Best Facial Cleansing Bars of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

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Facial cleansing bars are a popular skincare product that have been gaining popularity in recent years. These bars come in a variety of formulations to suit different skin types and concerns, from oily and acne-prone to dry and sensitive. They are a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional liquid cleansers, as they often come in minimal packaging and can last for months. Facial cleansing bars work by lathering up and removing dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin's surface, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed. Many also contain beneficial ingredients like vitamins and antioxidants to nourish and protect the skin.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Neutrogena Fragrance-Free Facial Cleansing Bar Cover #TOP 1
Neutrogena Fragrance-Free Facial Cleansing Bar
ftb score rating icon 9.8
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar for Oily Skin Cover #TOP 2
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar for Oily Skin
ftb score rating icon 9.7
CETAPHIL Gentle Cleansing Bar, 4.5 oz Bar (Pack of 6) Cover #TOP 3
CETAPHIL Gentle Cleansing Bar, 4.5 oz Bar (Pack of 6)
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Facial Cleansing Bars

#TOP 1

Neutrogena Fragrance-Free Facial Cleansing Bar

01350
Clear
3.5 Ounce
Neutrogena Fragrance-Free Facial Cleansing Bar Cover
Neutrogena Original Transparent Facial Cleansing Bar, Fragrance-Free Glycerin Face Wash Bar Soap for Gentle Daily Cleansing, Hypoallergenic & Dye-Free Pure Facial Soap, 3.5 oz

Neutrogena Fragrance-Free Facial Cleansing Bar is a 3.5-ounce dermatologist-recommended skin care product suitable for all skin types. It lathers up to remove excess oil and cleanse the skin gently without leaving any pore-clogging residue. The pure and gentle formula of this facial soap bar is glycerin-rich and contains no harsh detergents, dyes or hardeners that can irritate the skin. It is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and suitable for daily use.

What We Like
Gentle on sensitive skin
Rich creamy lather
Non-drying and moisturizing
Subtle or no fragrance
Long-lasting and good value
What We Don't Like
Unusual scent for some users
#TOP 2

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar for Oily Skin

S3961100
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar for Oily Skin Cover
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar, Soap-Free Body and Face Cleanser Bar for Oily Skin, Fragrance Free, 4.5 Ounce

The CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar is a daily body and facial cleanser that is suitable for normal to oily skin types. It contains key ingredients such as Kaolin Clay to help absorb excess oil, Niacinamide to help calm skin, and Hyaluronic Acid to help retain skin's natural moisture. The cleanser is fragrance-free, soap-free, non-comedogenic, non-drying, and pH balanced. Additionally, it contains three essential ceramides that help restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier. Developed with dermatologists, the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar is gentle on the skin and leaves it feeling fresh and clean without tightness or dryness.

What We Like
Long-lasting bar
Effective cleansing
Good for oily skin
No residue
Unscented formula
What We Don't Like
Not very moisturizing
Can sting eyes
#TOP 3

CETAPHIL Gentle Cleansing Bar, 4.5 oz Bar (Pack of 6)

0299.392327
white
CETAPHIL Gentle Cleansing Bar, 4.5 oz Bar (Pack of 6) Cover
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar, 4.5 oz (Pack of 6), Nourishing Cleansing Bar For Dry, Sensitive Skin, Non-Comedogenic

CETAPHIL Gentle Cleansing Bar is a nourishing cleansing bar suitable for both face and body, designed for dry and sensitive skin. Its gentle cleansing action maintains the skin's natural moisture barrier, washes away germs, dirt, and impurities, leaving the skin soft and clean. With non-comedogenic formula, it contains 5 nourishing ingredients to gently cleanse without stripping the skin's natural protective oils. All CETAPHIL products are effective yet non-irritating.

What We Like
Gentle on sensitive skin
Light, fresh scent
Moisturizing and non-drying
Dermatologist recommended
Long-lasting bar
What We Don't Like
Scent stronger than expected
Somewhat hard to rinse off
#TOP 4

Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar (Pack of 3)

0299.392360
white
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar (Pack of 3) Cover
CETAPHIL Gentle Cleansing Bar, 4.5 oz Bar (Pack of 3), Nourishing Cleansing Bar For Dry, Sensitive Skin, Non-Comedogenic, Non-Irritating For Sensitive Skin

The Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar is perfect for those with dry, sensitive skin. The non-comedogenic formula washes away germs, dirt and impurities without stripping the skin's natural protective oils, leaving your skin feeling soft and clean. It contains 5 nourishing ingredients and won't dry out your skin, maintaining the skin's natural moisture barrier. The gentle formula is designed for both face and body, and is effective yet non-irritating.

What We Like
Gentle on sensitive skin
Light, fresh scent
Moisturizes and softens skin
Recommended by dermatologists
No heavy film residue
What We Don't Like
Scent stronger than expected
Slightly harder to rinse off
#TOP 5

Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Bar Soap

0299.392357
white
Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Bar Soap Cover
Cetaphil Bar Soap, Deep Cleansing Face and Body Bar, Pack of 6, For Dry to Normal, Sensitive Skin, Soap Free, Hypoallergenic, Paraben Free, Fragrance Free, Removes Makeup, Dirt and Oil

The Cetaphil Cleansing Bar is designed to effectively cleanse your skin without causing dryness. It deeply removes dirt, oil, and impurities, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and clean. In just 20 seconds, it washes away germs and bacteria, ensuring a hygienic cleansing experience. The rich lather rinses away easily, making it convenient for daily use on both your face and body. This product is especially suitable for sensitive skin, as it is hypoallergenic and non-irritating, providing a gentle yet thorough cleanse.

What We Like
Gentle for sensitive skin
Long-lasting bar
Natural scent
Cleans and moisturizes well
Dermatologist recommended
What We Don't Like
Higher price point
Packaging confusion
#TOP 6

Good Molecules Hydrate and Cleanse Bar

Good Molecules Hydrate and Cleanse Bar Cover
Good Molecules Hydrate and Cleanse Bar - Soap Free Bar with Shea Butter and Macadamia Seed Oil for Ultra Hydrating Body and Face Moisturizer - Skin Care

The Good Molecules Hydrate Bar is designed to gently cleanse your face and body while keeping your skin moisturized and comfortable. It helps prevent dryness and irritation by using a blend of nourishing oils like macadamia seed, sweet almond, and sea buckthorn, along with squalane and shea butter to deeply hydrate and balance your skin’s pH. This bar creates a creamy lather that you can easily apply, making it a simple and effective addition to your daily skincare routine. Suitable for all skin types, especially dry or sensitive skin, it offers a soothing and refreshing cleanse without harsh ingredients.

What We Like
Gentle on sensitive skin
Moisturizing and hydrating
Rich lather
Clean ingredients
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Small bar size
Mild dryness for some users
#TOP 7

Good Molecules Clarify and Cleanse Bar

Good Molecules Clarify and Cleanse Bar Cover
Good Molecules Clarify and Cleanse Bar - Soap Free Bar with Salicylic Acid, BHA for Skin Tone Balancing and Cleansing - Body and Facial Cleanser, Skin Care for Face

The Good Molecules Clarify Bar is a gentle, soap-free cleansing bar designed for both face and body. It helps detoxify your skin without drying it out, leaving your skin feeling nourished and balanced. This bar is perfect if you want to clear up breakouts and clogged pores, thanks to ingredients like salicylic acid and tea tree oil. It also calms irritation with soothing cocoa powder and controls excess oil with kaolin clay. To use, simply wet the bar, lather it up, and massage it onto your skin before rinsing for a fresh, clear complexion.

What We Like
Effective cleansing
Affordable price
Gentle ingredients
Long-lasting bar
Reduces acne
What We Don't Like
Slightly drying for some
Packaging issue reported
#TOP 8

Vanicream Unscented Cleansing Bar for Sensitive Skin

SG_B00E4MRMVK_US
Vanicream Unscented Cleansing Bar for Sensitive Skin Cover
Vanicream Cleansing Bar For Sensitive Skin, Unscented 3.9 Ounce (Pack of 2)

The Vanicream Sensitive Cleansing Bar is designed for gentle daily use on your face, hands, and body. It helps clean your skin without causing irritation, making it perfect if you have sensitive or easily irritated skin. This bar also leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated, which is especially helpful if your skin tends to be dry. Made with Vanicream’s special cream base, it avoids harsh ingredients that might trigger reactions. Plus, it’s free from botanical extracts and essential oils, so you won’t have to worry about strong scents or potential allergens.

What We Like
Gentle for sensitive skin
No fragrance or scent
Non-drying formula
Leaves skin soft and smooth
Good value for price
What We Don't Like
Basic and not fun
#TOP 9

PanOxyl Acne Treatment Bar

PXL26404
White
4 Ounce (Pack of 1)
PanOxyl Acne Treatment Bar Cover
PanOxyl Acne Treatment Bar with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, Maximum Strength Acne Bar for Face, Chest, and Back, Soap-Free Body Wash, Treats Acne Pimples, Whiteheads, Blackheads, pH Balanced, Vegan, 4 oz

PanOxyl Acne Bar Soap is a daily deep cleansing face and body bar that is pH-balanced, vegan, and free of fragrances, dyes, parabens, and soap. It contains the highest concentration of Benzoyl Peroxide available without a prescription, making it an effective treatment for existing acne and prevention of new breakouts. This acne bar soap unclogs and minimizes the appearance of pores, giving you clearer skin on your face, chest, and back. It also removes dirt and excess oil, leaving your skin feeling clean and looking clear. With PanOxyl Acne Bar Soap, you can achieve healthier, acne-free skin.

What We Like
Strong acne-fighting formula
Effective for face and body
Reduces oil and unclogs pores
Controls body odor
Minimal irritation if used correctly
What We Don't Like
May cause dryness
Can bleach fabrics
#TOP 10

Vanicream Cleansing Bar for Sensitive Skin

32039
WHITE
Vanicream Cleansing Bar for Sensitive Skin Cover
Vanicream Cleansing Bar | Fragrance, Gluten and Sulfate Free | For Sensitive Skin | Gently Cleanses and Moisturizes | 3.9 Ounce | Pack of 12

If you have sensitive skin, Vanicream Cleansing Bar is perfect for you. It's free of irritants like dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde, and formaldehyde releasers. This facial cleansing bar is also non-comedogenic, soap-free, oil-free, and gluten-free. It contains Vanicream Cream Base, which keeps your skin feeling soft and moisturized. Dermatologist tested, you can use it on your face, hands, and body without feeling dry or irritated.

What We Like
Gentle for sensitive skin
No dyes or fragrance
Reduces irritation and redness
Long-lasting and economical
Maintains skin’s moisture balance
What We Don't Like
Packaging sometimes damaged
Higher price point
Buying Guide Image

What You Need to Know About Facial Cleansing Bars

Introduction

If you're looking to switch up your skincare routine, facial cleansing bars may be the perfect addition. Not only are they environmentally friendly and easy to pack for travel, but they can also be more gentle and effective than liquid cleansers. However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your skin type and needs. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect facial cleansing bar.

Consider Your Skin Type

Before choosing a facial cleansing bar, it's important to consider your skin type. If you have dry or sensitive skin, opt for a bar that is formulated with nourishing and moisturizing ingredients, such as shea butter or glycerin. For oily or acne-prone skin, look for a bar that contains salicylic acid or tea tree oil to help control excess oil and prevent breakouts. And if you have normal skin, you have a bit more flexibility in your choice of facial cleansing bar.

Read the Ingredients List

Facial cleansing bars, like any other skincare product, can contain a wide range of ingredients. Some of these ingredients can be beneficial for your skin, while others may irritate or dry it out. It's important to read the ingredients list carefully and avoid bars that contain potential allergens or irritants, such as sulfates, fragrances, or alcohol. Instead, look for bars that are made with natural, gentle ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals.

Test It Out

Before committing to a full-sized bar of facial cleanser, it's a good idea to test it out first. Many skincare brands offer sample sizes or travel-sized versions of their facial cleansing bars, which can be a great way to try out a new product without making a large investment. Alternatively, you can also ask for a sample at a beauty store or department store and try it out at home before purchasing.

Ask for Recommendations

If you're still unsure of which facial cleansing bar to choose, don't be afraid to ask for recommendations. Talk to your friends, family, or a skincare professional to get their input on which bars they have tried and liked. You can also do some research online and read reviews from other customers to get a better idea of which bars have worked well for others with similar skin type and concerns.

Conclusion

Choosing the right facial cleansing bar can be a daunting task, but by considering your skin type, reading the ingredients list, testing it out, and asking for recommendations, you can find the perfect bar for your skincare needs. With a little bit of research and experimentation, you can find a facial cleansing bar that will leave your skin feeling clean, soft, and radiant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is A cleansing bar good for your face?

Using a bar of soap directly on your face can be abrasive and potentially irritate your skin. Most traditional bar soaps lack moisturizing ingredients and can strip your skin of moisture, resulting in dryness and potential skin irritations. It is advisable to use a cleanser specifically formulated for the face, which preserves the skin's natural oil and helps maintain hydration.

2. Is bar soap or cleanser better for the face?

Facial cleansers are generally considered better for the face compared to bar soaps. Cleansers are formulated to preserve the skin's natural oil, which is crucial for hydration and maintaining moisture. Bar soaps, on the other hand, tend to wash away the skin's natural oil, leaving it susceptible to dryness, dullness, irritation, and flaking.

3. What does washing your face with bar soap do?

Using bar soap to wash your face can have negative effects. The pH level of bar soaps is typically higher than that of facial cleansers, which can damage the skin's protective outer layer. This can lead to accentuated wrinkles and pores, acne, inflammation, and exacerbate breakouts. It is recommended to use products specifically formulated for facial cleansing.

4. How often should you use a cleansing bar?

The frequency of using a cleansing bar depends on your skin type. For individuals with dry skin, it is recommended to use the bar once a day as part of the evening cleansing routine. Those with oily skin may benefit from cleansing twice a day, both in the morning and at night.

5. Is Dial bar soap good for your face?

Dial bar soap is not recommended for facial cleansing. It can contribute to drying out the skin and may cause cracked and dehydrated skin. Instead, choose products that contain moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

6. Is Dove bar soap good for cleansing your face?

Dove bar soap is suitable for all skin types, but it is especially beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin. Its gentle, pH-balanced formula helps maintain the skin's moisture and is suitable for facial cleansing.

7. Is Ivory bar soap good for your face?

Ivory bar soap, although considered a classic facial favorite, can be harsh and drying for most people. From a chemical standpoint, bar soaps like Ivory are not ideal for washing the face as they can strip the skin of moisture and potentially cause dryness and irritation.

8. Should I stop using bar soap for my face?

Dermatologists recommend avoiding the use of bar soap on the face for several reasons. Bar soaps are often scented and dyed, which can be problematic for the skin. These additives in bar soaps may not be suitable for all skin types and can potentially cause skin issues. It is best to opt for facial cleansers specifically formulated for the face.

Editor's Notes

During our facial cleansing bar research, we found 48 facial cleansing bar products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 280,787 customer reviews through our big data system to write the facial cleansing bars list. We found that most customers choose facial cleansing bars with an average price of $12.97.

The facial cleansing bars are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of facial cleansing bars, including Neutrogena, CeraVe, Cetaphil, Good Molecules, Vanicream. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.

Facial Cleansing Bars Comparison Table

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#TOP10
Brand Neutrogena CeraVe Cetaphil Cetaphil Cetaphil Good Molecules Good Molecules Vanicream PanOxyl Vanicream
Item Weight 99 Grams 0.3 Pounds 1.8 Pounds 13.5 Pounds 0.34 Pounds 16 ounces 3.52 ounces 0.48 Pounds 0.12 Kilograms 3.55 Pounds
Scent fragrance free Fragrance Free Unscented Unscented Unscented Unscented Unscented Unscented Unscented Unscented
Age Range (Description) Adult Youth Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult
Item dimensions L x W x H 3.3 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches 1.58 x 3.88 x 2.5 inches 1.69 x 7.67 x 8.14 inches 2.5 x 5.13 x 4.06 inches 4.92 x 7.65 x 12.63 inches - 4.25 x 2.44 x 1.26 inches 3.1 x 2.5 x 4 inches 3.95 x 2.7 x 1.6 inches 8 x 6.5 x 4.75 inches
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.7
ftb score rating icon 8.5
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