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

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.

To give you a rundown, here are our top 5 picks for the best whitening soaps you can buy online:

1. Best classic soap: Palmolive Papaya Whitening Bar Soap
   
2. Best for all skin types: Belo Intensive Whitening Extra Moisture Bar
3. Best fresh smelling option: SkinWhite Advanced Power Whitening Gluta+Vit C Soap
   
4. Best anti-aging whitening soap: GlutaMax Lightening Soap With Glutathione
5. Best body wash: Olay Body Science Cleansing & Brightening Body Wash

Disclaimer: These products are recommendations made by our team at mybest Philippines. Our expert, Dr. Katrina Erika Habaluyas Luz, is not affiliated with, nor is she endorsing any of the brands we mention below.

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.

Author: Mara Joy Camunao

Reviewed by: Dermatologist Dr. Katrina Erika Habaluyas Luz

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.