Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
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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Bar soaps used to get a bad rap for being too harsh and stripping the skin of its natural oils. But not anymore. The newest generation of facial bar soaps now contains fewer chemicals than facial washes. Facial bar soaps do not contain surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate, a cleansing and foaming agent that can cause skin irritation.
Another benefit of using a facial bar soap is that it uses less packaging, usually cardboard, which is also more environmentally-friendly than the plastic bottles that liquid washes come in. They are also much more convenient for traveling because of their compact size.
Some people prefer to use bar soaps for cleansing the face because bar soaps are more convenient for them as compared to liquid cleansers. There are actually bar soaps that are formulated for facial cleansing that do not contain strong surfactants that can disrupt the skin's slightly acidic pH.
Here are some key points to consider:
People with normal skin are those who have very minimal facial skin problems. They don’t always worry about pimples and acne, oily skin, and many others. We suggest choosing bar soaps that don’t contain harmful chemicals that can destroy the balance of your skin. The keyword here is maintenance.
The best way to do that is to choose products with ingredients that restore and maintain pH balance. Substances like aloe vera, Vitamin C, and antioxidants all help keep normal skin maintain its acid mantle - a protective barrier against bacteria that also keeps moisture in.
Synthetic detergents (syndets) are bar soaps that are formulated with pH as close as possible to the skin's slightly acidic pH. These types of bar soap are great for normal skin and other skin types as well.
Oily skin causes a host of problems - clogged pores, acne, and a shiny face. Therefore, you should be on the lookout for products with oil control properties, such as tea tree oil, salicylic acid, and citrus extracts. In extreme cases, medicated acne care soaps may be needed.
However, this doesn't mean that you should buy soaps with harsh formulas. Opt instead for bar soaps with a mellow and creamy moisturizing effect. These can help prevent your skin from producing too much sebum while still keeping it hydrated.
For those with oily skin, look for ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid. These hydroxy acids function as mild chemical exfoliants that help unclog pores and lessen sebum production. Be careful not to over-cleanse your face because it can lead to irritation.
People with dry and dull soap need to choose a bar soap with added moisturizers. They can also use soaps with herbal ingredients that restore skin tone. It's important to pay attention to dryness to avoid infections that can develop from cracking or peeling skin.
For those with dry skin, look for humectants such as glycerin that attract water from the environment and prevent moisture loss from the outermost layer of the skin.
Moisturizing cleansers with petrolatum or triglycerides oils are also recommended for dry and dull skin because they improve skin hydration. There is also an immediate reduction in the skin's visual dryness, according to several studies. Triglyceride oils were found to be a great source of fatty acids that can be used to make ceramides that can help repair the skin barrier.
If you are one of those, you should be really careful and take your time to research. Soaps that contain a lot of chemicals can trigger irritation on your skin. To avoid this, pick a bar soap that does not contain extra additives like coloring agents, surfactants, and preservatives. Be sure to check the label!
Those with sensitive skin will benefit from bar soaps that are formulated to mimic the skin's slightly acidic pH and from lipid-free cleansers since they are non-foaming and have low surfactant capabilities.
Look also for bar soaps that are fragrance-free because these have fewer chances of causing skin irritation for those with sensitive skin. Soaps with emollients like ceramides can help repair the skin barrier, so they can also be used for sensitive skin.
It can do the tough job of deep cleaning and removing dirt, makeup, and impurities, but it won't strip your skin of its natural oils. People with dry and sensitive skin do not need to worry about developing rashes with this product. It is hypoallergenic and non-irritating and is a safe choice.
Human Nature is a leader in all-natural, organic soaps and personal care products. Whatever scent you choose, you will receive the benefits of natural essential oils and glycerin from Philippine coconut oil. It's great for people with normal skin and no major skin issues, as well as for those who enjoy aromatherapy.
Keep in mind, though, that if you're allergic to essential oils, this product might cause some sensitivity. Be mindful, too, of storing the soap properly after use as it has no hardening chemical ingredients included.
By buying this product, you will be supporting a brand that promotes high-quality, Philippine-made products. Human Nature is also known for making sustainable and vegan-friendly products and uplifting impoverished communities in the process. Now that's a brand we can all get behind!
This product is best for people with dry and sensitive skin. But it is also suitable for a wide range of users, from babies to teenagers to adults, which makes it a perfectly affordable soap for use by the whole family.
This soap contains a unique blend of 24K gold and natural seaweed extracts to fully absorb free radicals and strengthen cell metabolism. It can also reduce wrinkles and dryness because it has neroli oil. This is a perfect choice for people who would like to combat the effects of aging.
People of different skin types can use this product. Users claim that their scars and acne marks have lightened after using this soap, probably due to its hyaluronic acid component. The small size can be a factor to consider, though, because this soap is less than half the size of the average soap bar.
This bar soap will help you recover your skin's natural glow with its infusion of the vitamins and nutrients found in tomatoes. The antioxidant properties of lycopene make it a good choice for people who want gentle cleansing that also brightens and heals dull spots in their skin.
Many users claim to be hiyang with this product and enjoy the refreshing feeling it gives afterward. It also contains a bit of salicylic acid, which can help control the occasional breakouts people with normal skin go through. Overall, it's a good product when all you're looking for is maintenance and a healthy glow.
Gluta-C has always been one of the go-to brands for people who want to whiten their skin. By inhibiting the production of melanin, glutathione works to lighten dark skin and neutralize free radicals. This makes this soap a favorite among Filipinos who want to lighten their skin.
This product is best for oily skin because it has anti-acne properties due to the addition of Azelaoyl Diglycinate. This is a chemical that controls oil production, so if you are prone to pimples, you might find relief with this soap.
It also has Kojic Acid to help whiten the skin. Users claim that they can see results in as little as four weeks. Do note that it might cause some sensitivity to the skin, so make sure to apply an ample amount of sunscreen and avoid staying under the sun for long periods of time.
Lemon has astringent qualities that help control oil production, and they are antibacterial too. The use of coconut oil as the carrier oil helps offset the harshness and sting that lemon can cause. These properties make this soap a great option for people with skin issues like acne, eczema, and blackheads.
AcneCare's Anti-Acne Soap is a product formulated to control oil production and blocked pores with Bio Sulfur. It has tea tree oil to further strengthen its antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial effects. It's also good for people who are outdoors a lot since it prevents sun damage and fights free radicals.
However, it can be too harsh for people with normal skin and no acne issues. Even with the addition of Ace-B3, a combination of aloe vera extract and Vitamins C and E, it can still be drying, so remember to always use a moisturizer after using this bar soap.
It's also good for people who want to rejuvenate their dull skin because honey contains refreshing and hydrating properties. And since it is fragrance-free, this soap is great for people with sensitive skin.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Meg Sison.
There are face bar soaps that can be used for the face as long as they have gentle surfactants. These are formulated as synthetic detergents or syndets.
There are face bar soaps that can be used for the face as long as they have gentle surfactants. These are formulated as synthetic detergents or syndets.
If you will be using bar soap for the face, avoid those with fragrance and harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate, alkyl ether sulfate, chlorhexidine, and benzalkonium chloride.
Limit facial cleansing to twice a day to prevent over-stripping your skin barrier. There have been a lot of scientific advances in facial cleansers through the years and there are more options to choose from. Consult a board-certified dermatologist to guide you in choosing the right cleansers for you.
Living in a country with high levels of heat, humidity and pollution can take its toll on our skin. We need to take the time from our busy lives to stop and pamper our skin in every way we can. Here are some useful articles to help you do this.
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.
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