The whole male grooming world has evolved so much within recent years, and now more than ever, men are starting to pay closer attention to their skin and the products they use on it. Although we have come so far, sometimes there’s something so incredibly satisfying about getting back to the basics. That’s right, we’re talking about good old-fashioned bar soap.
Bar soaps are still a staple for millions of men and have certainly changed (for the better) with the times. Some are great for hydrating, some are great for clearing body acne, and some are best for exfoliating the skin. All thanks to improved formulas, bar soaps now feel gentler and more luxurious. If you’re searching for your new favorite one, here are our picks for the best bar soaps to buy that will make your skin thank you.
Best overall bar soap: Dr. Squatch Men’s Soap
It seems like Dr.Squatch is everywhere, and the brand has certainly made a name for itself in the world of men’s grooming. With the catchphrase, “Feel like a man, smell like a champion,” how could you not want to wash your masculine temple in all of this manly goodness? Made specifically with men in mind, this product was designed to change the way men think about hygiene by providing cleansing soaps enriched with robust masculine scents. all without those harsh chemicals that are horrible for your skin.
Best bar soap for sensitive skin: Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar
Cetaphil is one of the most popular brands for anyone who has sensitive skin anywhere on their body. This nourishing cleansing bar was designed specifically with those people in mind. The effective yet non-irritating formula is gentle enough to cleanse while protecting your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Best bar soap for dry skin: Dove Men+Care Extra Fresh Body and Face Bar Soap
This Dove for Men 3-in-1 bar soap for body, face, and shaving is great for those with dry skin, and for those who want as few products as possible. Formulated with more moisturizing ingredients than the competition, this soap will not dry out your skin but will keep it feeling hydrated all day.
Best scented bar soap: Irish Spring Deodorant Bar Soap
It should come as no surprise that this classic bar soap has made our list. If it “ain’t broke” and all of that. If you have a job that makes you a bit smelly at the end of your shift or you just struggle with staying fresh throughout the day, Irish Spring’s Deodorant Bar Soap will give you 12-hour odor protection. This one is best for an active person who needs a soap to keep up.
Other bar soaps we love
MARLOWE. No. 102 Men’s Body Scrub Soap
Exfoliation, the process of removing dead skin cells on the top of the skin, is possibly the most important (and necessary) part of any shower routine. And we understand that for a lot of you gentleman, it’s an extra step you don’t want to deal with. Well, that’s where this bar soap comes into play. Not only will MARLOWE. No. 102 Men’s Body Scrub Soap make you squeaky clean and leave you smelling amazing, it but contains exfoliating beads to polish the body and reveal healthy skin.
Organic African Black Soap
Ever heard of African Black Soap? Well, now you know about this best all-in-one soap. African Black Soap is 100% natural and infused with organic ingredients that rejuvenate the skin and help fight various skin ailments including psoriasis, rashes, and even dandruff. The real reason you’ll love it is that this soap works as a body and face wash and could even use it as a shampoo bar.
Art of Sport Activated Charcoal Bar Soap
This soap was created for active men, and it works just as hard as you do. It features botanicals to keep you smelling great, ingredients to give you a deep cleanse, but most importantly, activated charcoal. Activated charcoal draws out impurities and toxins from your skin, which makes this a great addition to your acne arsenal.
Grandpa’s Pine Tar Bar Soap
The family-owned Grandpa Soap Co. offers a variety of soaps that are naturally crafted, 100% vegan, and gluten-free. Infused with Pine Tar oil, this versatile bar soap makes for a great beard and shampoo that will leave you smelling like the great outdoors.
Dr. Bronner’s All-One Hemp Peppermint Pure-Castile Bar Soap
Without a doubt, the most popular scent in Dr. Bronner’s collection. This Peppermint Castile Bar Soap will leave your body feeling so fresh and clean while literally leaving your skin tingling, in a good way. Their whole line is pretty awesome though, so feel free to browse it to find a match for your skin.
Duke Cannon Big American Bourbon Bar Soap
Who wouldn’t want to bathe their skin with a soap that is made with 90-proof Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey? Or, who wouldn’t at least want to know what that feels like? This oak barrel-scented soap is ideal for normal skin, is paraben-free, and might be one of the more unique kinds of bar soap out there.
Nudy Rudy Hunny Bunny Soap
For those who find fragrances, chemicals, artificial ingredients, and most soaps irritate their skin nonstop, then Nudy Rudy Hunny Buny Soap (and the whole Nudy Rudy line) should be your next buy. With natural ingredients, a plant-based formula, and that good shea butter to leave your skin so soft that others will want to touch it, this soap bar checks all the boxes. We also love the price of this naturally enriched soap bar.
Your skin makes a first impression before you even open your mouth. What you use to keep it clean should be a decision that involves more than looking at the price tag. The best bar soap for your skin will vary from person to person, so take the time to look through this list to find the one with the right ingredient lineup for your specific skin type.
Editors' Recommendations
- The 9 best beard styles for bald men: Follow these Hollywood leading men
- The best moisturizers for oily skin — get a shine-free complexion
- The 10 best products to minimize ingrown hairs
- The 12 best pre-shave oils to get your closest, most comfortable shave yet
- Father’s Day gift guide: The best grooming products for dad
