The Best Soaps for Men

If there’s one essential item that every man needs in his shower, it’s quality body soap. The good news is that in 2024, the best soaps for men go beyond those drying bars that your parents made you use to scrub behind your ears. Instead, today’s options keep you clean and moisturized, avoiding that tight, irritated feeling each time you exit the shower.

Thanks to ingredients like nourishing oils and vitamins, today’s top men’s soaps leave you feeling as good as possible. To help you find one that best suits your routine and lifestyle, we took it upon ourselves to create a list of the best soaps for men in 2024, spanning a variety of needs and preferences. Read on to find the perfect pick for you.

It should come as no surprise that Blu Atlas’ Body Wash tops our list, seeing as the brand is one of our favorites. One major selling point is that each of its products includes between 96-100% natural ingredients — a rarity in today’s world. This pick in particular is a great choice because it features green tea extract for calming benefits, as well as aloe barbadensis leaf, hitting you with antioxidants like beta carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E. Sugarcane also acts as a natural exfoliant to keep skin looking bright.

While you can’t go wrong with the classic scent option, we suggest checking out the coconut apricot one. Trust us — one whiff of this invigorating alternative and you’re going to be happy you did.

Bathing Culture’s Mind + Body Wash is a super smooth, vegan shower gel that cleanses the skin and leaves it moisturized thanks to uber-effective ingredients like aloe, shea and coconut oil. With a rich, foamy lather, the formula washes away dirt, grime, oil and debris, ensuring your skin feels fresh when you’re done.

This body wash is also notable because it’s 100% biodegradable. So, if you’re a big camper or just enjoy the great outdoors, you can wash with this and not harm the planet.

A company dedicated to the needs of black men, Bevel’s Body Wash is a hydrating cleanser that gently exfoliates, cleanses and hydrates in one quick step. Reach for this dermatologist-tested and approved body wash if you want clean, clear skin. Men love the two fragrance options, Dark Cassis and Supreme Oak, as they both leave behind a fresh, aromatic scent. It’s a soap your skin is sure to love.

If you’re searching for a pleasant scent that will outlast a night on the town, this pick from Axe can’t be beaten. That’s because it’s designed to last for 12 hours, and in our experience, it really does. This gel cleanser isn’t overwhelming, but the scent is definitely present and lets itself be known, which is great.

We’re not alone in singing its praises. There is no shortage of 5-star reviews from stoked consumers who love the scent and reliability, labeling the body wash a “must-have.” Plus, the price tag is easy on the wallet, which is another detail we love.

This cruelty-free option from Glossier kicks butt thanks to its unique yet effective mixture of ingredients. The bar includes cellulose and bamboo powder for exfoliation that isn’t too harsh, while additions like sunflower seed oil work to keep skin moisturized. Soothing, hydrating aloe leaf juice provides a dose of antioxidants and reviewers appreciate the delicious orange blossom neroli scent, which they say has some serious staying power.

Save time and money by adding this 18-in-1 product to cart. Dr. Bronner’s viral liquid soap can be used in so many ways, including as a body wash, shampoo, and face wash. Made with organic and fair trade ingredients, it’s also about as safe as you can get. However, we do want to note that the soap can leave the skin feeling a bit dry and you’ll likely need to use body lotion after you shower. But don’t worry — Dr. Bronner’s sells that, too.

Feel fresh and clean without the fuss thanks to Dr. Squash’s popular bar soap. This interesting pick is made from hand-harvested Alaskan Glacier Mineral Clay that works to detoxify the skin. So how does it smell? Customers go crazy for this incredibly refreshing scent, which brings images of water, birch and pine to mind and includes a hint of citrus.

While plenty of soaps cause dryness, redness and flaky skin, you won’t have to stress about unwanted irritation when using CeraVe’s Soothing Body Wash. The formula, which is accepted by the National Eczema Association, was developed for dry and sensitive skin and cleanses without stripping it of its barrier. Three essential ceramides, omega oils and hyaluronic acid are key components of this gentle, hydrating soap.

This affordable pick from Lubriderm is excellent for anyone who struggles with dry skin. That’s because it’s loaded up with Pro-Ceramide, vitamin E, and pro Vitamin B5. All of this combines into a formula that lifts away dirt while also keeping things moisturized. Sign us up.

We like a cleansing option that leaves your skin feeling quenched. This pick from La Roche Posay can be used on both the face and body and is also accepted by the National Eczema Association. It features thermal water that is loaded with the antioxidant selenium, as well as shea butter that is known for its soothing properties. It’s even been tested for sensitive skin and is fragrance-free, so anyone can enjoy its benefits.

Maybe you don’t have a spa in your house, but with this soap, it will feel like it. This pick from Lush includes ingredients such as soothing oat and relaxing lavender, and its scent is especially pleasant due to the addition of tonka. Still, it gets the job done with it comes to cleansing with the help of gentle yet exfoliating kaolin.

Rid your skin of excess oil and pore-clogging elements with this multi-tasking bar from Drunk Elephant. Complete with exfoliating bamboo powder, detoxifying heilmoor clay, antioxidant-dense virgin marula oil and moisturizing omegas 6 and 9, it’s a do-it-all product you’ll want to add to your routine.

Come for the delicious dark rum scent, but stick around for, well. . . everything else. While Malin+Goetz’s Rum Bar Soap includes glycerin to give your thirsty skin some hydration, it doesn’t leave a residue behind after cleaning. At the same time, it won’t dry you out or strip your skin after use. Consumers also describe the smell as “intoxicating”, even purchasing other products from the brand with the same scent. Really, what are you waiting for?

Moroccanoil’s products are known for their enticing, original smell and this body soap is no exception — reviewers even note that it’s one of its main draws. Not only is it made with hydrating argan oil and shea butter, which works to strengthen the skin’s barrier, but it also includes cooling aloe leaf extract, which adds even more nourishment.

A highly rated pick on Amazon, this men’s soap from Baxter of California exfoliates skin and rids it rough patches with its specific mix of jojoba meal and crushed olive seed. The addition of glycerin, however, is the key hydration factor, while the masculine scent of cedarwood and oakmoss is fresh and fun. You won’t regret opting for this such a high-quality pick.

Got rough skin? Kiehl’s “Ultimate Man” scrub, features oat bran, oat kernel meal and even pumice rock, which combine to exfoliate and condition the skin. It’s particularly helpful when it comes to places that could use some smoothing, especially elbows and heels. At the same time, it effectively deep cleans to remove dirt, so you’re really getting a do-it-all product.

The Morning Mojo Bar Soap from Ursa Major is minty fresh, and the revitalizing scent of peppermint, eucalyptus and rosemary will have you wide-eyed and awake in no time. However, the aromatherapy treatment is just an added bonus to the soap’s cleansing effects. Ursa Major uses clean ingredients for a safe, effective wash, including things like volcanic rock, honey, sea fennel, shea butter, and coconut. The mix provides a smooth, exfoliating clean while keeping the skin calm and hydrated.

If you want something a bit heavy-duty, Naturium’s body wash features salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that can help clear acne and unclog pores. The fragrance-free option also boasts some seriously positive reviews, with one reviewer noting that despite its effective nature, the soap is still gentle. Now, you won’t have to replace your breakout with dry, itchy skin.

Native’s cleansers are derived from coconut oil, which not only ensures you’re squeaky clean but also helps with hydration. While the brand was first popularized due to its non-toxic deodorants, its soap is also a winner, free from sulfates, parabens, and also vegan.

This unisex body wash foams up to cleanse the skin without causing a fuss and customers have plenty of simple scent options to choose from. Whether you’re into citrus or cucumber mint, you’re bound to find one you love.

Whether or not this bad boy is “luxury” is up for debate — especially considering it’s less than $20 per bottle. But we’ve gotta admit, the ingredient list does look luxurious. Sulfate-free and full of good-for-skin moisturizers, it cleans without stripping away natural oils. Soothing ingredients like vitamin E and aloe enrich the skin with hydration so it doesn’t feel dry or itchy after washing.

Throw out the harsh, heavily scented body washes and replace them with this gentle cleanser. Cataphil’s wash is formulated for sensitive skin that can’t handle disruption. Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and pH-balanced, it’s a soothing option that cleanses the skin without causing irritation, making it ideal for men with sensitive skin.

Could a soap list really be complete without something from Dove? This cold-pressed cleansing bar is more than just it’s intoxicating scent mix of blood orange and sea salt. It’s also a plant-based cleanser, full of proteins, amino acids and vitamins meant to keep skin nourished. Aside from being advertised as a 4-in-1 product, able to be used on the body, face, hair, and while shaving, you can buy it in bulk, so you’ll be set for a while.

That post-gym shower really hits hard — in a good way. You’re sweaty and likely oily from an intense workout or ball game. Instead of turning to a traditional cleanser with salicylic acid, why not test out a charcoal body wash?

The Activated Charcoal Body Wash from Art of Sport uses natural botanicals to eliminate sweat, grime, dirt, oil and anything that might be leftover from your gym session. It’s a high-quality cleanser that ensures your skin stays fresh after every workout.

Like any other product that you put on your skin, soap choice is really about individual preference. Rather than buying something because it’s trendy or popular, make sure your pick is right for you and your needs. Do you have acne-prone skin? Do you need something moisturizing? Do you hate strong scents? These are things to consider and address when making your purchase.

Different Types of Soap

Want to suds up with a bar of soap? Or do you prefer a luxurious body wash, foam wash or scrub? Different types of soaps can help you cleanse and exfoliate your body, but when it comes to their forms, it’s really a matter of how you prefer to store them.

Bar soaps are small, easy to store and the perfect option for travel. They fit in the palm of your hand and are easy to swipe all over your body, so you won’t miss a dirty patch of skin. Bar soaps typically help you save money and get you more uses. They often use similar ingredients to body wash and contain hydrating ingredients to soothe the skin.

If something about using a bar soap gives you the ick, body washes are liquid cleansers that come inside of a bottle. These formulas can be soothing and work well for exfoliation, acne and hydration, and may cause less drying of the skin when compared with a bar soap.

Understand Your Skin Type

Knowing your skin type will lead to a lot less agony and frustration when choosing products. Be honest with yourself and you’ll be amazed at the results you can get!

Our sensitive-skinned friends should opt for things that are not abrasive and include pleasant, hydrating and soothing ingredients. If you’re in need of a good scrub and are dealing with a lot of buildup, consider using an exfoliant.

Those who have oily skin or are dealing with acne will want to look out for blemish-fighting ingredients to target these issues, such as salicylic acid.

Finding soap with safe, natural ingredients is the best way to care for your skin. Not all soaps are created equal, but the best cleansing products contain clean, premium ingredients from natural sources that gently cleanse the skin without causing irritation.

So what are some good ingredients that can support your skin while you’re scrubbing it clean? The list includes aloe vera, green tea extract, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, sugarcane, tea tree oil, coconut oil, shea butter and kaolin clay. Of course, these are not one size fits all, so if you find that an ingredient is causing a reaction in your skin, don’t feel the need to keep using it. Just because something is popular and works for other people doesn’t mean it needs to or will work for you.

Certain ingredients like fragrances can cause irritation for some people. As a general rule, opting for clean and premium ingredients can help alleviate other issues like irritation. Harsh fillers in cheap products cause a lot of reactions, especially for folks with dry or sensitive skin. Try to avoid parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial fragrances, synthetic dyes, lanolin and mineral oil. And be sure to avoid anything that you know doesn’t work for your skin, even if your friend swears by it.

Exfoliating after washing might help you get an even deeper clean and clear every inch of debris, dead skin cells and oil from your body. If you find that physical exfoliants cause irritation to your skin barrier, try a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid.

How do I store bar soap?

The first rule of bar soap is to keep it out of water when not in use. Ideally, you’ll use a soap dish or other storage container with easy drainage, allowing the bar to dry out and keep its shape. Don’t have a spot with drainage? Just stick it on the side of the tub or on a shelf out of the path of the water. Bar soaps are some of the most economical products in the self-care industry, but if you leave them sitting in water, that money will slowly wash down the drain.

Can I use bar soap or body wash on my hair?

The answer to this is sometimes. Certain products, especially for men, are geared toward fitting everything into one bottle: body wash, shampoo and conditioner alike. If that works for you, great! However, if something isn’t specifically designed to be put in your hair, we say avoid it. This way you don’t cause unnecessary irritation or leave your locks feeling like straw.

What’s the best soap for men in 2024?

There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it — Blu Atlas Body Wash is the best soap for men in 2024 in our opinion. Boasting amazing ingredients and a top-tier scent (looking at you, coconut-apricot), this is one pick that we know you’ll love.