10 Best Whitening Soaps in the Philippines 2021 (Belo, SkinWhite, and More)

Many Filipinos want to have fair skin. As a result, there's a proliferation of whitening products. Looking at all the available choices can feel overwhelming. Worry not, for we got you covered! We prepared an overview of the factors to consider, so it'll be easier to make a decision. 

Soap comes in 3 forms: liquid, whipped, and bar. Read on to see which one suits your lifestyle.

Liquid soap is also known as body wash. This type is commonly sold in pump or capped bottles. Body wash is a great choice for people who want to prevent their soap from easily getting dirty. It's less likely to be contaminated because the soap is stored inside a sealed plastic container. The downside is it generates a lot of plastic waste.

Those who prefer to use soap with a creamy consistency may favor whipped soap. Its cream-like form lends it a thicker consistency. Therefore, a small amount can be spread across a big part of your body. However, whipped soap produces huge amounts of plastic waste as well due to its packaging.

It's usually sold in pouches that are made from aluminum and plastic. Sadly, this type of waste typically ends up in landfills and waterways. Plus, if the pouch isn't resealable, you'll need to transfer the soap into a different container.

The third type comes in bar form. The bar is the most common type of whitening soap sold in the Philippines. It's usually sold in a box or covered with a strip of cardboard, then wrapped in a brown bag once it has been sold.

The bar soap has the most eco-friendly packaging out of all 3 types. However, it may easily catch dirt if your soap case doesn't have a lid, so using a covered case is recommended.

Dry skin needs to be moisturized, so you need to be careful with harsh chemicals that may irritate your skin. 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. Meanwhile, oily skin is prone to clogged pores, which can cause pimples and blackheads. Acne occurs when the pores are filled with dead skin, excess oil, or bacteria.

Solve the problem with organic ingredients like lemongrass and tea tree oil. These can help clear your skin with its antibacterial properties. Paraben-free whitening soap is suitable for this skin type as well.

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's a popular element in skin whiteners as well. It's a naturally occurring antioxidant that lightens the complexion by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme that regulates melanin production. 

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.

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.

Still can't decide? Your search has come to an end. We've compiled the most amazing whitening soaps you can buy online. Check out our handpicked products to learn more about the best deals in town.

To give you a rundown, here are our top 3 picks for the best whitening soaps you can buy online:

1. Palmolive - Papaya Whitening Bar Soap
2. Belo - Intensive Whitening Extra Moisture Bar
3. SkinWhite - Advanced Power Whitening Gluta+Vit C Soap

Check out the table below to further compare the characteristics of these three whitening soaps as well as the other seven that made it to our list.

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. 

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 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

Like and follow our Instagram and Facebook Page for updates!