Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?
BAR SOAP HAS become something of a lost tool in the average grooming arsenal. If you're a body wash devotee, you probably rarely give bar soap thought unless suddenly confronted with it in a hotel room shower or guest bathroom. Sure, it does seem to have a retro vibe, and may even harken back to something you used as a kid, but don't sleep on bar soap. There are bar soap options that are equally cleansing and revitalizing as body washes, and in some situations, we even prefer the bar alternatives.
Body washes may be exceedingly popular among men, especially those who struggle with dry skin, but the kind of clean you get from a bar soap is still second to none. While they are not self-cleaning as Joey Tribbiani once claimed, they get the job done with less mess and can last longer than a body wash.
Plus, bar soaps come with less waste. Think about it: they’re smaller, you can use them until they’re completely gone, and there is no plastic bottle to throw into the recycling bin when you’re done. Many soap companies are even changing their packaging now to double down on bar soaps as the greener option.
Regardless, bar soaps are incredibly versatile and can be great for you no matter your skin type. You can find a bar of soap for oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin and everything in between. So put your body wash on stand-by and pick up one of the eight best bar soaps below. Witness glorious results after one wash, then kick that plastic bottle away for good.
What to Consider
Fragrance
Whether you’re washing your face, body or both with a bar soap, the scent is going to linger on you throughout the day so it’s important to find one with a fragrance you enjoy. Similarly, if your skin is sensitive to fragrances in general you’ll want to stick with the bar soaps featuring more muted scents or ones that are entirely fragrance-free.
Skin Type
While the fragrance might be your most immediate consideration, skin type is the one that can help fight or, unfortunately, help produce the most long-term complications. Whether your skin tends to be oily, dry or sensitive, you’ll want to focus on a soap designed for that skin type to avoid any future irritation. For oily skin, look for cleansing bar soaps that work to remove excess sebum, while key ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid help moisturize and combat dry skin.
Weight
The primary reason you’ll want to consider the weight of bar soap is to get an idea of how long it will last. This is not always the case, of course, as the ingredients and overall makeup of any given bar also impact its longevity, but weight is a good baseline indicator. Not to mention, bar soap makes for a perfect travel option if you’re a committed body wash guy as it's easier to pack and there's a much lesser (read: zero) chance of spillage. Worth pointing out that the TSA doesn’t limit the size of solid soap so if you see any bars promoting that they’re TSA-approved, don’t let that factor into your decision—you can fly with any bar soap, including all eight on this list.
How We Selected
For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's Grooming editors and writers on the top bar soaps for men. Experts, including our Grooming Commerce Editor Sean Zucker, put a number of bar soaps to the test and evaluated their ingredients, scent and value. We also considered top-reviewed bar soaps that had high customer ratings on e-commerce websites we trust.
Pros
- Made from natural oils
- Medium grit level
- Sustainably-sourced
Cons
- Might not be for you if woodsy scents aren't preferred
Dr. Squatch will take you on a ride through the wilderness with their natural bar soap. With leading ingredients such as birch bark and pumice powder, this woodsy option has a medium-intensity scrub that's easy on the skin and leaves you feeling smooth and revitalized. Plus, it boasts a fresh scent that is reminiscent of nature's finest creations. We also found it to be one of the longest-lasting bars we tested, which is especially exciting given its middling price point.
Read more: Best Shampoos For Men
Fragrance | Woody |
---|---|
Skin Type | All |
Weight | 5 oz |
Pros
- Fortifying ingredients with moisturizing properties
- Deeply cleanses away dirt and oil while exfoliating skin
- Has a creamy lather
Cons
- Not formulated for use on face
- Over $15 a bar
Since 1851, Kiehl's has been a trusted source for delivering products that perfect the appearance of our skin. And their bar soap is a part of said transformation. It's responsible for sloughing off dead skin and dirt, while energizing the skin for a new feel. With key ingredients that include pumice, jojoba seed powder and pracaxi oil, it'll leave your body feeling moisturized throughout the day.
Fragrance | Sandalwood, eucalyptus, cedar |
---|---|
Skin Types | Dry to normal |
Weight | 7 oz |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Pleasant citrus scent
- Rich lathering
- Soft on the skin
- One bar lasts a long time
Cons
- More expensive than other bars on this list
One of the biggest complaints about bar soap is that it can make your skin feel dry, but not this one. Baxter of California's Cleansing Bar contains sunflower oil and glycerin to keep your skin hydrated and smooth all over. Plus, the citrus and musk fragrance produces one of the best-smelling soaps we've tried. Not to mention, we found that one bar lasts multiple weeks, although this is reflected in the price.
Read more: Best Face Washes For Men
Fragrance | Citrus and musk |
---|---|
Skin Types | All |
Weight | 7 oz |
Pros
- Dermatologist-Tested
- Shea Butter offers moisture for dry-dehydrated skin
Cons
- Doesn't last as long as other bars on this list
For guys with oily skin or who sweat a lot, the charcoal in this soap helps soak up excess oil, purges dead skin cells and leaves you feeling fresh without that telltale tight feeling. Not to mention, it will help eliminate breakouts, leaving your skin clear. Also, it delivers a woodsy outdoor scent and contains shea butter, so it’s gentle on even dry skin. Not to mention, it's been tested—and approved—by dermatologists so you know it's quality.
Fragrance | Shea butter and charcoal |
---|---|
Skin Types | All |
Weight | 6 oz |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Contains dark rum eau de toilette
- Throughly cleanses and hydrates the skin
- Vegan
Cons
- Some testers found the scent to diminish over time
If "you smell good" was a bar soap, it would be this rum-scented version from Malin+Goetz. The product effectively purifies and balances the skin—leaving behind traces of the most divine fragrance. Not to mention, it hydrates while rinsing free of residue without irritation, drying or stripping.
Read more: Best Colognes
Fragrance | Dark Rum |
---|---|
Skin Types | All |
Weight | 5 oz |
Pros
- Long lasting for its size
- Fragrance free for those sensitive
Cons
- Some testers found it to have an overpowering charcoal scent
Despite only being 5 ounces, we found this bar to be as long-lasting as other larger options on this list, and in many cases, it had even better longevity. Its core ingredients of charcoal and kaolin help to remove excess buildup on the skin to reduce oiliness, while its glycerin moisturizes and restores balance to the skin's barrier. The end result is skin that feels hydrated and smooth.
Fragrance | None |
---|---|
Skin Type | Oily to combination |
Weight | 5 oz |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- All-in-one cleanser for hair, face and body
- Sulfate-free and non-drying
- Coconut-derived cleanser
- Carbon neutral manufactured
Cons
- Over $10 per bar
Bravo Sierra offers the most versatile soap bar on this list as it can be used on your face, body and even hair. If you're thinking that you'd never use a bar soap on your hair, we had similar reservations but can confirm this works as well as a quality shampoo. This no-nonsense cleanser from Bravo Sierra works into a rich lather with ingredients like coconut and oat flour added to hydrate and soften the skin. You can also pick from several scents, although we like Sandalwood and Fig the best.
Fragrance | Sandalwood and fig |
---|---|
Skin Type | All |
Weight | 7 oz |
Pros
- Rich, creamy lather and gritty texture
- Free of gluten and toxins
- Gently exfoliates
Cons
- Smaller than other bars on this list
After trying this bar soap from Ursa Major, we quickly understood why it's called Morning Mojo, because the peppermint and eucalyptus fragrance in this soap gives you a jolt of clarity in the morning, even before you have your first cup of coffee. It has grit to it, but doesn’t feel rough on your skin, thanks to moisturizing honey and coconut. Plus, the lather is super creamy and a little goes a long way.
Fragrance | Mint and eucalyptus |
---|---|
Skin Type | All |
Weight | 5 oz |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Shop More Men's Grooming Products
Best Beard Trimmers | Best Nose Hair Trimmers | Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal | Manzilian Guide | Best Back Shavers | Pubic Hair Trimmers | Eyebrow Trimmers | Best Head Shavers | Best Hair Removal Creams | Best Razors | Best Disposable Razors | Best Electric Razors