Sensitive skin needs to be treated with the gentleness it deserves. Regular bar soaps, packed with artificial preservatives, might prove too harsh. Instead, you want a mild soap that’s all-natural, hypoallergenic, and unscented. For that, I introduce you to the best bar soap for sensitive skin. They’re gentle and enriched with ingredients that rejuvenate the skin.
As simple as it sounds, getting the best soap for sensitive skin isn’t easy. Some are touted the best, only to end up compounding your problems. Hence, I’m here to review the best tried and true bar soaps for sensitive skin. Also, the article includes a guide to help you pick the best from the list.
10 Best Bar Soap for Sensitive Skin
Table of Contents
1. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar
CeraVe claims to be the number one dermatologist-recommended skincare brand. And from all indications, this cleanser bar lives up to the brand’s promise.
Patented MVE Delivery Technology
MVE technology slowly delivers moisturizing ingredients over time. Hence, it lasts longer, providing 24-hour hydration. Well, that’s three times longer than what you get in most bar soaps. For the record, the CeraVe cleanser bar contains 5% moisturizing cream.
Moisture-Attracting Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture, and much more. For instance, it alleviates dry skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Also, it relieves joint pains and speeds of wound healing.
Three Essential Ceramides
Ceramides restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. Also, they help retain moisture and protect against irritants and pollution. Well, the CeraVe cleanser bar combines all essential ceramides: 1, 3, and 6-II.
Gentle Fragrance-Free Cleansing
CeraVe bar soap is gentle on your skin. Hence, it’s safe for your face, body, and hands. Also, it’s unscented, making it ideal for those that suffer from allergies.
NEA Certified
The National Eczema Association certifies the CeraVe bar cleanser. Hence, it’s ideal for eczema and other sensitive skin conditions.
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2. Dove Beauty Bar for Sensitive Skin
Dove Beauty bar has gained approval from both dermatologists and pediatricians. It promises zero percent harshness and 100% care.
25% Moisturizing Cream
The Dove bar has more moisturizing cream than any other bar soap. Hence, it hydrates the skin better. Plus, it provides lasting nourishment for soft, supple skin.
Gentle Cleansing
Dove Beauty bar soap is a gentle, all-around cleanser. Hence, it’s safe on your body, face, and hands.
Refreshing Cleanse
This bar soap has the same refreshing effects as Shea butter and lavender. It replenishes nutrients, leaving your skin soft and smooth.
Bacteria Eliminator
Dove bar soap is gentle on your skin but tough on dirt and bacteria. It deep-cleanses the skin, washing away all the bacteria. So, it eliminates odors and leaves you feeling fresh.
Unscented Hypoallergenic Formula
This bar cleanser is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. So, there’s zero chance it will cause allergic reactions, even on sensitive skin.
Plastic-Free Packaging
Dove uses environmentally-conscious packaging. It’s plastic-free, reducing the amount of waste on the environment.
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3. Basis Sensitive Skin Bar Soap
Basis sensitive skin bar soap does more than clean your skin. It goes the extra mile to soothe, comfort, and clam your skin.
Enriched with Chamomile and Aloe Vera
Basis bar soap uses natural agents, comprising chamomile and aloe vera.
Chamomile offers excellent anti-septic properties to fight germs and bacteria. Also, it’s anti-inflammatory and eliminates acne.
Aloe vera, on the other hand, provides excellent cooling properties. It soothes, replenishes, and moisturizes the skin.
Pure Ultra-Gentle Formula
Basis bar soap doesn’t contain any dyes or harsh chemicals. Hence, it’s safe for hand and body.
Fragrance-Free
Basis, sensitive skin bar soap, is unscented. Hence, it’s a game-changer for those that suffer from skin irritations.
4. Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar
Cetaphil cleansing bar is ideal for every age, stage, and day. It’s one of the best for dry and sensitive skin.
Soap-Free and Detergent-Free Formula
Cetaphil is a soap-free cleanser. It combines fats and alkaline additives that break up excess oil and dirt. Also, it leaves the skin clean and purified. Such specs make it excellent for normal to dry skin.
Non-Comedogenic Moisturizing Formula
Cetaphil cleans and moisturizes to restore the skin’s protective oils and emollients. At the same time, it’s non-comedogenic. Hence, it doesn’t clog, allowing the skin to breathe and remain hydrated. Also, it keeps dry skin supple.
Non-Antibacterial
In terms of killing disease-causing germs, Cetaphil is no more than regular soap. Hence, it doesn’t kill healthy bacteria on the skin’s surface.
Hypoallergenic
Cetaphil adopts natural washing ingredients. Hence, it doesn’t irritate or dry the skin. That makes it an excellent choice for those suffering from allergies.
5. Dial Basics Bar Soap
Dial Basics soap dissolves easily to provide soft, caring lather for a gentle cleanse. Plus, it’s dermatologist-tested for better reassurance.
Highly Anti-bacterial
Dial Basics soap has one of the best bacteria-killing ingredients. It can kill 99.9% of harmful skin bacterial in as little as 30 seconds. Hence, it keeps your skin free of the bacteria that cause perspiration odor. Should you need a soap that kills more germs, Dial Basics will suffice.
Formulated with Glycerin
Glycerin formula makes Dial Basics gentler than most soaps. It affords a lower PH, allowing the skin to retain its natural moisture. Also, it rinses without clogging or over-drying the skin. As such, it’s one of the best for dry and sensitive skin.
Invigorating Soft Lather
The Dial Basics bar cleaner lathers quickly. Hence, it cleans gently and in an instant. Also, it leaves you feeling strong, healthy, and full of energy.
Hypoallergenic
Dial Basics soap is hypoallergenic. Though it has a light fragrance, it doesn’t irritate the skin. So, it’s ideal for eczema and other skin conditions.
6. Dr. Bronner’s – Pure-Castile Bar Soap
Dr. Bronner’s soap provides the goodness of liquid soap but in bar form. And it’s an all-rounder for face, body, hair, and more.
Copious Rich Lather
This bar cleanser produces copious lather. Hence, it traps dirt better and provides a thorough rinse. And it achieves that without the help of detergents or foaming agents.
Derived from Organic Oils
Dr. Bronner’s soap is purely of organic oils. It comprises coconut, jojoba, olive oil, and hemp. Well, such natural ingredients make it gentle but effective. It moisturizes and cleans your skin without any unpleasant reactions. In fact, it’s one of the best bar cleansers for soft baby skin.
All-In-One Bar Cleanser
Most bar soaps for sensitive skin are only good for the face, hands, and body. Well, Dr. Bronner’s bar soap takes things the extra mile. You can use this bar cleanser for your face, hands, body, hair, and more.
Biodegradable
This bar soap decomposes upon disposal. More so, it’s non-toxic. Hence, it does some good for the soil.
100% Recycled Wrapper
Dr. Bronner’s bar soap adopts eco-friendly packaging. It comes in 100% recycled material to conserve the environment.
7. Legend’s Creek Oatmeal, Milk & Honey Goat Milk Soap
This bar soap is handmade from happy goats to provide skin-soothing benefits. Also, each comes in a perfect gift box, should you buy it for your loved ones.
All-Natural Ingredients
Legend’s Creek soap comprises milk butter, oatmeal, and raw honey. Hence, it’s an all-organic soap with wonderful, natural remedies.
Raw honey is naturally anti-bacterial. Hence, it washes away unwanted bacteria and odors. Also, it’s an antioxidant, protecting your skin from free radicals. Again, it helps draw moisture to the skin.
Oatmeal provides an anti-inflammatory, soothing effect. It gently exfoliates dead skin cells, leaving your skin soft and smooth. Also, oatmeal soaks up excess oils and helps in treating acne.
Buttermilk works as a moisturizer to nourish the skin. Also, it has cleansing enzymes that brighten the skin.
Handmade
This bar cleanser is handmade with great attention to detail. Hence, it offers reassuring quality and safety.
Scented and Unscented Options
Legend’s Creek goat milk soap is available in scented or unscented versions. You can choose from up to 16 fragrances.
8. Kirk’s Fragrance-Free Castile Bar Soap
Kirk’s Castile bar soap adopts a new look, but with the same trusted formula. And with over a century of experience, this American-made soap doesn’t disappoint.
Vegetable-Based Ingredients
Kirk’s Castile soap is a vegan bar cleanser derived from vegetable oils and fats. It’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Hence, it rewards you with healthy skin. Also, vegetable-based ingredients make it ideal for vegetarians.
Soothing Aloe Vera
This bar cleanser has a touch of aloe vera. Hence, it restores and moisturizes the skin. Again, aloe vera prevents acne, dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines.
100% Premium Coconut Oil
Coconut oil makes this bar cleanser an excellent moisturizer. Also, it’s as good for the skin as it’s for the hair. Aside from moisturizing, it removes dirt and exfoliates dead skin cells.
Coconut oil is also rich in antioxidants. Hence, it leaves your skin firm with a more youthful appearance.
Original Fresh Scent
Kirk’s Castile bar soap has a refreshing aloe fragrance. It’s natural and not overpowering like artificial fragrances. Well, the fragrance is more of a light scent from fresh garden greens.
Biodegradable
This bar cleanser breaks down upon disposal, and the same goes for the packaging. Hence, it doesn’t harm the environment.
Hypoallergenic
This bar soap is safe for people who suffer from allergies. It doesn’t cause irritations, even on more sensitive skin.
9. O Naturals Moisturizing Organic Bar Soap
O Naturals soap offers a luxurious treat, leaving your skin young and rejuvenated. It uses all-natural ingredients, making it safe for all skin conditions.
All-Organic Ingredients
O Naturals organic soap comprises Shea butter and coconut oil. It’s further enriched with olive and avocado oil.
Coconut oil makes it an excellent natural moisturizer. It nourishes dry skin without clogging the pores.
Shea butter enriches your skin with vitamin E. Hence, it reduces the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Plus, it provides a soothing feel to irritating skin.
Olive and avocado oils work in tandem to boost collagen and elastin production.
PH Balanced
At 7.2, the PH level is pretty much balanced. Hence, the soap cleans thoroughly without stripping the skin of its natural barrier. Also, the balanced PH helps to restore moisture.
Triple-Milled
O Naturals bar soap is triple-milled. Hence, it offers a luxurious lather that glides over your body. For that, it leaves the skin softer than ever.
10. Dr. Woods Unscented Baby Mild Bar Soap
Dr. Woods bar soap promises the most gentle care for all skin types. And this bar soap goes the extra mile to care for the delicate baby skin.
All-Natural Formula
This baby bar soap is 100% organic. It comprises Vitamin E, Shea butter, and jojoba oil.
Vitamin E is more of an antioxidant. It keeps off free radicals and reduces UV damage.
Shea butter combines fatty acids, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. It softens the skin and promotes healing properties. Also, it soothes the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Jojoba oil tames chaffing and reduces redness. Also, it comprises Vitamin E and Vitamin B for skin repair and damage control.
Triple-Milled
This bar soap is triple-milled. Hence, it’s free of components that trap dirt and grease. Also, the process makes the bar soap hard. As such, it doesn’t dissolve into a messy blob. Plus, it lasts longer, up to 5 months apiece.
Fragrance-Free Formulation
This bar soap is unscented. It only aims to clean and moisturize your skin. Hence, it doesn’t cause irritations or other side effects. Because of that, it’s excellent for dry, sensitive skins.
Natural Cardboard Packaging
The packaging is also derived from natural materials. Hence, it’s biodegradable and helps conserve the environment.
Best Bar Soap for Sensitive Skin: Complete Guide
Skin Type
Sensitive skin is pretty much a general term. It can be oily, dry, or a combination.
Oily sensitive skins are most prone to acne. Also, they demand frequent washing. For this, you need a milder soap. I’d recommend a bar soap that has oatmeal as the primary ingredient.
Dry, sensitive skins demand a bar soap with high moisturizing properties. For this, I’d recommend bar soaps that contain glycerin. It helps the skin to absorb water, keeping it moisturized throughout the day. Also, soaps that contain vegetable oil, aloe vera, and coconut oil will suffice.
Individuals with combination skin tend to experience both oily and dry skin. Neither a soap for oily skin or for dry skin will do good. In such a case, glycerine is the best compromise. It’s a middle-of-the-ground ingredient that’s best for either skin.
Fragrance
Artificial fragrances can be unpleasant and often compound the problem. The scent can be overpowering. Also, it’s more likely to cause irritations. I’d recommend that you stick to bar soaps with mild, natural fragrance.
PH Level
The skin is slightly acidic with a PH level of around 5.5. Hence, you want a soap that will provide a balanced PH level. I’d recommend that you aim for a basic PH level of 7-10. Anything higher might be a bit harsh on your skin.
Ingredients
Bar soap with all-natural ingredients is the best for sensitive skin. It should be free of chemical preservatives and synthetic ingredients.
Smoothness
Smoothness is pretty much a personal preference. At times, you may need a soap that will help exfoliate your skin. In such a case, I’d recommend a soap that contains ground oats. It’s rough enough to exfoliate the skin but not too rough as to cause damage.
If skin exfoliation isn’t what you need, then settle for smooth bar soap. I’d recommend those that contain Shea butter, buttermilk, or glycerine.
Cleaning Power
Well, sensitive skins demand a mild bar soap. However, it shouldn’t sacrifice cleaning power. Aim for a soap that’s effective at removing dirt and grease. Though not a must, you can also settle for one with anti-bacterial properties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What’s the best soap for sensitive skin?
Answer: Overall, you need a bar soap that’s unscented, hypoallergenic, and extra gentle. Well, all bar soaps on the list meet the criteria. But the best overall would be Dove Beauty bar soap. It’s not only recommended by dermatologists but also pediatricians. Again, it has the most moisturizing properties.
Question: What’s the best hypoallergenic bar soap for sensitive skin?
Answer: Dollar-for-dollar, I’d go with Dial Basic bar soap. It’s super-affordable with dermatologist-approved hypoallergenic properties.
Question: What’s the best mildest bar soap for sensitive skin?
Answer: I’d go with Cetaphil Gentle cleansing bar. It adopts a mild formula, which is safe for the whole family.
Question: What’s the best anti-bacterial bar soap for sensitive skin?
Answer: Well, most bar soaps claim to kill bacteria and germs. But the truth is that they only wash away germs. Dial Basics bar soap is a game-changer. It kills 99.99% of germs in as little as 30 seconds.
Conclusion
Selecting the best bar soap for sensitive skin doesn’t have to be that hard. Not unless you don’t have an idea of what to look for. Well, I’ve given you the idea and the list of the top recommendations. Every bar soap on the list is as gentle and 100% safe on sensitive skin. So, it’s upon you to pick the best for your needs and budget. I’m also open to any suggestions, recommendations, and hands-on experience regarding the best picks on the list.