10 Best Bar Soaps in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
Finding the perfect bar soap in the Philippines can be daunting with so many options. Whether you need bar soap for sensitive skin, one with salicylic acid for exfoliating, or the best bar soap brands, our guide has you covered. We've collaborated with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Angelie Chua to create a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed choice.
Additionally, we've curated a list of top products available on Lazada and Shopee. Our recommendations highlight the best bar soaps for various needs, ensuring you find the perfect match for your skincare routine. Explore our picks to enhance your skin's health and glow.
Quick List - Top Bar Soaps
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.
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
- Is It Hygienic to Share Bar Soaps?
- Should Surfactants Be Avoided?
- How to Choose a Bar Soap – Buying Guide
- Gentle Cleansing for All Skin Types: Look for Moisturizing Ingredients1
- Sensitive Skin Care: Steer Clear of Potential Irritants Like Fragrances and Dyes2
- Combat Oil and Acne: Look for Acne-Fighting Ingredients Like BHAs and Avoid Comedogenic Ingredients3
- Premium Bar Soap: Handmade With Natural Fragrances and High-Quality Oils4
- Frequently Asked Questions Answered by a Board-Certified Dermatologist
- Can You Use Only One Soap for the Face and the Body?
- How Do You Know If a Bar Soap Is Contaminated?
- Is Checking the pH Level of a Bar Soap Important?
- More Products to Make Your Shower Time Enjoyable
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Is It Hygienic to Share Bar Soaps?
While bar soaps can potentially harbor bacteria when shared, the risk of transmitting illness is low if basic hygiene practices are followed.
Studies show that around 62% of bar soaps can get contaminated with microbes, compared to only 3% of liquid soaps. This is because the moist surface of a bar soap provides an environment for bacteria to thrive when shared between multiple users. However, the amount of bacteria transmitted is unlikely to cause significant health issues for most people with normal immune function.
For optimal hygiene, it is recommended to use personal bar soap to avoid spreading microbes. Those with compromised immune systems or specific hygiene concerns may want to exercise extra caution. Proper soap storage, such as allowing it to dry fully between uses, can also help minimize bacterial growth.
Should Surfactants Be Avoided?
Not all surfactants are necessarily harsh or need to be avoided completely. The key is to find fatty acids, which help offset any potential harm from surfactants.
Surfactants are detergent-like ingredients that help create lather and have cleansing and antibacterial properties. The most common surfactant used is sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).
Remember, everyone's skin is unique. Typically, those with sensitive skin should avoid drying and irritating sulfates like SLES. Not all surfactants are harsh; the key is checking ingredient lists for high concentrations of sulfates or other irritants. Mild surfactants can cleanse when paired with moisturizing oils and butters.
A common misconception is that well-lathering soap that leaves the skin feeling tight is more effective. This isn't true. A soap's cleaning power isn't just about how much it lathers. Some soaps contain gentle ingredients and extra moisturizers, which leave the skin feeling soft and supple.
How to Choose a Bar Soap – Buying Guide
Different skin types require various soap bars. Discover the essential tips for selecting the perfect bar soap in our comprehensive guide below!
Gentle Cleansing for All Skin Types: Look for Moisturizing Ingredients
Moisturizing ingredients are essential to provide hydration and nourishment, leaving the skin feeling soft and supple.
When selecting a bar soap, prioritizing moisturizing ingredients is key to promoting healthy skin. Opt for formulations rich in coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil, as these natural oils effectively replenish moisture levels and support the skin's natural barrier function.
Glycerin and hyaluronic acid draw moisture from the environment, helping hydrate your skin. Additionally, bar soaps with oatmeal, aloe vera, or other soothing additives offer gentle cleansing while providing comfort, making them ideal for individuals with sensitive or dry skin.
Since the soap is washed off and is not in contact with the skin for a prolonged period, a separate moisturizer is still needed. Using a moisturizing soap is beneficial, but it is not enough.
Sensitive Skin Care: Steer Clear of Potential Irritants Like Fragrances and Dyes
Those with sensitive skin need to be cautious about ingredients that can trigger reactions like redness, itching, and irritation.
Individuals with sensitive skin should be extra cautious about potential irritants in bar soap. Avoid artificial dyes, colorants, sulfates, lanolin, parabens, and, most importantly, fragrances and essential oils. These can all trigger reactions like redness, itching, and irritation.
The shorter the ingredients list, the better! Opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic bar soaps made with minimal ingredients to maintain the delicate balance of sensitive skin. Although not as common in the Philippines, you may look for products with the National Eczema Association label, indicating that the soap is suitable and tested for sensitive skin types.
If you really want to use a fragrant soap, patch test to see if your skin will react to the fragrance. Compared to synthetic fragrances, naturally fragrant essential oils are usually less likely to trigger contact dermatitis.
Combat Oil and Acne: Look for Acne-Fighting Ingredients Like BHAs and Avoid Comedogenic Ingredients
For oily, acne-prone skin, specific active ingredients such as salicylic acid can help unclog pores and kill acne-causing bacteria, while avoiding pore-clogging oils.
To address body acne or oily skin, look for bar soaps infused with salicylic acid, azelaic acid, sulfur, AHAs, or benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and AHAs gently exfoliate to unclog pores, while benzoyl peroxide and sulfur combat acne-causing bacteria.
Conversely, stear clear comedogenic oils such as cocoa, coconut, olive, and avocado oil, as well as lanolin, which can contribute to pore congestion and exacerbate breakouts. You'll also want to steer clear of harsh detergents like sodium laureth sulfate, parabens, alcohols, and triclosans which can strip too much oil and irritate acne.
If a new bar soap contains anti-acne ingredients like AHAs and BHAs, you may initially experience purging, especially if you don't usually use topical anti-acne skin care products.
Premium Bar Soap: Handmade With Natural Fragrances and High-Quality Oils
Premium soaps often contain natural ingredients compared to the synthetic ingredients seen in commercial soaps.
If you want a bar soap to elevate your showering routine or as a thoughtful gift, explore artisanal or other premium options. These are typically crafted in small batches using high-quality, natural ingredients like plant-based oils and butters such as shea, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and more. Look for those with natural fragrances from essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances.
Certified organic soaps indicate they are made without artificial additives, dyes, or preservatives. While more expensive, these luxurious soaps provide a pampering, sensorial experience with a nourishing lather. However, those with fragrance sensitivities should do a patch test, as even natural essential oils can potentially irritate.
A more expensive bar soap may have more natural and high-end ingredients, but this is not always the case! It's still best to check the ingredients list to know what the product actually contains.
10 Best Bar Soaps to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best for | Key Ingredients | Fragrance-free | Dye-free | Non-Comedogenic | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Oxecure Sulfur Soap | | Your Solution to Clogged Pores and Back Acne | Oily / Acne-prone Skin | 2.5% Sulfur | unknown | 30g | |||
2 | Perla Perla Pure Bath Hypoallergenic Soap | | Hypoallergenic Soap for Gentle Cleansing on Delicate Skin | Sensitive Skin、Moisturization | 100% Pure Coconut Oil | 125g | ||||
3 | Be Organic Oatmeal Soap | | Combat Symptoms of Sensitive Skin With a Mild Oatmeal Soap | Dry Skin、Oily / Acne-prone Skin | Saponified Oils of Palm, Coconut, Olive, and Castor, Essential Oil, Ground Oatmeal | 110g | ||||
4 | Dove Beauty Bar White | | A Classic Moisturizing Soap for Your Face, Hands, and Body | Dry Skin | 1/4 Moisturizing Cream, Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid | 100g | ||||
5 | Dermorepubliq Niacinamide Acne And Oil Control Face Bar Soap | | Achieve Clearer, Brighter Skin With a Gentle Exfoliating Soap | Oily / Acne-prone Skin、Sensitive Skin | Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica, Witch Hazel Extracts | unknown | 100g | |||
6 | Cetaphil Brightness Reveal Bar | | Rejuvenates Skin With Vitamin B3 and Sea Daffodil Extract | Sensitive Skin | Niacinamide and Sea Daffodil | 100g | ||||
7 | Belo Intensive Whitening Bar Kojic + Traxemic Acid | | Brighten and Even the Skin Tone With Tranexamic Acid and Kojic Acid | Oily / Acne-prone Skin, Pigmentation | Kojic Acid and Tranexamic Acid | 65g | ||||
8 | Cow Beauty Soap (Red) | | Milk-Infused Soap from Japan That's Been Loved Since the 1920s | Dry Skin, Pigmentation | Milk Fat (Milk), Squalane | 90g | ||||
9 | Aveeno Moisturizing Bar with Nourishing Oat | | Infused With Colloidal Oatmeal to Gently Cleanse and Moisturize the Skin | Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin | Avena sativa (Oat) | 100g | ||||
10 | Kojiesan Skin Lightening Soap Classic | | Kojic Acid Soap for a Glowing and Radiant Skin | Dark spots and uneven skin tone | Kojic Acid and Coconut Oil | 65g | ||||
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.
| Best for | Oily / Acne-prone Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | 2.5% Sulfur |
| Fragrance-free | |
| Dye-free | |
| Non-Comedogenic | unknown |
| Net Weight | 30g |
Hypoallergenic Soap for Gentle Cleansing on Delicate Skin
Seeking a gentle yet effective way to cleanse and hydrate your skin? Look no further than Perla Pure Bath Soap! Made with 100% pure coconut oil, this all-natural soap offers a delightful bathing experience. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, a natural fatty acid that fights bacteria with its antimicrobial properties. Lauric acid also boasts moisturizing benefits, leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated.
This soap is free of additives, dyes, colorants, preservatives, and parabens, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Its simple, natural formula is perfect for everyday use. Plus, Perla Pure is committed to sustainability! The coconuts used for the soap are sourced from local farmers, ensuring the highest quality ingredients while supporting our communities.
| Best for | Sensitive Skin、Moisturization |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | 100% Pure Coconut Oil |
| Fragrance-free | |
| Dye-free | |
| Non-Comedogenic | |
| Net Weight | 125g |
Combat Symptoms of Sensitive Skin With a Mild Oatmeal Soap
If you have sensitive skin, one of the struggles is finding a soap that you're hiyang with. Well, Be Organic has the perfect product for you! Their oatmeal soap doesn't contain any artificial colors or fragrances, and it's made from all-natural ingredients such as palm oil, coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, and oatmeal.
With oatmeal as its main component, this soap nourishes, moisturizes, and exfoliates the skin to soothe eczema, insect bites, and rashes. It's specifically formulated to relieve the symptoms of sensitive skin, such as dryness, inflammation, itchiness, and acne. Previous customers can vouch for this product, saying that it can soothe itchy skin.
| Best for | Dry Skin、Oily / Acne-prone Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Saponified Oils of Palm, Coconut, Olive, and Castor, Essential Oil, Ground Oatmeal |
| Fragrance-free | |
| Dye-free | |
| Non-Comedogenic | |
| Net Weight | 110g |
A Classic Moisturizing Soap for Your Face, Hands, and Body
Nothing beats Dove's classic beauty bar since it delivers nothing but fantastic results! It's an all-in-one beauty bar because it's gentle enough to be used on the hands, face, and body. Unlike traditional soaps, it can effectively remove dirt and grime without stripping off moisture from the skin.
It boasts a formula that contains 1/4 moisturizing cream, which leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, and supple after every use. Plus, it can brighten dull skin. No wonder a lot of loyal users recommend this product!
| Best for | Dry Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | 1/4 Moisturizing Cream, Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid |
| Fragrance-free | |
| Dye-free | |
| Non-Comedogenic | |
| Net Weight | 100g |
DermorepubliqNiacinamide Acne And Oil Control Face Bar Soap
Achieve Clearer, Brighter Skin With a Gentle Exfoliating Soap
Struggling with pimples, acne scars, or dull skin? Dermorepubliq's soap combines niacinamide to soothe inflammation and brighten the complexion, along with witch hazel to control excess oil. It also contains lactic acid to exfoliate dead skin, while cica extract and glycerin work together to deeply moisturize the skin.
This bar soap's versatility makes it a standout choice, as it works for both the face and body, simplifying your skincare routine. Moreover, users praise its ability to fade acne scars and refine skin texture, leaving it smoother and clearer. With regular use, it gradually unveils a healthier, more radiant glow!
| Best for | Oily / Acne-prone Skin、Sensitive Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica, Witch Hazel Extracts |
| Fragrance-free | |
| Dye-free | unknown |
| Non-Comedogenic | |
| Net Weight | 100g |
Rejuvenates Skin With Vitamin B3 and Sea Daffodil Extract
With added glycerin, it hydrates while cleansing, leaving skin soft and refreshed without any sticky residue. Fragrance-free and non-irritating, this bar effectively removes impurities and dullness to restore your skin’s natural glow. Moreover, users shared that it’s a simple yet effective way to keep skin feeling smooth, hydrated, and radiant every day.
| Best for | Sensitive Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide and Sea Daffodil |
| Fragrance-free | |
| Dye-free | |
| Non-Comedogenic | |
| Net Weight | 100g |
Brighten and Even the Skin Tone With Tranexamic Acid and Kojic Acid
Customers expressed their delight when glycerin was added to the new formula—unlike the old formula, they said the soap felt more moisturizing and gentle. It's also great for sensitive skin since it's hypoallergenic and derma-tested. For intense whitening minus the irritation, try Belo's best-selling kojic acid soap!
| Best for | Oily / Acne-prone Skin, Pigmentation |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Kojic Acid and Tranexamic Acid |
| Fragrance-free | |
| Dye-free | |
| Non-Comedogenic | |
| Net Weight | 65g |
Milk-Infused Soap from Japan That's Been Loved Since the 1920s
This iconic bar soap has been a beloved staple in Japan since the 1920s. Its light, reminiscent rose scent and simple ingredient list belie the outstanding cleansing power and moisturization it provides. With a mild yet effective formula, COW Beauty Soap has stood the test of time.
Milk and milk butter are the key ingredients, infusing the soap with essential vitamins A, B, and D to nourish and smooth the skin. Squalane, a plant-derived emollient, works in tandem to deeply hydrate while eradicating body odor. This gentle powerhouse also claims to help lighten dark spots, melasma, and stretch marks with regular use. Experience the timeless luxury of soft, radiant skin with every lather of this Japanese classic!
| Best for | Dry Skin, Pigmentation |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Milk Fat (Milk), Squalane |
| Fragrance-free | |
| Dye-free | |
| Non-Comedogenic | |
| Net Weight | 90g |
AveenoMoisturizing Bar with Nourishing Oat
Infused With Colloidal Oatmeal to Gently Cleanse and Moisturize the Skin
This oatmeal bar from Aveeno is a tried and tested choice. It is a favorite among those who suffer from dry and sensitive skin, as well as those with rashes and itchy skin. It contains colloidal oatmeal grown in countries like the UK, US, and Canada for their cool temperatures. This kind of careful cultivation ensures that the protective and rehydrating properties of natural oats are well-preserved.
Although it comes in a bar, it is actually soap-free. It is also free of parabens and fragrances. Thus, it is gentle enough to use every day and leaves you with smooth, clean, well-nourished, and itch-free skin. This was echoed by satisfied buyers, saying this is their go-to bar soap to calm skin asthma.
| Best for | Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Avena sativa (Oat) |
| Fragrance-free | |
| Dye-free | |
| Non-Comedogenic | |
| Net Weight | 100g |
KojiesanSkin Lightening Soap Classic
Kojic Acid Soap for a Glowing and Radiant Skin
Stubborn dark spots, freckles, and acne scars? Kojie San tackles them all, unveiling a brighter, more even skin tone with each wash. Now, you can embrace your natural beauty with the confidence of a dermatologist's touch right from the comfort of your own bathroom.
| Best for | Dark spots and uneven skin tone |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Kojic Acid and Coconut Oil |
| Fragrance-free | |
| Dye-free | |
| Non-Comedogenic | |
| Net Weight | 65g |
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by a Board-Certified Dermatologist
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Angelie Chua.
Can You Use Only One Soap for the Face and the Body?
It is recommended to use separate soaps for cleansing the body and the face. Body bar soaps usually have a higher pH and stronger cleansing agents to remove dirt effectively, which might be too harsh for facial skin, leading to irritation and acne.
For the face, opt for gentler bar soaps tailored to remove oil and dirt without causing irritation. Choose a milder bar soap with a lower pH for delicate facial skin. As with any skincare product, the best choice depends on your skin type.
How Do You Know If a Bar Soap Is Contaminated?
Look for changes in its appearance, lathering ability, and if it dissolves more easily than usual. If you notice these signs, or if you experience skin irritation, unusual odors, or any other adverse reactions, consult a board-certified dermatologist for further advice and evaluation.
Is Checking the pH Level of a Bar Soap Important?
Unfortunately, most soap products in the Philippines do not indicate the pH level since it's not regulated. Normal skin is slightly acidic, around pH 4.5-5.5. Due to their ingredients, most bar soaps are alkaline. Even though they're alkaline, they effectively clean the skin. Bar soaps with a pH of 7-9 are generally safe, even for sensitive skin.
More Products to Make Your Shower Time Enjoyable
Looking for more shower and bath essentials? Check out some of our articles to upgrade your shower routine! Listed are the best natural shampoos, hair conditioners, body lotions, and bath towels for you to choose from!
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 Bar Soaps
No. 1: Oxecure｜Sulfur Soap
No. 2: Perla｜Perla Pure Bath Hypoallergenic Soap
No. 3: Be Organic｜Oatmeal Soap
No. 4: Dove｜Beauty Bar White
No. 5: Dermorepubliq｜Niacinamide Acne And Oil Control Face 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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