(That Actually Feel Luxurious and Clean Without Harsh Chemicals)
In a world full of mass-produced, detergent-heavy body washes, truly handmade natural soap bars are making a massive comeback. These aren’t your grandmother’s harsh lye soaps — modern artisan soap makers use gentle plant oils, essential oils, and skin-loving ingredients that leave you clean, soft, and smelling incredible — without stripping your skin’s natural barrier.
Here are the 5 best handmade natural body wash soaps people are obsessed with right now (updated):
1. Dr. Squatch Natural Bar Soap for Men – The Cult Classic
4.7 out of 5 Ratings
Dr. Squatch Natural Bar Soap for Men – Cold Process Soap with No Harsh Chemicals – Wood Barrel Bourbon, Fresh Falls & Birchwood Breeze (5 oz, 3-Pack)
- Why it’s #1: Over 150 years of family tradition, 100% biodegradable, fair-trade, and made with organic oils. The peppermint version gives you that tingly, invigorating clean feeling like no other.
- Key ingredients: Organic coconut oil, organic palm oil, organic olive oil, organic hemp oil, organic jojoba oil, peppermint essential oil.
- Best for: All skin types, especially oily or acne-prone (the peppermint is naturally antibacterial).
- Fun fact: One bar can replace an entire bottle of body wash — super concentrated and lasts forever.
2. Bend Soap Co. – Goat Milk Soap (Unscented or Lavender)
4.7 out of 5 Ratings
- Standout feature: Made with fresh raw goat milk from their own goats in Oregon. Insanely moisturizing.
- Why people love it: Perfect for sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, or anyone who gets dry in winter. The goat milk’s natural lactic acid gently exfoliates while fats hydrate.
- Top scents: Unscented (truly fragrance-free), Lavender, Oatmeal & Honey, Ocean Breeze.
- Texture: Creamy lather that feels more like a luxury body cream than soap.
3. Dr. Squatch Natural Bar Soap – Black Clay Soap
4.7 out of 5 Ratings
Dr. Squatch Natural Bar Soap for Men Variety Gift Set – Cold Process Soap No Harsh Chemicals – Rainforest Rapids, Coconut Castaway, Fresh Falls, Summer Citrus & Eucalyptus Greek Yogurt (5 oz, 5-Pack)
- The luxury pick: Handmade in small batches in Colorado using French black clay and dead sea mud.
- Superpower: Deeply detoxifying yet incredibly gentle. Pulls out impurities without drying you out — amazing for back acne (“bacne”) or congested skin.
- Scent: Subtle, earthy vetiver and lavender — unisex and sophisticated.
- Bonus: The black lather is oddly satisfying and rinses completely clean.
4. Old Spice Refreshing Body Wash for Men
4.7 out of 5 Ratings
Old Spice Refreshing Body Wash for Men
- Two-in-one hero: Works amazingly as both shampoo and body wash (yes, really!).
- Made with: Organic coconut milk, virgin shea butter, and a blend of gentle plant oils.
- Best scents: Honey Beer & Egg (protein-rich), Café Moreno (coffee + cocoa), or Carrot & Honey.
- Perfect for: Travelers or minimalists who want one bar for hair + body.
5. Crate 61, Handmade in Canada
4.7 out of 5 Ratings
Crate 61, Handmade in Canada, Plant Based Cold Process Natural Bar Soap
- The indie darling: A small Tennessee farm making 100% organic, herb-infused soaps with plants they grow themselves.
- Standout bars in 2025:
- Calendula & Oat – Healing and ultra-soothing for irritated skin.
- Pine Tar & Charcoal – The best natural deodorizing bar for athletes or anyone who wants to smell nothing at all after a workout.
- Rose Geranium & Pink Clay – Smells like a high-end spa.
- Ethos: Zero-waste packaging, compostable labels, and they donate a portion of profits to pollinator conservation.
Final Thoughts
Ditching liquid body wash for a real handmade soap bar isn’t just better for your skin — it’s better for the planet (no plastic bottles!) and your wallet (one bar usually lasts 2–3× longer than a bottle).
If you’re new to natural soap, start with Dr. Bronner’s or Bend Soap Co. If you want something that feels like a daily spa ritual, go straight for Osmia or Good Flower Farm.
