Which Bar Soap is the Best for Your Skin Type?

The classic skincare staple is making a comeback.

Feb 4, 2023

There’s certainly no shortage of cleansing products in the skincare market—gel, foam, milk, micellar, oil, balm, etc.—that it’s easy to overlook the humble bar soap. Not surprising since it’s gotten quite the bad rap in the past, being called everything from harsh to ineffective, relegated to handwashing, if at all.

But bar soaps have come a long way since then. These days, there are different types of bar soaps formulated for every skin type. So before you write them off, give one a try. Check out our recommendations below and find the one that suits your specific needs. (Also read: Decoding The Types of Facial Cleansers: Which One Is Best For You?)

For Acne-prone Skin: Biretix Dermatological Bar, P680

Dealing with stubborn acne? Thanks to its anti-bacterial and sebum-controlling properties, the Biretix Dermatological Bar is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin. It’s also known for its exfoliating action and mattifying effect, and helps reduce redness and irritation. Bonus: It functions both as a facial and body soap, so you can also use it to address breakouts from the neck down—including bacne.

For Dull or Rough Skin: Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Glycolic Soap, P195

Reap exfoliating and skin-renewing benefits from this soap containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)—specifically glycolic acid—to slough off dead skin cells and stimulate repair. It’s also ideal for acne-prone complexions as well as those suffering from pigmentation as it helps unveil fresher and brighter-looking skin.

For Sensitive Skin: Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Oatmeal Soap, P195

Oatmeal soaps have several benefits: First of all, they work to gently (that’s the key word here) exfoliate the skin, sloughing off dead skin cells to reveal a fresh layer underneath. They are also known to soothe skin irritations and itching, and provide moisture. Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Oatmeal Soap does that by providing a natural oil coat that helps protect the skin and maintain a healthy pH balance.

For Oily and/or Acne-prone Skin: Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Tea Tree Bar Soap, P195

Anyone who’s ever had to deal with teenage pimples is well aware of the benefits of tea tree. A proven acne treatment, It is known to manage excess sebum, calm redness and inflammation, and even help reduce acne scars. Thanks to its natural antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-viral properties, the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Tea Tree Bar Soap does exactly that—helping clarify your complexion safely.

For Dry and/or Psoriatic Skin: Psorolin Medicated Bathing Bar, P450

If you’re suffering from psoriasis, you’d know that finding the right cleansing product for your skin can be a struggle. The good news: Psorolin Medicated Bathing Bar—powered by psorolin oil—is specifically formulated to minimize the symptoms of psoriasis and deliver relief from itching and flaking. It also contains aloe vera and wrightia tinctoria extracts to provide intense moisturization and soothing action. Plus: It may also be used by patients with superficial fungal skin infections such as pityriasis versicolor, and those with seborrheic dermatitis, a.k.a. dandruff. (Also read: Derma-Approved Skincare Products To Relieve Redness & Rosacea)

For All Skin Types—including Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Cleansing Bar, P720

Dye-, fragrance-, lanolin- and paraben-free, Vanicream Cleansing Bar is a gentle soap that is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin. You can use it daily for your face, hands, and body. It is also ideal for extremely dry skin, and for treating eczema and psoriasis. FYI: It’s been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance in the U.S., so you’re sure it’s expert-approved.

Clearly, today’s bar soaps are a far cry from your mom’s bar soaps. Gentle and formulated for different skin types, they do more than just cleanse—they moisturize, soothe, exfoliate, and even address a bevy of complexion concerns. As with the rest of your skincare products, the key is to find the right formulation to cater to your skin’s needs.

For customized skin care recommendations, you can book a virtual or face-to-face dermatological consultation with Dr. Maximin Navarro, our resident dermatologist and a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) fellow, here. You can also inquire at the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Center via (+63) 999-887-1944. View our full treatment menu here.