In this article, we will introduce our top 10 recommended bar soaps to buy online from brands like Cetaphil, Safeguard, and Dove. With that, we'll explain some factors to consider when you’re choosing a bar soap—we even asked for comments and tips from dermatologist Dr. Maria Elinor Grace "Meg" Sison!
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.
Table of Contents
Bar and liquid soaps are equally effective with cleaning—if you wash properly. But what differentiates bars from liquid soaps is that they are more sustainable and cost-effective. Often, they come in cardboard packaging or are wrapped in a thin plastic film. There are also some stores like Lush that sell bar soaps without any packaging!
If stored properly, which means keeping them as dry as possible in between uses, bar soaps can give you a run for your money because they can last a long time. Not to mention, most, if not all, bar soaps are also cheaper than liquid soaps.
Bar soaps are convenient to use, and they are not prone to spillage, unlike body washes. They also consume less packaging compared to liquid soaps. There are three types of bar soaps, namely true bar soaps, synthetic detergents (syndets), and combar soaps.
People have different skin types and each skin type has its own needs. Just like with any skincare or cosmetic products, one thing that you must consider is choosing a product that is suitable for your skin type.
Naturally-derived sunflower seed oil, olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, noni, milk, soy protein, and cocoa butter can also intensely moisturize dry skin and also bring additional benefits like protecting cells from damage and stopping signs of aging.
Additionally, choosing a soap with oleic acid or stearic acid is highly suggested. Oleic acid has a similar chemical construction to the fatty acids found on human skin. It has the same effect of supplementing moisture while washing away dirt and debris on your skin.
For those with dry skin, look for ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid that draw moisture from the environment, thus help in hydrating your skin.
Occlusives like shea butter, coconut oil, and sunflower seed oil form a hydrophobic film on top of the skin and prevent moisture loss from the skin's outermost layer. Look also for bar soaps that have fatty acids as these are added to compensate for surfactant damage.
Most bar soaps serve the purpose of washing off dirt and debris from your body. But there are soaps as well that address uneven skin tone, sun damage, and dark spots.
If you want to achieve clearer and lighter skin, choose one that contains whitening ingredients like kojic acid, glutathione, and papaya. They effectively inhibit melanin production for fairer skin.
If you’re concerned about the excessive production of sebum and bacteria build-up on your skin or if you have a problem with clogged pores and acne breakouts, soaps with non-comedogenic ingredients can effectively control oil and remove skin impurities.
Some of the most noteworthy ingredients for those with oily and acne-prone skin include tea tree oil, sulfur, clays, ghassoul, oatmeal, and activated charcoal. Acids like BHAs, AHAs, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide are also very effective in controlling oil and acne.
Those with oily or acne-prone skin on the body will benefit from bar soaps containing salicylic acid, AHAs, or benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid and AHAs help unclog the pores by providing mild chemical exfoliation, while benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial properties that fight Cutibacterium acnes bacteria in the skin.
The shorter the list of ingredients the better! Look for ingredients that are soothing and have anti-inflammatory properties like oatmeal, green tea, squalene, aloe vera, honey, shea butter, and chamomile.
For those with sensitive skin, use bar soaps that are fragrance-free. Soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal would also help because of their anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, antioxidant, and barrier repair properties. Synthetic detergents (syndets) are also recommended for sensitive skin since their pH is close to that of our skin, which is slightly acidic.
Simply put, soaps for men don't really have much difference from women's soap. Nevertheless, it is important to note that some soaps specifically formulated for men tend to be "stronger" or more potent because it is believed that men's skin is thicker and produces more sebum.
Most soaps for men include charcoal because it is effective in cleansing and drawing out any skin impurities. However, as with other products, it is important to check the label and inspect the ingredients. This way, you know whether the soap is suitable for your skin type and could target any skin concerns.
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 for the hands, face, and body. Unlike traditional soaps, it can effectively remove dirt and grime without stripping off moisture from the skin.
Dove boasts of 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!
Net Weight | 135g |
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Best for | Dull and Dry Skin |
Notable Ingredients | Lauric Acid |
Features | Contains 1/4 Moisturizing Cream |
Net Weight | 127g |
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Best for | Dry and Sensitive Skin |
Notable Ingredients | Triclosan 0.3%, Glycerin |
Features | Non-comedogenic, Non-drying, Hypoallergenic, Antibacterial |
Coming from one of the mainstay brands in almost every Filipino household, this bar soap from Safeguard combines the power of tea tree and their Triple Detox formulation, which remove excess sebum and impurities from the skin. This makes it effective against body acne and other skin concerns.
Just like other Safeguard soaps, this variant also offers unbeatable germ protection of up to 99.9%, so you'll surely get a clean feeling after your shower! Many reviewers like the scent of the soap, and some mentioned that it can dry out pimples and blackheads while keeping the skin soft.
Net Weight | 108g |
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Best for | Acne-Prone Skin |
Notable Ingredients | Tea Tree Oil Extracts, Glycerin |
Features | Triple Detox Technology, 99.9% Germ Protection |
You've probably come across a post of a celebrity using SnailWhite products, and are curious to know what the hype is all about. For starters, try their Whipp Soap! It contains beneficial ingredients for your skin, such as bearberry leaf extract, niacinamide, vitamin C, and arbutin, which lighten dark spots and even out your skin tone. It also has moisturizing properties, thanks to its hyaluronic acid content.
Moreover, it's infused with 9 plant-based ingredients like blackcurrant seed oil, sunflower oil concentrate, and balloon vine extract, which prevent free radical damage and reduce inflammation. But the best feature of this product is its UltraWeave Mesh, which produces a gentle lather to lift off dirt and other impurities from the skin. Combined with their Micellar Foam Technology, you'll get a fairer complexion and clearer skin with regular use!
Net Weight | 100g |
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Best for | Dull, Dry, and Aging Skin |
Notable Ingredients | Bearberry Leaf Extract, Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Arbutin, Blackcurrant Seed Oil, Sunflower Oil Concentrate, Balloon Vine Extract, Hyaluronic Acid |
Features | Micellar Foam Technology, Contains 9 Plant-Derived Ingredients, Comes With a Delicate Net to Produce Foam |
Net Weight | 100g |
---|---|
Best for | Dry and Itchy Skin |
Notable Ingredients | Argan Oil, Glycerin, Lemon Oil, Geranium Oil, Rose Absolute, Rose Oil |
Features | Vegan, Made From Mostly Natural Ingredients, Has Antioxidant Properties, Has a Sweet and Floral Scent |
Its main ingredient is shea butter from Ghana, which is known for its superior quality. It also has glycerin, thus, it produces a thick lather that glides smoothly on the skin. This derma-tested, vegan, and natural bar soap is great to add to your skincare routine, especially if you have sensitive skin. Users have noted that it smells great and it softens the skin.
Net Weight | 100g |
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Best for | All Skin Types |
Notable Ingredients | Shea Butter, Glycerin |
Features | Certified by The Vegan Society, 90% Ingredients of Natural Origin, Dermatologically-Tested |
Blisters, skin rashes, acne, and dandruff brought on by fungus can be effectively treated with this antifungal soap. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe and heal the skin, while its gentle formula cleanses without stripping away essential moisture.
The soap contains soothing aloe vera, which leaves the skin feeling smooth and velvety, while its deep cleansing action removes dirt and excess oil to help prevent future breakouts. Reviewers rave about this soap's ability to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized, making it an ideal choice even for those with sensitive skin.
Net Weight | 80g |
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Best for | Acne-Prone Skin |
Notable Ingredients | Sulfur, Aloe Vera Extract |
Features | Helps Treat Skin Infections, Lightens Dark Spots and Scars, Has a Refreshing Citrus Scent |
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.
Net Weight | 110g |
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Best for | Normal, Sensitive, Dry, Itchy, and Acne-Prone Skin |
Notable Ingredients | Saponified Oils of Palm, Coconut, Olive, and Castor, Essential Oil, Ground Oatmeal |
Features | Free From Harmful Chemicals and Synthetic Colorants, Has Anti-inflammatory Properties, Lightens Dark Spots |
This soap has racked up huge sales as well as numerous good reviews, and here's why! It combines the antibacterial properties of tawas (Potassium alum) and coconut oil to effectively fight odor-causing bacteria and excessive sweating. With this soap, you can say goodbye to sweaty and smelly situations and face your day with confidence!
Because of its natural active ingredients, you can be assured that this is safe for everyday use. Customer reviews online attest to the effectiveness of this product, as it can reduce body odor and perspiration with frequent use.
Net Weight | 90g |
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Best for | All Skin Types |
Notable Ingredients | Coconut Oil, Potassium Alum |
Features | Helps Control Excessive Body Sweat, Kills Odor-Causing Bacteria |
Kojie.san has been at the forefront in terms of whitening products. As such, most people rave about the effectiveness of their products, including this whitening soap. It boasts a high-grade kojic acid content that suppresses the production of melanin, which is best for those who want to have lighter, clearer, and more even-toned skin.
This whitening soap also contains moisturizing ingredients such as coconut oil, glycerin, and carrageenan extract to nourish the skin. It also has Lactobacillus ferment and tea tree oil to calm irritation. As mentioned in the reviews, it can show visible results in as early as seven days! However, some have noted that it leaves a stingy feeling, so consult your derm before using this product.
Net Weight | 135 |
---|---|
Best for | Dark Spots and Dry Skin |
Notable Ingredients | Coconut Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Glycerin, Carrageenan Extract, Tea Tree Oil |
Features | Zero Pigment Light Technology, Hydromoist Formula |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Meg Sison.
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!
Re-editors: Rie N., Patricia Catimpo, Aprille Jarcia
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.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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