When it comes bar soap, the good news is that there are tons of safe options for organic soap. The bad news is that many of these soaps are difficult to find, as they are produced by small manufacturers and not sold in most drug or grocery stores.
Thank goodness for Dr. Bronner’s (see review below), which you can find almost anywhere.
Bar soaps were much easier for me to review than shampoos and other products; unless a soap really dries out my skin or smells offensive, I feel that it’s done its job! So the main criteria for evaluating the best natural soap really comes down to the quality of the ingredients.
112 comments
paul.ecofrindly
Thank you for the insightful guide on safe bar soaps. It’s crucial to prioritize skin health and environmental impact. Your recommendations offer a valuable resource for choosing trustworthy products.
I was wondering what you thought on Natural Ecosoaps? https://ecosoaps.shop/Diane
All Beekman products, including soap bars are free of toxic chemicals – we love them! We also love their face/neck wipes – which are refreshing and can be stored in the fridge for people who live in warm climates.
Mandy Welch
Not all “fragrance” contains phthalates or other endocrine disruptors. And soap cannot be certified organic. Handmade soaps from very small makers like me are usually very gentle and the fragrances that are available to us are most often phthalate free (I know that’s all I use). Some of us use natural colorants as well as man made micas that are certified for use in cosmetics.
Infamous Vapes
Does anyone have any idea iVape Palm Beach vape store based in 25 North Main St sells e-juice made by Cloudmouth Vapors? I have emailed them at magicvaper2013@gmail.com
Beverly J Crookham
I am using Bend Soap Co. goat milk Soaps and Lotions – very pure and long lasting. It is the only soap I can finally use vaginally with no problems and soap and lotion that cleared my acne rosacea.
Kenny Cheung
Useful content!Thanks for this,
Donnelly
Is Sappo Hill bar soaps good stuff? It’s relatively cheap, and easily found at Whole Foods too! Thanks! :)
Amanda
I was wondering about trader Joe’s bar soaps. They give the appearance of being natural but I’m wondering if they are sneaky.
natural handmade soap
Hey thanks for posting this useful content on bar soaps presented here, I really hope it will be helpful to many. I hope you keep update us with such great tips and information in future too. This is a great post; I will share as much as I can. Appreciative content!!
Rob
I am a guy who is just looking to make the switch from commercial brands that may have more chemicals to a natural soap that is better for my body. I typically like unscented and used Dove sensitive skin soap/or body wash for years. Can anyone point me in a direction of a company? I have recently tried Marlowe no. 102 and Pre de province no.63 soap, but have scents that I would not prefer.
Thanks!Chelsea
Have you reviewed any Zatik bar soaps or other Zatik products? They look good when I read the labels.
Karen West
I notices that Dr Bronners now uses palm oil in their soap which is a no-no because of rain forest destruction and the impending extinction of the orangutan primate.
Most soaps now contain palm oil, so wise to check labels.
Bertha
Hi there, what do you think about products from Bend Soap Company?
https://www.bendsoap.com/
Ellie Davis
It’s interesting to know that conventional bars of soap will contain triclosan which is an endocrine disruptor. My husband and I are trying to start a more healthy and eco-friendly life, and we are looking for advice. I will let him know about your article to find the best bars of soap for our house.
J
Lauryn,
I was concerned as I’ve never had this much of a problem before and it keeps getting worse with more little bumps I can feel, I even have photographic evidence from 18 months ago when it first started that it wasn’t this bad. My gyno insists it’s normal (maybe a lot of women are having irritation from their soaps?), but it’s not for my body and is getting to be quite painful. Thanks to this article I’m going to give tallow soap and a few others a try and see if I don’t improve at all. Yes, I did have a lot of STD and yeast testing, nothing.I came across this article trying to figure out if the Dove Sensitive Skin Bar Soap I’ve been using the past 3 years might be causing some vulvar (I believe vestibule area), pain, irritation, and bumps. I have been getting bumps on my wrist/lower arm area when using this soap for hand washing which hasn’t happened before, as well as reacting to ECOS dish soap which also was fine for me before.
Lauryn
Dove Beauty Bar Sensitive Skin is recommended by many doctors because it’s one of the only safe soaps for people with certain medical complications.
For example it’s one of the only options for women with disorders like vestibulodynia and or vulvodynia. All the soaps on the approved list have ingredients (primarily the added fragrances, it doesn’t matter if it’s natural) that have the potential to cause SEVERE vulvar pain and burning. I’ve tried most on that list. The dove soap is one of only two bar soaps I personally can use without even a small amount of soap run off casing intense pain. Vestibulodynia And vulvodynia may be poorly understood by doctors, but it isn’t actually as rare as they used to think. I think it’s important to keep in mind that certain people have different needs based on their personal medical history, and not to dissuade people from using what may be their only viable option. (For anyone reading this who would like the other VV safe bar soap recommendation, Sappo Hill has two. Their Natural Fragrance-Free and their oatmeal fragrance free.)Sara
Hi Maia nice to meet you!
I live in Japan, so I can only buy products through iHerb. Unfortunately I didn’t find any soap on the list. But I saw an organic soap brand is Dr.Woods, could you tell me if it’s Good Stuff? Or if you have a brand you recommend and I can buy from iHerb? I just need the soap to complete my collection of good stuff. If you can answer me I will be immensely happy, thank you very much.Sara
Hi Maia nice to meet you!
I live in Japan, so I can only buy products through iHerb. Unfortunately I didn’t find any soap on the list. But I saw an organic soap brand is Dr.Woods, could you tell me if it’s Good Stuff? Or if you have a brand you recommend and I can buy from iHerb? I just need the soap to complete my collection of good stuff. If you can answer me I will be immensely happy, thank you very much.Maria
Hi, I love your blog. So much good info. I have been trying different laundry detergents based on your reviews.
Regarding soaps, have you ever tried chagrin valley soap? chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com
I ordered a few and I really like it. I was looking for a soap without coconut oil and they have a couple of options without it. I was wondering if you had and what you thought about it.
Thanks
Denise
Also, DEAD SEA SPA ONE WITH NATURE TRIPLE MILLED MINERAL SOAP?
Denise Zaffuto
Maia what do you think about Shea Moisture…coconut & hibiscus Shea butter bar w/ so FYI mushroom?
Natalie
Hi Maia! Thank you so much for this helpful guide! What do you think about Native company’s soaps?
Sumiyah
What about RA cosmetics raw African black soap?
Debbie
I was wondering about Bar Shampoos and if you had any experience or suggestions for one that is safe and effective. Looking to minimize waste and also for travel.
Marta Vondrova
Hi,
What about the Green Goo soaps, they are great!Danielle
Dove has a fragrance-free bar soap, what is your take on that? Also you are talking about earth friendly , but in general everything on here that’s “good” I’d have to order online. That hardly seems eco-friendly (packaging, gas, etc.) any suggestions? So far all hand soaps, shampoos, dish soap, deodorant and toothpaste have to be ordered online. Thanks!
Alison Buchanan
Hi Maia,
Does Dove still use palm oil in their products? We should also consider the eco sustainability factor when buying products.
Stephanie
Thank you for continuing to wade through the sea of products out there to pull out the good ones, you it so much easier to choose great products!
I was wondering what you though of Meliora soap bars? Thanks!Maia James
yes, unfortunately Better Life is one of those brands where you have to pick and choose. Some products are great, and others have some less-than-great ingredients.
Maia James
Good Stuff:)
Robin J.
Maia I did not know where to post this on your page since it’s regarding hand soaps, but I noticed Better Life hand soap has PEG in the ingredient list. I was shocked, and deflated! I’ve always trusted their entire brand and never noticed nasty ingredients in their dish soap or cleaning sprays. Has anyone else noticed this?
Dar
Very informative website! We
used Miracle 11 soap for twenty years buying two gallons at a which usually lasted several years for bath, shower, shampoo. This last gallon has changed from its green (coloring has been the one questionable item in their recipe). we recently hanged to pascalite bar soap and do like it as well as other skin care products. But open to economical gallon size products. Thought EO Products was the new line for us but they seemed not to list a lot of organics as they last year when was scouting around for new options.
melissa
I am sorry to say Castelbel contains fragrance not reco’d by EWG they lie about the ingredients and production methods. I was given their “goat’s milk triple -milled french lavender fragranced” soap — no goat’s milk (obviously no real lavender with the use of “fragranced”). Using it to freshen the basement.
Paul
First, I’d like to thank you for all the research you’ve done on our behalf!
My question is regarding, ‘Makes 3 Organics’ soap. What are your thoughts in this brand? Thank you!Simplà Soaper
Thank you, A REAL ARTISAN SOAP CRAFTER. I am also a professional soaper and the term “fragrance” is not necessarily a bad thing and depends upon the supplier. MOST soap-safe fragrance oils are now phthalate free—particularly from legit vendors. Generally speaking, handmade (from scratch), artisan soaps do not contain SLS, parabens, synthetic detergents and foaming agents, etc and should have clearly marked ingredients…important for those with allergy/sensitivities, also. Additionally, a reputable soaper will typically disclose on their website and marketing materials that their ingredients are responsibly sourced, phthalate- and paraben-free, organic (when applicable), Non GMO….if that is part of their branding.
R P
Update on Nature’s Plus Beauty Bar, the ingredients list customer service gave me is far longer, but still looks relatively ok from my point of view, here it is:
tapioca starch, vegetable glycerin and oils (olive and sunflower), potassium sulfate (EWG score 1), water, bentonite (EWG score 2), betaine (EWG score 1), essential oil (lemon), iron oxide (EWG score 2, used as colorant), non milk lactic acid, citric acid, allantoin, vitamin E, phosphate (no EWG score).
Ashley
Hi Maia, I absolutely love your page. I’m curious what your thoughts are on Dr. Woods soap? http://www.drwoods.com/product/bar-soap-lavender/
Appreciate your help.
R P
Hi Maia, I’ve used this for over a decade to wash my body, hair and face and also my toddler’s. https://naturesplus.com/products/productdetail.php?productNumber=5990. They say it’s made only with Allantoin and 500 IU of vitamin E. What do you think?
Arva
You should not use any soap or washes in the vulva or vaginal area, period. Even if they claim to be pure, or gentle, or pH balanced washes. Water and friction are all that is needed. Or a bath with epsom salt. Washes/soaps can change the pH balance, even if they claim to be pH balanced themselves, frequently making the vulva and vagina more alkaline instead of acidic, and leading to irritation, yeast overgrowth, or bacterial vaginosis.
mprichgels
What do you think about Aspen Kay bar soaps?
mprichgels
What do you think about Aspen Kay bar soaps? Thanks!
mprichgels
I was wondering about that too.. Maia, Suzanne, what you think about Aspen Kay bar soaps?
Samantha
Hi! So sorry I couldn’t figured out how to leave a comment but the reply button worked…I was wondering about the bar soap that Whole Foods sells-it’s just called “good†soap & it’s engraved on the actual bar! Do you know if it’s truly good stuff?! Thank you ?
Martha
I started making my own soap after reading a diy article on it by Maple Holistics, I like making my own because it’s much healthier.
cassandra cary
Traditional soap is NOT skin friendly.
Sarah
What soap bar would you recommend? Is 100 pure Olive oil soap what I should look for? Is kiss my face okay? I’m very interested in what you said and would like your opinion or ask if you sell your soaps??
Robin J
Hi Maia, curious what you think of Goatboy soaps (www.goatboy.us/) – ingredients of the Unscented bar are goats milk, sodium hydroxide, olive oil, palm oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. I just wasn’t sure of the sodium hydroxide.
Or Dr Jacobs Castile? The latter is carried in grocery stores where we just moved. The goatboy we’ve loved for years. Thanks as always!!
Bard
What is your opinion of the NEA accepted Kiss of Nature bar and liquid soaps? Found at: https://kissofnaturesoap.com/product-category/nea-accepted-soaps/
delina
I’m not sure if I can ask you here, but where can I find your soaps?
Tina
Thoughts on Clearly Natural brand glycerin soaps? Someone stated earlier that they can’t afford pricey soaps. I am in the same boat. Trying to go more natural, but it’s very expensive….