Itchy skin can be caused by dryness, allergies, or conditions like eczema—and using the wrong soap can make it worse. Choosing the right one with soothing and moisturizing ingredients can help ease discomfort and prevent flare-ups.
To guide you, this article was reviewed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Angelie Chua and includes expert-backed tips for choosing soaps for itchy skin. We've also listed products you can easily find on platforms like Lazada and Shopee.
Quick List - Top Soaps for Itchy 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.
David is a law graduate (LL.B) who has a sharp eye for details and a strong passion for helping others make smarter decisions. Since he joined mybest in 2020, he’s been working on buying guides that make it easier to find the best products—whether they’re everyday essentials or unique finds. Apart from his work at mybest, David has also written for Grotto Network, a digital platform from the University of Notre Dame, and has experience as a special educational needs assistant. These roles have helped him hone his ability to connect with people and make complex topics more relatable and easy to understand. His love for nature and moments of reflection keep him grounded, and this thoughtful perspective shines through in every article he writes for mybest.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
In the Philippines, itchy skin is commonly caused by allergies, insect bites, xerosis or dry skin, and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
Itchy skin, or pruritus, is a frequent concern in the Philippines due to the country’s warm, humid climate and environmental allergens. Aside from insect bites and allergies, dryness (xerosis) can occur even in tropical weather, especially when skin is exposed to harsh soaps or frequent washing.
Pruritus may also be the first sign of more serious skin issues like atopic dermatitis or fungal infections, so it's important to choose soaps that cleanse without stripping moisture or aggravating the skin.
Choosing the right soap can make a big difference when dealing with itchy or sensitive skin. To help you find one that soothes rather than irritates, here are expert-backed tips on what ingredients and features to look for.
Colloidal oatmeal, aloe, glycerin, and coconut oil soothe itch, reduce inflammation, and keep skin hydrated and the barrier intact.
If your skin is dry, sensitive, or prone to itching, opt for soaps that contain soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, chamomile, or shea butter. Colloidal oatmeal contains avenanthramides, which reduce inflammatory cytokines, while aloe vera’s glycoproteins and polysaccharides promote healing and repair.
To keep skin hydrated, look for humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, which attract moisture to the skin, and coconut oil, which seals it in. These ingredients are generally safe for all skin types, including children and the elderly, but it’s still best to patch test for potential allergies.
Keep in mind that while soothing ingredients like oatmeal and aloe vera can ease itch and inflammation within minutes to hours, they don’t treat the root cause. For long-term relief, address the underlying condition and apply consistently.
Sensitive skin has a weakened barrier, making it prone to reactions from fragrances, antibacterial agents, and bleaching ingredients.
To avoid aggravating itchy or allergy-prone skin, steer clear of soaps with strong fragrances, parabens, alcohol, and antibacterial agents. These ingredients can strip the skin's natural oils and worsen irritation. Whitening soaps, often containing harsh bleaching agents, may also cause peeling or stinging sensations in already compromised skin.
Instead, consider using syndet bars, which are made with synthetic detergents that have a skin-friendly pH. These are less drying than regular soaps and are ideal for those with eczema, psoriasis, or generally reactive skin.
Babies' skin barriers are delicate, so choose mild, pH-balanced soaps that are gentle, non-irritating, and won't sting the eyes.
When choosing soap for babies or toddlers with sensitive or itchy skin, go for options labeled hypoallergenic, pH-balanced, and tear-free. These soaps are less likely to trigger allergic reactions or dryness and are gentle on both skin and eyes.
Avoid soaps with added fragrances, dyes, alcohol, or drying preservatives. Mild formulations without unnecessary additives help preserve the baby’s natural skin barrier and minimize discomfort during bath time.
Foam soaps are best for weak hands, while textured bar soaps with easy-open packs offer better grip and control.
For seniors or people with mobility issues, foam soaps are the most convenient since they don’t require lathering. Liquid soaps in pump bottles are also a hygienic option, especially when shared among household members.
If using a bar soap, choose ones that are rectangular with rounded edges and have a textured surface for better grip. Rigid boxes or dispensers are helpful for caregivers and make storing or dispensing the product easier and safer.
Body soaps may irritate facial skin due to stronger surfactants. Choose products labeled safe for both if you prefer one solution.
Using one soap for both your face and body can be convenient, but not all products are suited for dual use. The facial skin is more delicate and easily irritated by harsh ingredients commonly found in body soaps.
Look for soaps that clearly state they are gentle enough for facial use and free from drying agents, fragrances, or abrasive exfoliants. These options are typically milder and better suited for overall skin comfort.
Dermatologist-tested products are medically assessed; dermatologist-recommended ones meet a dermatologist’s safety and efficacy standards.
When in doubt, choose soaps that are dermatologist-tested or dermatologist-recommended. These labels indicate that the product has undergone clinical evaluation and is less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Certifications from dermatologists provide reassurance, especially for individuals with itchy, reactive, or sensitive skin. These endorsements can also help you feel more confident about the product’s safety and effectiveness.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hydrating Ingredients | Soothing Ingredients | Formulation | Packaging | Suitable for Face | Dermatologist-Tested | |||||
1 | Dove Baby Bar Rich Moisture | ![]() | Baby Soap With Moisture-Rich, Hypoallergenic Formula | Glycerin | Zinc Oxide | Hypoallergenic、pH-Neutral、Sulfate-Free、Phthalate-Free、Paraben-Free | Bar | |||
2 | Skinceutique Colloidal Oatmeal Soap | ![]() | Provides Deep Moisture for Allergy-Prone Skin | Coconut Oil、Sweet Almond Oil | Colloidal Oatmeal Powder | Fragrance-Free、Dye-Free | Bar | unknown | ||
3 | Aveeno Moisturizing Bar With Nourishing Oat | ![]() | Gentle Oatmeal Bar That Leaves Skin Soft and Healthy | Glycerin | Colloidal Oatmeal | Fragrance-Free、Dye-Free | Bar | |||
4 | Vanicream Cleansing Bar | ![]() | Mild Cleanser Trusted by Dermatologists for Daily Use | Sorbitol | unknown | Fragrance-Free、Hypoallergenic、Additive-Free、Dye-Free、Paraben-Free | Bar | |||
5 | Be Organic Baby Oatmeal Soap | ![]() | Nourishes Baby's Delicate Skin With Oats and Chamomile | Coconut Oil、Palm Oil、Castor Oil | Colloidal Oatmeal、Chamomile Oil | Hypoallergenic、Additive-Free | Bar | unknown | ||
6 | Cetaphil Ultra Protect Antimicrobial Cleansing Bar | ![]() | All-in-One Gentle Bar That Fights Germs and Keeps Skin Soft | Glycerin、Vitamin B3、Vitamin B5 | unknown | Hypoallergenic、pH-Neutral | Bar | |||
7 | Babyflo Oatmeal Bath | ![]() | Oat-Enriched Care That Locks in Moisture for Healthy Skin | Sodium Lactate | Colloidal Oatmeal | Paraben-Free 、Hypoallergenic | Bottle With Pump | |||
8 | Dr. S. Wong's Sulfur Soap With Moisturizer Aloe Vera Soap | ![]() | Say Goodbye to Breakouts and Itchiness With Refreshing Sulfur Soap | Aloe Vera | Sulfur | Formulated With Moisturizer | Bar | unknown | ||
9 | Human Nature Fragrance-Free Cleansing Bar | ![]() | Pure and Gentle Cleansing With No Fragrance | Glycerin、Sodium Lactate 、Coconut Oil | unknown | Fragrance-Free | Bar | unknown | ||
10 | Dr. Kaufman IR Skin Germ Protection Soap | ![]() | Fight Skin Germs and Stay Fresh With Every Wash | Glycerin | Sulfur | Antibacteria | Bar | unknown |
Hydrating Ingredients | Glycerin |
---|---|
Soothing Ingredients | Zinc Oxide |
Formulation | Hypoallergenic、pH-Neutral、Sulfate-Free、Phthalate-Free、Paraben-Free |
Packaging | Bar |
Suitable for Face | |
Dermatologist-Tested |
Hydrating Ingredients | Coconut Oil、Sweet Almond Oil |
---|---|
Soothing Ingredients | Colloidal Oatmeal Powder |
Formulation | Fragrance-Free、Dye-Free |
Packaging | Bar |
Suitable for Face | |
Dermatologist-Tested | unknown |
Features and benefits:
Hydrating Ingredients | Glycerin |
---|---|
Soothing Ingredients | Colloidal Oatmeal |
Formulation | Fragrance-Free、Dye-Free |
Packaging | Bar |
Suitable for Face | |
Dermatologist-Tested |
Hydrating Ingredients | Sorbitol |
---|---|
Soothing Ingredients | unknown |
Formulation | Fragrance-Free、Hypoallergenic、Additive-Free、Dye-Free、Paraben-Free |
Packaging | Bar |
Suitable for Face | |
Dermatologist-Tested |
Hydrating Ingredients | Coconut Oil、Palm Oil、Castor Oil |
---|---|
Soothing Ingredients | Colloidal Oatmeal、Chamomile Oil |
Formulation | Hypoallergenic、Additive-Free |
Packaging | Bar |
Suitable for Face | |
Dermatologist-Tested | unknown |
Hydrating Ingredients | Glycerin、Vitamin B3、Vitamin B5 |
---|---|
Soothing Ingredients | unknown |
Formulation | Hypoallergenic、pH-Neutral |
Packaging | Bar |
Suitable for Face | |
Dermatologist-Tested |
Hydrating Ingredients | Sodium Lactate |
---|---|
Soothing Ingredients | Colloidal Oatmeal |
Formulation | Paraben-Free 、Hypoallergenic |
Packaging | Bottle With Pump |
Suitable for Face | |
Dermatologist-Tested |
Reviews mention:
Many users rave about how this soap effectively clears acne, especially around the jaw and neck, thanks to its powerful sulfur content. They love how it leaves their skin feeling smooth and soft without drying it out, thanks to the added hydration from aloe vera.
Hydrating Ingredients | Aloe Vera |
---|---|
Soothing Ingredients | Sulfur |
Formulation | Formulated With Moisturizer |
Packaging | Bar |
Suitable for Face | |
Dermatologist-Tested | unknown |
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.
Hydrating Ingredients | Glycerin、Sodium Lactate 、Coconut Oil |
---|---|
Soothing Ingredients | unknown |
Formulation | Fragrance-Free |
Packaging | Bar |
Suitable for Face | |
Dermatologist-Tested | unknown |
Hydrating Ingredients | Glycerin |
---|---|
Soothing Ingredients | Sulfur |
Formulation | Antibacteria |
Packaging | Bar |
Suitable for Face | |
Dermatologist-Tested | unknown |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Angelie Chua.
Sulfur soap can provide immediate relief for eczematous conditions that cause itchy skin. However, it can be too drying and strip the skin of its moisture, potentially leading to dryness and increased itchiness.
Carbolic soap is a type of medicated soap. Due to its antibacterial properties, it can help reduce itching. However, excessive use—especially by those with sensitive skin—may cause irritation.
Yes, for those who have eczema, non-fragrant and hypoallergenic detergents are recommended.
If you're looking for other gentle soaps, we’ve also reviewed products that cater to specific skin concerns. Take a look at our guides on soaps for sensitive skin, soaps for eczema, and antibacterial soaps to find the best match for your needs.
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: Dove|Baby Bar Rich Moisture
No. 2: Skinceutique |Colloidal Oatmeal Soap
No. 3: Aveeno|Moisturizing Bar With Nourishing Oat
No. 4: Vanicream |Cleansing Bar
No. 5: Be Organic|Baby Oatmeal Soap
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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