Best Soaps in India - Reviews and Comparison 2021

A soap bar is broadly divided into three categories:-

• Industrial: It is famously known as conventional or mass-produced soap. It is less soap and more detergent. Also, it contains sodium tallowate, BHT (butylated hydroxyl toluene), synthetic fragrances, artificial colours, salts and other preservatives. Besides, they have high alkalinity and are cured for approximately 3 days, while their handmade counterparts are cured for 30 days. Their three redeeming qualities are that these are hard, cheap and plentiful.

• Handmade: These are milled soap made from vegetable-based oils and higher glycerin content. Also, it has luxe ingredients like essential oils, herbs or botanicals. It doesn’t have skin-irritating chemicals used in producing bar soap. Handmade soaps are usually made using the cold process, which leaves the vegetable and essential oils intact, and removes lye like harmful ingredients. Handmade soaps are soft and take between 4-6 weeks to get ready.

• Artisanal: These are the most organic and luxury soaps. These uber-creative soaps are crafted by specialists using food-grade ingredients for skin-friendly results. Any super-fatted soap made using extra oils, butter, clay, milk, etc is the perfect example of artisanal soap.

Different soaps have different functions or purpose to meet. For example, some soaps cover empty pores on the skin or reduce pimples, whereas some of them moisturise the skin deeply making it soft and hydrated. Some soaps, with antiseptic properties, are specialised to heal the skin in case of cuts and scratches.

However, best soap you might be using, but if it is leading to dry, itchy, or tight skin, then it is not the one for you. The right soap for you is the one that makes your skin feel refreshed and clean. We all have unique skin types, and their response to soap can be different. Before choosing a new soap, get its sample and do not buy in bulk.
Here is a table helping you regarding the ingredients suitable for a skin type.

Soap that is not 100% natural doesn’t do any harm, but a soap made from 100% natural ingredients is undoubtedly good. Therefore, firstly look for “natural” on the soap label. However, do not rely only on that highlighted tag because, on closer inspection, you may find that a few synthetics have been added. 100% natural soaps will have only good oils, fats, and butter as primary ingredients. A trick to find out if the ingredient is natural or not is- if you can’t pronounce it, it’s synthetic.

One of the ingredients you should clearly stay away from is a sulphate. It is a detergent producing a big, creamy lather, and commonly used in conventional soaps. It is a harsh cleanser and so lathering that it has the potential to strip the skin of required natural oils leading to dryness, irritation and unbalanced pH.

Soft soaps have a shorter lifespan and melt easily because they are made using all-natural and organic materials. Go for a hard soap as it has better usability and more shelf life. However, it should not be too hard or should be very long-lasting because that means too many preservatives.

The rates of the best soap in India varies from brand to brand. Also, it depends on the composition, quality and quantity of the soap. Usually, the soap price is not high. The best soap in India starts from ₹20 and it can go on till ₹300. However, a soap costing 20 bucks doesn’t make it bad, and high-priced soap is not necessarily suitable for everyone. You should look for labels and ingredients rather than price while making the purchase.

As per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), there are two types of soap - toilet soap and bathing bar. TFM content in a bathing bar should be between 40% to 60%. Whereas, toilet soaps are categorised into three types on the basis of TFM content-Grade I, II and III. Grade I toilet soap is one with 76% or above TFM content. If TFM content is less than 76% but not less than 70%, it is Grade II soap. Grade III toilet soap has less than 70% but not less than 60% TFM. In the case of the toilet, soap, it is mandatory to mention the TFM value while there is no such obligation in the case of a bathing bar.

Considering this, from our list, there are three bathing bars- Pears, Dove and Khadi Essential soap. Similarly, Dettol original, Mysore sandalwood and Cinthol original are Grade I soap. Last but not least, Nivea is a Grade II soap.

It is the content of TFM and insoluble matters that distinguish between a bathing bar and toilet soap.

As compared to Grade II and III, Grade I soap are gentler on the skin and has better cleaning ability. Unlike, Grade II and III soap, they have zero fillers (moisturising cream, vitamins or ayurvedic materials or talc). Moreover, low-grade soaps are consumed faster than Grade I soap when they come into contact with water.

The bathing bar has acceptable surface-active agents, perfume, processing aids, permitted antioxidants, preservatives, permissible germicides, that can be used for bathing purposes.

Antibacterial soap sounds like a good idea initially. After all, it can kill those germs which are constantly picking up on our hands and body. But that’s not entirely true. Antibacterial soaps have triclosan, an agent that is banned in many products in the U.S. as it affects the body’s hormones. In fact, as per a few studies, it works as an endocrine disruptor and a suspected carcinogen.

If you are a supporter of organic and ecology, then you must be aware of palm oil. It is a highly popular oil in the soap and beauty product market. Due to being inexpensive, it is profusely used in industrial soaps.

Different soap bars can be made using a different combination of several oils. If you use palm oil, you get a hard and stable bar of soap that lathers very well. However, if used in large quantities, it can be excessively drying on your skin.

Under the hot process, the soap is made at a much higher heat which decreases the manufacturing time to a few days. All the cosmetic soaps are made this way, and they have palm oil as an active ingredient. However, one of the disadvantages of the hot process is that it results in a lower concentration of beneficial ingredients such as oils and glycerin. Whereas, in the cold process method, manufacturing takes place at room temperature, thereby preserving the oils and glycerin.

You must have seen that organic soaps deplete so quickly. The reason behind their quick depletion is zero preservatives. They are made from all-natural material which melts and evaporates faster than cosmetic soap bars. No hardening agents leads to quick evaporation when exposed to water and moisture, and therefore, they should be kept in a place that is dry and cool. Despite that, they have a shorter shelf life, around a year. If your soap bar can stay for more than a year, then your bar is not so natural.

Two of the best ways to use your all-natural soaps  optimally are:

• Store them in a refrigerator or even freeze them.

• Cut them into two halves, so that the entire bar doesn’t evaporate in one go.

If you’ve been facing skin issues and infections, pick a soap with a natural antiseptic. Soaps containing oil like tea tree, coconut, or eucalyptus are naturally laden with antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. These oils are equipped to combat fungi, infection-causing viruses, and bacteria. So, these oils are always a plus.

Glycerine is one of the natural byproducts of the soap making process. Glycerin is an excellent skin moisturiser, a humectant as it draws moisture to it and keeps your skin soft and hydrated.

The fragrance is a feature worth considering while buying beauty and cosmetic product. Preferences vary from person to person for fragrance. On the one hand, some buyers prefer long-lasting strong and intense aroma; on the other hand, some like zero or soft smell in their soap. Beside your nose, your skin should also accept the smell and not be allergic to it.

There is one more thing associated with fragrance. It is said that when the scent is put in a soap, it is usually synthetic. According to the National Academy of Sciences, crude oil is used to produce around 95% of the chemicals that causes fragrance. And these derivatives can cause cancer, allergies, nervous system disorders, and even birth defects. Therefore, until and unless a fragrance soap is recommended by a doctor or dermatologist, in particular, don’t buy it.

Unfortunately, still, most of the mainstream soap brands test their products on animals. Try to buy cruelty-free products like Khadi Essentials Turmeric Soap from our list.

Pears is an iconic soap brand in India, and it has made history by producing the world’s first transparent glycerine soap. Its Pure And Gentle bathing bar is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. It is also called a glycerin bar as it has 98% pure glycerine preserving the skin’s moisture. Also, it contains skin conditioning agents and mild cleansers which are fit for both body and the face.

The soap helps in retaining the skin’s natural moisture and makes it look young & glowing. This budget-friendly soap also protects your skin by killing germs. The 0% parabens formula of Pears proves to be gentle on the skin. The soap is dermatologist tested, and it is for all skin type, however, if you are looking specifically for oily skin, you can pick its oil clear & glow variant. Another variant in which Pears is available is soft & fresh.

If you want to be 100% sure of fighting skin infections, Dettol should be in your cart. The soap promises the best germ protection through bathing. It is not only a soap bar but an antiseptic skin cleanser. This Indian Medical Association (IMA) recommended soap provides 100% better protection than regular bar soap. The protection list doesn’t end here as it protects from 100 illness-causing germs as well.

The soap is dermatologically recommended as it keeps the skin healthy by containing more than 80% naturally derived ingredients. The inclusion of glycerin keeps your skin moisturised. It is infused with plant-derived cleansers which keeps skin infections at bay. With no TCC and Triclosan and 76% TFM, Dettol is a Grade I soap.

We have chosen the original Dettol soap which has a classic Dettol fragrance. However, it has three other variants as well- skincare, intense cool and aloe vera.

Mysore Sandal is a classic soap famous for its enthralling sandalwood aroma. Apart from such a strong natural scent, it has excellent cooling and healing properties. The brand claims that it is the only soap made of pure natural Mysore sandalwood oil. However, the soap also contains vegetable oils and glycerin to provide appropriate moisture to your sin.

The soap bar cleanses the skin deeply and nourishes the skin intensely. Since natural oils have been used, it keeps the skin soft, glowing, and blemish-free. Mysore Sandal is equipped with materials that lighten the skin tone over time and provide long-term skin benefits. In fact, it decreases the chances of skin ailments, including skin cancer.

Nivea has a reputation in the skincare market of India. Its soap has more than 75% TFM, and it is dermatologically approved. It has amazingly effective moisturising properties which makes it suitable for the face as well. The soap cleanses the skin without letting it lose any natural moisture. It is enriched with glycerin and gentle on the skin. Additionally, it is equipped with new Hydra IQ technology that makes skin softer.

This Grade I soap protects the skin’s natural oil and moisture. And its effective cleaning formula frees your body from many microbial germs in 20 seconds. NIVEA Soap, Crème Soft has a balanced pH and is perfect for all skin types. Moreover, it helps both men and women in removing tan. You can use it with warm water for a rich, smooth lather and to get the feel of a luxurious bath.

Dove is a personal favourite of many amongst our team. It makes the skin softer, smoother, and more glowing. As dove recommends, its soap is a beauty bar. It has 1/4th moisturising cream in it due to which it cleanses your skin without leaving it dry. This is one of the best soap in India for dry skin.

We also like the shape of this bathing bar and the dove imprinted on it. It has glycerine and mild cleansers in it which locks in the moisture. Moreover, Dove is not alkaline; thus, it gently cleans the pores and refreshes the skin. Dermatologists very much recommend it.

Dove has two more variants. You can buy a Dove Fresh Moisture bathing bar for the summer season. The freshness of cucumber and green tea will leave you wanting more of it. The Almond cream is rich in almond and hibiscus scent. Last but not least, you can choose Pink Rosa for dove's classic moisturising formula with a delicate pink hue.

Our best value soap might be Nivea, but Cinthol Bar is also a budget bath soap. Cinthol’s soap is for the one who is a fan of strong fragrance. Our review is on Cinthol’s original, which is a deodorant and complexion soap. However, it has three more variants- lime, cool, charcoal deep cleansing, and Confidence+.

This is a Grade I soap that is suitable for all skin types and all age groups. Cinthol Original is recommended by doctors to decrease the risk of skin problems by 95%. In fact, it helps the skin fight against skin problems like acne, blemishes and rashes. People admire Cinthol for its refreshing and intense fragrance, and so do we.

Khadi Essentials Turmeric Soap is last on our list purely because of customer reviews and ratings. This is the only handmade soap on our list.

This turmeric soap is an ayurvedic bathing bar that indulges in a radiant glow with turmeric and sandalwoods. The turmeric and sandalwood paste gives your skin long-lasting protection. Besides, the soap is also rich in shea butter, chaulmoogra, and castor oil. The homegrown ingredients nourish your skin deeply.

Khadi Essential soap is 100% natural, organic, vegan and cruelty-free. Not only this, this bath bar is free from SLS, SLES, Paraben. It is dermatologically tested and crafted with precision. It is a unisex product made for all skin types. Apart from giving bright skin, it solves the problem of skin pigmentation. The soap is successful in removing tan, dark spots, facial hair and giving you soft skin. Checkout reviews and comparison of best skin whitening creams, best face primer, best hand sanitizers, best face concealer stick, best lip gloss, best compact powders in India