Whitening soaps can care for your skin and keep it even and glowing. Whether you want to start using a whitening soap or want to switch to a different brand, how do you know which ones are effective, safe, and will give you the best value for your money?
You've come to the right place as we have curated a list of our whitening soap favorites from online stores like Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons. We also included a buying guide to where you will learn about the qualities to look for in whitening soap, plus some tips on how to keep your skin bright and healthy! We also asked Dr. Katrina Erika Habaluyas Luz to share some of her insights and tips!
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is 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.
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.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Table of Contents
Here are some of the key points to consider:
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.
Vitamin C is a crowd favorite amongst the active ingredients of the skin. Did you know that it is actually the most abundant antioxidant on the skin? Aside from that, it is a known depigmenting agent that interrupts a key step of pigment formation.
Here are some tips:
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.
Kojic acid is a great option for hyperpigmentation. It works by preventing the pigment-releasing skin cells from overproducing, which leads to even-toned skin.
Tranexamic is another emerging option in the arsenal against hyperpigmentation. Did you know it was traditionally used to reduce bleeding? But recent studies have shown its role in inhibiting one of the key components responsible for hyperpigmentation. The great thing about tranexamic acid is it works well with other ingredients such as retinol and Vitamin C!
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.
Niacinamide is a great option, particularly for sensitive skin. Even better, it's safe in pregnancy too! But of course, do make sure you get the go-signal from your board-certified dermatologist or Ob-gyne first!.
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.
Certain ingredients such as kojic acid have been found to be photo unstable, thus, making them challenging to store. This is possibly why it was explored to be incorporated into bar soaps instead. Of course, it's important to manage our expectations when it comes to bar soaps given the limited contact time with the skin compared to a cream or serum!
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.
What is dry skin anyway? Dry skin is a skin type that essentially produces less sebum. Signs to look out for to know you have dry skin: uncomfortable feeling, flaking, and itching! So if you have dry skin, you definitely need to turn that product and look for hydrating ingredients. One important tip is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! It is best doone within 10 minutes of bathing!
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
BHAs such as salicylic acid are a mainstay in acne treatment given their ability to reach deep into those pores. But have you heard of the new kid on the block? PHAs! They act similarly to AHAs and BHAs but are particularly useful for those with sensitive skin. It has a larger molecular size, thus, penetrating the skin at a slower rate, which means less irritation.
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.
Definitely, it's good to be cognizant of what you apply to your skin. It's also important that you're aware of what you are allergic to or not.
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.
Brands with an established reputation are good starting points. However, remember this doesn't make them 100% risk-free. At the end of the day, you'd still have to patch test yet the same to see if your skin is compatible with it or not.
From ₱59
This sweet-smelling soap will help you shed dead skin cells and will, thus, help you achieve a pinkish glow. Use it twice daily, and it'll noticeably lessen dark spots within a week. This claim is based on a mexameter reading, a device used to measure pigmentation. This bar soap is made with papaya extract, an ingredient filled with papain, vitamins A and C, and lycopene.
Papaya soap exfoliates damaged keratin, which smoothens your skin and makes it soft. Plus, papaya's lycopene content can help delay the onset of wrinkles. On the other hand, papain's great for acne control because it clears away the dirt blocking your pores. It can soothe redness caused by pimples as well.
From ₱122.5
Established in 1990, Belo is a well-known Philippine beauty clinic and maker of personal care products. Belo's moisturizing bar contains tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and glycerin. The two acids are depigmenting agents, which hinder tyrosinase activity.
Plus, tranexamic acid prevents pigment transfer from melanin-producing cells to the skin's outer layer called the epidermis. This results in a brighter and even-toned complexion. As for glycerin, it's a vegetable oil compound that prevents the skin from becoming rough and dry by locking in moisture. Glycerin's effective against minor skin irritations as well.
From ₱46
SkinWhite's whitening soap can make your dreams of a fair and supple skin come true. Its main ingredients are glutathione and Vitamin C. These two minimize melanin manufacture, which leads to a brighter complexion. These can help sunspots and acne scars fade as well.
Both ingredients promote increased production of collagen, which improves firmness and prevents the skin from sagging. Plus, Vitamin C lessens transepidermal water loss. This allows for better skin hydration. The overall effect is an even complexion with a youthful glow.
From ₱138
If you are looking for a soap that is gentle on the skin yet produces great results, look no further than this Glutamax Lightening Soap. It is formulated with glutathione, and it can be used for both the face and the body. It also claims to fight oxidative stress, making your skin brighter and more even!
Reviews mention that they notice that their skin became more luminous and radiant after a few weeks of continuous use! But the benefits don't stop there! The brand also claims that this soap can also stimulate hyaluronic acid and collagen production, which in turn prevents wrinkles and signs of aging.
From ₱229
This body wash contains niacinamide, a type of Vitamin B3, and vitamin C, an antioxidant-rich vitamin naturally found in healthy skin. These two can even out your skin tone by lightening dark patches and acne scars.
Both ingredients protect you from UV ray damage as well. Thus, boosting your skin's vitamin C levels strengthens its defense against photoaging. This vitamin also speeds up cell regeneration, so you'll have fresh-looking skin. Meanwhile, niacinamide aids keratin production, which improves skin elasticity.
From ₱206.5
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!
From ₱69
Aside from its skin-brightening benefits, lemon's citric acid content can remove oil and dead skin cells clogging the pores, which stops the formation of pimples and blackheads. Lemon is also rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals.
It also includes tea tree oil to soothe redness and irritation as well, making it effective for acne control. Meanwhile, both lemon and lemongrass will help tighten your pores. Plus, lemongrass' pleasant aroma will give you a naturally fragrant skin. This product is safe to use for both the body and the face!
From ₱149
While sun exposure is essential for vitamin D production, too much can cause sun damage, so you'll need the help of this whipped soap to keep your skin blemish-free. This product contains niacinamide, hydrolyzed collagen, and kojic acid, all known to combat the effects of photoaging, such as age spots.
Hydrolyzed collagen is a protein that helps repair oxidative damage. When combined with niacinamide, it improves the skin's moisture retention and smoothens fine lines. As for kojic acid, its skin lightening properties can help acne scars fade. Overall, this soap may reduce visible signs of maturity.
From ₱38
Shea butter has benefits for both dry and oily-skinned folks. For starters, shea butter has a high fatty acid content. Once applied to the skin, it absorbs its oils, which boosts the barrier that locks in moisture. In addition, shea butter hinders the creation of excess oil and lowers the number of acne-causing bacteria.
It can also provide minimal sun protection as it contains SPF 3-4. Pair it with sunscreen for optimum results. Apart from keeping the skin fair, it shields you from photodamage as well. Aside from this, shea butter's triterpene content slows down the decay of collagen fiber, which results in bouncy and younger-looking skin.
From ₱79
This FDA-approved soap is perfect for those who prefer to use cruelty-free products. It uses the power of salicylic acid and tea tree extract to eliminate excess oil and dead skin cells that are blocking your pores. Both of these ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and redness caused by pimples.
The soap contains niacinamide and glutathione as well. These two combat hyperpigmentation and brings fairer-looking skin. Niacinamide also stimulates keratin and collagen production, which improves skin elasticity. With regular use, this soap will help you achieve less visible pores and blemish-free skin.
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.
Definitely one of the commandments for brightening or lightening the skin is using it alongside sunscreen with at least SPF 30! Once you've found the right sunscreen, actually apply it and correctly too! Let's start with the correct amount. Ideally, 2.0 mg per square centimeter of skin should be applied. For easy reference, that's equivalent to two fingerbreadths just for the face.
A whitening lotion is indeed a good add-on if you want to get more effective results. Best to consult your dermatologist for good options that can complement that soap!
Aside from sunscreen, physical protection from the sun is also key. These come in the form of umbrellas, hats, even clothing with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF)!
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.
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.
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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