Looking for the best soap for men is not just an investment in a bath product. It’s also an investment in yourself. Think about it, maybe a good invigorating shower is all you need to wake you up before seizing the day. And after a long, tiring day at work, nothing beats a long, hot, relaxing bath. By incorporating the right soap into your regular grooming routine, you will not only be clean, but you’ll smell fresh and you’ll feel moisturized as well.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Soap for Men
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When it comes to men, it’s pretty common for them not to give much thought to the products they use going with whatever is available on the shelves primarily the soap that they use on a daily basis. And yes, we do use soap for cleanliness. But it is also so important to find the best men’s soap that will work for your skin type. If you’re unsure which soap suits you, you’re in the right place. We’ve scoured the market for the best soaps for men. But first, here are some of the things to consider when looking for the best soap specifically for you.
- Skin Type – In the same way of selecting the best face moisturizer for men, you also need to pick a soap that will suit your skin type. The most common skin types include dry, oily, normal, sensitive, and combination. Look for a men’s soap that’s formulated for and compatible with your skin type.
- Ingredients – When searching for a new soap, it’s vital to take a look at its ingredient lists. Avoid products with harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances because this may lead to skin irritation and other allergies. If you can opt for soaps with natural, plant-based ingredients, instead.
- Scented vs Unscented – Before you even get into learning about fragrance and scent that suits you well, start with the base by selecting the best smelling soap you can get your hands on. Men-specific products offer robust masculine scents like sandalwood, bourbon, and musk. Select the best smelling soap for men that will leave you with an attractive scent. On the other hand, opt for fragrance-free products if you have easily irritated or sensitive skin. Both natural and synthetic fragrances can cause redness, rashes, and other allergic reactions.
- Bar Soap vs Liquid Body Wash – Between a bar soap and an actual facial moisturizer, we recommend a good face wash for men, of course. When it comes to bath time though, the choice is between a soap bar and liquid soaps, which do have their own pros and cons. Bar soaps get a bad reputation as they tend to dry out the skin more due to their high pH levels. They are more effective for removing dirt in the body because of the friction and contact on the skin. Not to mention, bar soaps have fewer chemicals. Liquid soaps contain hydrating agents by default. And they’re best for skin that tends to dry out a lot. Liquid body wash and gels are also usually kinder to sensitive skin.
Best Soap for Men with Dry Skin
1. Dove Men+Care Extra Fresh Body and Face Bar Soap
Image from Dove Men.
Worried about bar soaps drying out your skin? If that’s the case, check this one from Dove. Formulated with moisturizing technology, this Dove bar soap for men will cleanse your body without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry. Since it is very moisturizing, you can use this Dove soap on your face and even include it in your shaving kit for a smooth, nick-free shave. It lathers into a nice, light, and non-greasy foam that rinses away easily. One of the best soaps for dry skin for men, this Dove men soap has distinct scents of crisp Mandarin Citrus, refreshing Patchouli, and Rosemary.
Buy the Dove Men+Care Extra Fresh Body and Face Bar Soap on Amazon.
2. Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bar
Image from Shea Moisture.
Tailored for dry, flaky skin, the African black soap from Shea Moisture is a simple yet effective product that will clean and hydrate your skin. It contains natural ingredients with antimicrobial properties, like shea butter, oats, and aloe. It also contains clarifying agents like palm ash, tamarind extract, tar, and plantain peel. All of which help soothe skin irritation. It can also double as a facial cleanser that can fight off acne and remove oil without leaving your skin dry.
Get the Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bar on Amazon.
3. Art of Sport Body Bar Soap
Image from Art of Sport.
Another men’s soap that utilizes the moisturizing properties of shea butter is this one from Art of Soap. If you like the luxurious feeling of a creamy lather, this soap is certainly the one for you. Crafted with shea butter, activated charcoal and tea tree oil, the Art of Sport Body Bar Soap offers a moisturizing cleanse that results in softer and healthier skin. Thanks to its energizing scent of citrus and green pear, it’s the perfect soap to get you recharged after an intense Tabata workout.
Get the Art of Sport Body Bar Soap on Amazon.
4. Irish Spring Moisture Blast
Image from Irish Spring
In the market for the best soap for dry skin for men that will wake up your senses? If so, go with this men’s bar soap from Irish Spring. It comes with a revitalizing scent that can wake and energize you. It comes with emollients that instantly dissolve on your skin that leaves it feeling conditioned and smooth. Additionally, it also offers 12-hour odor protection that lets you feel fresh all throughout the day.
Get the Irish Spring Moisture Blast on Amazon.
5. Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body and Face Cleanser
Image from Eucerin.
Dermatologically tested, this Eucerin body and face cleanser is one of the best liquid soaps for men in the market. Crafted with a soap-free formula, it’s the ideal cleanser for those with dry skin since it helps maintain the skin’s optimal pH level. Gentle to the skin, this mild liquid soap can prevent skin from drying out and avoid skin irritation. What’s more, since it’s also fragrant and dye-free, it’s also suitable for men with dry skin.
Get the Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body and Face Cleanser on Amazon.
6. Marlowe No. 102 Men’s Body Scrub Soap
Image from Marlowe.
Just because you have dry skin doesn’t mean you should avoid exfoliating products. In fact, they can even help scrub away dry and dead skin to reveal smooth, clean skin. Utilizing apricot seed and pumice, this exfoliating soap from Marlowe is the best soap for dry skin for men. It’s an effective exfoliant that scrubs away dead skin cells on your skin. Infused with a blend of passionflower fruit, green tea, willow bark, and deep-sea algae extracts, it’s also great for nourishing, smoothing, and revitalizing the skin. This Marlowe soap bar has notes of masculine scents like agarwood, sandalwood, and musk.
Get the Marlowe No. 102 Men’s Body Scrub Soap on Amazon.
Best Soap for Men with Oily Skin
7. Beekman 1802 Goat Milk Bar Soap – Honey & Oat
Image from Beekman 1802.
Enriched with goat’s milk, this men’s soap from Beekman 1802 is gentle, nourishing, and moisturizing. While it may sound strange at first, goat’s milk is actually great for oily skin. It contains a lot of properties that help control our skin’s oil production. This is because it has the same pH level as the human skin. As such, it’s the perfect ingredient to keep your skin hydrated without leaving it feeling greasy. Goat’s milk is also rich in lactic acid, which can help prevent acne. Moreover, this bar soap also contains colloidal oats and honey, which are fantastic for improving skin texture and sealing in moisture.
Get the Beekman 1802 Goat Milk Bar Soap – Honey & Oat on Amazon.
8. O Naturals Dead Sea Mud and French Green Clay Bar Soap
Image from O Naturals.
Undoubtedly one of the best bath soaps for men, this bar soap from O Naturals absorbs excess oil from your skin and detoxifies it. Made with French green clay, it deep-cleans your pores, leaving your skin clean and glowing. Meanwhile, the Dead Sea mud moisturizes and nourishes your skin. It’s also great for revitalizing damaged skin. Additionally, it’s infused with essential oils that emit an invigorating and refreshing scent.
Get the O Naturals Dead Sea Mud and French Green Clay Bar Soap on Amazon.
9. Keika Naturals Charcoal Soap
Image from Keika Naturals.
Looking for the best natural soap for men that works well with oily and sweaty skin? Check out this charcoal soap from the Keika Naturals. It contains activated charcoal which acts like a magnet to all the gunk and toxins on your skin. Despite this, though, it won’t strip your skin of its natural oils that act as a natural barrier against ultraviolet rays, pollution, bacteria, and dirt. On top of that, the tea tree and peppermint oil blend in it isn’t just for that minty aroma you get when you first open this soap’s packaging. It also helps clear up acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin concerns.
The best part of purchasing this all-natural soap is that you’re also helping restore healthy forests. Dedicated to battling deforestation, Keika Naturals partnered with a non-profit organization and for every bar of soap purchased, one tree is planted.
Get the Keika Naturals Charcoal Soap on Amazon.
10. Nivea for Men Body Wash Active Clean
Image from Nivea Men.
Another bath product that uses charcoal to draw out dirt, oil, and sweat from the skin is this liquid body wash from Nivea. Specially developed for the needs of men’s skin, the Nivea Men Body Wash Active Clean thoroughly cleanses your body without stripping it dry of its natural moisture. Additionally, it’s also one of the best smelling soaps for men with oily skin. It combines the masculine scent of Bourbon with the comforting aroma of vanilla, which lasts long after you get out of the shower.
Get the Nivea for Men Body Wash Active Clean on Amazon.
11. Baxter of California Men’s Exfoliating Body Bar
Image from Baxter of California
The next men’s bar soap on our list is actually suitable for all skin types. However, we highly recommend it for guys battling with oily skin, thanks to its key ingredient. Infused with jojoba meal, this body bar for men from Baxter of California is great for regulating your skin’s sebum production. Thus, it keeps it from looking oily. Besides cleansing and moisturizing your skin, it’s also excellent for smoothing away rough skin patches thanks to the crushed olive seed in it. The aromas of cedarwood and oakmoss are also a fan favorite among men who like to opt for a more subtle yet still masculine scent.
Get the Baxter of California Men’s Exfoliating Body Bar on Amazon.
12. Jack Black Turbo Body Bar
Image from Jack Black
Jack Black skincare and aftershave products for men are some of the best in the industry. It’s no surprise to see that they also offer one of the best bar soaps for men with oily skin. On top of that, it smells good as well. This soap from the brand features the rugged and crisp scent of pine. However, this soap doesn’t just smell good. It’s packed with premium natural ingredients that wash away the excess oil from your body while also nourishing it. Crafted with lava rocks that gently exfoliate the dead skin and clear away excess sebum, it’s perfect for guys battling oily skin.
Meanwhile, the blue lotus and shea butter in it serve to hydrate and moisturize the skin. In order to lock in that moisture for smooth and soft skin all day long, this bar soap for men also has murumuru seed butter. It also contains Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract that helps combat fatigue and help soothe your skin’s overall condition.
Get the Jack Black Turbo Body Bar on Amazon.
Best Soap for Men with Sensitive Skin
13. The Yellow Bird Peppermint and Tea Tree Soap Bar
Image from The Yellow Bird.
Considered by many as the best natural soap for men with both sensitive and oily skin, this soap from The Yellow Bird is packed with agents that have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. The Peppermint and tea tree oil extracts in it don’t just clean your skin, but also alleviate skin irritations. Not only does this bar soap do away with butt and back acne, this all-natural soap for men also works well to relieve symptoms of athlete’s foot and jock itch.
Get The Yellow Bird Peppermint and Tea Tree Soap Bar on Amazon.
14. Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Bar
Image from Cetaphil.
Cetaphil is a skincare brand that’s synonymous with gentle. Known for creating skincare products with sensitive skin in mind, it’s a no-brainer that we had to include one of its products on this list. Cetaphil’s deep cleansing bar is a great option for men who want to gently get rid of dirt and grime from their skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Its non-irritating formula is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so you won’t have to worry about skin irritation or clogged pores. Since it is so gentle on the skin, you can use it for both your body and face.
Get the Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Bar on Amazon.
15. Kiehl’s “Made For All” Gentle Body Cleanser
Image from Kiehl’s.
Paraben-free and fragrance-free, this body cleanser from Kiehl’s is certainly one of the best liquid soaps for men with sensitive skin. Formulated with aloe vera and soap tree extract, the Kiehl’s “Made For All” Gentle Body Cleanser cleanses the skin and provides a long-lasting refreshing feeling. Not only is it suitable for the body, but since it does have a mild formula, this gel cleanser also works well as a face wash for men.
Get the Kiehl’s “Made For All” Gentle Body Cleanser on Amazon.
16. Tom’s of Maine Fragrance-Free Beauty Bar
Image from Tom’s of Maine.
For guys looking for truly unscented shower products, check this one out from Tom’s of Maine. Made with soothing and moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin, this men’s soap bar is ideal for guys with sensitive and dry skin. On top of that, it is also certified hypoallergenic, so you don’t have to worry about it irritating your sensitive skin. Its formula also features pure raw shea butter that’s great for locking in moisture. What’s more, it’s also eco-friendly and animal friendly. The brand doesn’t test any of its products, formulas, or ingredients on animals. Since it doesn’t contain any artificial colors, fragrances, or preservatives, the Tom’s of Maine Fragrance-Free Beauty Bar is certainly one of the best natural soaps for men out there!
Get the Tom’s of Maine Fragrance-Free Beauty Bar on Amazon.
17. Basis Sensitive Skin Bar Soap
Image from Basis.
This dermatologist-recommended cleansing bar features natural calming agents such as chamomile and aloe vera. Both of which are perfect for soothing your skin against skin irritations, like dermatitis and eczema. It’s dye-free and fragrance-free as well, so you are free to wash away dirt, oil, and other impurities without having to worry about harsh ingredients.
Get the Basis Sensitive Skin Bar Soap on Amazon.
18. Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap, Unscented
Image from Alaffia.
The Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap is suitable for all skin types but works incredibly well for those with sensitive skin. Its mild and gentle formula cleanses grime and oil while promoting healthy-looking skin. Made with unrefined shea butter, this men’s bar soap is incredibly moisturizing. What’s more, reviews also claim that this African black soap works wonders to clear body acne and acne scars. Take note, though, that while this bar soap is labeled unscented, there is a slight aroma from the shea butter.
Get the Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap, Unscented on Amazon.
Best Smelling Soap For Men
19. Every Man Jack Aged Bourbon Body Wash
Image from Every Man Jacked.
This body washes from Every Man Jack is the best smelling soap for men who like the aroma of aged Bourbon. It also comes with notes of Juniper and Cypress oils, with hints of warm vanilla. Because of this, it’s a great body cleanser during the cooler fall and winter seasons. Its coconut-derived glycerin also helps hydrate and moisturize the skin. Every Man Jack doesn’t include parabens, phthalates, dyes, and gluten in any of its products. Everything is vegan and cruelty-free.
Get the Every Man Jack Aged Bourbon Body Wash on Amazon.
20. Method Energy Boost Bar Soap
Image from Method.
For guys looking for a bright citrus scent in their body bar, this one from Method is the one for you. It’s the perfect pick-me-up during a morning shower that will wake your senses up while cleaning your skin. Thanks to its nourishing ingredients, such as glycerin, Vitamin E, and aloe vera extract, the Method Energy Boost Bar Soap can hydrate even the driest skin all throughout the day. Meanwhile, the blend of orange, ginger, and sea buckthorn helps you power up in the morning.
Get the Method Energy Boost Bar Soap on Amazon.
21. Schmidt’s Cedarwood and Juniper Natural Soap with Charcoal and Exfoliating Volcanic Sand
Image from Schmidt.’s
This men’s bar soap is formulated with charcoal to cleanse dirt and grime from your skin, while also providing a rich and luxurious lather. Meanwhile, the volcanic sand exfoliates your skin and removes dead skin. Exfoliating your skin two to three times per week also aids in cell turnover, which keeps our skin fresh and healthy. Additionally, its blend of cedarwood and juniper oils offers a relaxing and refreshing scent that works well for everyday aromatherapy.
Get the Schmidt’s Cedarwood and Juniper Natural Soap with Charcoal and Exfoliating Volcanic Sand on Amazon.
22. Native Body Wash
Image from Native.
This all-natural body wash for men from Native actually comes in a variety of scents. You can get the subtle clean and fresh aroma of Eucalyptus and Mint, the zesty and almost spicy scent of Citrus and Herbal Musk, or the cool and crisp smell of Cucumber and Mint. If you’re more of a tropical kind of guy, the Native Body Wash is also available in the sweet and warm scent of Coconut and Vanilla. Meanwhile, its charcoal scented variant is an excellent choice for those who prefer a fresh, mineral aroma with hints of citrus in it. Regardless of which variant you choose, Native guarantees you’ll step out of the shower feeling clean, soft, and smelling good throughout the day.
Get the Native Body Wash on Amazon.
23. Old Spice Swagger Body Wash
Image from Old Spice.
We can’t talk about the best smelling soap for men without mentioning Old Spice products. Most popular for its line of the best men’s deodorant in the market, it also offers a wide range of incredible smelling body washes. The brand’s Swagger Body Wash has masculine notes of lime and cedarwood, perfect for those who like the sweet, zesty, and woody aromas. This men’s body wash lathers really well and expels dirt and odor from your skin.
Get the Old Spice Swagger Body Wash on Amazon.
24. Nubian Heritage Lemongrass and Tea Tree Bar Soap
Image from Nubian Heritage.
Boost your mood with the scents of lemongrass and tea tree thanks to this soap bar from Nubian Heritage. Both ingredients are famous for their potent and invigorating aromas that energize you. It contains orange peels, as well, which not only adds to the upbeat and welcome scent of this soap but also a nice little exfoliating treat. This handmade soap isn’t just for invigorating the senses while removing skin impurities, it keeps your skin soft and supple, too. This is thanks to the shea butter it contains that helps condition, tone, and soothe the skin.
Get the Nubian Heritage Lemongrass and Tea Tree Bar Soap on Amazon.
Best Multipurpose Soaps
25. Dr. Squatch Pine Tar
Image from Dr. Squatch.
Formulated especially for men, this soap bar is suitable for all skin types, from the oiliest of skin to even the driest and most sensitive ones. Made with real pine extract for that masculine woody scent, it’s certainly reminiscent of the forest. It uses sand and oatmeal to exfoliate the skin to get rid of unwanted grime. Thanks to its blend of essential oils, sea salt, shea butter, and kaolin clay, the Dr. Squatch Pine Tar Soap works well with both oily and dry skin.
Get the Dr. Squatch Pine Tar on Amazon.
26. Dr. Bronner Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Image from Dr. Bronner
If you’re a frequent traveler or maybe already part of the van life movement, you know the struggle of packing light. Every inch of space counts when it comes to long-term trips. If you want to save space, it’s best to opt for multi-purpose products. One of the easiest ways to do this is by bringing along with soap that serves several purposes.
A little goes a long way with Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Pure-Castile Soaps. If you need to clean something, this liquid soap concentrate should probably do the trick. From your body, hair, dishes, laundry, windows, floors, and even pets, this product will get the job done. It’s available in eight different scents, such as peppermint, citrus, almond, lavender, tea tree, rose, and eucalyptus. Made with natural and fair trade ingredients, it doesn’t include any synthetic preservatives, detergents, or foaming agents. However, it may seem a bit too harsh for people with sensitive skin, so you may not want to use it as a facial wash if your skin is easily irritated.
Get the Dr. Bronner Pure-Castile Liquid Soap on Amazon.
27. Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash
Image from Sea to Summit.
This liquid soap from Sea to is another great option for backpackers and frequent travelers. It’s a super-concentrated, all-purpose soap that you can use for just about everything. Not only does it work well as a body wash and shampoo, but it is also an effective cleanser for your dishes and clothing. It’s fragrance-free, so you know it’s gentle on sensitive skin, and what’s more, it is also gentle on Mother Nature too.
Get the Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash on Amazon.
28. JJ-Young All-in-One Soap
Image from JJ Young.
Designed for all skin types, this men’s bar soap is a three-in-one solution for travelers and people on the budget. You can use the JJ-Young All-in-One Soap on your face, body, and hair. The activated charcoal in it helps purify your pores by removing oil build-up and controlling your skin’s sebum production. Meanwhile, the menthol in it is great for soothing irritated skin. It also leaves a nice cooling effect from head-to-toe.
Get the JJ-Young All-in-One Soap on Amazon.
29. Everyone 3-in-1 Soap for Every Man
Image from Everyone.
Another three-in-one soap is this one from the brand Everyone. It works well as a shower gel, shampoo, and shaving gel. It lathers nicely as well, so you can even use it for bubble baths if you had a rough day and want to relax with other self-care ideas to help you unwind. Scent-wise, it gives off the calming aromas of chamomile, calendula, and white tea.
Get the Everyone 3-in-1 Soap for Every Man on Amazon.
30. Swag Brewery Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey Soap
Image from Swag Brewery.
This handcrafted artisanal product is the best bar soap for men who love the rich scent of whiskey. If you’re wondering where the powerful peppery, and oaky aroma comes from, well, the Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey Soap actually contains real whiskey. Other ingredients include crushed oats, apricot seeds, and rosemary leaf extract, all of which result in a thorough shower. Use it as a face and body wash, shampoo, and even as a shaving soap!
Get the Swag Brewery Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey Soap on Amazon.
Get Scrubbing with the Best Soap for Men
More and more men are now paying closer attention to the products they use on their bodies. With this, we also see an increasing number of brands release soaps designed specifically for men’s skin. The endless list of choices can be confusing, especially with the plethora of ingredients and claims that companies slap on the attractive labels of their products.
That’s why we crafted this list of the best men’s soaps you can trust with the basics. Regardless of your preference and skin type, the best soap for men cleans well, won’t dry your skin out and will leave you smelling amazing. What more can you ask for?
