Soap is an important part of helping us stay clean. Soap bars are an environmentally-friendly option as they don’t produce any plastic waste.
Despite their advantages, a bar of soap might not be suitable for everyone, especially if the user has sensitive skin. Some soaps will be too harsh for even mildly sensitive skin, which is why many soaps are now formulated to be as gentle as possible.
To help you find the best bar soap for sensitive skin, we have reviewed some of the most popular products that are currently available. We chose these soaps based on how kind they are to sensitive skin and whether or not they have a strong smell.
- 100% natural
- No animal testing
- Rejuvenates skin
- Moisturizing
- Fragrance-free
- Recommended by dermatologists
- Developed by medical professionals
- Suitable for all ages
- Soap-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Repairs damaged skin
- Ancient recipe
- Contains Vitamin E
- Reduces skin blemishes
- Moisturizes
- Maintains natural skin pH
- Leaves no residue
- Soap-free
- Fragrant
- Creamy lather
- Recommended by dermatologists
- Contains shea butter
- Made using traditional methods
- Plant-based
- Gentle formula
- Fights bacteria
- Deodorizes
- PETA-certified
- Vegan
- Natural ingredients
Product Reviews
1. Kiss My Face Moisturizing Bar Soap
Best Facial Soap Bar
For over three decades, Kiss My Face has been making natural, cruelty-free products such as this bar of facial soap. This soap contains 86% pure olive oil. The only other ingredients it contains are water and sea salt, so you won’t have to read a long list to ensure it doesn’t contain anything harmful.
It contains no SLS, phthalates, or artificial colors. As it is gluten-free and 100% biodegradable, this is one of the better bars out there for sensitive skin.
Pros
- 100% natural ingredients
- No animal testing
- Rejuvenates skin
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
2. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar Soap
Best Moisturizing Bar Soap For Sensitive Skin
CeraVe claims this hydrating cleanser bar will lock in moisture for three times longer than a standard bar, and hydrates without clogging pores. It is non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive skin, and won’t encourage blackheads due to preventing clogging.
This soap has been developed by dermatologists and is fragrance-free. It is also recommended by the National Eczema Association, a major mark of confidence in its kindness to sensitive skin.
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologically recommended
Cons
- Unpleasant scent
3. Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar
Best Bar Soap For Dry Skin
Cetaphil is known as one of the best soaps for dry skin. It is non-comedogenic and cleanses skin without drying it out. It even lathers well enough for you to use it while shaving.
This cleansing bar is also great for users with acne, eczema, or psoriasis, and is suitable for all ages. Cetaphil is soap-free and detergent-free and was developed with the assistance of doctors and other healthcare professionals.
Pros
- Developed by medical professionals
- Suitable for all ages
- Soap-free
Cons
- Strong scent
4. Wonderfully Natural African Black Soap
Best Bar Soap For Acne
This African Black Soap is made from unrefined shea butter and is effective on skin conditions such as acne. It also treats eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis, and heals skin blemishes. It is made using an ancient recipe that has been used in Africa for many generations.
It utilizes palm kernel oil for its antibacterial qualities and organic coconut oil to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and hydrate dry skin.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Repairs damaged skin
- Ancient African recipe
Cons
- Contains palm oil
- Issues with mold forming in the soap
5. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Cream Soap
Best Bar Soap For Pregnancy
Described as a daily skin treatment for your body, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter contains vitamin E, which will rejuvenate your skin, encouraging the healing of blemishes, scars, and stretch marks.
This soap produces a rich lather that invigorates the skin, cleansing it without leaving it dry or tight. Palmer’s takes all their cocoa ingredients from ethical sources and supports the communities that produce them.
Pros
- Contains Vitamin E
- Reduces skin blemishes
- Moisturizes
Cons
- Can dry out some skin types
- Strong scent
6. Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body Bar Soap
Best Bar Soap For Eczema
Eucerin is formulated to help maintain the skin’s natural pH of 5. This means it will be gentle on sensitive skin as it is neither too acidic nor alkaline, making it an excellent option if you suffer from eczema. It is fragrance-free, soap-free, and will maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier.
This soap is recommended by dermatologists and is easily rinsed off without leaving a residue.
Pros
- Balances skin pH
- Leaves no residue
- Soap-free
Cons
- Doesn’t lather
7. Dove Moisturizing Bar Soap White
Best Body Bar Soap For Sensitive Skin
Dove is one of the world’s most respected soap manufacturers and is dedicated to making products that are suitable for everyone. Dove’s white beauty bar uses its classic formula that caters to all skin types, including very sensitive skin. According to Dove, this is the number one dermatologist-recommended soap bar in the United States.
This bar’s gentle, soothing texture comes from being a quarter moisturizing cream. Unlike some soaps for dry skin, Dove isn’t chemical-free. However, it lathers well, has a great smell, and will leave your skin feeling cleansed and refreshed.
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Creamy lather
- Dermatologically-recommended
Cons
- Contains chemicals
8. L’Occitane Extra-Gentle Vegetable-Based Soap
Best Bar Soap For Oily Skin
L’Occitane uses vegetable oil as the base for this soap. It also contains lavender to give it a pleasant scent. The company takes inspiration from traditional soap-making recipes to create predominantly plant-based soaps that are gentle on your skin.
The soap’s moisturizing power comes from shea butter, known in Sub-Saharan Africa for its healing and nourishing qualities.
Pros
- Contains shea butter
- Made using traditional methods
- Plant-based
Cons
- Contains chemicals
- Expensive
9. Dial Antibacterial Deodorant Soap
Best Antibacterial Bar Soap For Sensitive Skin
Dial has developed an antibacterial soap that deodorizes your skin without damaging it. This means it shouldn’t dry out your skin during or after use. Dial is not a natural product, as it contains similar chemical additives to some other brands such as Dove.
This soap contains aloe extract to care for sensitive skin, lathers well, and provides all-day odor protection.
Pros
- Fights bacteria
- Deodorizes
Cons
- Leaves a residue
- Can dry out some skin types
10. O’Naturals Moisturizing Body Wash Bar Soap
Best Organic Bar Soap For Sensitive Skin
As the company’s name suggests, O’Naturals soap is made from 100% natural, organic ingredients. It nourishes and hydrates skin, reduces inflammation and acne, and regenerates with natural antioxidants.
It is vegan-friendly, fragrance-free, triple-milled, and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) certified.
Pros
- Ethically produced
- Vegan
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
- Contains palm oil
Why Do Some Soaps Irritate Sensitive Skin?
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), over 60% of women and 50% of men in the United States have reported some degree of sensitive skin (1). Sensitive skin is vulnerable to irritation from the ingredients in soaps, many of which can be quite harsh.
Sensitivity and how soap affects it are usually determined by pH. Human skin has a natural pH balance of 5.5, and the higher the pH, the more alkaline the soap. The lower the pH, the more acidic it is.
Keep In Mind
Soaps contain surfactants that are formulated to break down dirt and make it easier to wash away. These surfactants exfoliate our pores, leaving them vulnerable to attack by bacteria and allergens. This will also irritate some people with sensitive skin.
To avoid irritating your skin, we recommend steering clear of soaps with strong fragrances. Look for “fragrance-free” or “free from fragrance” on the label.
Don’t be fooled by natural ingredients such as lemon or citrus fruit extracts. While they will clean you effectively, citrus is acidic and will affect your skin’s pH balance.
Things to Consider (Buying Guide)
Use Your Nose
If you aren’t sure whether or not a soap will irritate you, one of the most reliable ways to check is by simply using your nose. If a bar of soap has a strong fragrance, it will probably irritate your skin. If the soap is in packaging or you are buying online, read the product description and look for the terms “fragrance-free” or “no added fragrance”.
Check the Ingredients
Read the ingredients on the packaging or in the product description if buying online. Unfortunately, this won’t always be possible, as the Food and Drug Agency (FDA) does not require soap bars to list their specific ingredients, only to state that they are soaps (3).
Although it isn’t a legal requirement, most manufacturers are transparent about what is contained in their soaps. This is sensible from a business standpoint, as many shoppers are reluctant to buy products without knowing what they contain.
This is particularly important if a soap claims to have natural ingredients and not to cause irritation. The only way to prove this to customers is by being open with them about what a product contains.
Trust Your Retailer
Buy from trusted retailers. They should be familiar with the products they are selling and can advise you on which soaps are best for dry or sensitive skin. If you are buying from a physical store, take the time to discuss your individual requirements with a store employee.
FAQs
Why Do I Itch After Using a Bar Soap?
Some people find soap can be harsh on their skin, causing a red, itchy rash. Even more so for people who already have dry skin, as the harsh detergents in soap can strip away natural oils, leaving the skin vulnerable to irritation.
Also, some soaps contain irritants like fragrance or coloring agents that can aggravate the skin even more. So, choosing a mild soap for sensitive skin is very important. Also, consider using a moisturizing body wash to protect your skin from drying out.
Which Bar Soap Has the Least Chemicals?
When looking for the right bar soap for you, pay attention to the ingredients. Some bar soaps contain a high concentration of chemicals, which can be harsh on almost all skin types.
Several soaps are made with all-natural ingredients and are gentle on your skin. Dove is a great brand of soap that’s low in chemicals.
When choosing a bar soap, read the label carefully and pick an option that is right for your skin type.
Is Bar Soap or Body Wash Better for Sensitive Skin?
When it comes to cleansing sensitive skin, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some people find that bar soap is gentler on their skin, while others prefer body wash. Ultimately, the best decision is the one that leaves your skin feeling clean and comfortable.
If you’ve got sensitive skin, you may want to avoid products that contain fragrances, dyes, or other harsh ingredients. You may also want to look for bar soaps or body washes labeled “hypoallergenic.”
It is also a good idea to avoid scrubbing your skin too vigorously when cleansing. Gently massage the soap into your skin using your fingertips before rinsing with cool water.
Taking these precautions can help ensure that your sensitive skin stays healthy and happy.
What Is the Mildest Bar Soap for Sensitive Skin?
Nothing can beat the Dove bar brand when it comes to mild soaps for sensitive skin. The original Dove recipe, the white beauty bar, is gentle enough for super delicate skin.
Dove also claims that its soap is the most recommended bar of soap by dermatologists in the United States.
The moisturizing cream makes up one-fourth of this Dove bar, giving it a rich, creamy texture. Dove isn’t chemical-free like some other soaps marketed for dry skin. However, it foams nicely, has a lovely scent, and effectively removes dirt and oil from the skin.
