We talk a lot about the fun stuff here. Seersucker suits. Linen vacation wear. Sunglasses. Fun, yet subjectively optional and sometimes even frivolous. Soap, though? That shit’s mandatory.
But the best soap brands help you forget their lofty hygienic post by way of come-hither scents, whimsical packaging, and—most importantly—ingredients that nurture your skin and make you feel like a million bucks after hopping out of the shower.
You may already have your favorite go-to brand. If so, I have a challenge for you today. Ask yourself if you just scooped up that bar of soap because it was the cheapest one on the shelf. Ask yourself if it’s made from natural ingredients that aren’t harsh on your skin. Ask yourself if one of the eight men’s soap brands below might be worth a shot.
And when you’re done asking yourself all those questions, maybe go eat a turkey sandwich or something and pretend we didn’t just get that serious about soap.
Key Takeaways
To find the best soap brands, I began by poring over dozens of products, reviews, ingredient lists, and even my own bathroom.
The resulting eight soaps on this list are the best of the best based on factors that include but aren’t limited to ingredients, moisturizing properties, lather, and general skin feel. My top overall pick is impressive newcomer Blu Atlas, followed by my budget pick of the ever-trustworthy and reliable Dove Men+Care.
Why it’s great: New York-based skincare brand Blu Atlas was founded in 2022 and in that very short time has made an impressive and well-deserved name for itself.
Its products are backed by science and a medical advisory board of dermatologists to the highest standards are being adhered to throughout the production process. The Blu Atlas Body Wash incorporates natural ingredients like green tea and aloe vera into its formulation for a gentle, rich lather that’s gentle on all skin types.
How it feels: It just doesn’t get more luxurious than the soft lather of this body wash. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it when applying the Classic- or Coconut Apricot-scented soap.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: As with any product that gives this much attention to quality, Blu Atlas is on the pricier side for a body wash. If you want the ultimate, you’ve got to be willing to pay the ultimate price. Oh no he didn’t just work in a Point Break reference into a thing about body wash. Yes. Yes he did.
Key Ingredients: Green Tea, Sugarcane, Aloe Vera | Skin Type: Dry/All | Size: 8oz | Scent: Classic, Coconut Apricot
Why it’s great: Dove Men+Care’s lineup of skin-friendly products are the perfect compromise for guys who care about quality ingredients but don’t necessarily want to pay an arm and a leg for them. If you’re a fan of a nice old-school bar of soap, Dove’s paraben- and sulfate-free bar is a solid choice.
It’s made with a generous amount of moisturizer so it won’t dry out your skin and comes in masculine scents like mandarin-citrus and patchouli. Body wash or bust? Not to worry. Dove’s man-specific line includes liquid soaps as well.
How it feels: In addition to other shower staples, I’ve been using Dove Men+Care for years. It comes to a surprisingly luxurious lather and is gentle on my skin (which errs on the dry, sensitive side). Put another way, you’re getting a champagne product for a beer price.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Dove’s bar soaps and body washes feature standout scents that project well after your showers. If you like your soap to blend into the background, other brands might be best for you.
Key Ingredients: Paraben- and Sulfate-Free | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.75oz | Scent: 2 Scents
Why it’s great: You’re probably familiar with Stockholm-based luxury brand Byredo’s signature colognes and perfumes. They’re impressive and statement-making to say the least. As you might expect, the same attention to detail has carried over to Byredo’s body washes. The vegan formula is gentle and nourishing on dry skin and staple fragrances like Gypsy Water and Mojave Ghost are sure to make an impression.
How it feels: Byredo’s body wash offerings lather up nicely with reviewers raving about its fresh and silky feel on the skin.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Like some other heavily scented soaps on this list, Byredo’s body washes feature bold scents. If that’s not your thing, look for unscented soaps.
Key Ingredients: Vegan Formula | Skin Type: Dry/All | Size: 7.6oz | Scent: 7 Scents
Why it’s great: Jack Black is a classic. The brand you reach for when you want a no-fuss bathing experience that does the job but also just feels… special. Elevated. When it comes to Jack Black soaps, there are no wrong turns.
But if you’re looking for a bar soap to help take your shower accoutrement to the next level, its Turbo Body Bar is the way to go. Made with blue lotus and lava rock, the eucalyptus-scented bar moisturizes and exfoliates the skin, leaving you feeling energized and refreshed.
How it feels: All of Jack Black’s soaps are gentle on the skin and provide a silky feel. The Turbo Body Bar, specifically, has a slight textured feel thanks to the inclusion of lava rock. The result is an energizing feeling and a subtle massage effect.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The textured feel of Jack Black’s Turbo Body Bar isn’t for everyone. Thankfully, the brand has several other bar soap and body wash options to choose from.
Key Ingredients: Blue Lotus, Lava Rock | Skin Type: Sensitive/All | Size: 6oz | Scent: Eucalyptus
Why it’s great: Oars + Alps offers a body wash, bar soap, and face wash for every skin type, making it an excellent choice for everyday use in the shower or at the sink. The brand’s focus on sustainability means its organic products are cruelty-free and free of parabens and sulfates. If you’re looking for a go-to soap for the whole body (and could even double as a shaving soap in a pinch), check out Oars + Alps’ Moisturizing Men’s Bar Soap.
How it feels: Natural ingredients shine through in all of Oars + Alps’ soaps, resulting in a rich, decadent lather that leaves skin soft and moisturized.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Like many soaps on this list, Oars + Alps is a premium product. If you’re not comfortable paying a commensurate premium, check out my budget pick of Dove Men+Care.
Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Juniper Berries | Skin Type: All | Size: 6oz | Scent: Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil
Why it’s great: Dr. Squatch has a bold marketing strategy and it’s likely you’ve come across its ads on social media and elsewhere. Whether you love or hate those ads, Dr. Squatch bar soaps are the real deal.
Formulated specifically for men and available in 11 scents like Alpine Sage and Grapefruit IPA, they’re made with all-natural ingredients and no harmful chemicals. And at risk of burying the all-natural lede, Dr. Squatch is a Certified B Corp which speaks volumes about its commitment to quality, skin-friendly products.
How it feels: Dr. Squatch soaps have a weighty feel that’s indicative of their natural composition. Once wet, you’re working with a super rich lather that coats the body and maintains its moisture.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: You get what you pay for, and Dr. Squatch is easily one of the best bar soap brands out there. That said, bar soap purists may have a hard time coming to terms with the higher price point of these soaps.
Key Ingredients: Olive/Coconut Oils, Shea Butter | Skin Type: Sensitive/All | Size: 5oz | Scent: 11 Scents
Why it’s great: Truremedy is all about using 100% natural ingredients to not only keep your skin clean but to combat everyday nuisance conditions.
Its Remedy Soap incorporates tea tree, mint, aloe, peppermint oil, and other natural ingredients to help fight off athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch and other less-than-pleasant skin conditions. Its thoughtful formulation and peppermint scent also work wonders to control body odor.
How it feels: Truremedy’s formulas are gentle on skin and a small amount lathers to a rich foam. Tea tree and mint join forces to create an invigorating scent.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Though it’s perfectly suitable for everyday use, this is a niche product. If you don’t suffer from specific skin conditions and are looking for a more universal soap, it may not be the right fit.
Key Ingredients: Tea Tree, Mint, Aloe | Skin Type: Oily, Dry, All | Size: 12oz | Scent: Peppermint/Tea Tree
Why it’s great: There are a lot of brands out there making specialized soaps geared specifically toward those with tattoos. They’re no-doubt quality products. But turns out, one of the best soap brands for tattoos is the most unassuming of them all—Dial.
Its Gold Antibacterial Soap is the go-to recommendation for tattoo artists for its ability to moisturize fresh ink and keep infections at bay. The fact that it’s available for a song almost anywhere is icing on the cake.
How it feels: Dial isn’t breaking any molds when it comes to how a soap looks and feels. It’s a standard liquid soap that feels like a standard liquid soap, and that’s ok.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The household-name brand’s Gold Antibacterial Soap is heavily scented, which won’t be the best fit if you have sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients: Benzalkonium chloride | Skin Type: All | Size: 7.5oz | Scent: Gold
Buying Considerations for The Best Soap Brands
Ingredients
The best soap brands overall are the ones that incorporate all-natural ingredients and avoid parabens and sulfates. The presence of the former and the absence of the latter promotes healthier skin and moisturizes without causing irritation.
Heavily fragranced formulas can also irritate sensitive skin, so be sure to factor that into your ingredient considerations.
Skin Type
Not all men’s soap brands are created equal. This is especially true when it comes to which ones are best for specific skin types. If you have acne, ringworm, or other skin conditions, for example, you’ll want to reach for an antibacterial soap.
If you have particularly dry skin, prioritize soaps that go heavy on the moisturizing agents. There’s a soap out there for every skin type, so don’t skimp on the research when choosing the right one for you.
Bar Or Body Wash
Some of the best soap brands are bar-only. Others are body wash-only. Others have a full suite of products in both forms. If you’re a purist who strictly leans one way over the other, make sure the brand you set your sights on offers the form of soap you like.
Why you should trust us
As a fashion and grooming writer at FashionBeans, I compare, test, and research the products that make a gentleman a gentleman. If it can be worn, carried, or used in a way that elevates your look and feel, I’m into it.
For this review, I pored over trusted sources, customer reviews, ingredient specifications, and my own experience to understand what makes the best soap brands. After comparing over 50 products, I chose the resulting eight based on considerations like ingredients, moisturizing properties, lather, and general skin feel. Ultimately, I want to see everyone find the best soaps for them.
Final Verdict
The best soap brands are the ones made with quality, natural ingredients. Bonus points for being free of parabens, sulfates, and other ingredients that may damage or irritate your skin. You’ve got plenty of options, but Blu Atlas makes the best body wash out there at the moment.
FAQ
-
-
There are new luxury soap brands popping up all the time. A few standout brands that make excellent luxury soaps are Tom Ford, Byredo, Creed, Le Labo, Diptyque, Hermes, and Aesop.
-
Manufacturers like Blu Atlas, Dove, and all of the other best men’s soap brands on this list are good for your skin. When comparing other brands, look for soaps made with natural ingredients that are devoid of harsh chemicals that can irritate and dry out your skin.
-
