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In recent years, we've seen an explosion of interest in all-natural living. Little by little, people have started swapping out traditional home and beauty products with healthier options like natural deodorants or natural laundry detergents. Continuing on that trend, the best natural soaps can help keep you clean while also protecting you from toxins and harmful chemicals.
In this article, we've collected ten of the best natural soaps of this year so you can find the right soap for your needs.
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Best Natural Soaps of 2022 - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Natural Soap: Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
- Best Natural Soap for Men: Dr. Squatch All Natural Bar Soap for Men
- Best Natural Bar Soap: Australian Botanical Soap
- Best Natural Dish Soap: Mrs. Meyers Liquid Dish Soap
- Best Natural Hand Soap: Presto! Biobased Hand Soap
- Best Natural Soap for Eczema: Southern Natural Goat Milk Soap Bar
- Best Natural Body Soap: First Botany All Natural Tea Tree Body Wash
- Best Natural Face Soap: InstaNatural Vitamin C Face Wash
- Best Natural Soap for Sensitive Skin: The Soap Haven Oatmeal Soap
- Best Natural Liquid Soap: Vermont Castile Soap Unscented
Best Overall Natural Soap - Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
SPECS
- Type of soap: Liquid castile
- Size: 32 oz.; bulk sizes available
- Scent(s): Peppermint, lavender, almond, unscented
- Best for: Everything
- Child-friendly: Yes
You may have heard of Dr. Bronner's—also known as the soap that can be used to clean almost anything. Users report using Dr. Bronner's Castile soap for everything from washing dishes to shampooing their hair. Because it has so many uses, we had to give it the best overall title.
And while it may be a bit more drying than you'd prefer for use on your skin or hair, it's safe to use it that way if you don't mind. This soap is a natural and versatile option for anyone who wants their soap to be plant-based but also effective.
What We Like
- Multi-purpose
- Organic
- Multiple scents available
- Also available in bulk
- Vegan and non-toxic
What We Don't Like
- Highly concentrated and needs to be diluted before use
- Expensive
- Too drying for use on hair and face
BUY: Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Best Natural Soap for Men - Dr. Squatch All Natural Bar Soap for Men
SPECS
- Type of soap: Bar soap
- Size: 5 oz. bar
- Scent(s): Pine tar, cedar citrus, and bay rum
- Best for: Men looking for a hydrating bar soap
- Child-friendly: No; scents too strong
Reviews can't speak highly enough of the Dr. Squatch All Natural Bar Soaps, which are our pick for best natural soap for men. These soaps come in bar form, making them simple to use and easy to travel with. Whether you prefer a woodsy scent like pine or cedar citrus, or you prefer a fresh, clean scent like coconut or aloe, we think you'll find something that suits your preference.
This soap is also available for purchase in variety packs which let you try out multiple scents. They're made with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and are free of drying additives like sulfates or harsh foaming agents. If you're looking for a soap with a nice masculine scent minus the harsh chemicals, Dr. Squatch is a great option.
What We Like
- Many scents available
- Formulated without parabens, sulfates, or silicones
- Bar soap form is easy to use
- Low waste packaging
- Super hydrating cold process soap
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Scent doesn't linger long
BUY: Dr. Squatch All Natural Bar Soap for Men
Best Natural Bar Soap - Australian Botanical Soap
SPECS
- Type of Soap: bar soap
- Size: 6.8 oz. bars
- Scent(s): Pure, orange, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and more
- Best for: Bargain, quality bar soap
- Child-friendly: yes
Many bar soaps are formulated with harsh sulfates or unsustainable ingredients. If you're looking for something better, we recommend Australian Botanical Soap. Made with nourishing goat's milk as well as sustainably sourced palm oil and raw shea butter, this soap comes in large, dense bars that last a good while.
Australian Botanical Soap is also available in a variety of scents such as pure, orange, lemongrass, manuka honey, and more. If you're looking for a sustainable, cruelty-free bar soap, we think this is a good choice.
What We Like
- Great value
- Goat's milk is soft and moisturizing on skin
- Made without sulfates
- Made with raw shea butter and sustainable palm oil
- Cruelty-free
What We Don't Like
- May leave filmy residue
- Strong scent
BUY: Australian Botanical Soap
Best Natural Dish Soap - Mrs. Meyers Liquid Dish Soap
SPECS
- Type of soap: Liquid dish soap
- Size: 16 oz. bottles
- Scent(s): Lemon verbena, honeysuckle, basil, and more
- Best for: Dishwashing
- Child-friendly: Yes
Using natural soap is great, but when it comes to dishwashing soap, functionality is equally as important. Many natural dishwashing soaps just can't stand up to the demands of dirty dishes. But the Mrs. Meyers Liquid Dish Soap is a highly effective natural dish soap option.
It's available in a variety of scents and comes in a bottle with a squirt top for easy use. We like that they use essential oils to add scent to their products. And, unlike so many other natural dish soaps, this formula actually works on tough grease and food stains.
What We Like
- Reasonably priced
- Paraben-free
- Squirtable bottle for easy use
- Scented with essential oils
- Effective on grease without harsh chemicals
What We Don't Like
- Scents too strong for some
- May be harsh on skin
BUY: Mrs. Meyers Liquid Dish Soap
Best Natural Hand Soap - Presto! Biobased Hand Soap
SPECS
- Type of Soap: Liquid hand soap
- Size: 12 oz.
- Scent(s): Fragrance free, wild citrus, lime mint, etc
- Best for: Everyday household use
- Child-friendly: Yes
Amazon's home brand Presto makes this affordable, biobased hand soap. It's available in bulk and comes in multiple scents. We like that it’s packaged in plastic bottles made with post-consumer waste. The soap itself is formulated without dyes or synthetic fragrances, and it's also cruelty-free.
And at just a few dollars a bottle, it's one of the most affordable soaps on our list. We highly recommend this natural hand soap for your home or office.
What We Like
- Affordable
- No dyes added
- No synthetic fragrances
- Soap bottles made with post-consumer plastic waste
- Cruelty-free
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't lather well
- Pump seems cheaply made
BUY: Presto! Biobased Hand Soap
Best Natural Soap for Eczema - Southern Natural Goat Milk Soap Bar
SPECS
- Type of soap: Bar soap
- Size: 4 oz. bars
- Scent(s): Oatmeal milk and honey, lavender, rosemary mint, and more
- Best for: Sensitive skin
- Child-friendly: Yes
People with eczema often find their skin is easily irritated by soaps with artificial fragrances, harsh cleansers, or drying ingredients. It can be hard to find a soap that will soothe, not irritate, the skin. If you have eczema, we recommend the Southern Natural Goat Milk Soap Bar. Goat milk is very nourishing to the skin, and this soap is made with other ingredients that are meant to soothe and moisturize irritated skin.
We especially like that they offer an oatmeal milk and honey scent, as oats are particularly soothing for eczema sufferers. This soap is sulfate-free which is beneficial for eczema sufferers who commonly have dry skin. While we wish there was an unscented option since eczema is often exacerbated by fragrance, this soap still works great for many people with eczema.
What We Like
- Made with soothing goat milk
- Gentle ingredients for sensitive skin
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
- Lathers without harsh additives
- Soothing enough to use on face and body
What We Don't Like
- Not the most moisturizing
- Only comes in scented options
BUY: Southern Natural Goat Milk Soap Bar
Best Natural Body Soap - First Botany All-Natural Tea Tree Body Wash
SPECS
- Type of soap: Liquid body wash
- Size: 16 oz.
- Scent(s): Eucalyptus, mint, passion fruit, and more
- Best for: Those who prefer body wash to bar soap
- Child-friendly: No; strong fragrance
First Botany body wash is formulated for athletes and people who work outdoors. With ingredients like tea tree oil and eucalyptus, it fights skin irritation and cleans skin deeply. We love the natural bar soaps we've featured, but for the convenience of body wash, this is the product we recommend.
Available in a number of scents, this wash is also paraben- and sulfate-free. Plus, it uses antibacterial tea tree oil to prevent and treat skin conditions like dandruff.
What We Like
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben- and sulfate-free
- Made with tea tree oil
- Formulated to support athletes
- Made in the US
What We Don't Like
- Scent might be too strong for some
- Mediocre lather
BUY: First Botany All Natural Tea Tree Body Wash
Best Natural Face Soap - InstaNatural Vitamin C Face Wash
SPECS
- Type of soap: Gel face wash
- Size: 6.7 oz.
- Scent(s): Grapefruit
- Best for: Aging skin
- Child-friendly: No
Natural products are even more important when cleansing the delicate, sensitive skin of your face which is why we recommend the InstaNatural Vitamin C Face Wash. This gel cleanser is made with natural ingredients high in antioxidants, like aloe and green tea extract. Vitamin C is also great for firming up skin and reducing fine lines.
Of course, this wash is also free of sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Anyone with ultra-sensitive skin might prefer a face wash without vitamin C, but for most, this cleanser can be a refreshing, brightening addition to your skincare routine.
What We Like
- Firms aging skin
- Works on all skin types
- High in antioxidants
- Sulfate-, paraben-, and synthetic fragrance-free
What We Don't Like
- Vitamin C may irritate sensitive skin
- Doesn't remove all makeup
BUY: InstaNatural Vitamin C Face Wash
Best Natural Soap for Sensitive Skin - The Soap Haven Oatmeal Soap
SPECS
- Type of soap: Bar soap
- Size: 3.5 oz.
- Scent(s): Oatmeal and honey
- Best for: Sensitive skin
- Child-friendly: Yes
Oatmeal and goat's milk are two of the best soap ingredients for sensitive skin. That's why we recommend the Soap Haven Oatmeal Soap if you have sensitive skin, eczema, or another skin condition. Its soothing ingredients can calm skin irritation, without any unnecessary additives like sulfates that might worsen dryness or irritation.
The soap also has small pieces of oatmeal in the soap, which adds a gentle exfoliation. If your skin can tolerate mild exfoliation, we highly recommend giving the Soap Haven Oatmeal Soap a try.
What We Like
- Exfoliating
- Soothing for irritated skin
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
- Portion of proceeds donated to charity
- Made with goat's milk
What We Don't Like
- Oatmeal pieces might be too exfoliating for broken or extremely sensitive skin
- Pricey
BUY: The Soap Haven Oatmeal Soap
Best Natural Liquid Soap - Vermont Castile Soap Unscented
SPECS
- Type of soap: Liquid soap
- Size: Available in 16, 33.8, 64, and 128 oz.
- Scent(s): Unscented, lavender, lemongrass, and more
- Best for: Cleaning
- Child-friendly: No; strongly scented
Vermont Unscented Castile Soap is great for everything from cleaning countertops to washing your face. Available at a reasonable price, we also like the clean ingredients it uses. Plus, it’s available in a number of scents, including a scent-free version for anyone sensitive to fragrance. If you like Dr. Bronner's soap but are looking for a more affordable version, Vermont Castile Soap is the way to go.
What We Like
- Multipurpose
- Affordable and available in bulk
- Good scent selection
- Similar to Dr. Bronner's soap
- Gentle enough for skin
What We Don't Like
- Thin consistency
- Scent might be overpowering for some
BUY: Vermont Castile Soap Unscented
What to Look for in Natural Soap
Scent
Everyone has individual preferences when it comes to soap. Many of the soaps we feature are scented with essential oils, but if you prefer something hypoallergenic, you may want an unscented version.
Cost
Many vendors (such as Amazon) will tell you the price per ounce of soap when you purchase it, so you can evaluate which option is most cost effective. Keep in mind that some soaps, such as the Dr. Bronner's soap we've featured, come in a concentrated form, so they may last even longer.
Ingredients
Of course, if you're interested in natural soaps you'll also want to check the ingredients list of any soap you're evaluating. Many soaps come with independent certifications authorizing that they’re vegan, organic, cruelty-free, or non-GMO. You might also want to look for soaps that are free of parabens, phthalates, or foaming agents such as sulfates.
FAQs About Natural Soaps
What soap do dermatologists recommend?
Dermatologists recommend using a soap made without sulfates or other harsh cleansers. Castile soap, which is made with vegetable oils, is also a nice gentle cleanser.
What is the healthiest soap for your body?
The healthiest soap for your body is one that cleans your skin without stripping it of its natural protective barrier. It's also important to avoid parabens and other unsafe chemicals.
Is natural soap actually better?
Soap made without sulfates and unnecessary chemicals is much better for the health of your skin in the long run.
How to Be Healthy | Best All-Natural Soap | Best Natural Toothpaste | Best Organic Mattresses | Best Natural Laundry Detergent | Best All-Natural Deodorant | Best Natural Sleep Aids | Best Non-alcoholic Wine | Best Yoga Mats | Best Coffee Beans