4 Types of Body Soap for Men: Find One Based on Your Skin's Needs

Body soaps for men come in all shapes, sizes, and types. A trip down the personal care aisle at the supermarket will tell you as much. From soap bars to body washes, there’s one for every skin type.

And while bar soaps lift away surface oils, dirt, and bacteria, body washes are usually formulated to tackle issues like dryness and clogged pores. Keep reading to find out which body wash or soap is right for your skin.

Men’s skin is thicker than women’s, so it generally requires stronger skincare products to penetrate through. And thanks to the higher presence of the hormone androgen, male skin also tends to produce more sebum, making it oilier and more prone to clogged pores and acne. Additionally, men sweat more than women. This makes them more susceptible to odor-causing bacteria that feed on sweat, increasing their likelihood of developing B.O.

Daily exposure to heat, sweat, and pollution can also lead to irritation and breakouts if you’re not using the right cleanser. Choosing the right body soap for your skin type helps maintain its natural moisture barrier, prevents dryness or excess oil, and keeps your skin healthy and balanced.

Since men’s skin is fundamentally different from that of women’s, sharing a bar of soap with your girlfriend probably isn’t the most effective way to care for your skin... or the most hygienic. On top of that, different skin types and lifestyles call for specific formulations, so it would be wise to find a product that’s tailored to your needs. Below are four types of body soap for men, from body wash formulated for dry skin to soap for sensitive skin.

If your skin feels rough or tight after showering, you probably have dry skin. Using soap with harsh ingredients could strip away essential oils, leading to more dryness. If this is the case, you might benefit from a body wash.

Try Dove Men+Care Extra Fresh Body Wash. It’s formulated to clean away bacteria while moisturizing skin with Micromoisture technology and protecting it against dryness.

Key ingredients: Shea butter, glycerin, and natural oils like coconut or argan oil help restore moisture and keep skin soft.

Recommended format: A creamy or hydrating body wash is your best bet.

Skin that feels extra greasy and looks extra shiny is most likely due to an overproduction of sebum. The right soap bar can help control oil without stripping your skin's natural moisture.

When excess oil combines with sweat, frequent workouts, and pollution, it can clog pores and lead to breakouts on the face, back, chest, and shoulders. To combat this, look for cleansing formulas that regulate oil and target acne-causing bacteria.

Key ingredients: Charcoal, tea tree oil, and salicylic acid help absorb oil, unclog pores, and refresh the skin.

Recommended format: For this skin type, a gel-based or foaming soap works best.

Harvard Health called it: skin is teeming with bacteria. If you sweat a lot and are often outdoors, your skin is even more exposed to germs and may have more bacteria that can cause body odor, or worse, diseases.

For superior germ protection, try using a hygiene soap. Lifebuoy Antibacterial Bar Soap with Multivitamins+ Total 10 contains vitamins B3, C, and E that helps boost skin's immunity and protect against harmful germs. The refreshing scent is a bonus!

Key ingredients: Key ingredients include antibacterial agents such as triclosan, which help eliminate bacteria, and natural purifiers like neem or tea tree extract, which cleanse and refresh the skin.

Recommended format: Opt for an antibacterial bar soap or body wash.

Even men get sensitive skin. If your skin easily feels dry, itchy, or irritated, a mild and fragrance-free formula is key. Look for soothing, non-stripping cleansers that balance your skin’s microbiome.

Opt for milder soap designed for sensitive skin, such as Lifebuoy Mild Care Soap. It contains milk cream that nourishes and soothes delicate skin, while its signature Activ Silver+ formula provides 99.9% protection from germs.

Key ingredients: Aloe vera, oat extract, and glycerin help calm and protect the skin.

Recommended format: Protect your sensitive skin by using a fragrance-free bar soap or gentle body wash.

Use the best body soap for your skin type – check out the suggestions above and see how they can change the way you shower.

To properly care for your skin, the first step is identifying your skin type. Once you know whether it’s dry, oily, sensitive, or a combination, you can choose ingredients in soap bars and body washes that target your skin’s specific needs –  natural oils for flaky skin, triclosan if you sweat a lot, and salicylic acid if you’re prone to breakouts.

Consider your sensitivity to scents and fragrances as well. If your skin tends to react easily, it’s best to avoid heavily scented or perfumed products altogether and stick to gentle, fragrance-free options.

Finally, think about your lifestyle. If you shower multiple times a day, opt for a mild, pH-balanced cleanser that won’t strip away your skin’s natural moisture. Those who work outdoors may benefit from a deep-cleansing or antimicrobial soap to remove sweat, dirt, and bacteria. Meanwhile, if you spend most of your day in air-conditioned environments, reach for a hydrating body wash to combat dryness.

Learning about the different types of men’s body soap can leave you with more questions than answers. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions to help you out. 

Because the skin on your face is more delicate than that on your body’s, it’s best to use a separate facial cleanser suited for your skin type. However, if the product is specifically formulated for both face and body, then it’s perfectly fine to use it all over. Just make sure it’s pH-balanced, free from harsh ingredients, and gentle enough to use on your face.

Both are effective. It really depends on your skin’s specific needs and your preference. Bar soaps are often more eco-friendly and longer-lasting, while body washes can offer added hydration and targeted skincare benefits.

There’s no need to switch products unless your skin type changes. Sometimes, shifts in the weather or your lifestyle could merit an adjustment. For example, in the summer, your skin could become more oily, or you switch up your workout routine and start taking showers more frequently, resulting in drier skin. The key is to pay attention to how your skin feels and make changes as needed.

Luckily, there’s no shortage of body soap for men that caters to different skin types, needs, and lifestyles – so you’re bound to find one that’s right for you. Whether you need more hydration, sebum control, extra protection against bacteria, or mild care, there’s a soap or body wash that’s designed to keep your skin clean and nourished every day.