliating soaps that contain ingredients for controlling oil production. Some examples are lemon and apple cider vinegar. As they keep sebum at bay, they will most likely help stop the formation of acne, too.
Some soaps have microbeads or some type of gentle abrasive to help exfoliate the surface of your skin. It will give you a thorough cleanse since it can physically lift off dirt and dead skin cells from your skin.
Aside from microbeads, these gentle abrasives may also come in the form of natural granules like rice or oatmeal. It would be better to go for products that use these as abrasives compared to plastic ones for a more eco-friendly option.
Make sure to avoid these for those with sensitive and/or damaged skin.
Dead skin cells are present in both your body and face, so it’s important to exfoliate both areas. However, depending on the strength of their formulation, some soaps are intended for use specifically on either your face or body. Some soaps may be too harsh to use on your face and may cause redness or painful peeling, so be vigilant in checking this information.
You can find this info on the product description of the listing or printed on the soap’s box or packaging. To get the best bang for your buck, we recommend getting an exfoliating soap that you can use for both your body and face. But if you have sensitive skin, especially on your face, go for an exfoliating soap specially formulated for either just your body or face.
The skin on the face and the body have different characteristics, particularly, the skin on the face is more sensitive and delicate. Hence, what you use on the face, you can use on the body, but not necessarily vice versa. Read the ingredient list! Take note of the concentration of the active.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Net Weight | Exfoliating Ingredients | Other Beneficial Ingredients | For Face or Body | |||||
1 | Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cleansing Bar | ![]() | An Exfoliating Anti-Acne Soap for Clear and Glowing Skin | 106 g | BHA, AHA, PHA | Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Tea Tree Extract | Face | |
2 | Luxe Organix Bentonite Exfoliating Cloud Soap | ![]() | Dries Out Blemishes and Reduces Sebum Production | 180 g | Bentonite Clay, Activated Charcoal | Apple Cider Vinegar, Shea Butter | Face | |
3 | Human Nature Exfoliating Bar Soap | ![]() | Get Smooth, Nourished Skin With This Chemical-Free Option | 120 g | Loofah | Vegetable-derived Glycerin | Body | |
4 | Cetaphil Brightness Reveal Bar | ![]() | Rejuvenates Skin With Vitamin B3 and Sea Daffodil Extract | 100 g | Niacinamide | Sea Daffodil Extract | Body | |
5 | Dr. Sensitive Niacinamide + Salicylic Acid Face and Body Bar Soap | ![]() | A Powerful Cleansing Bar to Target Pimples and Control Oil | 120 g | Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid | Vitamin C | Face and Body | |
6 | VMV Hypoallergenics ID Clarifying Soap/Exfoliating Body Cleanser | ![]() | Features Salicylic Acid and Apricot Kernels to Gently Rejuvenate Sensitive Skin | 135 g | Salicylic Acid, Apricot Kernels | Glycerin, Virgin Coconut Oil | Body | |
7 | Love Thy Self Lemon BHA Anti Acne Soap | ![]() | Treat Oily and Acne-Prone Skin With Lemon Extract | 90 g | Lemon Fruit Extract, Salicylic Acid | unknown | Face and Body | |
8 | Belo Intensive Whitening Bar w/ Exfoliating Lemon Scrubs | ![]() | Fights Against Hyperpigmentation With Tranexamic Acid | 65 g | Lemon Scrubs | Kojic Acid, Tranexamic Acid | Face and Body | |
9 | Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar | ![]() | Specially Formulated for Dry and Sensitive Skin | 106 g | Exfoliating Beads | Lauric Acid, Glycerin, Dove 1/4 Moisturizing Cream | Face and Body | |
10 | Gluta-C Intense Whitening Exfoliating Soap | ![]() | A Whitening Bar to Help You Achieve Fair and Smooth Skin | 120 g | Vitamin B5, Papaya Enzymes | Glutathione, Vitamin C | Face and Body |
Here's your match if you want a face wash that'll clear out impurities from all layers of your skin! With its AHA, BHA, and PHA ingredients, this cleansing bar can remove dead skin cells from the topmost layer of the skin, exfoliate from deeper within the skin, and even prevent the skin from losing moisture.
The best part? This cleanser does all of that while still being gentle to the skin. It also has added 2% niacinamide, resulting in a brighter and more even complexion. Lastly, it has natural oils and extracts, like tea tree and Houttuynia, to nourish and hydrate your skin and leave it glowing from within! Reviewers also love that it leaves a cooling effect on the skin.
Net Weight | 106 g |
---|---|
Exfoliating Ingredients | BHA, AHA, PHA |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Tea Tree Extract |
For Face or Body | Face |
If you're looking for an exfoliating soap that will address your oily skin concerns, this one from Luxe Organix is something you shouldn't miss out on. Its activated charcoal and bentonite clay content will penetrate your skin deeply to draw out impurities and minimize the appearance of large pores. It also includes apple cider vinegar which helps dry out acne and reduces the skin's oil production.
This soap will balance out your skin and won't leave it dry since it's also formulated with shea butter. Shea butter is fortified with fatty acids, so aside from nourishing your skin, this ingredient will also help it produce more collagen. This will give you more youthful and supple skin with a radiant glow!
Net Weight | 180 g |
---|---|
Exfoliating Ingredients | Bentonite Clay, Activated Charcoal |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | Apple Cider Vinegar, Shea Butter |
For Face or Body | Face |
Human Nature's Exfoliating Bar Soap is a must-have addition to your daily skincare routine. Made with all-natural ingredients, this soap gently exfoliates your skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and refreshed. It's also free from environmentally harmful plastic microbeads; instead, it has natural loofah fibers to exfoliate your skin.
You won't even have to worry about dry skin since the soaps are cold-processed. This means that they retain their natural, vegetable-derived glycerin to keep your skin nourished and healthy. If you're looking for a reliable and chemical-free exfoliating soap, then this one's your bet!
Net Weight | 120 g |
---|---|
Exfoliating Ingredients | Loofah |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | Vegetable-derived Glycerin |
For Face or Body | Body |
Net Weight | 100 g |
---|---|
Exfoliating Ingredients | Niacinamide |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | Sea Daffodil Extract |
For Face or Body | Body |
Achieve clearer, brighter skin with Dr. Sensitive’s face and body soap! It contains niacinamide to reduce inflammation and regulate sebum, while salicylic acid targets clogged pores to combat breakouts. Additionally, glycolic and lactic acids exfoliate dead skin cells, and vitamin C fades dark spots and brightens the complexion.
What sets this soap apart is its ability to deeply cleanse and unclog pores without drying out the skin. Buyers love how it smooths rough patches while leaving their skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated. If you’re looking for an easy, effective addition to your skincare routine, this soap delivers noticeable results with minimal effort.
Net Weight | 120 g |
---|---|
Exfoliating Ingredients | Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | Vitamin C |
For Face or Body | Face and Body |
For those with particularly sensitive skin, exfoliating can be tricky as it may trigger redness and irritation. Fortunately, this exfoliating body soap from VMV Hypoallergenics will put you at ease. Free of 108 common allergens, it'll scrub away at dirt and dead skin cells without upsetting or aggravating your skin. It's also free of ingredients like fragrances and parabens.
This soap uses salicylic acid to deeply cleanse and exfoliate your skin. It also contains apricot kernels that work as gentle abrasives that physically lift and remove dead skin cells that can cause body acne. Your skin will even feel soft and moisturized after rinsing thanks to ingredients such as glycerin and organic virgin coconut oil.
Net Weight | 135 g |
---|---|
Exfoliating Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Apricot Kernels |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | Glycerin, Virgin Coconut Oil |
For Face or Body | Body |
Using the popular BHA, salicylic acid, this soap purifies and exfoliates your skin to give you not just a radiant complexion, but also better skin health. It's formulated for those with oily and acne-prone skin since it also has lemon extract, which helps control sebum production and unclogs your pores for clearer skin.
It's made for both your face and body, so those with body acne can also use this to address their skin concerns. Users love it, saying that the hype that this soap receives on Tiktok is well-deserved since it's so soft on their skin and that it works wonders. They also like its mild candy scent that's oh-so sweet!
Net Weight | 90 g |
---|---|
Exfoliating Ingredients | Lemon Fruit Extract, Salicylic Acid |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | unknown |
For Face or Body | Face and Body |
If you're dealing with dull and uneven skin, make sure to try out Belo's Intensive Whitening Bar. It features tranexamic acid that can fade dark spots, reduce the appearance of scars, and refresh tired skin. This cleansing bar soap also has lemon scrubs that gently get dirt and other impurities off the surface of your skin.
Despite the deep cleanse that this soap promises, you can rest assured that your skin will feel soft and supple. Thanks to ingredients such as glycerin and coconut oil, your skin is sure to stay hydrated and healthy. Overall, this product is great for brightening and cleansing skin if you're on a budget!
Net Weight | 65 g |
---|---|
Exfoliating Ingredients | Lemon Scrubs |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | Kojic Acid, Tranexamic Acid |
For Face or Body | Face and Body |
Dove is practically a household name in personal care. Made with gentle exfoliating beads that scrub off dead skin and dirt, this wonderful bar soap is sure to get your skin glowing quickly. In fact, its outstanding reviews frequently cite its powerful exfoliating properties and gentle, moisturizing formula.
It hydrates your skin thanks to Dove’s special 1/4 moisturizing cream. If you’re looking for a gentle and mild soap from a tried-and-tested brand, then the Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar should do just the trick. Dove even recommends it for those with sensitive skin and eczema!
Net Weight | 106 g |
---|---|
Exfoliating Ingredients | Exfoliating Beads |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | Lauric Acid, Glycerin, Dove 1/4 Moisturizing Cream |
For Face or Body | Face and Body |
Did you know that an important part of getting lighter skin is getting rid of dead skin cells and dark marks? This soap makes that possible by amping up its exfoliating power with whitening ingredients like glutathione, vitamin C, and papaya enzymes. These ingredients lightly buff away dirt from your skin to reveal a brighter skin tone.
The papaya enzymes in this soap also continue to exfoliate your skin even after rinsing, giving it a softer and smoother texture. It's antibacterial, too, so it can prevent and stop the spread and growth of bacteria. Plus, it's paraben-free and non-drying, so you won't likely experience any irritation.
Net Weight | 120 g |
---|---|
Exfoliating Ingredients | Vitamin B5, Papaya Enzymes |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | Glutathione, Vitamin C |
For Face or Body | Face and Body |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz.
Twice to thrice a week is generally enough. Remember, our skin naturally exfoliates on its own. These are just meant to hasten the process.
To a certain extent, since exfoliating soaps allow mature skin cells to be removed, revealing new skin, it can temporarily reveal brighter and more even-toned skin. Take note! Temporarily.
Over-exfoliation is a no-no! Most of the time choosing one exfoliating ingredient is enough as we want to preserve the health of the skin barrier.
If you see or feel signs of irritation such as redness, peeling, burning/stinging, breakouts, and increased sensitivity, take a step back as your skin barrier might be compromised. Don't hesitate to #AskYourDerma!
Getting soft and smooth skin is a journey, and you'll need different skincare products to help maximize the effects of your exfoliating soap. Check out our other articles below for more product recommendations that you can add to your current regimen.
Author: Bianca Angela Dela Cruz
Editor: R. Umlas
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: Some By Mi |AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cleansing Bar
No. 2: Luxe Organix|Bentonite Exfoliating Cloud Soap
No. 3: Human Nature|Exfoliating Bar Soap
No. 4: Cetaphil|Brightness Reveal Bar
No. 5: Dr. Sensitive|Niacinamide + Salicylic Acid Face and Body Bar Soap
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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