Although bar soaps have been a part of the beauty industry for centuries, they’re occasionally overtaken by their liquid competitors. But why have just one? The best bar soap gets the job done just as well, and can add an almost sculpture-like visual appeal to a shower or sink. Plus, most important of all, it has eco-friendly benefits, such as using less energy in production and requiring less plastics and packaging in general.
From rose clay-infused clarifying soaps to bars that gently exfoliate the skin with jojoba seed powder, here, to help you find the best bar soap, discover 9 that will take your shower or hand-washing experiences to new heights.
Binu Binu The Big Block Hibiscus Clay Facial Soap
Binu Binu The Big Block Hibiscus Clay Facial Soap
$70BINU BINU SOAP HOUSE
Korean for “soap soap,” Binu Binu—created by former La Garçonne product director, Karen Kim—takes inspiration from the country's spa rituals. This hibiscus-infused soap is perfect for those who prefer minimalist aesthetics. It's also great for sensitive skin as it is free of any unnatural fragrances, and features gentle and hydrating ingredients such as rose clay, shea butter, and boricha.
Codex Beauty Bia Uplifting Soap
Codex Beauty Bia Uplifting Soap
$14CODEX BEAUTY LABS
Dr. Barbara Paldus was motivated to found her company, Codex Beauty, after discovering her baby boy was allergic to most mainstream skin-care products. She sought to create clinically proven products with transparent ingredient lists. The Bia Uplifting Soap is cold pressed and made with shea butter, French pink clay, and rose geranium, making the perfect nourishing-cleansing concoction that doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils.
Alder New York Cleansing Body Bar
Alder New York Cleansing Body Bar
$13ALDER NEW YORK
Founded by Pratt Institute grads Nina Zilka and David J. Krause, Alder New York is driven by the duo's passion for wellness. The Cleansing Body Bar includes ingredients like glycolic acid, sea kelp, and jojoba seeds, offering a moisturizing and exfoliating blend.
Bevel Exfoliating Bar Soap
Bevel Exfoliating Bar Soap
$12BEVEL
Tristan Walker—the founder of Bevel, a chic grooming line geared towards the needs of Black men—created this bar soap with smoothing and evening the skin in mind. Pumice and jojoba seed powder remove dead skin cells, while cocoa butter and shea butter work together to protect the skin's barrier and also reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Fresh Citron de Vigne Oval Soap
Fresh Citron de Vigne Oval Soap
$15FRESH
With its classic and inviting packaging, Fresh makes the perfect soaps to gift a friend, or treat yourself to. The Citron de Vigne is filled with shea butter and citrus along with a champagne-inspired scent.
Indigo Wild Zum Bar Goat’s Milk Lavender Mint Soap
Indigo Wild Zum Bar Goat's Milk Lavender Mint Soap
$17INDIGO WILD
Indigo Wild is all about giving back. Every sale of its Betsy Bar donates to breast cancer patients and survivors via the Turning Point: Center for Hope and Healing. As for this Zum Bar? An infusion of lavender and spear mint oil provides a bit of relaxation, while the goat milk softens skin.
Buttah Skin Black Gold Polishing Bar
Buttah Skin Black Gold Polishing Bar
$15BUTTAH SKIN
Founded by Texas-born model and actor Dorion Renaud in 2018, Buttah Skin is dedicated to tackling issues that range from dryness to discoloration and blemishes. The Black Gold Polishing Bar is no exception from this mission, thanks to a mélange of ingredients like African cocoa butter, shea butter, and activated charcoal for even-toned skin.
Saipua Coffee Mint Bar Soap
Saipua Coffee Mint Bar Soap
$18SAIPUA
Sarah Ryhanen’s floral studio and soap company, Saipua (meaning “soap” in Finnish), is based in Red Hook, Brooklyn. These soaps are cold-processed and handmade by her mother, Susan. The Coffee-Mint scent is a particularly invigorating one, courtesy of the coffee grounds and peppermint essential oil that fill this decadent bar. It’s great as a hand soap in the kitchen or in the shower as the perfect pick-me-up.
Redoux NYC Turmeric Botanical Bar
Redoux Turmeric Botanical Bar
$16REDOUX
Redoux founder Asia Grant specializes in scent design and art direction; her best-selling Turmeric Botanical Bar will both brighten your bathing routine and soothe the senses. The formula is brightening, cleansing and hydrating with little to no foam. Coconut, castor, and safflower oils are the stars of this nourishing show, while turmeric and rose clay work to balance and exfoliate even the most sensitive of skin types.