15 Best Soaps For Sensitive Skin (2024), Esthetician Picks
Pamper and cleanse your sensitive skin with these oh-so-gentle and nourishing soaps.
Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa has 9 years of experience. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society, and a member of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc, Philippine Society of Venereologists, Inc, Philippine Medical Association, Rheumatologic Dermatology Society, and International Society of Dermatology.
Read full bio of Patricia Gaile Espinosa
Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
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.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 3 yearsEshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
Read full bio of Eshna Das
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Sensitive skin needs specially formulated soaps to address their skin issues. Therefore, the best soaps for sensitive skin are carefully formulated with no nasty chemicals or harmful or strong ingredients that may cause damage to your skin. Usually, sensitive skin triggers redness, dryness, and irritation even with a mild change in the ingredients. However, these soaps are gentle on the skin, less astringent, and are crafted using nature-based ingredients that can soothe your skin concerns. In addition, these soaps can also protect the skin’s moisture barrier along with thoroughly cleansing your skin. This article provided some of the best soaps for sensitive skin to help you experience irritation-free cleansing. Keep scrolling to check them all out!
In This Article
15 Best Soaps For Sensitive Skin
1. Best Moisturizing:Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
The Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar effectively washes away all the dirt and germs. This soap bar from the dermatologist-recommended brand feels mild on the skin which makes it perfect for sensitive skin. It has a ¼ moisturizing cream and a mild cleansing formula that helps retain skin moisture. This soap can be used on your face, body, and face. With regular use, the pH-balancing formula of this soap helps with achieving delicate, soft, and nourished skin. If you want to know more about the benefits of the Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar, check out this quick review on YouTube to learn about the reviewer’s experience with it.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Kaolin
Pros
- Suitable for daily use
- No synthetic fragrances
- Chemical additive-free
- Dermatologist tested
- pH-balanced
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
- Fragrance might be overpowering
2. Best For Oil Control:Shea Moisture African Black Soap
The Shea Moisture African Black Soap leaves your skin feeling soft and refreshed and is known for its cleansing and natural clarifying properties. It is a soothing soap bar formulated with organic shea butter, oats, and aloe vera that cleanses, moisturizes, and soothes irritated and itchy skin. It is formulated with palm ash, tamarind extracts, tar, and plantain peel that help clear blemishes and calm troubled skin. If you have oily skin, this soap helps to absorb excess oil. It also helps to treat symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. In this YouTube video, you will find a detailed review of the Shea Moisture African Black Soap. Check it out to learn about the reviewer’s experience with it.
Key Ingredients: Organic Shea Butter, Oats, Aloe Vera, Palm Ash, Tamarind Extract, Tar, Plantain Peel
Pros
- Suitable for daily use
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-drying
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Affordable
Cons
- None
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 2,206 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
3. Best Soap-Free Formula:Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar
The Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar is gentle but effective at cleansing and soothing your skin. It is clinically proven to moisturize your skin without stripping away its natural protective oils, making it favorable for dry skin. Its soap-free and detergent-free formula rinses off easily, leaving behind soft, smooth, and hydrated skin. In addition, this powerful formula offers the mildest cleansing to even the most delicate skin, such that it could be used by children and adults alike. If you want to know more about the Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar, check out this video review on YouTube to learn about the tester’s experience.
Key Ingredients: Petroleum, Titanium Dioxide
Pros
- Suitable for dry, sensitive skin
- Ideal for daily use
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Soap-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Contains a strong artificial fragrance
- May cause skin to break out
"The Cetaphil bar soap is gentle and offers effective cleansing. It lathers well and does not leave residue on my skin. It is a great travel-friendly option as it dries faster and does not melt too quickly. Its mild scent is a relief for me as I am averse to strong fragrances."
Quick TipDove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar Best Moisturizing | Shea Moisture African Black Soap Best For Oil Control | Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar Best Soap-Free Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Sensitive | Oily/Combination/Dry | All |
| Dimensions | 5.75 x 5.25 x 7.5 inches | 2.5 x 1 x 4 inches | 2.5 x 5.13 x 4.06 inches |
| Weight | 4 Pounds | 8.11 Ounces | 1.08 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,892 | 2,206 | 2,185 |
| Price | $29.82 | - | $11.29 |
4. Best For Hydration:The Yellow Bird Soap Bar
The Yellow Bird Soap Bar contains powerful ingredients that hydrate dry skin and provide nourishing benefits to sensitive or itchy skin. It is enriched with activated charcoal that works like a magnet to extract all the dirt and oils from your skin. Lavender essential oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that removes acne, blemishes, and other skin issues on the outer skin layer. Lemongrass essential oil and shea butter, with naturally occurring vitamins and fatty acids, moisturize and nourish the skin and the protective barrier. In addition, it is free from all the harsh ingredients and chemical fragrances that can potentially damage your skin and is not tested on animals.
Key Ingredients: Activated Charcoal, Lavender Essential Oil, Lemongrass Essential Oil, Shea Butter
Pros
- Contains organic ingredients
- No synthetic fragrances
- Dye-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Non-GMO
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Strong fragrance
- Contains chemical ingredients
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 1,757 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
5. Best pH-Balanced Formula:Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body
If you prefer a gentle cleanser liquid soap over soap bars, try out the Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser. It has an advanced, mild, and gentle formula that preserves the natural pH level of your skin. This product from the dermatologist-recommended brand Eucerin has a soap-free formula that works as a natural moisturizer and does not allow your skin to dry out. It does not leave any residue and also preserves the natural protective barrier of your skin.
Key Ingredients: Citric Acid, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Pros
- Soap-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
Cons
- Unpleasant scent
6. Best For Deep Cleansing:L’Occitane En Provence Shea Milk Extra Rich Soap
Give your skin a much-needed pampering with the L’Occitane En Provence Shea Milk Extra Rich Soap. It is enriched with a great combination of palm oil and shea extract which helps rejuvenate dull and dry skin, giving it shine and glow. This shea butter soap is well-suited for people of all ages and multiple skin types. It can be applied to all body parts including the face to give long-lasting moisturization along with deep cleansing. The soap helps maintain the normal pH balance of your skin and comes with a mild milk fragrance to enhance your beauty and mood.
Key Ingredients: Sunflower Seed Oil, Palm Oil, Shea Butter, Shea Milk, and Glycerin
Pros
- Skin-friendly formula
- Maintains skin balance
- Maintains skin pH balance
- Lasting moisturization
- Attractive packing
Cons
- None
"This soap’s gentle lather and subtle scent make it a staple in my skincare routine. It cleanses the skin without stripping any moisture. I use it on my body, especially on the rough patches that need extra care. It is my go-to soap, even during traveling."
7. Best All-Natural Formula:Southern Natural Lavender Goat Milk Soap
The Southern Natural Lavender Goat Milk Soap is handcrafted with natural ingredients and has lavender essential oil’s delicate floral and herbal notes. It is enriched with palm oil and coconut oil that add lather and cleansing power to the soap. Olive oil (rich in vitamins A, E, and antioxidants) in the formula promotes youthful complexion and soothe dry, irritated skin. The lavender essential oil calms and comforts inflamed and itchy skin, and the goat’s milk moisturizes and protects the natural moisture of the skin barrier. It is an all-in-1 soap that is not tested on animals and can be used all over your body and face and is safe for use on baby skin. It even helps treat eczema and other skin sensitivity issues.
Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society, says, “Ingredients with antioxidants help control inflammation of the skin. That’s why this is suitable for dry, flaky skin, or those prone to develop eczema or irritation”.
Key Ingredients: Palm Oil, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Lavender Essential Oil, Goat’s Milk
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- No harsh chemicals
- Lathers well
- Cruelty-free
- Dye-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Might be a bit drying
- Strong scent
8. Best Nourishing:Type: A Moisturizing Bar Soap
The Type: A Moisturizing Bar Soap is a highly nourishing and hydrating moisturizing soap bar with probiotics for healthy skin. This mild hand, face, and body wash gentle cleansing bar soap will protect your skin from environmental stressors while restoring the microflora. This soap is rich in natural ingredients and skin-friendly ingredients such as vitamin A, aloe, and lavender. Kukui nut oil and rosehip offer a natural and gentle cleansing for your skin. This soap helps in maintaining the skin’s natural pH balance and restores moisture. The natural vanilla scent will fill your body with a pleasant fragrance all day long.
Key ingredients: Vitamin A, Aloe, Lavender, Kukui nut oil, Glycerin, and Rosehip
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Cruelty-free
- Non-toxic
- Paraben-free
- Offers proper nourishment and hydration
- Free from artificial deodorant
Cons
- Not suitable for rosacea
"This bar soap gently cleans my sensitive skin without over-drying it. It has a nourishing formula that helps moisturize my skin and make it appear supple. While it has a strong vanilla scent with a citrus note, it fades over time."
9. Best Long-Lasting:Emu Oil Soap
The Emu Oil Soap promises to keep you fresh, clean, and active all day. If you are suffering from dry, irritated, or itchy skin, including eczema, psoriasis, lichen, or sclerosis, this soap will keep your skin hydrated and healthy. This gentle cleansing bar soap is free from all the harsh ingredients and suitable for the whole family, including babies, kids, and adults. Both men and women can wear the mild herbal scent of emu oil. Your skin feels soft and clean as a creamy lather rinses off completely without leaving any residue. This non-greasy soap is one of the best non-comedogenic face cleansers.
Key Ingredient: Olive oil, Coconut oil, Palm oil, Emu oil, Calendula oil, Calendula flower petals
Pros
- Handmade
- Non-comedogenic
- No sulphates
- No parabens
- No fragrance
- No artificial color
- Mild herbal scent
Cons
- Quite expensive
"This soap is great for my troubled skin. It eliminates dryness without causing any irritation. Moreover, it has a gentle lather that soothes the skin. I also like the fact that it does not leave any residue when cleansing my skin. It is an effective skin care option for me!"
10. Best Fragrance-Free:Tom’s Of Maine Natural Beauty Bar Creamy Coconut
Tom’s Of Maine Natural Unscented Beauty Bar is the ideal bathing bar for sensitive skin. Its gentle formula is enriched with calming botanicals like virgin coconut oil, raw shea butter, and Moroccan argan oil. This natural and organic gentle cleansing bar is made without any artificial ingredients and is clinically proven to be gentle and pampering on the skin and to get rid of unwanted body odor. It is not tested on animals, and is ideal for those looking for an allergen-free beauty solution for dry or itchy skin. With regular use of this preservative-free soap bar, your skin will feel clean and fresh.
Key Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Raw Shea Butter, Moroccan Argan Oil
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Preservative-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- No artificial colors
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Leaves behind a slippery residue
- May cause dryness
11. Best Organic:Splendor Pure Coconut Oil Soap
The Pure Coconut Oil Soap by Splendor is an antibacterial soap for sensitive skin that is handmade with organic ingredients. It forms a rich, creamy lather on application. Additionally, its antiviral and antifungal properties are effective on psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. The formula is infused with the anti-aging properties of cocoa butter, which is rich in antioxidants. It has coconut oil that keeps the skin moisturized. The aloe juice prevents itching, boosts elasticity, and softens and soothes the skin. Chamomile, colloidal oats, and organic calendula improve the overall appearance of your skin.
Key Ingredients: Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Aloe Juice, Chamomile, Colloidal Oats, And Organic Calendula
Pros
- 100% natural
- Vegan
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Non-GMO
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Not tested on animals
- Soy-free
- No artificial colors
Cons
- Small size
"This soap has a mild and has a subtle scent. It thoroughly cleanses the skin without drying or stripping moisture It is long-lasting and does not melt between uses. I use it daily, especially when I’m in a hurry as it cleanses my skin fast."
12. Best For Psoriasis And Eczema:Vanicream Sensitive Skin Cleansing Bar
The Vanicream Cleansing Bar For Sensitive Skin is formulated without any skin irritants, making it safe for sensitive and baby skin. It is only a mild and moisturizing bathing bar that you can use on your face, hands, and body. It soothes sensitive skin and calms conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It lathers well and gives you a rich bathing experience.
Key Ingredients: Glycol, Titanium Dioxide
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Soap-free
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Does not rinse off easily
- May cause dryness
- Dissolves quickly
"This gentle soap does not strip your skin of moisture or leave any residue. It works well on the delicate areas of my skin. I use it to cleanse my skin without worrying about residues. It moisturizes the drier parts of the skin and soothes them."
13. Best Cruelty-Free:A La Maison de Provence Hypoallergenic Unscented Bar Soap
If you’re looking for a soap with minimal ingredients, go for the A La Maison de Provence Bar Soap. It is made with the most skin-benefiting ingredients like water, palm oil, coconut oil, olive oil, vegetable glycerin, and Tocopherol (vitamin E). It effectively washes away all the dirt and impurities. It makes dry and lifeless skin soft and supple. This unscented soap is great for hands, body, and face.
Key Ingredients: Water, Palm oil, Coconut oil, Olive oil, Vegetable glycerin, and Tocopherol (vitamin E)
Pros
- 100% vegetable oils
- SLS-free
- Long-lasting
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Biodegradable
- Hypoallergenic
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- None
14. Best Non-Comedogenic:Sebamed Sensitive Skin Cleansing Bar
The Sebamed Cleansing Bar is a moisturizing soap with an ultra-mild formulation that gently cleanses clogged pores and does not cause any irritation or dryness. This soap-free cleansing ensures skin rejuvenation and preserves the natural protective layer of your skin. The pH-balancing formula maintains a level of 5.5. Developed by dermatologists, this soap’s non-drying formula deep cleanses the pores and does not cause any dryness or irritation. It is infused with moisturizing properties of vitamins, lecithin, and amino acids that produce a gentle lather and rinse away completely for naturally healthier and smoother skin.
Key Ingredients: Wheat Starch, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
Pros
- Perfect pH balance
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist recommended
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- None
"This cleansing bar has turned out to be quite the boon for my sensitive skin. It has managed to cleanse without causing any irritation. My skin is oily and used to be prone to redness and dryness, but this product, coupled with a good lotion, has improved its condition significantly. It even has a pleasant scent that does not overwhelm my senses."
15. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Yardley London Shea Buttermilk Sensitive Skin Naturally Moisturizing Bath Bar
The Shea Buttermilk Sensitive Skin Naturally Moisturizing Bath Bar by Yardley London is a dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic bath bar that makes the skin soft. It has chamomile blossoms that ensure better hydration lock and leave your skin soft and nourished. It is enriched with non-irritating ingredients such as shea butter and buttermilk proteins. It is perfect for those who have itchy, dry, and irritated skin. The pleasing scent of chamomile relaxes a tensed mind.
Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Buttermilk Proteins
Pros
- Dermatologist tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- None
"This soap is gentle and moisturizing to my skin. It does not dry out my skin or leave any residue. I use it daily for my hands that remain very dry. It has a delightful scent that is not overpowering."
These are the 15 best soaps for sensitive skin. However, before buying a product for sensitive skin, you need to understand and consider a few things. Let’s understand those factors.
How To Choose The Best Soap For Sensitive Skin – Buying Guide
- Read The Label
While buying soap for sensitive skin, the first and most crucial thing you need to do is go through the ingredients label. Soaps with artificial colors, additives, and fragrances can cause rashes and breakouts. Instead, choose a natural and mild pH-balancing formula with hypoallergenic colorants that won’t irritate your skin, boosts collagen, induce elastin production, and efficiently eliminate all the dirt and oils. Generally, soaps that are exclusively meant for sensitive skin are made with natural ingredients like herbs, plant oils, and other natural ingredients on the skin. Some of them are also clinically tested and proven to be safe for sensitive skin.
- Skin Type
Sensitive skin can be both oily and dry. Some people experience excessive oil production, which leads to acne. In such cases, it is important to use a mild oatmeal-infused soap regularly, as these have anti-inflammatory and skin soothing properties. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, your sebaceous glands are not producing enough sebum. Go for a mild jojoba oil soap or a soap rich in vitamin E or one that contains ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, or vegetable oil. These provide skin barrier support and can keep your skin moisturized for everyday use.
- Texture
Some soaps are infused with ingredients like coffee, oats, ground almond shells, or other natural fibers to help exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells. If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid these or opt for an exfoliating soap for sensitive skin that doesn’t feel too rough. Smoothness and creamy texture are normally determined by touch and feel.
In addition to this, you may also check the reviews of the soap you intend to buy and learn more about the tester’s experiences to make an informed decision.
When choosing a soap for sensitive skin, you need to be extra cautious and learn about the things that you must avoid.
Things To Avoid
- Always avoid soaps that have a high acidic content as they can damage your skin in the future.
- Avoid soaps that contain a lot of chemicals for skin whitening. These chemicals can also have a damaging effect on your skin.
- People with sensitive skin should also avoid soaps that are overly fragrant and contain synthetic fragrances. These types of soap bars can cause dermatitis and other skin irritations. So, pick a soap that has “fragrance-free” mentioned on the label. Also, look for oil-free soap options as the presence of certain essential oils may cause skin irritations
- People with sensitive skin can be highly allergic to chemical preservatives and synthetic ingredients. Avoid soaps that contain strong exfoliants, alcohol, detergents, and artificial colors. Anti-aging ingredients like glycolic acid and retinol can cause serious irritations to sensitive skin.
Note:
After buying soap for sensitive skin, don’t forget to perform a patch test and wait for 24 hours to see the results. If you develop an allergic reaction, stop using the product immediately and go for a different soap.
Infographic: The Good & Bad Ingredients For Sensitive Skin
Living with sensitive skin can become easier if you know what ingredients to look out for. In the below infographic, we have listed the good and bad ingredients for sensitive skin. There is also a small section on how special soap for sensitive skin can enhance your bathing experience. Scroll down to have a look! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Sensitive skin can be difficult to manage as small allergens can irritate the skin. Chemical-based soaps can be harsh on sensitive skin and may cause irritation and trigger redness. These soaps for sensitive skin contain natural ingredients to protect the skin’s natural barrier and maintain the pH balance to soothe the skin. The Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar offers mild cleansing and keeps the skin texture soft, while the Shea Moisture African Black Soap soothes irritated skin and reduces blemishes. The Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body moisturizes well and helps maintain the optimal pH level of the skin. These soaps are hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and paraben-free. However, some may leave behind residues and also cause dryness. Always perform a patch test before using any of these products to avoid irritation. Hopefully, our buying guide will help you choose the best soap that meets the needs of your sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if a soap is good?
A good quality soap must have a dense feel, lather well, and not start to degenerate upon first use. Also, a skin-friendly soap must be hypoallergenic and free of harsh ingredients, such as dyes and fragrances.
Is soap harmful to the skin?
No. Not all soaps are harmful to the skin. Soaps that contain harsh chemicals like parabens and fragrance can kill good bacteria and disrupt the skin’s pH level and damage the skin barrier. Whereas, a good quality hypoallergenic soap can improve the texture of the skin and cleanse it thoroughly.
What should you avoid when treating sensitive skin?
When treating sensitive skin, you must avoid these hazardous ingredients to prevent itchy and red skin.
• Synthetic fragrances
• Essential oils
• Harsh exfoliants
• SLS
• Alcohol
Which soap base is good for oily skin?
The glycerin soap base is great for oily skin. Glycerin controls the excessive sebum production of your skin and draws water from the air to hydrate your skin without turning it greasy.
What is the safest soap to use?
The Splendor Pure Coconut Oil Soap is the safest as it is made from all-natural ingredients. This soap moisturizes your skin while improving its elasticity.
How does your skin feel after rinsing off the soap?
Usually, a good-quality soap will leave your skin soft and visibly clean. Whereas, your skin might feel tight and rough if you use a soap that contains harsh chemicals.
Is bar soap safe to use twice a day on my sensitive skin?
No. It is not recommended to use bar soaps twice a day as they can aggravate your delicate skin. Although mild soaps that are hypoallergenic will not harm your skin. The practice is not fruitful on a regular basis.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach. She did extensive research and customer testimonials before curating this list of the best soaps for sensitive skin. These products protect the skin’s moisture barrier and help soothe your skin concerns.
Read full bio of Patricia Gaile Espinosa
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Eshna Das
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