Bar soap is experiencing a major renaissance in 2025–2026, transitioning from a basic hygiene item to a sustainable, spa-level, and, in some cases, luxury product. Driven by eco-conscious trends and Gen Z, modern bars feature nourishing, skin-friendly ingredients like hyaluronic acid, along with curated scents from brands like Latherina.

The best bar soap is incredibly gentle on the skin, creating a soothing shower experience that leaves you feeling squeaky-clean yet still moisturized and nurtured, with a soft aroma that lingers. Not to mention they’re significantly less wasteful than other decadent body washes on beauty shelves. “Bar soaps are better for the environment as they may use less packaging and plastic compared to bottled soaps,” says Kseniya Kobets, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York. “They can also be cost-effective and travel-friendly,” she adds.

Our editors tested top-rated bar soaps to decide which are actually worth giving up your bottled body washes for. If you’re ready to switch up your routine, shop InStyle’s list of the best bar soaps for your unique skin care needs and budget.