M en’s soap has really stepped up its game in recent years.
Gone are the days when any old bar — no matter how harsh or synthetic — would suffice.
Today, men are embracing the concept of skincare, and opting for suds that boast higher-quality ingredients and more masculine scents than traditional soaps.
[image: Sincerely Media / Unsplash]
The only problem is, now there’s an abundance of brands marketing soaps and body washes to men, all promising to leave your skin baby soft and smelling like Chris Hemsworth (or, what we assume he smells like).
With so many options, it’s tempting to say “to hell with it” and just stick with the same old brand you’ve been using since puberty.
Luckily, you don’t have to (and really, you shouldn’t.)
To save you (and your dermis) from products that leave your skin dry, irritated, or smelling like a bad air freshener, we’ve curated a list of the top men’s soap brands and products on the market today.
Whether you’re a self-care aficionado or still using that cheap motel soap you had laying around (hey, it was free), you’re sure to discover a brand that suits your lifestyle and skin type.
And if you’re still not sure what type of soap will best suit your specific needs, we’ve also included a buying guide that will show you how to choose the one that’s makes the most sense for you.
The (Absolute) Best Men’s Soap Brands
These are the Brands that Make the Best Men’s Soap Products
Dr. Squatch
This is one men’s soap brand that likely needs no introduction.
Dr. Squatch essentially revolutionized the market when it launched in 2013, rejecting the chemical-laden drugstore options of the past and introducing men to the world of manly smelling soaps that are actually good for their skin.
They offer a wide range of handmade, natural soaps that contain holistic ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and essential oils, and are infused with scents any lumberjack would approve of (no synthetic fragrances here).
One to Try:
Pine Tar
Easily one of the brand’s best smelling soaps, this exfoliating bar is the perfect choice if you want a good scrub.
Check out our round up of the best Dr. Squatch soap scents to find the perfect outdoorsy-scented bar soap for you.
Oars + Alps
Founded by two women who wanted affordable skincare for their husbands that wasn’t full of harsh ingredients, this line of men’s products is the ideal choice for active, outdoorsy types.
All of their body washes and soaps are formulated with naturally-sourced ingredients and infused with natural fragrances that invoke the great outdoors.
With key ingredients like activated charcoal, juniper berries, and aloe vera, it’s a refreshing way to wash away sweat and grime while boosting the health of your skin.
One to Try:
Fresh Ocean Splash Body Wash
This body wash’s ingredients list speaks for itself:
Jojoba oil, castor oil, aloe leaf juice, and vitamin E equals a powerful combo of antioxidants and moisturizers.
Marlowe.
Marlowe’s mission is to upgrade men’s skincare without overcomplicating it.
Their line of bar soaps and body washes contain natural, skin-healthy ingredients like shea butter, green tea, and ground apricot seed to gently cleanse and exfoliate without being drying or irritating.
Plus, they’re cruelty free and free of parabens and phthalates, two common chemicals that have been linked to major health problems.
One to Try:
No. 102 Original Body Scrub Soap Bar
If you’re looking for a bar soap that will lather and exfoliate without stripping your skin of its natural oils, congratulations, you’ve found it.
Jack Black
While there’s no relation to this guy, Jack Black the brand is equally as cool as the dude (well, almost).
Leading the pack in men’s grooming for over 20 years, the brand’s philosophy is to provide high-quality, effective products that are easy to use and make men look and feel their best.
Their body washes and bar soaps are formulated with natural ingredients such as eucalyptus and coconut butter to cleanse and moisturize men’s skin, which tends to be thicker and oilier than a woman’s.
They also offer a wide range of different products for shaving, body, and hair care, so it’s a one-stop shop for all of your personal care needs.
One to Try:
Turbo Body Bar Scrubbing Soap
Crafted with lava rock and blue lotus, this bar delivers deep-cleansing and exfoliating, while also smoothing your skin.
Every Man Jack
If you’re a dude who values high quality products that are also environmentally conscious and affordable, Every Man Jack is definitely worth checking out.
Founded in a garage in 2007, this brand is all about inspiring guys to take care of themselves and the planet by opting for clean ingredients and making sustainable choices.
Their natural body wash and bar soap collections are beloved for their rich lather, naturally-derived ingredients, and of course, outdoor-inspired scents.
And their accessibility is a huge bonus: you can find them in almost every Target, Walmart, and drugstore.
One to Try:
Sandalwood Body Wash
The subtle woodsy fragrance in this hydrating body wash will help you tap into your inner Paul Bunyan.
Dr. Bronner
Founded in 1948 by a third-generation master soapmaker, Dr. Bronner’s is a globally recognized soap brand, famed for its organic, biodegradable, and fair-trade certified ingredients.
Their limited product range includes pure-Castile soaps, which means they’re chemical-free and made with plant-based oils, like coconut, olive, and hemp oils.
In addition to being healthy and effective, their versatile soaps are the definition of no-fuss, suitable for shaving, bathing, and even household cleaning.
One to Try:
All-in-One Peppermint Bar Soap
For clean skin (and hair and everything else) that smells refreshingly like peppermint leaves, this one simple product does it all.
Harry’s
Harry’s is a men’s brand that offers a range of personal care and shaving products, including paraben-free soaps and body washes.
Recognizing that a lot of men’s products leave skin dried out and irritated, Harry’s uses high-quality ingredients to create products that are gentle on sensitive skin, but still leave you feeling clean and hydrated.
And at around $8 for a bottle of their body wash, it’s a good choice for men looking to save a buck on their grooming regime.
One to Try:
Stone Body Wash
Lather up without drying out with this citrusy and fresh body wash infused with charcoal and bergamot.
Cetaphil
Anyone with skin (and who washes it) is likely aware of this Swiss personal care brand.
A drugstore staple since the 1940s, Cetaphil’s legacy is rooted in making gentle, dermatologist-recommended skincare products for all skin types, especially those with sensitive and acne-prone skin.
So while their cleansers aren’t specifically formulated for men, the simplicity and effectiveness of their products — not to mention affordability — has always made this a popular brand among guys.
What’s more, Cetaphil recently reformulated a bunch of their products to rid them of parabens and harsh chemicals that are known to irritate skin.
One to Try:
Gentle Cleansing Bar
Formulated for super sensitive skin, this bar may be basic, but it gets the job done.
(Hey, 10,000 5-star reviews can’t be wrong.)
Cremo
Cremo is a barbershop-inspired men’s brand that offers high-quality soaps and body washes designed to elevate your daily routine.
We love that their exfoliating body bars are made with volcanic rock and oat kernel to gently fluff away dead skin, as well as shea butter for hydration and softness.
But if you’re a body wash guy, their rich-lathering shower gels with moisturizing ingredients and famously long-lasting fragrance are an equally great choice.
Their products are on the pricier side (around $20 a bottle) but a little goes a long way.
One to Try:
Blue Cedar & Cypress Body Wash
Developed by actual fragrance experts, this refreshing wash has a masculine scent without being overpowering.
SheaMoisture
This popular Black-founded brand has been providing natural and ethically made personal care products for over 100 years.
While the majority of their products are unisex, SheaMoisture’s bar soaps and body washes are awesome for men because they’re formulated to protect against dry skin and leave the skin feeling hydrated.
Plus, they’re affordable and widely available, making them a great choice for anyone who wants to take care of their skin without breaking the bank.
One to Try:
African Black Soap
Infused with decadent ingredients like fair trade shea butter, aloe, and oat kernel flour, it’s pretty much the best soap bar for dry, ashy, or cracked skin.
Dove Men+Care
It may seem like a generic drugstore brand, but don’t let that fool you:
Dove’s exclusive men’s line of soaps and body washes are specifically developed to ensure the health and strength of your skin while washing away bacteria, sweat, and grime.
It offers a wide range of cleansing products for various skin concerns and preferences, but we especially love the line of plant-based body washes, featuring naturally-derived ingredients and essential oils.
What’s even more surprising? They’re paraben- and alcohol-free!
One to Try:
Eucalyptus Oil + Cedar Hydrating Body Wash
Bring the calm of the spa to your shower routine with this hydrating body wash, infused with essential oils and plant-based cleansers.
Bravo Sierra
This military-inspired brand takes a no-nonsense approach to personal care with simple, effective, and multi-purpose products for everyday civilians.
Their body washes and hard cleansers are made with clean, high-quality ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter, that attack dirt and B.O. and keep you feeling fresh for a long time.
But you don’t have to take our word for it:
The products are field tested by over 2000 active-duty service members and veterans in sweaty and dirty conditions to ensure the best quality.
One to Try:
Hair & Body Solid Cleanser
Made from shea butter and oat flour, this solid cleanser works into a surprisingly soapy lather, serving double duty on hair and skin.
Defense
For the guys who suffer from athlete’s foot, jock itch, and body acne, Defense is the brand for you.
(No judgment, it happens to the best of us.)
Their products are designed to meet the needs of people who are prone to skin and body issues, such as athletes who at risk of developing fungal infections or military personnel who are exposed to harsh environments.
Plus, their products are plant-based, all natural, and paraben- and phthalate-free, so they’re not just effective but they’re healthy for your skin too.
One to Try:
Original Daily Clean Shower Gel
One of the best body washes for athletes and anyone who deals with skin issues, this formula contains olive oil, rosemary extract, and aloe vera for clean, soothed skin.
Baxter of California
Baxter of California is a premium men’s grooming and lifestyle brand that’s been revolutionizing men’s personal care since 1965.
This brand is all about living authentically, which is reflected in their high-quality, effective, and easy-to-use products for men featuring natural ingredients.
Despite the sticker shock ($20 for a bar of soap?!) the brand’s product line is highly rated, so if you have the funds, they’re worth the investment.
One to Try:
Vitamin Cleansing Bar
Suitable for all skin types, this rich soap bar nourishes skin while gently washing away excess oil and dirt.
Check Out Baxter of California ➤
Duke Cannon
Rooted in military history, Duke Cannon’s products embody an ethos of hard work with sturdy packaging, manly scents, and a focus on quality and effectiveness.
The first thing you’ll notice about their bar soaps and body washes are the massive proportions, but that doesn’t mean they compromise on quality:
Crafted to leave your skin feeling clean, moisturized, and refreshed, their products contain high-quality ingredients like tea tree oil, vitamin E, and shea butter, ensuring a gentle and nourishing experience.
One to Try:
Big Ass Brick of Soap Fresh Cut Pine
For those who like to buy in bulk, this plant-based brick is more than twice the size of a regular bar, and it has a nice scent.
What to Consider When Buying Men’s Soap
Skin Type
Understanding your skin type is crucial for selecting a soap that works well for you.
For dry skin, consider soaps that contain moisturizing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, coconut oil, and cocoa or shea butter to lock in moisture and provide hydration.
This is especially important during colder months when skin is more susceptible to drying and cracking.
If you have sensitive skin, opt for hypoallergenic soaps that won’t irritate your skin, and look for gentle ingredients like goat milk, oatmeal, and almond oil.
(Those with sensitive skin may also need to avoid fragranced soaps and essential oils.)
For oily skin, look for castile soaps and those containing essential oils like peppermint, lavender, and tea tree.
For those with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, it’s best to choose gentle, therapeutic soaps with ingredients like oatmeal or charcoal known to soothe these issues.
Fragrance
We all have our preferences when it comes to soap scents.
Fragrances play a significant role in making us feel fresh and clean.
Whether you prefer minty freshness, subtle charcoal, or a hint of coconut, there’s bound to be a scent that matches your preference.
So, choose a soap with a fragrance that suits your preference and leaves you feeling fresh.
Ingredients
The ingredients in your soap should serve their purpose without causing harm to your skin.
Look for natural components and avoid harsh chemicals or artificial additives.
For instance, gentle exfoliants, like oatmeal, can help to remove dead skin cells without causing irritation.
Moreover, ingredients like charcoal and coconut oil are known for their cleansing properties and can effectively clean your skin without causing dryness.
Lastly, make sure to check the labels for ingredients (or a lack of) that are important to you.
For instance, you may want to make sure it’s free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, alcohol, and animal products.
Body Wash vs Bar Soap
Whether you choose bar soap or a body wash really comes down to personal preference.
Bar soaps are more eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and are often made with fewer chemicals compared to liquid soaps.
On the other hand, body wash and shower gel are convenient if you prefer liquid dispensers, and they tend do create a better lather.
Eco-Friendliness
In an increasingly environmentally-conscious world, it’s important to consider eco-friendly options when selecting men’s soaps.
Look for brands that use sustainable packaging and responsibly-sourced ingredients.
Moreover, consider choosing soaps that are cruelty-free and free of chemicals and microplastics that could harm marine life.
More Resources ↓
More Men’s Grooming Advice & Reviews from Irreverent Gent:
- The Best Shampoos & 2-in-1 Formulas for Men
- 25 Brands & Products for the Best Men’s Skin Care Routine
- Tiege Hanley Review
- Marlowe Shave Cream Review
- Hawthorne Cologne Review
- The Absolute Best Men’s Deodorants & Antiperspirants
- The (Absolute) Best Foil Shavers on the Market
- Ditch the Body Wash: Dr. Squatch Natural Soap Review
- The 17 Best Bars of Soap for Men
- In-Depth Meridian Trimmer Review – Is it worth the money?
- The Absolute Best Electric Shavers for Black Men
- The 15 Best Smelling Dr. Squatch Soap Scents
- The 15 Best Clippers for Bald (& Balding) Head Shaving
- The 12 Best Trimmers for Shaving Your Balls
- The Absolute Best Clippers for Fades
- In-Depth Dr. Squatch Deodorant Review
- The 13 Best Back Shavers for Men
- The 19 Best Clippers for Black Men
Kirstyn Brown
Kirstyn describes herself as a “coffee lover and cat lady,” but don’t let her humility fool you:
As the co-creator and former Editor-in-Chief of Strong Fitness Magazine, she’s a highly respected writer and editor with more than a decade of experience, whose work has appeared in top publications like Strong, Oxygen, Clean Eating, Girls Gone Strong and more.
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