Is it OK to use bar soap on face?

Author: Cathy Gislason  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 7, 2025

When you don't use something specifically designed for your face, like a facial cleanser, it can have some negative side effects. Traditional bar soap, which is designed for the body is simply too harsh for the skin. It is often scented and dyed, which can irritate your skin.

Is bar soap good for the face?

Conventional bar soap is not ideal for face cleansing. The skin our face is thinner therefore can dry out easily. In fact, bar soap in general isn't the next option. The surfactants dry the skin on the body as well. To add, bar soap can harbor more harmful bacteria such as E. Coli and staff.

What are the disadvantages of using bar soap on your face?

Bar soap can be bad for your face as they have harsh chemicals and fragrances, and cause drying, redness and even breakouts.

Do dermatologists recommend bar soap?

In general, most dermatologists will recommend a bar of Dove Sensitive Skin Soap, says Dr. Maya K. Thosani, a board-certified dermatologist at Modern Dermatology in Scottsdale, Arizona. That's because it effectively cleanses the skin without irritating it, she says.

Which is the no. 1 soap for face?

15 Best Soaps in India for All Skin Types
  • Dove Cream Beauty Bathing Bar.
  • Pears Pure And Gentle Soap.
  • Biotique Orange Peel Body Revitalizing Body Soap.
  • Fiama Di Wills Mild Dew Peach & Avocado Gel Bar.
  • Dettol Original Soap.

How To Get Clear Skin (Science Based)

Is bar soap better than face wash?

Body soap is not recommended for facial use due to its potentially harsh ingredients and higher pH, which can strip away the delicate facial skin's natural oils and disrupt its pH balance. Face washes are formulated specifically for the face, providing gentle cleansing tailored to facial skin needs.

Why can't I use bar soap on my face?

Traditional bar soap, which is designed for the body is simply too harsh for the skin. It is often scented and dyed, which can irritate your skin. It can also be abrasive, which can dry out your skin and leave it feeling tight and uncomfortable.

What's best to wash your face with?

“If you have dry or sensitive skin, stick to hydrating, nonfoaming cleansers, because the lathering agents used in foaming cleansers tend to be more drying on the skin,” he explains. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, a foaming or salicylic acid–based cleanser may be a good fit for you.

Can I use Dove bar soap on my face?

Our mild beauty bar is a handy head-to-toe multi-tasker, so yes, you can use Dove beauty bar on your body and face. It also works wonders at cleaning and moisturizing your hands – so we recommend keeping a bar by the sink. Do dermatologists recommend Dove beauty bar?

Can you use Irish Spring bar soap on your face?

Irish Spring Original Bar Soap can be used as a hand soap or face wash. This bar soap is suitable for all skin types, including normal, oily, and dry skin, ensuring an effective cleanse.

Can I wash my face with just water?

However, washing your face with water alone simply isn't sufficient to remove the build-up of dead skin cells, oil, make-up, or other bacteria, which can lead to skin becoming dehydrated, greasy, or blocking pores.

Does bar soap clog pores?

Disadvantages of bar soap

That can lead to irritation⁶ and possible breakouts, especially for people with naturally dry, acne-prone, or sensitive skin, as it can clog pores! Another thing to watch out for with bar soap is how it's handled.

Is vaseline good for your face?

The frequently asked question has a simple answer: Yes! Vaseline® products, including Vaseline® Original Healing Jelly, are absolutely safe for your skin. The Vaseline® Jelly is non-comedogenic, which means it does not block or clog your pores.

What happens when you wash your face with a bar of soap?

Soap can strip your skin of its natural oils because it is frequently alkaline, leaving it feeling tight and dry. This may cause breakouts, inflammation, and irritation. The pH balance of your skin is a delicate balance of acidity and alkalinity.

How to wash face correctly?

Use lukewarm water, not hot water when washing your face, as hot water can cause your skin to dry out. Cleanse with a sponge or washcloth, or with clean fingertips. Massage your cleanser onto a wet face and neck, but not for too long to prevent skin becoming dry. Avoid scrubbing your skin as this can cause irritation.

What do dermatologists recommend for washing your face?

Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that does not contain alcohol. Wet your face with lukewarm water and use your fingertips to apply cleanser. Resist the temptation to scrub your skin because scrubbing irritates the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.

What is the most natural thing to wash your face with?

Vitamin-C-rich fruits, milk, curd, honey, and egg are great to be used in homemade face cleansers. Avoid using ingredients that are too harsh or acidic. It's best to steer clear of lemon juice and baking soda as they can be quite stripping of hydration.

What is the 60 second rule for face wash?

‍What is the 60-second cleansing rule? Washing your face for 60 seconds is vital for multiple reasons: Firstly, it permits sufficient time for the cleanser to effectively remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin. This is essential for preventing clogged pores and breakouts.

What kind of bar soap is good for your face?

Some may just not cleanse all that well. But in her Top Shelf, Dr. Amy Wechsler states that "Dove Sensitive Skin Soap or Purpose Cleansing Bar" are what she cleans her face with.

Do dermatologists recommend bar soap or body wash?

Liquid body washes tend to be more moisturizing and calming on the skin. They are often the go-to option for people with chronic conditions like eczema or acne since they can be formulated with potent, active ingredients to help mitigate the issue.

Is Dial bar soap bad for your face?

Dial soap isn't necessarily bad for your skin but may not suit all skin types, especially those prone to dryness or irritation. Also, it's not specifically designed to treat acne and may not provide the results you're looking for.

What is the downside of bar soap?

Containing sodium lauryl sulfate and other antibacterial products, bar soaps are often the best way to get your skin clean. Cons- The antibacterial products in bar soap often cause skin to dry out. If you have naturally dry skin, you will want to consider a moisturizing body wash instead.

Is it okay to wash your face with just water?

Water alone is not sufficient to remove dirt, make-up, and other impurities. Therefore, washing your face with only water benefits very few factors. What's more, the optimal pH value for the skin on the face and body lies between 4.7 and 5.75.

Which soap is best for my face?

Make sure to wash your face frequently and avoid using strong soaps. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil and aloe vera, oatmeal, sea salt, etc. These are gentle on skin and help to remove excess oil from your skin. Also, make sure your soap is non-comedogenic.

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