Bar soaps vs. body wash — which is best for your skin?

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Yes, they clean your skin, but they can also combat acne, dryness and uneven texture.AmazonFor years I avoided bar soaps because I only associated them with my skin feeling tight and dry, something I wanted to avoid at any cost. Instead, I relied on liquid body washes or shower oils. While reporting and testing bar soaps for this story, I noticed a shift in many of their formulas — they’re not as drying as I always thought and work as well as a traditional body wash. (That dryness typically came from formulas with unbalanced pH levels — something many brands have now adjusted for, according to Dr. William Huang, a board-certified dermatologist and adjunct professor at Duke University.)

To help debunk common bar soap misconceptions, I spoke to three board-certified dermatologists about their advantages over body washes and what to consider when shopping for one. Alongside the help of my colleagues, I also tested some popular options.

Best overallDove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar$undefined$12.99TargetLearn moreEditor's PickLafco Chamomile Lavender Bar Soap$undefined$16.50AmazonLearn moreBest for dry skinCerave Hydrating Cleanser Bar$6.84$8.99AmazonLearn moreBest for acne-prone skinPanoxyl Bar Soap with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide$9.47$9.99AmazonLearn moreSee 1 MoreRelatedselectedselected13 best body washes for dry skin, tested and reviewedWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.

Below, I compiled expert-recommended bar soaps, ones our team tried and liked, as well as highly rated options from popular drugstore brands like Cerave and Panoxyl.

$12.99Target$12.97WalmartWhat to knowWhat we likeCan use on face and bodypH balancedNon-dryingSomething to noteNot sold individuallyIn general, most dermatologists will recommend a bar of Dove Sensitive Skin Soap, says Dr. Maya K. Thosani, a board-certified dermatologist at Modern Dermatology in Scottsdale, Arizona. That’s because it effectively cleanses the skin without irritating it, she says. Along with cleansing agents, it also has some of Dove’s moisturizing cream to combat dryness and help the skin retain moisture, according to the brand.

Dove’s bar soaps are also a favorite of NBC Selected staff. “It’s a drugstore classic for a reason,” says NBC Selected senior editor Nikki Brown. “Just a good old fashioned soap for people who don’t want to fuss with a long or expensive skin care routine.”

$16.50Amazon$16.50LafcoWhat to knowWhat we likeDifferenct scentsHypoallergenicSafe for sensitive skinSomething to notePriceyNBC Selected updates editor Mili Godio, who has dry and sensitive skin, says this bar soap keeps her skin “perfectly soft and hydrated”. Each bar is infused with olive and argan oils to keep skin moisturised, and are fully plant-based and hypoallergenic, according to the brand. “This bar soap not only smells amazing —I have it in multiple scents, but chamomile lavender is my favorite— but it’s also huge, so it lasts for several weeks,” says Godio.

$14.00AveneWhat to knowWhat we likeImproves skin barrierSafe for all agesSomething to noteNaturally scented This NBC Selected staff-favorite bar soap, which you can use on both your face and body, helps preserve moisture in your skin, according to the brand. “The lather is milky and hydrating, and it makes my skin feel nourished,” says former NBC Selected editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez, who has sensitive skin. You can use it morning and night, and because it’s unscented, it’s great for those with sensitive skin. It also has ingredients to help soothe skin and reduce irritation and itchiness.

$13.59$14.54AmazonNow 7% offWhat to knowWhat we likeHas a rich latherHelps with psoriasisSomething to noteNothing to note at this timeAfter his dermatologist recommended this years ago, NBC Selected commerce editor Cory Fernandez uses this gentle, non-irritating bar on his face and body. “It does a great job keeping my skin moisturized hours after a shower,” he says. The soap, which has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, is also free of common irritants like fragrances, according to the brand.

$6.84$8.99AmazonNow 24% off$6.84Walmart$8.29CVSWhat to knowWhat we likeCan use on face and bodySafe for eczema-prone skinSomething to noteLow latherThis bar soap is great for those with especially dry skin since it has ceramides and hyaluronic acid, two popular ingredients that are key for hydrated skin. It’s also soap-free, meaning it cleanses the skin without compromising moisture or disrupting your skin barrier, according to experts in our guide to the best body washes for sensitive skin. Reviewers say it creates a rich and creamy lather and doesn’t cause any unwanted breakouts or flare-ups. It’s one of the most affordable options on this list and has a 4.7-star average rating from over 5,600 reviews on Amazon.

$8.99AmazonWhat to knowWhat we likeGentle and non-irritatingVersatileLasts a long timeSomething to noteUnscentedAyeya is one of our favorite Black-owned beauty brands, and this natural African black soap from the brand is a favorite of NBC Selected updates editor Mili Godio. “Since I combine my bar soap with a hydrating body wash, I want something that’s gentle and not too fragranced,” she says. “This Ayeya bar is one of my favorites — a little goes a very long way, and it leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated. Best of all, it never irritates my dry, sensitive skin.” It’s so gentle that you can even use it on your face and as a shaving lather, according to the brand.

$12.00Vellum St Soap CompanyWhat to knowWhat we likeLasts a long timeSafe for kids and adultsSuitable for all skin typesSomething to noteDoesn’t lather much“I understand that from the outside looking in, someone covering their face in beef tallow seems gross, but my skin has never looked or felt better,” says Brown. “I discovered this brand on a solo road trip and, out of curiosity, decided to give this a shot. My hormonal breakouts have decreased and I’m not even close to finishing the bar I bought well over six months ago — it lasts a very long time.”

$9.99$11.47AmazonNow 13% off$11.47WalmartWhat to knowWhat we likeHypoallergenicNon-dryingHas a creamy latherSomething to noteHas masking fragranceFernandez also loves using this Cetaphil bar because it’s extremely gentle and “by far the most moisturizing one I’ve ever tried,” he says. The soap-free formula has ingredients that prevent the skin from drying out, and protect it from irritation, including tightness, according to the brand. Plus, you can use it on your face and body.

$3.99Raw SugarWhat to knowWhat we likeNon-dryingEasy to holdSomething to noteNo fragrance-free option“I loved everything about this lemon verbena-scented soap,” says Fernandez, who received a sample from the brand. “It’s the perfect size for holding in your hand, and the 12 rounded knobs on it make it easy to hold on to.” You can also use the knobs as a tension reliever over your muscles while you cleanse your skin, according to the brand.

$12.00L'OccitaneWhat to knowWhat we likeFor ages 3+Softens skinCan use as a shaving gelSomething to noteHas added fragranceWhen I want a bar soap that’s gentle and non-irritating on my dry, sensitive skin, I typically reach for this option from L’Occitane. It leaves my skin feeling moisturized, and though I generally avoid products with added or artificial fragrances, this one’s scented very subtly, so it doesn’t trigger or worsen my eczema patches. Its creamy lather is also great for shaving because it creates a slippery surface that makes it easy to swipe my razor over.

$7.99Target$8.00PaptuiWhat to knowWhat we likeEffectively removes sweatDoesn’t leave a residueSomething to noteNo fragrance-free optionLow latherThis bar soap removes sweat, dirt and oil using mango butter, avocado oil and niacinamide. “This is one of those soaps that smacks you in the face with a distinct scent, which isn’t bad at all, but I think if you’re searching for a more subtle scent, this might not be your best option,” says former NBC Selected commerce editor Jordan Bowman, who received the sandalwood scent from the brand.

$17.99AmazonWhat to knowWhat we likeLathers wellFree of common irritantsSomething to noteHigher price pointHas a light citrus scentThis plant-based soap uses ingredients like glycerin and a blend of oils (including tea tree and eucalyptus oil) to cleanse the skin and prevent fungal conditions, according to the brand. The oils help reduce the overgrowth of bacteria that’s caused by consistent sweaty conditions from working out and using communal gym equipment, according to Solpri. The soap has a 4.5-star average rating from more than 3,800 reviews on Amazon.

$9.47$9.99AmazonNow 5% off$9.49Target$10.99UltaWhat to knowWhat we likeSafe for daily useCan use on face and bodySomething to noteCaution for sensitive skinThis bar soap, which has a 4.6-star average rating from over 3,100 reviews on Amazon, uses benzoyl peroxide to treat and prevent breakouts. Reviewers say it helps control their acne, including whiteheads and blackheads, on their chest, back and face without leaving their skin feeling too dry and tight. “I use the liquid version of this whenever I have some breakouts bubbling up and I love how quickly it dries pimples up,” says former NBC Selected senior editor Lindsay Schneider. “The formula’s definitely on the stronger side so I don’t use it every day.”

$7.00Juke BoxWhat to knowWhat we likeMinimal ingredientsMoisturizingEasy to useSomething to noteHas physical exfoliantsNBC Selected reporter Zoe Malin enjoys using this watermelon-scented exfoliating bar, which has a light aroma, since it’s not too intense on her skin. “There are little poppy seeds in the bar, which act as an exfoliant, but they’re quite gentle and don’t irritate my sensitive skin,” says Malin, who received a courtesy sample from the brand. The poppy seeds throughout the bar help smooth out dry and bumpy skin for an overall smoother and even texture, according to Jukebox. “The bar also fits perfectly in the palm of my hand, so it’s very easy to get a good grip on.”

$14.00FableruneWhat to knowWhat we likeImproves fine linesScentedSomething to noteHigher price point“This produces a milky lather with very little effort and is gentle on my sensitive skin, leaving me feeling soft and moisturized.” The brand’s bar soaps come in a fragrance-free version as well as multiple fragrance options, too. “The scent is soothing without feeling overwhelming,” says Rodriguez. “I also like that the scent lingers on me more than other soaps or body washes I have used.” Each bar is formulated with goat milk, which has alpha-hydroxy acids (a chemical exfoliant) in it to remove dead skin, along with vitamin A to reduce fine lines, acne and more, according to the brand.

$12.00Amazon$12.00marloweWhat to knowWhat we likeNot too abrasiveCoffee-scentedSomething to noteNot easy to holdAfter receiving a sample from the brand, Malin loves using this coffee-scented bar soap to wake herself up in the morning because it makes her skin and bathroom smell like a cup of espresso. “The soap develops a creamy, sudsy lather as I use it, and I found it to be very moisturizing, and my skin feels softer afterward,” she says. “There are exfoliating coffee grounds in the bar, and they’re very gentle on my sensitive skin, which I appreciate. It’s technically designed for men, though anyone can really use it, according to Malin.

$19.00Bluemercury$19.00NordstormWhat to knowWhat we likeEffectively removes grimeImproves skin textureSomething to noteHigher price point“I’ve noticed that bar soap sometimes makes my skin feel really dry, but my skin felt hydrated and clean after using this,” says NBC Selected social media assistant Caitlin Cusack, who received a sample from the brand. “The scrub was gentle on my skin but still left it feeling soft and smooth.” She also loves that its larger size makes it easier to grip and less likely to slip out of her hands.

Your skin type is the most important factor to consider when shopping and regardless of your skin type, you should look for a hydrating formula. Hydrating ingredients typically come in the form of humectants, emollients and occlusives. Humectants, like glycerin, attract moisture to the skin, while emollients (like squalane/squalene) lock in moisture, and soothe and soften it, according to experts. Occlusives, like petrolatum, create a defensive layer that stops irritants from entering (ingredients like petrolatum) and also prevent water loss. Here’s what to look for beyond hydrating ingredients:

As important as it is to know what to look for, it’s equally important to know what to avoid. Huang recommends staying away from sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), fragrances and parabens, as they can worsen eczema, dry skin and contact dermatitis. No matter your skin type, try to minimize the use of any gritty grains and grounds (like ground apricot or walnut pits) since they can be too abrasive and potentially damage the skin barrier, according to Thosani.

At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Bianca Alvarez is a former associate reporter covering beauty and wellness, and has written extensively about body care, including stories on the best body lotions and body serums. For this story, she interviewed three board-certified dermatologists and shared their recommendations, as well as NBC Select-staff favorites that met their guidance.

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Bianca AlvarezBianca Alvarez is a former associate reporter at NBC Selected.