10 Best Whitening Soaps in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist

Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is also a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila.

She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide. For ranks 1 to 3, in addition to the buying guide, we also referred to more than 100 reviews in Lazada to come up with their respective rankings.

In no particular order, below are some more products that are hand-picked by the mybest team.

Here are some of the key points to consider:

1. Be mindful of the active whitening ingredients.
2. To get the most value for your money, go for soaps that can produce results quickly.
3. Consider your skin type.
4. Buy from reputable brands and sellers to ensure quality.

For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.

Each ingredient provides different skin benefits. Take a look at the section below to learn more about how they nourish the skin. 

Papaya is rich in papain, which aids in the removal of dead skin cells. This process reduces dark spots. Apart from skin rejuvenation, it also makes the skin firm.

Aside from papaya, citrus fruits contain skin-lightening boosters as well. Citrus fruits like grapefruit and lemon contain vitamin C and citric acid, which are effective against hyperpigmentation and dark patch reduction. These fruits also function as exfoliants to reveal whiter and more radiant skin.

Kojic acid is another common ingredient in whitening soaps. It comes from fungi and hampers the formation of tyrosine, an essential amino acid in melanin production. Plus, it also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Glutathione is a popular element in skin whiteners as well. It is a naturally occurring antioxidant that lightens the complexion by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme that regulates melanin production.

Meanwhile, tranexamic acid is a powerful ingredient that can brighten the skin complexion and improve the appearance of discoloration. It is not widely used yet, but some products also use bearberry extract, which also diminishes the skin's melanin content by limiting tyrosinase activity.

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that can minimize the effects of sun damage. It can also prevent premature skin aging by making wrinkles less visible. Apart from its anti-aging properties, niacinamide is also great for oily-skinned folks. Some studies show that it can effectively lower oil secretion rates. 

Thus, it can also help clear acne, which is caused by pores clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Niacinamide promotes moisture retention in dry skin as well. Moreover, if you want something that can help repair oxidative damage in the skin, you can look for hydrolyzed collagen.

The purpose of getting whitening soaps is, of course, to lighten the skin. If you value the results and being able to see your skin lighten in as few washes as possible, you may look at the claims the brands make. These can usually be seen in the packaging or the official website, 

However, as with all things in the world, you should take these claims with a grain of salt. These claims are based on tests that companies do in-house, and these results will only be seen with consistent and continuous use of the product. Also, each person's usage and skin composition are different, so results will vary from person to person.

Like everything that you will use for your skin, it's always a good idea to look at your skin and see what it needs. Determine if your skin is dry, acne-prone, or sensitive, then you can look at the ingredients list and see if it will benefit your skin type.

Dry skin needs to be moisturized, so try products that contain niacinamide and glycerin. These boost the creation of ceramide, a lipid that prevents skin water loss by helping build the barrier that keeps moisture in. Hyaluronic acid is another ingredient that you should look for. It binds to water in the skin to help you stay hydrated. 

One ingredient that has been on the rise, especially in Korean skincare is snail mucin (aka snail slime or snail secretion filtrate), which has a high hyaluronic acid content. Shea butter has antioxidants and vitamins that make your skin smooth and supple. It acts as a hydrator and helps protect the skin from being dry because of the environment.

Acne occurs when the pores are filled with dead skin, excess oil, or bacteria. Solve the problem with organic ingredients like lemongrass, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil. These can help clear your skin with their antibacterial properties. Paraben-free whitening soap is suitable for this skin type as well.

To nourish your skin, you can also look for soaps infused with vitamin E. Vitamin E is a natural anti-inflammatory, so it can soothe and help heal your skin. It can also moisturize and strengthen your skin barrier function

Active ingredients in whitening soaps are usually powerful already, and if you have sensitive skin, you wouldn't want to irritate your skin by using a soap that is too harsh for your skin. A good rule of thumb is to avoid sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. It's also a good idea to avoid soaps with synthetic fragrances and essential oils.

Buy products from reputable shops and sellers. To ensure that the items you'll buy are genuine, consider purchasing from the manufacturer's official online store. If you're buying from a reseller, check out the feedback from previous buyers to get an idea about the product's quality and how the seller deals with customers.

Here's another tip. Look for the brand's official logo and the list of ingredients on the package. The logo is usually at the front. On the contrary, the ingredients list is commonly found at the back or the side of the package.

It takes work to maintain a bright complexion. With proper care, you'll achieve a smooth and even skin tone throughout your body. Here are some recommendations that'll help you nourish your skin.

Melanin is a natural pigment found in the skin. It protects the skin from the sun's ultraviolet or UV rays. In response to intense UV light exposure, people in tropical countries have heightened melanin production rates. Hence, a lot of Filipinos' skin tone is kayumanggi.

Whitening soap and other whitening products make the skin appear fairer by slowing down melanin production. This is why you need the help of sunscreen. Protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun's rays by using sunscreen that has a minimum of SPF 30. SPF is an acronym for sun protection factor.

Keep in mind that wearing sunscreen is not only for summertime. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, consider putting some on before heading out. If available, get water-resistant sunscreen to ensure longer lasting protection. Reapplication is also necessary to counteract sweating.

Whitening lotion is a worthy addition to your skincare arsenal. Preserve your complexion's youthful glow by adding body lotion application to your routine. It's also a great way of keeping skin hydrated. For better absorption, put on whitening lotion after bathing. Pat yourself dry, then spread the lotion all over your arms and legs. 

Since we live in a tropical country, we get exposed to the blazing sun each time we step out of the house. As an extra precautionary measure, it's a great idea to put on a wide-brimmed hat or whip out an umbrella. 

If possible, stay indoors from around 10 am until 3 pm. The sun is at its peak during those hours, so there's a greater risk of getting sunburned. 

Below, Dr. Katrina answers some of the web's most asked questions, so before you hit that check out button, have a read to make sure you make informed decisions!

It would depend on the ingredients incorporated into the product. While there are ingredients safe during pregnancy, it's always a good idea to check in with your board-certified dermatologist and/or ob-gyne before applying anything onto your skin. Remember to put your and your baby's safety before anything else!

Definitely, whitening soaps will have no effect on tattoos. Remember, tattoos are pigments that are embedded deep into the skin. It would take more than a bar of soap to lighten that!

Definitely one would need to manage one's expectations when it comes to whitening soaps. Remember, the contact time of the active ingredient is significantly less compared to if you applied a cream or a serum instead.

If you want to brighten your skin, achieve an even skin tone, or lighten a particular problem area, it is best to #AskYourDerma so that they can tailor your treatment based on your specific skin needs.

Want to feel and look good from head to toe? Browse through these articles to expand your skincare knowledge. They feature skincare products that'll help you on your quest for healthy, glowing skin.

Filipinos are huge fans of skin whitening products. As such, whitening soap has become a staple in many Filipino households. With lots of available options, you need to familiarize yourself with the hallmarks of a good quality soap. For best results, take a look at the ingredients, factor in your skin type, and browse the product reviews before buying the soap.

Author: Mara Joy Camunao

Reviewed by: Dermatologist Dr. Katrina Erika Habaluyas Luz

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Curious to know how we chose the products on our list? Our buying guide was carefully crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, so we used it as a basis for choosing and rating. For the top 3 product recommendations, we also looked at reviews from Lazada in addition to the buying guide.

*Please note that we did not test the products and were not paid by any of the brands to include their product on the list.

Ratings and Reviews

For each product on the top 3, we looked at and referenced more than 100 reviews, as well as product ratings in Lazada.

Be Mindful of the Active Whitening Ingredients

For this criterion, we looked at the products' ingredients list and the brands' claims, as well as reviews from different sources, and gave a higher rating if the majority of the reviews support and back up the brands' claims.

To Get the Most Value for Your Money, Go for Soaps That Can Produce Results Quickly

We looked at the label and product listings. We then rated the products based on the claims on how long it takes to see visible results. However, we do recognize that the results may vary depending on the frequency of usage and the skin composition.

Consider Your Skin Type

There is a wide variety of whitening soaps available nowadays, and they all target different skin concerns. Same with the active whitening ingredients criterion, we looked at the products' ingredients list and the brands' claims, as well as reviews from different sources, and gave a higher rating if the majority of the reviews support and back up the brands' claims.

Buy From Reputable Brands and Sellers to Ensure Quality

Whitening soaps that have not been tested or approved by the FDA may contain very potent active ingredients that may leave your skin dry or irritated. When rating the products, we looked at the overall trustworthiness of the brand. We looked at their website, history, as well as a number of brand and product reviews online.