Most of us have been introduced to skincare and body care through simple soap bars that are cleansing and vividly aromatic. TV advertisements have always shown the importance of the best antibacterial soaps, which are still relevant, necessary, and a must-have for everyone. Regular handwashing or incorporating an anti-bacterial bath a few times a week is recommended by experts. There is a wide variety of anti-bacterial soaps available in the market. So you can skim through and get the best ones suitable for your skin type and needs, we have narrowed them down to the top choices based on our observations and expertise. Read on to know all details about these cleansing bars.

Anti-microbial or antiseptic soaps contain antibacterial properties that protect your body from bacterial infections and germs that may cause illness. These cleansing bars also scour away oil, dirt, grime, and body odor, and can be used all over the body and hair. However, some antibacterial soaps contain harsh chemicals that must be avoided.

Speaking of harsh chemicals, our contributor Ollie Wertheim, Founder and Chief Formulator at Sensitive Skin LLC, says, “When choosing antibacterial soaps, steer clear of compositions with triclosan or triclocarban, which may contribute to antibiotic resistance and harm the environment. Also, avoid those with harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates, as they can irritate the skin and disrupt the endocrine system.”

There are soaps that are infused with natural and clean ingredients, that do the cleansing without drying off the skin and posing skin damage. Certain antibacterial soaps are aimed to combat acne and other such skin-related conditions. Take a look at our best picks of antibacterial soaps that serve various purposes.

• 1
  Best overall

  CETAPHIL Gentle Cleansing Bar

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A popular name among the skincare enthusiast, this gentle cleansing bar by CETAPHIL is formulated with five nourishing ingredients. This bar cleanses the skin without drying it out and maintains the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The non-comedogenic formula is apt for all skin types and efficiently gets rid of germs, dirt, and impurities. This dermatologically approved soap bar contains surfactants to attract germs present on the skin and wash them away. By retaining the skin’s natural emollients and natural oils, it leaves the skin soft and clean.

2

Best overall

Defense Soap All Natural Tea Tree & Eucalyptus Essential Oil

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To effectively get rid of dirt, grime, gym crud, sweat, smog, allergens, grunge, and built-up oils, trust the Defense Soap. Infused with natural tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil, the soap deodorizes, restores the skin’s natural barrier, keeps a check on sebum production, and protects the skin from bacterial and fungal infections. Along with treatment-oriented and antimicrobial properties, the soap is also hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin. Its active ingredients may help combat skin conditions like ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch, dandruff, acne, and dry skin. With natural, clean constituents and the omission of fragrances, dyes,  cosmetics, petrochemical compounds, alcohol, or sodium lauryl sulfate, it is definitely a high-quality product worth the price.

3

Best antifungal remedy

Derma-nu Antifungal Therapeutic Soap And Body Wash

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The antifungal and therapeutic soap by Derma-nu boasts of its all-natural key ingredients like tea tree, peppermint, spearmint, menthol, wintergreen oil, & oregano that restrain odor-causing bacteria and soothe dry itchy skin. This remedy is infused with other powerful ingredients like aloe vera, rosehip oil, tea tree oil, ginger oil, and horsetail extract, all of which contain anti-fungal properties. The antibacterial body washes like this one optimally fight acne, deeply cleanses, and leaves the skin nourished and hydrated.

4

Noble Formula 2% Pyrithione Zinc (ZnP)

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Let’s see what’s in it: Zinc pyrithione (ZnP), a form of zinc with antifungal and antibacterial properties that effectively control various skin conditions like dandruff, eczema, etc; olive oil-infused calendula that moisturizes, sustains the skin’s protective barrier, and heals dry skin; Emu oil with anti-inflammatory benefits plus a low comedogenic rating, and milled oats containing saponins and lipids that remove dirt and lock in moisture. Chockfull of benefits, this handmade formula is an excellent choice for soothing and cleansing the skin, every day.

5

Best organic

Dr. Ancient Tea Tree Soap Bar

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If you are craving something that carries the laurel labels of organic, natural, vegan, and handmade, your search end here. Dr. Ancient Tea Tree Soap Bar is an antibacterial formula to be used for both body and hair — suitable for all skin types. The formula uses 100% vegetable oils and tea tree oil, which refreshes the skin and soothes body acne and blemishes by controlling sebum production and also functions as a natural disinfectant. With regular use, the soap bar also prevents fungal infections and itching on the skin, especially the feet.

6

Best for body odor

Solpri Shield Original Bar Soap

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Ideal for getting rid of the fungus, harmful bacteria, and viruses, this soap bar is a blend of natural and organic ingredients that fight common skin issues like jock itch, ringworm, athlete's foot, and tinea pedis. By maintaining the skin’s natural defense barrier, this soap remedy rigorously cleanses while catering to irritated skin. The five ingredients including lemongrass, eucalyptus, sweet orange, lime, and tea tree make a powerful blend to keep the skin fresh and healthy.

7

Best non-drying

Dial Antibacterial Deodorant Bar Soap

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The Dial Antibacterial Deodorant bar soap does perform as it claims. It kills odor-causing bacteria and protects from infections. Washing with this soap means staying round-the-clock odor-free, feeling all fresh and clean. The bar soap has a creamy, moisture-rich foam that effectively fights germs while keeping the skin soft without feeling dry. Its exotic deodorizing smell is extracted from a blend of lavender and twilight jasmine.

8

Best pleasant fragrance

Provon Antimicrobial Lotion Soap

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This cold-pressed and vegan antimicrobial lotion soap by Provon has a pH level of 7.2 which maintains the skin’s moisture barrier while deeply cleansing. The antibacterial deodorant protection technology has a creamy formulation — the moisture-rich lather kills odor-causing bacteria, washes away disease-causing germs, and leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean. The lotion soap has all-natural ingredients like essential oils, which are great for providing an odor-free day. Get a clean job done while enjoying a smooth after-wash finish with this lotion soap.

9

Dettol Skincare Anti-Bacterial Bar Soap

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Under our radar is the Dettol Skincare Anti-Bacterial Bar Soap to achieve maximum hygiene and protection. The bar soap efficiently washes away infection-causing bacteria and germs. Here, the features of luxe bathing soap meet antibacterial and cleansing bars. Infused with 80% naturally derived plant-based ingredients and moisturizing glycerine, this soap leaves your skin hydrated and healthy. Preferred by doctors for decades, the trusted Dettol can be a perfect fit to keep you safe from germs and keep illness at bay.

10

Most Refreshing Choice

BEAUTY BY EARTH Peppermint Tea Tree Charcoal Facial Bar Soap

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This charcoal soap is chockfull of ingredients like peppermint oil, tea tree oil, unrefined shea butter, and rosemary extract. This blend is devoid of harsh chemicals and ideal for all skin types to treat and protect the skin, all while providing a radiant complexion and ultimate hydration. The facial bar boasts manifold benefits — it removes impurities, detoxifies, combats premature aging, and fights blemishes, acne, eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea. A befitting addition to your self-care shelf, this organic cleanser is perfect for daily use.

11

Best gentle formulation

Cuticura Deep Cleansing Bar Soap

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Offering all-in-one skincare, the Cuticura Deep Cleansing Bar Soap is a thoughtfully curated formula with emollients like aloe and glycerine for everyday use. Besides being non-comedogenic, this well-formulated bar soap aids blemish-prone skin, promotes healthy skin, retains the skin’s natural moisture barrier, and effectively washes away any dirt, grime, and bacteria accumulated on the skin. Recommended by dermatologists, this soap is a clean product that is suitable for sensitive skin and does not dry it.

12

Best lather

Morgan's Antibacterial Medicated Soap

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With vintage packaging, this antibacterial medicated soap also carries the trust from past, longstanding years. The formula is designed to protect against 99.9% of germs. This deep cleansing remedy provides protection from skin infections and acne while fighting germs and bacteria. A standout feature is that this soap is also suitable for the face and can be used daily for smooth skin. Remove dirt, grime, and excessive oil from the skin with this pleasantly scented soap bar that lends long-lasting effects.

13

Safeguard Bar Soap

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A favorite of many, the Safeguard Bar Soap is a common household name, owing to its effective properties. With strong germ protection, the formula eliminates 99% of the bacteria. The antibacterial agents also deodorize, leaving the skin feeling fresh and getting rid of body odor. There is a subtle scent without perfumes, and the effects of washing last long. Although it is generally recommended by doctors for scrapes and bruises, this soap is also known for soothing irritated and acne-prone skin.

Here’s our mini-guide to assist with your shopping. Navigate through the essential pointers to bear in mind before choosing the best one.

The same rules that apply to your curated skincare regime must be followed here as well. Take a look at the pointers, one must consider while ordering an antibacterial soap: 

• Ingredients to Choose

It is always recommended to look for skin-loving ingredients that are naturally sourced and organic. For instance, certain essential oils like tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, and other components like lime, and glycerine are great for killing bacteria, moisturizing the skin, and protecting it from drying out due to deep cleansing. 

• Ingredients to Avoid

Under the garb of ‘deep scouring and cleansing’, some soaps use harsh chemicals that can damage the skin or cause irritation if you take frequent washes. Therefore it is recommended to avoid toxic ingredients like parabens, sulfates, triclosan, and synthetic fragrance. 

• Your Skin Type

In order to kill bacteria, and fight fungus and germs, antibacterial soaps can turn out to be rough on your skin and its overuse can kill the healthy bacteria present on the skin too. Perusing the ingredients label can help you determine the best pick for your skin type. If you are looking to prevent acne, blemishes, inflamed skin, allergies, or common skin conditions, avoid alcohol, sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances. In such cases, elements like lemongrass, lime, eucalyptus, etc can be helpful. If you are allergic to essential oils then avoid such soaps and opt for ingredients like aloe, salicylic acid, oatmeal, etc. For oily skin, make sure your soap has non-comedogenic ingredients. If you have severely sensitive skin, allergies, or certain skin conditions, it is best to consult a dermatologist prior to making a purchase. 

Before you switch from regular soaps to antibacterial soaps, take a look at how both types compare.

Getting rid of germs and assimilated impurities from the skin is at the core of a self-care and hygiene maintenance routine. Antibacterial soaps are recommended by dermatologists for the face, body, and hair. Here’s a look at the effectiveness of antibacterial soaps over normal soaps, as per our expertise:

• Eliminates Bacterial Growth:

While normal soaps are known to do a pretty well job of cleansing and killing bacteria at the surface, they might not be able to prevent their production. On the other hand, antibacterial soaps containing a chemical called triclosan or triclocarban may help prevent bacterial or microbial growth.

• Helps with Skin Issues:

Some antibacterial soaps have properties and ingredients that are anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. These allow these soaps to treat numerous skin conditions like ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch, acne, blemishes, and others. These are treatment-oriented soaps that are unlike regular commercial soaps. Antibacterial soaps are commonly recommended by doctors and in healthcare settings. 

However, it is necessary to remember that overuse of antibacterial soaps may cause unwanted side effects, including skin damage, and is not recommended by experts. If you are pregnant or considering antibacterial soaps for daily use, consider consulting your dermatologist. 

Contributor: Ollie Wertheim, Founder and Chief Formulator, Sensitive Skin LLC