13 Best Soaps For Acne To Treat Your Skin More Gently (2024), Expert Picks
Pamper your acne-prone skin with organically formulated soaps that are moisturizing.
Nichelle Temple is an NYC-based esthetician and the owner of Inderma Studio with over a decade of experience in microcurrent, HydraFacial, and holistic skin care treatments. She is passionate about using professional-grade and organic products as well as cutting-edge technology to help her clients experience instant and illuminating results.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
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If you are wondering how to take good care of your oily and acne-prone skin, you can rely on the best bar soap for acne available in the market. Although traditionally, we don’t associate a bar soap with facial care, advancements in formulas have made it possible. These soaps are endowed with ingredients that can address almost all skin concerns, and they can also balance the moisture and the hydration level of the skin. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Pamper your acne-prone skin with these to promote a clear complexion. Knowing their importance, we have compiled a list of the 13 best-recommended bar soaps that are totally worth trying.
In This Article
13 Best Recommended Bar Soaps For Acne
1. Best Organic Ingredients: Wonderfully Natural African Black Soap
The African Black Soap from Wonderfully Natural is made from fair trade organic ingredients like cocoa pod and palm oils that effectively treat skin conditions, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, and acne and help you achieve clear skin. This bar soap is formulated with unrefined shea butter, which contains vitamins A and E. They help reduce breakouts, promote cell renewal, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
This soap is enriched with organic oils and active ingredients that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They also fight against free radicals and repair and soothe damaged skin. It is excellent for lightening dark spots and scar removal and locks in moisture to rejuvenate your skin, making it soft and smooth. And, if you wish to further explore this antibacterial soap, then don’t hesitate to check it out on Amazon and witness the numerous reviewers vouching for it.
Key Ingredients: Organic palm oil, Organic coconut oil, Organic palm kernel oil, Unrefined shea butter, Cocoa pod ash, and Purified water
Pros
- Soothes psoriasis and burns
- Reduces scars
- Organic ingredients
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Can be drying for sensitive skin.
Quick Tip2. Best For Dry Skin: O Naturals African Black Soap
The O Naturals African Black Soap is made from all-natural organic ingredients and formulated with shea butter to deeply hydrate and moisturize dry skin. It lathers well to gently cleanse the skin of toxins, dirt, excess oil, and makeup buildup. It leaves the skin rejuvenated and refreshed and maintains a natural barrier for a healthy-looking complexion.
This oil-controlling bar soap for acne is enriched with Dead Sea mud, olive oil, and lavender, and it reduces dark spots and dry patches while exfoliating and soothing your skin. It is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. This non-drying formula also stimulates collagen production to prevent premature aging; all the more reason for you to test this excellent exfoliating soap now!
Key Ingredients: Organic shea butter, Plantain skin ash, Olive oil, Dead Sea mud, Lavender oil, Coconut oil, Cocoa powder, and Palm oil
Pros
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- pH-balanced
- No artificial fragrances
Cons
- Stains the sink.
- Not suitable for sensitive skin.
3. Best For Sensitive Skin: Southern Natural Goat Milk Soap
This activated charcoal bar from Southern Natural is fortified with Dead Sea mud and goat’s milk to deeply cleanse and detoxify your skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. The activated charcoal and Dead Sea mud improve skin health by removing blackheads and drawing out impurities to help you achieve a clear complexion.
This bar soap is formulated with only natural oils, which have antibacterial and antiseptic properties to combat acne. Goat’s milk rejuvenates and moisturizes your skin, making it a must-have in your skin care routine. This mild formula has a calming scent and is an ideal choice to heal and soothe sensitive skin. The product is also not tested on animals, making it a cruelty-free option.
Key Ingredients: Dead Sea mineral mud, Goat’s milk, Peppermint, Rosemary and eucalyptus oils, Activated coconut charcoal, and Coconut oil
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-GMO
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Stains the soap holder.
- Dries out sensitive skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 601 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
4. Best Long-Lasting: Himalaya Botanique Purifying Neem & Turmeric Body Bar
Himalaya’s Purifying Body Bar is enriched with the age-old goodness of neem and turmeric that help cleanse and detoxify your skin and impart a healthy glow. It has the fortifying properties of cocoa butter and coconut oil. It lathers well, offers a boost of hydration, and nourishes your skin for long-lasting softness and suppleness. This bar soap for acne is handcrafted with natural herbs and essential oils and has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and heal your skin without any drying effects. Ensure to use the product religiously for visible results and clear skin.
Key Ingredients: Neem, Turmeric, Cocoa butter, and Coconut oil
Pros
- Dermatologically tested
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Phthalate-free
- Petroleum-free
- Silicone-free
- No artificial colors or fragrances
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Dissolves quickly
- Not suitable for sensitive skin.
"This neem-infused soap is a blessing for my sensitive, healing skin. It lathers well and doesn't leave behind any residue. It also has an earthy scent, and mildly moisturizes the body's skin. It has helped with breakouts and even balanced my skin's natural odor."
5. Best For Sebum Control: Fabulure Natural Sea Salt Soap
The Fabulure Sea Salt Soap not only cleanses the face but can also be used as a shaving soap. It is formulated with sea salt and goat’s milk and helps minimize open pores, control sebum production, and deeply cleanse the skin of all impurities.
This clarifying bar soap for acne is mild enough for daily use and has exfoliating and deodorizing properties. It also provides intense moisturization to the skin to give it a healthy glow. This product is suitable for adolescents as well, gets rid of germs that can cause breakouts, and takes care of all your acne problems.
Key Ingredients: Sea salt, Goat’s milk, and Glycerin
Pros
- Mild
- Suitable for all skin types
- Can be used as a shaving soap
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin.
"This exfoliating soap has been a staple in my acne-prone skin care. It's not miraculous and won't erase scars, but it does a good job of reducing my oil and whiteheads."
Quick Tip6. Best Palm Oil-Free: Beauty By Earth Peppermint Tea Tree Charcoal Facial Bar Soap
The Beauty By Earth bar soap is formulated with superior quality activated charcoal to draw out toxins and impurities that cause acne. It is enriched with tea tree oil and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to combat dermatitis and eczema.
This bar soap is crafted with organic saponified oils that maintain ideal moisture levels. It does not weigh your skin down and make it oily, but it imparts a healthy glow. The peppermint oil cleanses the skin while having a cooling and soothing effect on acne-induced inflammation and irritation. The acne cleanser also reduces sebum production while gently cleansing and hydrating your skin.
Key Ingredients: Activated charcoal, Organic shea butter, Organic coconut oil, Rosemary extract, Peppermint, Sunflower seed oil, and Tea tree oil
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Soy-free
- Gluten-free
- Long-lasting
- Palm oil-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin.
- Stains the washroom floor.
7. Best For Oily To Normal Skin: JOESOEF SKIN CARE Anti-Acne Soap With Natural Volcanic Sulfur 10%
Bid farewell to stubborn acne with the JOESOEF SKIN CARE’s Anti-Acne Soap. It is specially formulated with 10% natural volcanic sulfur and 0.25% salicylic acid that make it perfect for oily to normal skin and even rosacea-affected skin. It offers deep cleansing of the pores to eliminate oil, dirt, and bacteria that cause breakouts. The volcanic sulfur is packed with natural anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties, while the salicylic acid in this pore-cleansing formula gently exfoliates and prevents dead skin build-up. Say goodbye to blackheads, whiteheads, skin blemishes, and dermatitis, and say hello to clearer, brighter skin with this dermatologically-approved soap.
Pros
- Suitable for acne and rosacea
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Dermatologically-approved
- Dermatologist-tested
- Unscented
- Lathers well
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 3,625 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
8. Best For Acne: dermaharmony Salicylic Acid Soap
The dermaharmony Salicylic Acid Soap is a daily use bar that contains 2% salicylic acid to combat whiteheads, pustules, cystic acne, blackheads, and nodules. The salicylic acid cleans your skin by exfoliating it and keeping the pores clear. It penetrates deep into your skin to dry and reduce the appearance of acne. With the added benefits of oat kernel flour and olive oil, this soap soothes irritation while hydrating and moisturizing the skin.
Key Ingredients: 2% Salicylic acid, Olive oil, Oat kernel flour, Table salt, Vitamin E, Saponified oils, and Glycerin
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- MPG-free
- Paraben-free
- PEG-free
- Preservative-free
- Cruelty-free
- No artificial fragrances
- Vegan
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Can be a little drying.
"This bar soap has been very effective on my oily, acne-prone skin and keratosis pilaris. The gentle, scent-free cleanse is suitable for daily use with a moisturizer. It is also good for controlling my facial oiliness."
9. Best Antibacterial: 111MedCo 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Soap Bar
The 111MedCo 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Soap Bar is GMP-compliant and produced in an FDA-registered facility. This cleansing bar treats acne with the known efficacy of 10% benzoyl peroxide. It cleanses the dirt, oil, and grime that are clogging the pores. thereby reducing acne formation. The soap bar is fragrance-free, zero-wastage, and has a biodegradable, environmentally friendly recipe. Additionally, it is very effective and simple to use.
Key Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide and Glycerin
Pros
- Easy to use
- Lasts longer
- Lightweight formula
- Sustainable
- Paraben-free
- Treats acne at its root cause
- Reduces blemishes
Cons
- Does not produce much lather
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 4,971 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
10. Best Vegan: Aspen Kay Naturals Handmade Dead Sea Mud Soap Bar
The Aspen Kay Naturals Handmade Dead Sea Mud Soap Bar is made using effective, skin-loving ingredients to treat acne without drying your skin. It has activated charcoal and dead sea mineral mud to deeply clean the skin’s pores and detoxify it from acne. It has purely organic oils including extra virgin olive oil, sunflower oil, castor oil, and palm oil to moisturize the skin and prevent it from drying out. These ingredients provide the skin with the much-needed vitamins and minerals it needs for rejuvenation. This soap is ideal for all skin types and can be used as a body soap, face soap, or shaving soap, depending on your preferences. As a result, you can use this soap to treat conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and cystic acne.
Key Ingredients: Dead sea mud, Charcoal, Shea butter, Extra virgin olive oil, Sunflower oil, Palm oil, and Castor oil
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Prevents the skin from drying out
- Repairs the skin’s natural barrier
- Cruelty-free
- Organic ingredients
- Suits all skin types
Cons
- Not fragrance free
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 2,675 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
11. Best Brightening: iHeart Organic Turmeric Soap Bar
The iHeart Organic Turmeric Soap Bar is an antioxidant-rich, exfoliating soap bar, meant to treat acne. It is loaded with turmeric essential oil and root powder to nourish your skin and rejuvenate it. It primarily has turmeric, which is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. It also contains clove buds along with healing botanical herbs from Ayurveda that are carefully combined and ethically sourced to offer you synergistic effects. The olive oil and cocoa butter blend prevent your skin from drying out. The soap contains ingredients that have been cold-pressed using naturally retained glycerin.
Key Ingredients: Turmeric, Cocoa butter, Coconut oil, Olive oil, Clove buds, Rosemary extracts
Pros
- Brightens the skin
- Kills acne-causing bacteria
- Nourishing on the skin
- Ideal for all skin types
- Vegan and handmade
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Slightly drying
12. Best Skin-Rejuvenating Formula: Marie’s Original Acne Control Soap
Marie’s Original Acne Control Soap contains an herbal blend that helps eliminate existing acne, prevent new breakouts, and heal your skin. This bar contains bentonite clay that detoxifies and unclogs pores, and a natural form of salicylic acid that treats acne without any drying effects. It is formulated with purely organic ingredients that keep your skin hydrated and nourished. This gentle and effective antibacterial soap rejuvenates your skin for a more youthful appearance.
Key Ingredients: Vegetable glycerin, Organic oat bran, Pure bentonite clay, Noni fruit powder, White willow, Virgin olive oil, and Essential oils
Pros
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- GMO-free
- Petroleum-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Chemical-free
- No artificial colors and fragrances
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin.
- Stains the bathroom floor.
"This natural acne-fighting soap has soothing properties that calm my breakouts and reduce inflammation. It balances the skin's oiliness, without over-drying it. If you're looking for an addition to your acne management routine, this soap is worth considering."
13. Best Non-Comedogenic: truly clear One-Step Acne Solution Bar
The One-Step Acne Solution Bar from truly clear contains natural ingredients that offer effective acne treatment for rosacea, cystic acne, and body acne. The nourishing properties of shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E reduce skin irritation.
Silver is known to kill bacteria, and its presence in this bar ensures that the acne-causing bacteria are eliminated from your skin. Salicylic acid promotes exfoliation and oil control while maintaining moisture levels. The lather leaves the skin hydrated and soft for an effortless shave. This all-in-one bar heals and invigorates your skin.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Shea butter, Aloe vera, Vitamins A & E, Sunflower seed oil, Marine collagen, Acai berry, Goji berry, Peppermint oil, and Silver
Pros
- Benzoyl peroxide-free
- Propylene glycol-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Titanium dioxide-free
- SLS/SLES-free
- Petrochemical-free
- No artificial perfume
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Dries out the skin.
"This soap has earned a spot in my routine. It's a good option for my persistent acne, including my body acne. It has a moisturizing effect that does not make my post-wash skin feel too dry. I also like its pleasant scent and texture."
Amongst the many treatments for acne available on the market, a gentle soap or facial cleanser is a must-have. Cleansing is the first step to any skin care routine. Given below are some factors to keep in mind while you choose the best soaps for acne.
Things To Consider While Buying The Best Soaps For Acne
- Skin type
Acne usually occurs in oily skin or dry-sensitive skin types. Look for a soap which is specially formulated for your skin type so you can get maximum benefit. Choose a soap that gently cleanses, treats, and moisturizes the skin.
- Ingredients To Look For
Acne-prone skin requires some special ingredients that reduce the acne and improve the overall skin health. Here are some ingredients to include in your skin care rotuine.
- Cleansing
Although a soap is primarily for cleaning, a soap with ingredients like activated charcoal or Dead Sea mud, sea salt, volcanic mud are exfoliators which can draw out toxins from the pores and soak in excess sebum. Goat’s milk also provides deep cleansing and detoxification without stripping the natural moisture content of the skin.
- Treatment
Ingredients like palm oil and cocoa can treat acne in dry skin. Some organic oils like neem, eucalyptus, and turmeric have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that treat and reduce acne and other skin infections. Oils maintain natural pH levels also keep the skin smooth and soft. Ingredients like sunflower seed oil, lavender and rosemary have healing properties and promote collagen production.
- Moisturization
Look for moisturizers like shea butter and natural essential oils which lock in hydration and keep the skin moisturized. Vitamins A and E help in combating breakouts and promote cell regeneration. Butters like cocoa are also excellent to soften and rejuvenate the skin.
- Formulation
Since acne and skin problems occur most in sensitive skin types, it also means the skin may react to strong chemicals and potent formulas. Look for soaps which are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and organic in nature. These are gentle on the skin. Avoid sulfates, parabens, artificial fragrances and colors and potent palm oil in the formulation.
Infographic: Soap Bars For Acne Treatment: Key Ingredients & How To Use Them
The market is overflowing with various soap bars for acne from different brands. But not all are effective and safe for the skin. Knowing what ingredients can help treat and control acne is essential. The infographic below will give you an idea about the basic ingredients that make up a soap bar for acne treatment. You will also learn how to use a bar soap effectively on the face without damaging the skin. Scroll down and check it out! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Good-quality bar soaps balance out the moisture and hydration levels of the skin. You should choose bar soaps that are enriched with unrefined shea butter and comprise vitamins A and E. The Southern Natural Goat Milk Soap detoxifies the skin, while the Beauty By Earth Peppermint Tea Tree Charcoal Facial Bar Soap does not weigh down on the skin. The Himalaya Botanique Purifying Neem & Turmeric Body Bar has soothing properties that address skin concerns like acne. Bar soaps often come with additional properties to control skin issues, including psoriasis and burns, while reducing scars, dark spots, and acne-related troubles. For users with sensitive skin, choose soaps that aren’t drying and lock in moisture while nourishing your skin. Incorporate these acne-fighting daily soaps to effectively manage breakouts. Avoid bar soaps that leave debris and stains.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach and loves sharing her expertise by reviewing different skin care products for her readers. In this article, she has reviewed the most-recommended bar soaps for acne after thorough research into various options and consulting hundreds of user testimonials online. The shortlisted bar soaps gently cleanse your skin without stripping it off its natural oils and keeping it healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bar soap good for acne?
Yes. Bar soaps with active ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide effectively treat acne. They dissolve dead skin cells, unclog pores, and soothe acne. But, bar soaps that are not specially designed for treating acne can worsen the acne condition. They over-dry the skin, triggering the oil glands to produce excess sebum and clog pores.
Does bar soap dry up acne?
Yes. Bar soaps that are more alkaline; they dry up your skin and acne if used regularly.
Does bar soap expire?
Yes. Bar soaps expire. Natural or organic soaps usually have a shelf life of one year, while other soaps expire after two to three years.
How often should you use soap for acne?
Use soap twice a day to treat acne.
What ingredients in bar soap can make acne worse?
Toxic ingredients like parabens, dyes, fragrances, formaldehyde, and lanolin in a bar soap are harmful to acne.
What kinds of skin conditions are irritated by acne soaps?
Acne soaps can irritate the skin of people suffering from conditions like eczema, rosacea, and contact dermatitis.
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