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

Bar and liquid soaps are both 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 a cardboard or wrapped in a thin plastic film. There are also some stores like Lush that sell bar soaps without any packaging! 

Also, if stored properly, 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.

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

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. 

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 other additional benefits like protecting cells from damage and stopping signs of aging.

It is also highly suggested to choose one with oleic acid or stearic acid. Oleic acid has a similar chemical construction to the fatty acids found on the human skin. It has the same effect of supplementing moisture when you’re trying to wash away dirt and debris on your flesh.

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’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 ingredients that are non-comedogenic 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, triclosan, mangosteen extract, black sugar, 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. 

Look for ingredients that are soothing and have anti-inflammatory properties like oatmeal, green tea, squalene, aloe vera, honey, shea butter, chamomile, and more! If you want a relaxing and refreshing feeling, try out soaps with menthol. However, this may cause irritation. 

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 pertinent to check the label and inspect the ingredients. This way, you know whether the soap is apt for your skin type and could target any skin concerns. 

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

1. Best overall: Dove White Beauty Bar
2. Best for body odor and acne: Oxecure Sulfur Soap
3. Best for sensitive skin: Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Antibacterial Bar
4. Best for cleansing: Safeguard Detox Tea Tree Bar Soap
5. Best for whitening: Cow Beauty Bar Soap (Red)

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.

Disclaimer: These products are recommendations made by our team at mybest Philippines. Our expert, Dr. Maria Elinor Grace Sison, MD, MPM, FPDS, is not affiliated with, nor is she endorsing any of the brands we mention below.

**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**

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

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

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

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 from causing your skin to become irritated. Apply moisturizer on your body within 3 minutes of bathing to prevent moisture loss from your skin's outermost layer.

Looking for more shower and bath essentials? Check out some of our articles to upgrade your shower routine! Listed are the best body washes, shower heads, and shower heaters for you to choose from!

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.