The 5 Best Jiu Jitsu Soaps I’ve Found to Annihilate Mat Funk After a Hard Roll

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If you’ve ever spent time on the mats, you know that rolling in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the most rewarding yet sweat-drenched activities you can do. Unfortunately, it also leaves you wide open to what most of us dread: mat funk—things like staph, ringworm, athlete’s foot, and other skin irritations that can spread quickly through a gym. I learned early on that staying clean isn’t just about good hygiene; it’s also about protecting myself and my training partners.

Over the years, I’ve tried countless soaps, from regular drugstore bars to specialized antifungal cleansers marketed to athletes. Some were good, others left my skin dry and irritated, and a few made no noticeable difference at all. But eventually, I narrowed things down to a set of soaps that really deliver both in terms of protection and overall shower experience. Each one has its strengths and weaknesses, but all of them earned a place on my list for different reasons.

Below, I’m sharing my top five Jiu Jitsu soaps that I personally use to fight off mat funk. I’ll go over how each one feels, how effective it’s been for me, and whether I think it’s worth the price. Let’s start with the one I’ve probably used the most.

1. Gold BJJ’s Submission Bar Soap

Gold BJJ’s Submission Bar Soap has become a staple in my gym bag, and for good reason. The company is run by actual grapplers, and that shows in the way this soap is designed. It’s made with all-natural ingredients like tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and cajeput, which all have well-known antimicrobial properties. I appreciate that they avoided harsh chemicals like parabens or SLS, because I shower multiple times a day when training hard, and this soap doesn’t strip my skin.

The scent is another highlight. My personal favorite is the Peppermint Tea Tree version—it has a refreshing cooling effect that feels amazing after a tough roll. That cooling sensation almost tricks my brain into believing it’s fighting off bacteria, which adds to the reassurance I get when using it. The lather isn’t as bubbly as a store-bought bar, but it’s creamy, spreads well, and rinses clean without leaving me dry.

Durability-wise, a single bar usually lasts me about three weeks with daily use. At around $6–7 a bar (cheaper if you buy in bulk), it’s competitively priced compared to other BJJ-specific soaps. What really sold me, though, is the sense of trust. Gold BJJ positions itself as “by grapplers, for grapplers,” and that authenticity makes me feel like I’m buying into a community rather than just purchasing a product.

2. The Arm Bar Soap Company’s After Training Soap

If Gold BJJ feels like a solid, dependable choice, The Arm Bar Soap Company is the flashy, creative one in the bunch. Their soaps are instantly recognizable because each bar comes wrapped in a little kimono with a black belt—a detail that makes every purchase feel like a collector’s item. It’s clever branding that immediately signals authenticity to anyone in the Jiu Jitsu world.

But it’s not just about appearances. The ingredients in each batch are natural, often organic, and sourced from around the world. I’ve tried batches made with Manuka oil from New Zealand, Kona coffee from Hawaii, and even Dragon’s Blood extract. The soaps lather richly—more so than Gold BJJ’s bars—and the scents range from invigorating peppermint to sweet vanilla. The Peppermint Batch has become one of my personal favorites because of the cooling sensation it leaves behind.

Effectiveness is where Arm Bar Soap really shines for me. I’ve had bouts of ringworm in the past, and since switching to their soap, I haven’t had a single recurrence. One time when I felt an itchy patch starting, a wash with their soap calmed it down almost immediately. They also claim every batch is lab-tested in Los Angeles to ensure it inhibits bacterial growth. While I haven’t seen published studies, the fact that they take that extra step gives me confidence.

The only downside is that these bars don’t last very long. With daily use, a bar sometimes disappears in just two weeks. At nearly $8–10 per bar, that adds up quickly. Still, I keep coming back because the experience—the scents, the lather, and even the collectible packaging—makes it feel special in a way other soaps don’t.

3. Defense Antifungal Bar Soap

Defense Soap is the veteran in this space and one of the most widely trusted soaps among combat athletes. Unlike the artisanal vibe of Gold BJJ or Arm Bar Soap, Defense Soap is very straightforward: antifungal and antibacterial protection above all else. Its main active ingredients are tea tree and eucalyptus oils, both known for their cleansing and protective properties.

I started using Defense Soap after one of my teammates recommended it when I kept getting athlete’s foot. Within a week of switching, the problem cleared up, and I haven’t looked back since. It’s not as moisturizing as some of the other soaps I’ve tried, but it gets the job done. The scent is strong and medicinal—not exactly luxurious, but it reinforces the idea that this soap is built for function over form.

Where Defense Soap stands out is its credibility. It’s been around longer than most of the newer BJJ soap brands and is trusted by wrestlers, MMA fighters, and grapplers all over the world. That reputation, along with the fact that it’s often recommended by coaches and even dermatologists, makes it feel like the safest bet when you absolutely need results.

The downside? It’s one of the more expensive options, often costing around $9–10 per bar. The bars are about 4.2 ounces, and I usually go through one in three weeks. While the price stings a bit, I can’t argue with the effectiveness. When I’m in the middle of a heavy competition training cycle, this is often the soap I reach for first.

4. Truremedy Naturals Remedy Soap

What I like most about Remedy Soap is how gentle it is on my skin. Unlike Defense Soap, which can be a bit drying, this one feels more moisturizing. I can use it daily without irritation, even on sensitive areas. It lathers pretty well, especially the liquid version, and rinses clean without residue. I also appreciate that it’s marketed as safe for use on the whole body—feet, nails, and even scalp—which makes it feel like a multi-purpose tool.

The only downside I’ve experienced is that it doesn’t feel as “specialized” for BJJ as brands like Gold BJJ or Arm Bar Soap. It’s more of a general antifungal soap rather than something tailored specifically to grapplers. But in terms of value, it’s hard to beat. At about $8 for a 12-ounce bottle, it lasts much longer than a single bar of soap, making it a budget-friendly option for athletes who train often.

5. Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Magic Bar Soap with Tea Tree Oil

One of the biggest strengths of Dr. Bronner’s is versatility. I’ve used the tea tree bar not only as a body soap but also for washing gear like rashguards when I ran out of detergent. The lather is rich and satisfying, and it leaves my skin feeling clean without being overly dry. The scent is distinctly herbal—less refreshing than peppermint-heavy soaps, but still crisp and functional.

Price-wise, Dr. Bronner’s is usually around $5–6 per bar, which is affordable compared to most of the other soaps on this list. The only drawback is that it doesn’t feel as “combat sports-specific,” so it lacks that community-focused branding you get from Gold BJJ or Arm Bar Soap. Still, as an all-around natural antifungal soap, it’s a reliable option that I often recommend to friends who want something effective but simple.

Concluding Thoughts

After years of trial and error, these five soaps have proven themselves in my post-training routine. Each one brings something different to the table:

• Gold BJJ’s Submission Bar Soap is my dependable go-to, balancing quality ingredients with authenticity and affordability.
• The Arm Bar Soap Company adds a layer of creativity and collectibility that makes using their soaps feel fun, even luxurious at times.
• Defense Soap is the no-nonsense, battle-tested option that gives me peace of mind during intense training cycles.
• Truremedy Naturals Remedy Soap shines as a gentle, versatile, and budget-friendly choice that works beyond just grappling.
• Dr. Bronner’s Tea Tree Bar may not scream “Jiu Jitsu,” but it delivers on clean ingredients, affordability, and practicality.

At the end of the day, the best soap is the one you’ll use consistently. For me, having these options in rotation keeps my showers from feeling monotonous and ensures I’m covered no matter what my skin needs at the moment. Whether you’re after peace of mind, a cooling post-roll shower, or simply a reliable everyday cleanser, these soaps have helped me stay healthy, confident, and—most importantly—on the mats.