If someone told you they washed their face with soap, you would be right to be concerned. After all, soap can be extremely stripping and skincould end up feeling dry and sensitive. However, there's a new wave of solid cleansing bars, that promise gentle yet effective cleansing, as well as providing a far more sustainable alternative to traditional packaging.
Here's everything you need to know as well as our selection of the very best cleansing bars available.
What is a cleansing bar?
A cleansing bar is a solid version of a traditional liquid cleanser, used to remove makeup as well as cleanse the pores of daily grime and impurities.
Do cleansing bars contain soap?
They may look like soap, but they don't actually contain any soap (which usually contains sodium salts and can be extremely drying to skin). Instead, they contain a variety of ingredients including coconut oil, which is great for removing stubborn makeup, as well as charcoal and tea tree oil, which have naturally properties that make them effective treatments for breakouts and acne.
Are cleansing bars better for the environment?
Because cleansing bars are solid, they don't need to be packaged in plastic or glass bottles. Plastic has obvious problems when it comes to sustainability as it takes thousands of years to breakdown. While glass is better in terms of its bioavailability, it's also heavier, meaning it uses more energy to ship and deliver. Solid cleansing bars, on the other hand, can be packaged in cardboard, which is both light and biodegradable. Plus, when we're allowed to travel again, they make for perfect carry-on packing.
Will cleansing bars dry out my skin?
Unlike some of the earlier formulations, most cleansing bars are free from any sodium salts, which could dry out the skin. If you are prone to dry patches, look for a cleansing bar that has nourishing properties.
Keep scrolling to find the best cleansing bar for your skin...
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Best cleansing bar for congested skin
Carbon Theory Cleansing Bar, £6, Beauty Bay
Charcoal is known for its detoxing abilities and this cleansing bar from Carbon Theory combines it with Tea Tree Oil, which has natural antiseptic properties to help keep breakouts at bay.
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Best cleansing bar for sensitive skin
Gallinée Prebiotic Cleansing Bar, £10, Look Fantastic
Known for their microbiome-loving, probiotic-infused formulas, this cleansing bar is gentle on skin while helping to fortify the natural barrier. It's so gentle in fact, it can be used everywhere (as in, everywhere).
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Best cleansing bar for polluted skin
Herbivore Pink Clay Gentle Soap Bar, £10, Look Fantastic
Pink clay, the hero ingredient in this cleansing bar, is packed with Iron Oxide and Silica, which draw out impurities like everyday pollution.
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Best multitasking cleansing bar
Drunk Elephant Pekee Bar, £24, Cult Beauty
This cleansing bar serves as a 3-in-1 multi-tasking marvel. Not only does it cleanse, but it also helps to tone skin and retain vital moisture.
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Best cleansing bar for problematic skin
SebaMed Cleansing Bar, £3.99, Feel Unique
Soap free and alkaline, this cleansing bar contains amino acid based wash active substance Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, which is able to thoroughly yet gently clean deep into the pores, as well as Vitamin E to soothe and protect from free radicals.
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Best cleansing bar for dull skin
UpCircle Beauty Chocolate Charcoal Chai Soap Bar, £6.99, UpCircle Beauty
As well as pore-cleansing charcoal, this beauty bar also contains Chai and Cacao to boost circulation and brighten the complexion.
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Best cleansing bar for dry skin
SBTRCT Gentle Foaming Cleanser, £22, SBTRCT
This bar may be gentle but it still boasts some seriously powerful cleansing abilities thanks to coconut based surfactants, which breaks down residual makeup as well as dirt and grime.