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  4. 10 Best Bar Soaps in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
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10 Best Bar Soaps in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist

Bar soaps have always been a staple bathroom essential and a trusty shower partner. You can use bar soaps on your body and face, making them versatile and easy to use without the need for scrubbers or brushes. Aside from removing dirt, they can also provide other benefits like whitening and moisturizing your skin, depending on the ingredients included.

In this article, we will introduce our top 10 recommended bar soaps to buy online from brands like Cetaphil, Safeguard, and Dove. With that, we'll explain some factors to consider when you’re choosing a bar soap—we even asked for comments and tips from dermatologist Dr. Maria Elinor Grace "Meg" Sison!

Last updated 07/14/2023
Dr. Meg Sison
Expert
Dermatologist
Dr. Meg Sison

Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.

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Editorial Team

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.

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

Benefits of Bar Soaps

Benefits of Bar Soaps

Bar and liquid soaps are equally effective with cleaning—if you wash properly. But what differentiates bars from liquid soaps is that they are more sustainable and cost-effective. Often, they come in cardboard packaging or are wrapped in a thin plastic film. There are also some stores like Lush that sell bar soaps without any packaging! 


If stored properly, which means keeping them as dry as possible in between uses, bar soaps can give you a run for your money because they can last a long time. Not to mention, most, if not all, bar soaps are also cheaper than liquid soaps.

Dr. Meg Sison
Dermatologist
Dr. Meg Sison

Bar soaps are convenient to use, and they are not prone to spillage, unlike body washes. They also consume less packaging compared to liquid soaps. There are three types of bar soaps, namely true bar soaps, synthetic detergents (syndets), and combar soaps.

How to Choose a Bar Soap – Buying Guide

Here are some key points to consider:

  1. Pick a bar soap with ingredients that will benefit your skin type.
  2. Soaps specifically formulated for men are more potent.

For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
1

Pick a Bar Soap With Ingredients That Will Benefit Your Skin Type

People have different skin types and each skin type has its own needs. Just like with any skincare or cosmetic products, one thing that you must consider is choosing a product that is suitable for your skin type. 

Moisturizing Ingredients Like Glycerin, Argan Oil, and Shea Butter Are Good for Dry Skin

Moisturizing Ingredients Like Glycerin, Argan Oil, and Shea Butter Are Good for Dry Skin
People with dry skin should avoid soaps with ingredients that strip off moisture but choose ones that will keep your skin moisturized. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are known to be two of the most beneficial ingredients for dry skin because they retain moisture in the skin. Not to mention, they're lightweight, so they won't feel heavy on the skin. 

Naturally-derived sunflower seed oil, olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, noni, milk, soy protein, and cocoa butter can also intensely moisturize dry skin and also bring additional benefits like protecting cells from damage and stopping signs of aging.

Additionally, choosing a soap with oleic acid or stearic acid is highly suggested. Oleic acid has a similar chemical construction to the fatty acids found on human skin. It has the same effect of supplementing moisture while washing away dirt and debris on your skin.

Dr. Meg Sison
Dermatologist
Dr. Meg Sison

For those with dry skin, look for ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid that draw moisture from the environment, thus help in hydrating your skin. 


Occlusives like shea butter, coconut oil, and sunflower seed oil form a hydrophobic film on top of the skin and prevent moisture loss from the skin's outermost layer. Look also for bar soaps that have fatty acids as these are added to compensate for surfactant damage. 

Choose a Bar Soap With Kojic Acid, Glutathione, or Papaya to Lighten the Skin

Choose a Bar Soap With Kojic Acid, Glutathione, or Papaya to Lighten the Skin

Most bar soaps serve the purpose of washing off dirt and debris from your body. But there are soaps as well that address uneven skin tone, sun damage, and dark spots


If you want to achieve clearer and lighter skin, choose one that contains whitening ingredients like kojic acid, glutathione, and papaya. They effectively inhibit melanin production for fairer skin

If You Have Oily and Acne-Prone Skin, Get a Soap With Tea Tree Oil, Salicylic Acid, Oatmeal, Sulfur, or Clay

If You Have Oily and Acne-Prone Skin, Get a Soap With Tea Tree Oil, Salicylic Acid, Oatmeal, Sulfur, or Clay

If you’re concerned about the excessive production of sebum and bacteria build-up on your skin or if you have a problem with clogged pores and acne breakouts, soaps with non-comedogenic ingredients can effectively control oil and remove skin impurities


Some of the most noteworthy ingredients for those with oily and acne-prone skin include tea tree oil, sulfur, clays, ghassoul, oatmeal, and activated charcoal. Acids like BHAs, AHAs, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide are also very effective in controlling oil and acne. 

Dr. Meg Sison
Dermatologist
Dr. Meg Sison

Those with oily or acne-prone skin on the body will benefit from bar soaps containing salicylic acid, AHAs, or benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid and AHAs help unclog the pores by providing mild chemical exfoliation, while benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial properties that fight Cutibacterium acnes bacteria in the skin.

If You Have Sensitive Skin, Choose a Mild, Gentle, and Hypoallergenic Bar Soap

If You Have Sensitive Skin, Choose a Mild, Gentle, and Hypoallergenic Bar Soap
Individuals with sensitive skin must choose soaps that have a mild and gentle formula to prevent skin flare-ups or irritation. Just like those with dry skin, it is highly recommended to get soaps that will not strip off the skin's natural oils. It's also best to avoid strong additives, fragrances, and disinfectants. 

The shorter the list of ingredients the betterLook for ingredients that are soothing and have anti-inflammatory properties like oatmeal, green tea, squalene, aloe vera, honey, shea butter, and chamomile. 

Dr. Meg Sison
Dermatologist
Dr. Meg Sison

For those with sensitive skin, use bar soaps that are fragrance-free. Soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal would also help because of their anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, antioxidant, and barrier repair properties. Synthetic detergents (syndets) are also recommended for sensitive skin since their pH is close to that of our skin, which is slightly acidic.

2

Soaps Specifically Formulated for Men Are More Potent

Soaps Specifically Formulated for Men Are More Potent

Simply put, soaps for men don't really have much difference from women's soap. Nevertheless, it is important to note that some soaps specifically formulated for men tend to be "stronger" or more potent because it is believed that men's skin is thicker and produces more sebum. 


Most soaps for men include charcoal because it is effective in cleansing and drawing out any skin impurities. However, as with other products, it is important to check the label and inspect the ingredients. This way, you know whether the soap is suitable for your skin type and could target any skin concerns. 

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10 Best Bar Soaps to Buy Online

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
Details
Net Weight
Best for
Notable Ingredients
Features
1

Dove

Beauty Bar White

Dove Beauty Bar White  1

₱74

Low Mid

A Classic Moisturizing Soap for Your Face, Hands, and Body

135g

Dull and Dry Skin

Lauric Acid

Contains 1/4 Moisturizing Cream

2

Cetaphil

Gentle Cleansing Antibacterial Bar

Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Antibacterial Bar 1

₱640

High Mid

Gentle Cleansing and Hypoallergenic, Suitable for Dry and Sensitive Skin

127g

Dry and Sensitive Skin

Triclosan 0.3%, Glycerin

Non-comedogenic, Non-drying, Hypoallergenic, Antibacterial

3

Safeguard

Detox Face and Body Bar SoapTea Tree

Safeguard Detox Face and Body Bar Soap 1

₱78

Low Mid

For That After-Shower, Squeaky-Clean Feeling

108g

Acne-Prone Skin

Tea Tree Oil Extracts, Glycerin

Triple Detox Technology, 99.9% Germ Protection

4

SnailWhite

Whipp Soap

SnailWhite  Whipp Soap 1

₱206.5

High Mid

Best-Selling Whitening Soap for a Glowing Complexion

100g

Dull, Dry, and Aging Skin

Bearberry Leaf Extract, Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Arbutin, Blackcurrant Seed Oil, Sunflower Oil Concentrate, Balloon Vine Extract, Hyaluronic Acid

Micellar Foam Technology, Contains 9 Plant-Derived Ingredients, Comes With a Delicate Net to Produce Foam

5

Lush

Ro's Argan Gourmet Soap

Lush Ro's Argan Gourmet Soap  1

₱695

High Mid

Leaves the Skin Feeling Soft and Smelling Great

100g

Dry and Itchy Skin

Argan Oil, Glycerin, Lemon Oil, Geranium Oil, Rose Absolute, Rose Oil

Vegan, Made From Mostly Natural Ingredients, Has Antioxidant Properties, Has a Sweet and Floral Scent

6

The Body Shop

Shea Cleansing Face & Body Bar

The Body Shop Shea Cleansing Face & Body Bar 1

₱350

High Mid

A Shea-Scented Soap That Deeply Moisturizes the Skin

100g

All Skin Types

Shea Butter, Glycerin

Certified by The Vegan Society, 90% Ingredients of Natural Origin, Dermatologically-Tested

7

Dr. Wong

Sulfur Soap with Moisturizer

Dr. Wong Sulfur Soap with Moisturizer 1

₱46

Low

Heals Skin With Sulfur and Moisturizing Aloe Vera

80g

Acne-Prone Skin

Sulfur, Aloe Vera Extract

Helps Treat Skin Infections, Lightens Dark Spots and Scars, Has a Refreshing Citrus Scent

8

Be Organic

Oatmeal Soap

Be Organic Oatmeal Soap 1

₱87

Mid

Combat Symptoms of Sensitive Skin With a Mild Oatmeal Soap

110g

Normal, Sensitive, Dry, Itchy, and Acne-Prone Skin

Saponified Oils of Palm, Coconut, Olive, and Castor, Essential Oil, Ground Oatmeal

Free From Harmful Chemicals and Synthetic Colorants, Has Anti-inflammatory Properties, Lightens Dark Spots

9

DermAid

Tawas Soap

DermAid Tawas Soap 1

₱69

Low Mid

Enriched With Tawas and Coconut Oil to Control Sweat and Odor

90g

All Skin Types

Coconut Oil, Potassium Alum

Helps Control Excessive Body Sweat, Kills Odor-Causing Bacteria

10

Kojie.san

Skin Lightening Soap With Hydromoist

Kojie.san Skin Lightening Soap With Hydromoist 1

₱88

Mid

Infused With Whitening and Moisturizing Ingredients for Smoother and Even-Toned Skin

135

Dark Spots and Dry Skin

Coconut Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Glycerin, Carrageenan Extract, Tea Tree Oil

Zero Pigment Light Technology, Hydromoist Formula

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

DoveBeauty Bar White

Beauty Bar White  1
Source:shopee.ph
Lowest price
₱74
Low Mid
Lowest price
₱74
Low Mid

A Classic Moisturizing Soap for Your Face, Hands, and Body

Nothing beats Dove's classic beauty bar since it delivers nothing but fantastic results! It's an all-in-one beauty bar because it's gentle enough to be used for the hands, face, and body. Unlike traditional soaps, it can effectively remove dirt and grime without stripping off moisture from the skin.

Dove boasts of a formula that contains 1/4 moisturizing cream, which leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, and supple after every use. Plus, it can brighten dull skin. No wonder a lot of loyal users recommend this product!

Net Weight135g
Best forDull and Dry Skin
Notable IngredientsLauric Acid
FeaturesContains 1/4 Moisturizing Cream
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No.2

CetaphilGentle Cleansing Antibacterial Bar

Lowest price
₱640
High Mid

Gentle Cleansing and Hypoallergenic, Suitable for Dry and Sensitive Skin

If you have dry and sensitive skin, consider buying this bar soap from Cetaphil. Like most Cetaphil products, their Gentle Cleansing Antibacterial Bar is non-comedogenic, non-drying, and hypoallergenic, so you don't have to worry about irritation. As such, it can be used for both the face and body.

The addition of 0.3% triclosan makes it a potent antibacterial cleanser to get rid of dirt and grime and prevent breakouts. Meanwhile, glycerin helps retain moisture on the skin. It promises to wash off bacteria in just 20 seconds, leaving a fresh feeling after use. This derma-approved soap has garnered positive reviews—most people say it feels soft on the skin and that it can relieve itchiness.
Net Weight127g
Best forDry and Sensitive Skin
Notable IngredientsTriclosan 0.3%, Glycerin
FeaturesNon-comedogenic, Non-drying, Hypoallergenic, Antibacterial
No.3

SafeguardDetox Face and Body Bar SoapTea Tree

Lowest price
₱78
Low Mid

For That After-Shower, Squeaky-Clean Feeling

Coming from one of the mainstay brands in almost every Filipino household, this bar soap from Safeguard combines the power of tea tree and their Triple Detox formulation, which remove excess sebum and impurities from the skin. This makes it effective against body acne and other skin concerns.

Just like other Safeguard soaps, this variant also offers unbeatable germ protection of up to 99.9%, so you'll surely get a clean feeling after your shower! Many reviewers like the scent of the soap, and some mentioned that it can dry out pimples and blackheads while keeping the skin soft.

Net Weight108g
Best forAcne-Prone Skin
Notable IngredientsTea Tree Oil Extracts, Glycerin
FeaturesTriple Detox Technology, 99.9% Germ Protection
No.4

SnailWhite Whipp Soap

Lowest price
₱206.5
High Mid

Best-Selling Whitening Soap for a Glowing Complexion

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!

Net Weight100g
Best forDull, Dry, and Aging Skin
Notable IngredientsBearberry Leaf Extract, Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Arbutin, Blackcurrant Seed Oil, Sunflower Oil Concentrate, Balloon Vine Extract, Hyaluronic Acid
FeaturesMicellar Foam Technology, Contains 9 Plant-Derived Ingredients, Comes With a Delicate Net to Produce Foam

Leaves the Skin Feeling Soft and Smelling Great

Having hot weather is an everyday occurrence in the Philippines such that even after you take a bath, you might feel malagkit. Worry not, as Lush's Ro's Argan Gourmet Soap is here to save the day! This vegan bar soap lathers well, plus, it has an invigorating floral scent that stays on your skin. And since it's made from real plant extracts, you'll only get the best for your skin.

It contains Moroccan argan oil, which hydrates the skin and protects it from sun damage, free radicals, and irritants. For a relaxing and cooling effect, it has rose and lemon oils, too. Lastly, it's infused with Egyptian geranium oil, which gives you a youthful glow. Although this is completely safe to use for dry and itchy skin, this may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin because the fragrance content may be a bit strong.
Net Weight100g
Best forDry and Itchy Skin
Notable IngredientsArgan Oil, Glycerin, Lemon Oil, Geranium Oil, Rose Absolute, Rose Oil
FeaturesVegan, Made From Mostly Natural Ingredients, Has Antioxidant Properties, Has a Sweet and Floral Scent

A Shea-Scented Soap That Deeply Moisturizes the Skin

Skincare items from The Body Shop have been used and loved by many people, both locally and internationally. Their Shea Cleansing Face & Body Bar is one of their most popular products, as it features simple ingredients with a mild formula but provides outstanding cleansing power and good moisturization. The soap feels refreshing as well since it has an earthy and calming scent.

Its main ingredient is shea butter from Ghana, which is known for its superior quality. It also has glycerin, thus, it produces a thick lather that glides smoothly on the skin. This derma-tested, vegan, and natural bar soap is great to add to your skincare routine, especially if you have sensitive skin. Users have noted that it smells great and it softens the skin.

Net Weight100g
Best forAll Skin Types
Notable IngredientsShea Butter, Glycerin
FeaturesCertified by The Vegan Society, 90% Ingredients of Natural Origin, Dermatologically-Tested
No.7

Dr. WongSulfur Soap with Moisturizer

Reference price
₱46
Low

Heals Skin With Sulfur and Moisturizing Aloe Vera

Blisters, skin rashes, acne, and dandruff brought on by fungus can be effectively treated with this antifungal soap. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe and heal the skin, while its gentle formula cleanses without stripping away essential moisture.

The soap contains soothing aloe vera, which leaves the skin feeling smooth and velvety, while its deep cleansing action removes dirt and excess oil to help prevent future breakouts. Reviewers rave about this soap's ability to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized, making it an ideal choice even for those with sensitive skin.

Net Weight80g
Best forAcne-Prone Skin
Notable IngredientsSulfur, Aloe Vera Extract
FeaturesHelps Treat Skin Infections, Lightens Dark Spots and Scars, Has a Refreshing Citrus Scent
No.8

Be OrganicOatmeal Soap

Lowest price
₱87
Mid

Combat Symptoms of Sensitive Skin With a Mild Oatmeal Soap

If you have sensitive skin, one of the struggles is finding a soap that you're hiyang with. Well, Be Organic has the perfect product for you! Their oatmeal soap doesn't contain any artificial colors or fragrances, and it's made from all-natural ingredients such as palm oil, coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, and oatmeal.

With oatmeal as its main component, this soap nourishes, moisturizes, and exfoliates the skin to soothe eczema, insect bites, and rashes. It's specifically formulated to relieve the symptoms of sensitive skin, such as dryness, inflammation, itchiness, and acne. Previous customers can vouch for this product, saying that it can soothe itchy skin.

Net Weight110g
Best forNormal, Sensitive, Dry, Itchy, and Acne-Prone Skin
Notable IngredientsSaponified Oils of Palm, Coconut, Olive, and Castor, Essential Oil, Ground Oatmeal
FeaturesFree From Harmful Chemicals and Synthetic Colorants, Has Anti-inflammatory Properties, Lightens Dark Spots
No.9

DermAidTawas Soap

Reference price
₱69
Low Mid

Enriched With Tawas and Coconut Oil to Control Sweat and Odor

This soap has racked up huge sales as well as numerous good reviews, and here's why! It combines the antibacterial properties of tawas (Potassium alum) and coconut oil to effectively fight odor-causing bacteria and excessive sweating. With this soap, you can say goodbye to sweaty and smelly situations and face your day with confidence!

Because of its natural active ingredients, you can be assured that this is safe for everyday use. Customer reviews online attest to the effectiveness of this product, as it can reduce body odor and perspiration with frequent use.

Net Weight90g
Best forAll Skin Types
Notable IngredientsCoconut Oil, Potassium Alum
FeaturesHelps Control Excessive Body Sweat, Kills Odor-Causing Bacteria
No.10

Kojie.sanSkin Lightening Soap With Hydromoist

Reference price
₱88
Mid

Infused With Whitening and Moisturizing Ingredients for Smoother and Even-Toned Skin

Kojie.san has been at the forefront in terms of whitening products. As such, most people rave about the effectiveness of their products, including this whitening soap. It boasts a high-grade kojic acid content that suppresses the production of melanin, which is best for those who want to have lighter, clearer, and more even-toned skin.

This whitening soap also contains moisturizing ingredients such as coconut oil, glycerin, and carrageenan extract to nourish the skin. It also has Lactobacillus ferment and tea tree oil to calm irritation. As mentioned in the reviews, it can show visible results in as early as seven days! However, some have noted that it leaves a stingy feeling, so consult your derm before using this product.

Net Weight135
Best forDark Spots and Dry Skin
Notable IngredientsCoconut Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Glycerin, Carrageenan Extract, Tea Tree Oil
FeaturesZero Pigment Light Technology, Hydromoist Formula

Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Meg Sison

Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Meg Sison.

How Do You Keep a Bar Soap Sanitary?

Dr. Meg Sison
Dermatologist
Dr. Meg Sison
Make sure to keep the soap dry and do not let the soap get soaked in water to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

Can Germs and Bacteria Live on Bar Soap?

Dr. Meg Sison
Dermatologist
Dr. Meg Sison
Yes, especially if the bar soap is exposed to a moist environment. It is best to keep it out of the shower when not in use.

Does Bar Soap Expire?

Dr. Meg Sison
Dermatologist
Dr. Meg Sison
Yes, they do. Make sure to use them before the expiration date indicated on the package.

More Tips From Dr. Meg Sison

Dr. Meg Sison
Dermatologist
Dr. Meg Sison
Use lukewarm water when bathing and limit bath time to 10 minutes or less to prevent your skin from drying out. Make sure to rinse the soap thoroughly to avoid soap residues, which can cause skin irritation. Apply moisturizer on your body within three minutes of bathing to prevent moisture loss from your skin's outermost layer.

More Products to Make Your Shower Time Enjoyable

Re-editors: Rie N., Patricia Catimpo, Aprille Jarcia

How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations

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.

Top 5 Bar Soaps

No. 1: DoveBeauty Bar White

No. 2: CetaphilGentle Cleansing Antibacterial Bar

No. 3: SafeguardDetox Face and Body Bar SoapTea Tree

No. 4: SnailWhite Whipp Soap

No. 5: LushRo's Argan Gourmet Soap

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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