Everyone has preferences, and this includes which soap you reach for: be it a pump or bar. Even further, many believe that antibacterial soaps are the better pick than a traditional bar soap. But who can blame them? As the name antibacterial suggests, it would seem that these deliver a deeper cleanse. 

But, according to experts this isn’t true. Below, Dr. Corey L. Hartman, Founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology breaks down everything you need to know about bar soaps, and which ones are best to use. 

Is one really better than the other?

“A common misconception is that antibacterial bar soap is better than bar soap without ingredients that will kill bacteria,” Hartman tells ESSENCE. “Most modern bar soaps are full of ingredients that not only cleanse, but will add hydration to the skin,” such as shea butter, coconut oil and many more.”

What are the benefits of both?

There are benefits of both antibacterial and non-antibacterial soaps. “Antibacterial soaps are great for the body in areas that tend to collect bacteria, which when mixed with sweat can lead to body odor, think the armpits, the groin area and any under skin folds,” Hartman said. “Non antibacterial soaps are good options for anywhere else on the body and can deliver moisturizing and cleansing properties to the skin.”

Should I use both on my face?

Hartman points out that while it is possible to use bar soap for both the face and body, there are two different types of bar soap, especially to prevent bacteria from transferring. “The skin on the face is also more sensitive than the skin on body, so most people will do better with a gentler bar soap on the face.”

Which ones should I choose?

While shopping for bar soaps, Hartman recommends looking for moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, aloe, glycerin or ceramides, antioxidants like oat and Vitamin E to help fortify the skin barrier. Try to avoid bar soaps with harsh ingredients like sulfates that remove essential oils for your skin.

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Dove Men + Care Natural Essential Oil Bar Soap

If you’re looking for a versatile bar soap for your man, this 4-in-1 soap is the perfect solution. It’s made with natural ingredients like lime, coconut, jojoba, olive, argan, sunflower, and avocado oil, which help to clean and hydrate the skin.
Available at amazon.com

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Redoux “529” Turmeric Cleansing Bar

A little turmeric won’t hurt your skin. This cleansing bar soap deeply cleanses and purifies skin without leaving it dry, thanks to its plant-based oils like shea, castor, and safflower.
Available at redoux.nyc

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CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar

Hartman recommends this bar soap for the face for his patients. “It’s gentle and non-comedogenic and fragrance free and won’t strip skin of natural oils.”
Available at amazon.com

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PanOxyl 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Face Cleansing Bar

Those with acne breakouts can benefit from using PanOxyl’s cleansing bar soap. This bar soap contains 10% Benzoyl Peroxide which is effective in treating breakouts, while its pH-balanced formula leaves the skin clean and soft. It is suitable for acne-prone skin and can be used as both a face and body soap.
Available at target.com

This bar soap from MARLOWE is infused with shea butter, charcoal powder, olive oil, and extracts of green tea and willow bark, making charcoal cleansers an ideal option for skincare.
Available at amazon.com

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Buttah Skin Oatmeal Shea Cleansing Bar Soap

This bar soap is perfect for exfoliating your entire body. It’s made with oatmeal, shea butter, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A to keep your skin moisturized. Additionally, the soap has a delightful fragrance of vanilla, heliotrope, white lily, rose, and Pharaoh’s love.
Available at amazon.com

This bar soap is dermatologist-tested and infused with cocoa and shea butter to moisturize and give skin a chocolate scent.
Available at amazon.com

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