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Bar soap isn’t exactly the most glamorous of skincare products on the market, but there’s a reason old-school cleansing bars are making a major comeback in the beauty sphere at the moment. In fact, bar face washes tend to get a bad rap because many of the classic formulas tend to dry out the skin, leaving it feeling uncomfortably tight and parched. But, there are still plenty of other non-drying and fuss-free cleansing bars worthy seeking out.
Now, we’re certainly not suggesting that you should go ahead and use any old bar soap on your face—in fact, we’re advising against it—but there are a slew of benefits that come with using these solid cleansers. Not only do they tend to be less expensive than their liquid counterparts, but they’re also usually free of harsh and drying ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, and are instead infused with a blend of humectants and emollients to counteract the potential for causing dryness. Not to mention, they don’t come in big, bulky plastic bottles, so you’ll save counter space and reduce the amount of waste you dispose of. That said, even if you have dry and/or sensitive skin, the popular belief that cleansing bars are the enemy is actually quite the contrary, but they’re also great for blemish-prone and oily skin types as well.
Check out some of our favorite bar cleansers below.
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1. Ethique Face Cleansing Bar
Ethique.
In addition to its eco-friendly appeal, this cleansing bar is also super gentle and non-drying, but effectively swipes away makeup, dirt, and grime from the day’s activities.
2. Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Face & Body Bar
Cetaphil.
This classic, dermatologist-approved cleansing bar thoroughly removes impurities from the skin and pores without compromising proper hydrating and pH levels in the skin.
3. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar
CeraVe.
This soap-free bar cleanser helps the skin retain balanced moisture levels while removing dirt, oil, and other impurities from clogging the pores and triggering breakouts.
4. Avene Eau Thermale Ultra-Rich Cleansing Bar
Avene.
This French facial bar is both gentle and soothing on the skin but also effective at cleansing away dirt, grime, and other impurities that can cause common skin issues. It’s even safe for those with extra dry and itchy skin to use as well.
5. Herbivore Natural Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Soap Bar
Herbivore.
This all-natural and clean cleansing bar is infused with pore-cleansing charcoal, which helps give your skin a deep clean, and gentle exfoliation without over-drying and compromising the skin’s barrier.