TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.6*
Why it's great: "I don't feel clean unless I use Tom's," sums up one reviewer. "Tom's makes you feel clean and fresh without any yucky chemicals. This soap is the best -- I won't use anything else!" Users also value the soap's formula, which "helps keep dry skin soft" and doesn't smell too strong or "soapy." The bar also lathers nicely, but doesn't leave scum on the tub after use. "Good for you, good for planet Earth," another user says.
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.6*
Why it's great: If you're looking for a quality chemical-free soap, then readers say you need to try this product. "Dr. Bronner's soaps have the most amazing and real scents and they leave you feeling squeaky clean without drying your skin," one reader explains. Others agree, saying the soap not only feels great on the skin, it also works as a therapeutic treatment. "I love to use this after a hard workout to soothe my muscles," gushes one reader. "It opens up my senses, and has a very mild tingling effect, but I love it."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.7*
Why it's great: Reviewers love this soap's ability to combat breakouts and soothe irritated skin. "I use this every day ... my skin rinses clean and never feels dry, which is great because I have eczema," one reader explains. "[It's] a must-have for adults with acne or sensitive skin." Another says, "I can honestly say it has made a difference in my skin. My body is smooth, soft, and youthful. I do not get any of those annoying small red bumps on my legs after shaving, either."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.8*
Why it's great: Readers admit this posh soap is a splurge, but they swear by its decadent scent and soothing texture. "I loved it," one reader writes. "I have sensitive skin, but it was so gentle that it didn't dry me out." Another says, "good smell, nice quality, leaves my skin smooth and healthy."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.8*
Why it's great: Readers say this "fabulous unisex soap" is soothing yet exfoliating, gentle yet invigorating. "Each bar is specifically made for something different," explains one user. "I use the tea tree oil on my face and the oatmeal and peppermint to exfoliate my body." Readers agree that the soap is also gentle and hydrating enough to use on sensitive skin. Each bar comes in a perfect size, lathers like a dream and keeps skin moisturized.
Soap was probably the first beauty item you were ever introduced to. But what defines the soap of the new millennium? Considering its humble beginnings in the Roman bathhouses of 312 B.C. — when soap was made out of goat's tallow, wood ashes and salt — we've come a long way. Now we've got bars that massage, exfoliate, soothe, moisturize and make you smell heavenly (aka, nothing like wood ashes).
First thing's first — when choosing the best soap for you, make sure that the product is suited to your skin type (dry, oily, sensitive, etc.). Then, consult this list to see which reader-approved cleansers blow all other soaps out of the (sudsy) water. See the 20 best soaps now.
