Your Guide to the Best Antibacterial Body Washes For That Perfect Clean
We all use at least one type of soap to clean ourselves, right? But nowadays, it’s not enough that you buy just any cleaning bar out there, it has to address the lingering bacteria that ordinary soap cannot simply wash away. After all, what good is cleaning your body if you can’t beat the odor and infection brought about these nasty germs that stick like a plague. It is important that the soap has got to have antibacterial properties which not only eliminates toxins on the spot, but at the same time, it should still be safe for regular consumption.
With the many dizzying options in the market, each claiming to be antibacterial in nature, how do you know which one is the real deal? It’s too easy to claim this characteristic on any product. Before you even realize it, it is all just a label and leaves much to be desired. Only a discerning customer will look into it further before buying it – what type of ingredients were used during its production, if it’s organic and natural, etc. Essentially, it should also be good enough to disinfect minor wounds and cuts to allow them to heal quickly.
In this guide, we will walk you through some of the best products in the antibacterial bar and liquid soap product category that you can buy online at Amazon or in most grocery and beauty shops. Is there a right brand or type of antibac wash that we can trust to deliver our expectations? It’s time to clean up nicely and effectively with these reliable cleaning agents in the name of good hygiene.
The following are our top 15 Picks
- Dial Antibacterial Bar Soap
Plus: tough on germs, but gentle on skin
Minus: melts easily
The brand Dial is almost synonymous to the word antibacterial. Their soap is known for eliminating odor by targeting the bacteria that causes it in the first place. You would think that it works only when you are using it in the shower. Actually, it has a residual effect that its antibacterial action remains hours thereafter, despite being exposed to the elements outside.
You will not only be glad that this gold variant has a nice, long-lasting smell coupled with its appealing color, but also you will be assured to keep the germs at bay. It leaves your body with a refreshing feeling that stays for hours.
The Dial Antibacterial bar soap may be great for its purpose of killing bacteria that an ordinary wash soap cannot handle, but its capability of moisturizing the skin is quite surprising. Other antibac soaps can be very drying on the skin, but this one won’t. It has a creamy consistency that is hydrating so you are able to get the best of both worlds as far as cleanliness and germ protection are concerned.
On the other hand though, this soap uses up pretty quickly because it melts faster. especially when left damp at the shower. This is probably the reason why it is inexpensive compared to other antibac soaps. But even if it doesn’t last too long, it is still a good product that offers the right amount of protection without the harshness, leaving your skin revitalized in the process.
- Natural Riches Antifungal TeaTree Oil Body Wash
Plus: contains potent oils and vitamins that are great for skin care
Minus: could use a more fragrant scent
The tea tree oil component tells you it has a strong antibacterial game. Tea tree oil is usually present in most acne medications so you can expect that this soap will help prevent pimples, especially that annoying bacne or acne that pops at the most unlikely spot on your body. Tea tree oil is practically a pimple eraser, but doing it ever so gently.
Other herbal ingredients are at play as well in conjunction with tea tree oil like eucalyptus, oregano, peppermint, jojoba, coconut, aloe and rosemary. These natural herbs work synergistically to fight off fungus and bacteria that give rise to athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, etc. If you’ve had any of these issues, you know how much of a hassle they can be, causing non stop itching and flaking!
Aside from the bacteria-fighting ingredients, this body wash has lots of vitamins that range from A to E which are all geared toward soothing your skin, preventing itch and inflammation. Vitamin A for example, is an essential nutrient that is not only good for eye health, but also stimulates production of new skin cells.
Given its antifungal capabilities, it can help you remain odor-free during the day as well. You can indulge in its rich lather without the risk of overdrying your skin. It even aids in healing infections, burns, bumps, and sores with its powerful combination of antimicrobial and antiseptic oils. It is an excellent choice, especially if you are active in physically strenuous activities that will stop bacterial growth in its tracks.
- Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar for Dry/Sensitive Skin
Plus: mildest formula that offers a good amount of protection
Minus: has an unexpected strong smell
One of the leading names in gentle cleansing is Cetaphil. This is the go-to soap of those who have sensitive skin that would easily have allergic reactions to soaps from other brands. It is so mild you can use it twice or thrice in a day and will still leave a nice protective sheen to your skin every time. And you don’t have to worry about breaking out, especially when you have just started using it.
It’s easy to overlook that this beauty bar is also antibacterial because of its unbeatable moisturizing power. There is not a stitch of those harsh detergents so you can rest easy on the fact that it has a gentle touch-even good enough for your young child to use. In fact, this cleansing bar product is very effective for psoriasis, eczema, among others.
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar is one soap that everyone in your household should have regardless of skin type. Hypoallergenic that it is though, it gives off a rather strong scent, which is the least I would expect from it. In any case, it does not affect its mildness and cleaning efficacy so it’s still one of the best antibac soaps you’ll ever come across.
- Clauson Naturals Organic Tea Tree Soap Foot & Body Wash
Plus: boasts of organic and natural components
Minus: size can be bigger
When a product says it’s organic, it seems nothing can go wrong with it. It can only be good, right? And that is what exactly Clauson Naturals Tea Tree soap is and more. It offers a tough defense against many skin problems such as acne, body odor, yeast, athlete’s foot, which are caused by fungus and bacteria.
This powerful soap is made of natural and organic ingredients aside from tea tree oil, like aloe vera, eucalyptus, peppermint and coconut. As such, it can be used all over your body, even for your feet where odor commonly arises. The refreshing aromatherapy scents from its oils can also help in soothing your muscles after a long day at work.
The concentrate formula makes it lather up with just a small amount, making for a longer-lasting usage. It has the right amount of consistency that’s neither too thin nor thick. With the help of aloe vera and coconut, your skin will stay hydrated as well so you are not only clean and protected but moisturized as well.
If there’s one thing I would like to pick at, that would be the size this wash comes in. Although it lasts longer than other liquid soaps of the same size, a bigger bottle would be nice. In any case, it’s not too bad because the price is quite reasonable.
- Derma-nu Antifungal Antibacterial Soap Foot & Body Wash
Plus: perfect for those with active lifestyles
Minus: has an oily texture
If there is one persistent ingredient in this list of best antibacterial soaps, it would be tea tree oil. This body wash is no different, but it specializes in the worst skin situations such as athlete’s foot, psoriasis, ringworm, nail fungus, and other fairly common skin conditions.
The formulation of the Derma-nu Antifungal soap will not clog your pores and consists of only the highest quality organic ingredients, eliminating the harmful parabens and alcohol from its lineup. It is perfect to use for those hot and humid summers when skin tends to flare up .
Gym rats and athletic types will benefit a lot from this soap. Since they are often drenched in sweat, making them susceptible to fungi and bacteria, this antifungal wash can keep them at bay. With the presence of cooling ingredients such as Wintergreen, menthol, spearmint, and eucalyptus, the Derma-nu soap will relieve you from irritation and minor pains brought about by strenuous physical activity. It also protects your skin from being infected by sores and fungi.
This soap has an invigorating scent that can give you awakened senses. And it is comforting to know that it is animal cruelty- free, and manufactured without harsh dyes and fragrances. However, the texture of this wash is somewhat oily and could use a less greasy formula.
- Purely Northwest Antifungal Tea Tree Oil Foot & Body Wash
Plus: trusted by many users
Minus: has an overpowering tea tree oil smell
You can expect excellent results from Purely Northwest Antifungal wash for a myriad of adverse skin conditions given its extra potent antibacterial properties without the usual accompanying harsh components of silicone, parabens and synthetic scents.
The presence of aloe vera and atlantic sea kelp in conjunction with essential vitamins such as Vitamin A, B1, B2, C, D and E, help in skin conditioning, inflammation, and damage repair. Application is easy and gets absorbed pretty quickly. As a result, it will leave your skin feeling soft and healthy.
Being antifungal, it does wonders on itch brought about by dry, burnt, scaly, and cracked skin. While it packs a lot of punch on these issues, it is still gentle enough that you can use it even if your skin is generally healthy and beat body odor before it even comes out.
You will not have problems with allergic reaction, all thanks to the natural botanicals that have been reliable remedies since time immemorial. However, I only have a minor issue with it, which is the overwhelming tea tree oil fragrance. Actually, this can be ignored considering that it is one of the most effective antibacterial washes out there.
- Fieldworks Supply Company Organic All Natural Body Wash Soap
Plus: has Bentonite clay as its active ingredient
Minus: smells too earthy
If you want an all-around product, this will suit you fine. You can use it as soap on any part of your body and can be your hair shampoo as well. This is why it is perfect for travel, you can only bring this one item to serve many purposes. It is very foamy given its concentrated formula. You will achieve a squeaky clean minus the usual dryness.
The ingredient that stands out is Bentonite clay which removes dirt and grime off your skin, serving as a natural detoxifier. This makes it perfect to brave an all-day exposure to your natural environment. You manage to stay fresh without fear of acquiring skin infections given your exposure to different elements.
We did mention that this is a concentrate, so you can manage with just a drop and some water, and it will be sufficient to give you a nice shower. And because it has Bentonite clay, it gives off a muddy smell which can be off putting for some. If you don’t mind it, there’s nothing that you will complain about this soap.
- Dettol Anti-Bacterial Hand and Body Bar Soap
Plus: trusted name in the UK for providing superior skin protection.
Minus: none
One of the most balanced products available, there is nothing not to like about this hand and body bar soap. It checks all the marks of a good antibacterial bar, beating germs as its primary goal.
Surprisingly for a potent cleaning bar, your skin will also experience a great amount of moisture after use. Say goodbye to dry skin forever. The scent does not lean towards a particular gender thus, it can be used by both men and women without smelling off on either of them.
Dettol Antibacterial soap gives off a luxe feel that draws out all your skin impurities. It is indeed an amazing product that even addresses existing skin infections by healing them quickly. No complaints at all on this one.
- Defense Soap 4 Ounce Bar
Plus: you can rely on its heavy duty cleaning capabilities
Minus: not as effective on healing existing skin conditions
This triple milled soap exploits the combined efficacy of eucalyptus and tea tree oils, resulting in its synergistic action against viruses, bacteria and fungi. Both antiseptic components are clinically proven to deliver great results in no time.
Men and women who are physically active with sports or exercise could surely use this in the shower to remove all the odor and sweat that come with their activities. The Defense soap is reliable when it comes to providing hygiene and protection by restoring the natural moisture barrier of your skin.
If you have an oily complexion, the Defense soap can manage your sebum production and remove the dead outter skin layer cells that clog your pores. The eucalyptus component helps make it safe for those with sensitive skin. The soap bar does not only have a good quality to it, but it also lasts long, giving you more reasons to love this product.
On the other hand, you won’t be able to depend on it to heal any existing conditions like ringworm. In any case, this bar soap should suffice if you don’t have any of these skin conditions to begin with.
- Noble Formula Original Emu Bar Soap
Plus: caters to problematic skin conditions like acne, seborrheic dermatitis
Minus: not ideal for those with normal skin types.
If you’re looking for a premium quality bar that will address your acne and oiliness, you can count on this item. It contains 2 percent Pyrithione Zinc that makes for its antibacterial function. In other words, your zits won’t stand a chance with its presence.
While other medicated zinc formulas tend to dry out the skin surface, the Noble Formula bar soap has olive oil as the ever reliable antioxidant, and emu oil to restore moisture to your skin even after targeting issues like acne. You will not experience the usual itchiness, flaking and inflammation when acne is being treated.
The soap even has milled oats that provide gentle exfoliation, such that your skin will never be compromised. You are only bound to see improvement by skin clearing from acne and even seborrheic dermatitis. With continued use, you will be able to heal such infections quite dramatically. That said though, I would suggest that those who do not suffer from acne or dermatitis should use other soaps in the list as they wouldn’t need the medication that this bar comes with.
- Heyedrate Tea Tree Oil Face Soap for Acne
Plus: has tea tree oil in bar soap form
Minus: don’t let it get into your eyes
Tea tree oil is not really an uncommon ingredient in beauty products, especially in liquid types. But in a bar soap? Surprisingly, the Heyedrate Tea Tree oil face soap has it! As such, it can address several skin irritations, blemishes, itchiness, and other sorts of inflammation.
Having tea tree oil in this soap makes it not only remove contaminants naturally, but also get protection from them as well. Besides, who would want to have impurities embedded on their skin, giving rise to many problems eventually? Definitely no one.
Just like other soaps, all you have to do is to wet the soap and work up a lather which you will then massage into your skin using circular motions and rinse off afterwards. The result? A refreshed skin and well-being even.
As a bonus, it feels good that when you buy this soap, part of the sales proceeds goes to charity. So you don’t only make yourselves clean and fresh, but you also give back by helping others in the process.
Good as it is, you should be warned not to let this product get into your eyes because it can cause a stinging pain. When it unfortunately does, make sure to rinse off with water immediately.
- Vi-Tae Anti Cellulite Soap
Plus: has anti cellulite properties
Minus: can melt like butter if left unchecked
Antibacterial and anti-cellulite in one? Yes please. Thankfully, there is a soap that caters to these issues, which many women will most likely appreciate.
So let’s talk about the anti-cellulite component of the Vi-Tae soap. Cellulite can be genetic and is not automatically caused by being overweight. If you want to work on greatly improving the elasticity of your skin, this soap may be of help to you. Not that it will totally eradicate your cellulite, but by targeting free radicals, it can improve its appearance by reducing the dimpling and wrinkling with the tightening effect of the soap. Wrinkles, dimples, and other loose skin and other conditions make your skin look older than it actually is.
Now for the antibacterial part, we have the bladderwrack powder to take on the job. Say what? This ingredient may sound like it came from Harry Potter’s Potions class, but it is mainly responsible for toxin removal from the skin. In conjunction with aloe vera, you have nothing but super clean and detoxed skin.
It goes without saying that this bar has no harmful ingredients such as synthetic dyes, parabens, what not. But there is a minor hitch, which is the soap’s longevity. Storing it in a cool and dry place after use may help your case. Otherwise, you might find yourself buying a new one sooner than you’d like.
- Aromavita Oregano Oil Soap
Plus: uses natural oregano oil for acne control
Minus: you may end up smelling like an Italian dish
Oregano for skin care? You heard it right. You see, oregano does not only do wonders for cooking, but also for your skin, too. It uses Greek oregano oil in particular, which is supposedly an alternative to the conventional tea tree oil. Its high 3 percent content in Aromavita soap helps fight off pimples and body odor, as well as other skin problems like athlete’s foot, fungus and inflammation.
Still not convinced this could work? Natural oregano has been used extensively for centuries now given its skin-protecting capacity. It cleans the skin very effectively while moisturizing it at the same time with its creamy consistency.
Wash your hands regularly using this soap and you can be sure that they will not contract deadly viruses with which you tend to touch your eyes and face. You’ll be glad that as natural as it sounds, it is non-GMO, vegan-friendly and gluten-free – descriptives that hipsters are living for.
However, there might be a reason why it is not common to use this in skin care, no matter how effective it is. And that could be its aromatic smell. If you can get past that, the Aromavita soap could might as well be your holy grail product.
- Cuticura Deep Cleansing Face and Body Soap
Plus: deep cleans without stripping off the skin’s natural oils
Minus: the antibacterial function seems like an afterthought
Another soap worthy of your attention is the Cuticura Deep Cleansing soap. As the name suggests, one would like the deep cleaning it offers without irritation. And it’s good that this product has the seal of approval by dermatologists which would mean it’s safe for regular use.
People who have existing blemishes may benefit from using this soap as it actively combats unsightly blackheads and pimples that inhabit the face. By removing excessive oil that causes such inflammation in the first place, you get protected from developing more acne. Eventually, your skin would clear up which would make anyone suffering from it more elated than ever.
While it seems to be an excellent anti acne soap, the antibacterial features are not too apparent. Yes it does offer some, but I would say it is not as potent as other soaps in our best antibacterial soap product roster.
- ArtNaturals Essential Bath and Body Wash
Plus: has all-natural ingredients
Minus: commonly received with a broken bottle cap
Any soap that does not have unsafe ingredients like parabens, petrolatum, sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates, and the like, you can count me in. That’s why I have included ArtNaturals body wash as one of our best antibacterial soaps – it has tea tree oil as its main ingredient. It has other essential oils present in it such as peppermint and eucalyptus.
You can then expect that using this wash will invigorate your senses while it provides all those antifungal and deodorizing elements that you will surely take advantage of. I highly recommend this soap to those who engage in regular exercise, sporting events, and basically those who are always on the go.
Similar to other soaps we have mentioned, this body wash can also address a wide range of skin conditions such as jock itch, inflamed skin, psoriasis, athlete’s foot, and so on. It heals and protects the skin afterwards. It’s worth noting that it has an irresistible fragrance given its blend of refreshing oils, you would want to use it more often. It is also hydrating for the skin, leaving it smooth and revitalized.
Warning though, other consumers often received their body wash with a broken cap. Other than that, this product is worth having in your self-care routine.
FAQs
After enumerating a considerable amount of information and comments on our chosen products, some of the following questions regarding antibacterial soaps might still be in your thought bubble. I would like to shed light on such concerns. After all, skin health should also be given enough importance which is part and parcel of overall wellness. Read on to find out the answers.
Can i really beat body odor by simply using an antibacterial body wash?
Yes. Let’s put it this way. If bacteria were not present, you will not give off that body odor in the first place. But with physical activity, it is normal that sweat comes with it. What happens is, the present bacteria found on the skin’s surface will mix with it, causing such germs to multiply hard and fast. The bacteria uses your sweat and its chemical compounds as its feedstock-leaving a nasty, stinky mess!
While you can simply wash off your sweat with plain H2O, the bacteria won’t come off with it. That’s why you need to use an antibacterial body wash. When you do, it washes off not just the dirt and sweat, but also the accompanying bacteria that typically lingers on the skin. So when you sweat thereafter, you will not emit a foul body odor as a result.
Antibacterial ingredients usually include tea tree oil as we have often mentioned in many soaps we have in the list, triclosan, and other organic stuff. Definitely, there should not be any parabens. They may also have sodium hydroxide salts and fatty acids.
Again, washing off dirt with just water will not be sufficient if you want complete germ protection. You can only get it from a bonafide antibacterial soap, whether in bar or liquid form.
Can antibacterial soaps take care of eczema?
Yes. People with eczema makes their skin automatically sensitive already. A legit antibacterial body wash will have no irritants unlike regular fragrant soaps, which is why they aggravate the skin condition in the first place.
You will find most if not all of our soaps in the lists capable of soothing inflammation given that they have a gentler formulation in spite of their antibacterial function. When you use an antibacterial cleanser for those with eczema, you get rid of germs and bacteria which often cause the eczema. Without these triggers, it is unlikely that you will have eczema flare ups.
However, you must work with your antibac soaps with the use of your hands instead of a loofah or shower sponge, which can irritate the skin. You should also avoid rubbing the area with a towel afterwards. Instead, pat it dry lightly using a towel that is made of hypoallergenic fiber.
How do you treat skin boils with an antibacterial soap?
Let me get this clear. While an antibacterial wash can prevent worsening the infection on the surrounding skin boil, it is not sufficient to treat it entirely. It helps to use an antibacterial cleaning agent when dealing with skin boils. Sometimes, with the infection abated, it heals over time. However, if your skin boil remains inflamed, it is best to address the problem by visiting a dermatologist for the proper treatment.
Is it safe to use an antibacterial wash following any type of surgery?
Yes. Antibacterial soaps can protect the surgical area from infection which otherwise, may cause major complications especially when there’s pus or swelling. Washing it with the right antibacterial wash, can even quicken its wound closure and healing. You should look for Vitamin E and tea tree oil in the antibacterial product as they are great for soothing inflammation and relieving itch that are typical side effects on the wound site. You would also want the soap to foam rather quickly as you don’t want to rub your wound as much and handle it gently.
Aren’t antibacterial soaps drying on the skin?
That could be the case for some antibacterial soaps, or those claiming to be one. In fact, if there are harsh chemicals used in the soap, it can cause bacteria present to be resistant to antibiotics. In turn, they result in extreme dryness. But none of those in our best list has that side effect. It is important that an antibacterial wash does not only have germ-fighting components, but also moisturizing emollients so that it will not cause a dry, red, and flaky skin. The more hydrated your skin is, the less likelihood of inflammation will be.
Is it likely that an antibacterial wash can cause pimples to appear?
The answer would be no. What an antibacterial wash does to pimples is similar to how it affects other skin infections we have discussed earlier. With the help of triclosan, which is a common antibacterial main ingredient, the bacterial cells are broken down, killing off microbes in the process. A protective barrier is somewhat restored as a result.
Generally, bacteria causes acne hence, it makes perfect sense that using an antibacterial agent can take out the germs and keep the area clean, especially the pores that may tend to clog from time to time. Folliculitis may look like these pimple bumps but they differ such that they can be the severe acne type that has obvious inflammation. They typically pop up in hair follicles. Using a soap with antibacterial capabilities is definitely recommended in these cases.
Can I use any antibacterial soap on the face?
Not all. It is vital to choose the right antibacterial facial wash such as the ones that use organic or natural ingredients like tea tree oil. It is a must that they are non-comedogenic that’s why it’s best to choose a soap that’s formulated for the face. After all, it is more sensitive compared to hands or feet. You should also remember that you don’t have to scrub your antibacterial soap ever so vigorously on the skin of your face to guarantee its performance. An effective antibacterial cleanser should let its active ingredients do the work, and not on how hard you massage it on your face. You just use your hands to apply it to your facial area and rinse off with warm water afterwards.
Other tips about antibacterial soaps you should know about:
Most antibacterial soaps and wash will have an expiry date. Needless to say, you should toss it out when it’s past its validity. Take the time to read the list of ingredients and learn more about them by researching for information on the internet.
You should also follow its storage instructions. If it says that it should not be placed in temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius, then you must observe this procedure. Otherwise, it will tend to expire sooner than its specified date if not, lessen its efficacy.
I would like to reiterate the importance of shying away from antibacterial products with harsh synthetic chemicals such as petrolatum, parabens, alcohol, etc. Instead of providing relief to your infected skin, it can even worsen the situation as it is.
If you are unsure, always do a skin patch test by swiping the product on the inner side of your wrist and leaving it on for a few minutes. Check if you have an adverse reaction to it.
Some people tend to soak in the body wash lather for a longer time thinking it will be more effective in fighting bacteria. It is suggested that it should not linger on your body beyond two minutes, otherwise, it can become a skin irritant. Wash off with warm water thereafter.
When using an antibacterial cleanser in bar form, it must be treated as a personal item. Just like your toothbrush, your antibacterial soap is ideally for your sole consumption, enough said.
Final thoughts
Just remember that any product can claim to be this or that. When a soap presents itself as antibacterial, check out its FDA seal on the backside. Otherwise, you must tread with caution. Buying one that does not have this approval is a risky move. After all, the last thing you would want to compromise is your skin appearance. You can try any of the products I have enumerated and be your own judge. Stay clean and bacteria-free!
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