The 5 Best Oatmeal Soaps I’ve Found To Soothe Dry, Itchy Skin

If you’re like me, struggling with dry, itchy skin, finding the right soap can feel like an endless journey. Over the years, I’ve tested several oatmeal soaps, hoping to find the perfect balance of moisture, exfoliation, and gentleness. Oatmeal is a well-known natural remedy for calming irritated skin, and many brands incorporate it into their soap formulas to provide relief from conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and general dryness.

After much trial and error, I’ve rounded up my top five oatmeal soaps that consistently deliver on their promises. Each one has its pros and cons, so I’ll share both to help you decide which might be best for you.

1. The Soap Haven Oatmeal & Honey Goat Milk Soap

This handmade soap from The Soap Haven quickly became one of my favorites due to its all-natural ingredients and deeply moisturizing properties. Made with fresh goat’s milk, honey, and oatmeal, this soap is free from SLS, parabens, and artificial additives, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

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Pros:

  • Moisturizing & Gentle: The goat milk and honey make it incredibly nourishing, preventing dryness after each wash.
  • Natural Exfoliation: The oatmeal provides a light exfoliation, removing dead skin without causing irritation.
  • Long-Lasting: Unlike many handmade soaps that dissolve quickly, this one holds up well with daily use.
  • Unscented: Perfect for those sensitive to fragrances, though there is a slight natural scent from the ingredients.
  • Great for Sensitive Skin: Many users with eczema and psoriasis have found relief using this soap.

Cons:

  • Pricey: At around $6.75 per bar, it’s more expensive than drugstore alternatives.
  • Limited Availability: Mostly sold online, so it might not be as convenient to restock.
  • Not Certified Organic: While it’s made from natural ingredients, there’s no official organic certification.

If you want a luxurious, handmade soap that deeply hydrates and soothes, this is an excellent choice.

2. The Grandpa Soap Company Oatmeal Soap

This classic, vintage-inspired soap is a long-standing favorite, and for good reason. The Grandpa Soap Company is known for producing high-quality, natural soaps, and their oatmeal bar is no exception. Made in the USA, this soap combines oatmeal and moisturizing oils to provide gentle cleansing and mild exfoliation.

Pros:

  • Affordable: At around $4.99 per bar, it’s a great budget-friendly option.
  • Mild & Soothing: The oatmeal helps calm itchiness and reduce irritation.
  • Good Lather: Produces a creamy, rich lather that makes cleansing a pleasure.
  • Cruelty-Free: The brand has a Leaping Bunny certification, ensuring no animal testing.
  • Sustainable Practices: The company partners with One Tree Planted, helping to plant trees for environmental sustainability.

Cons:

  • Slightly Drying: While it’s soothing, some users with extremely dry skin may find it less moisturizing than goat milk-based alternatives.
  • Fragrance Variability: Some users report slight changes in the scent over time.
  • Slippery Texture: The soap can become slippery when wet, making it harder to hold in the shower.

If you’re looking for a classic, effective oatmeal soap at a reasonable price, this one is definitely worth considering.

3. Aveeno Moisturizing Bar with Natural Colloidal Oatmeal

Aveeno is a well-known name in skincare, and their moisturizing bar with natural colloidal oatmeal is a great choice for dry, sensitive skin. Unlike traditional soaps, this bar is soap-free, making it incredibly gentle and non-stripping.

Pros:

  • Soap-Free Formula: Ideal for sensitive skin and those prone to irritation.
  • Fragrance-Free: A great option for those who prefer unscented skincare.
  • Rich in Colloidal Oatmeal: Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Dermatologist-Recommended: Backed by dermatologists for eczema and dry skin relief.
  • Widely Available: Can be easily found in drugstores and online.

Cons:

  • Less Lather: Since it’s soap-free, the lather is not as rich as traditional soaps.
  • Softens Quickly: Needs to be stored properly to avoid dissolving too fast.
  • Mild Exfoliation: If you’re looking for a strong exfoliator, this might be too gentle.

If you have highly sensitive or eczema-prone skin, this is a fantastic everyday soap that keeps your skin soft and calm.

4. Southern Natural Oatmeal & Honey Goat Milk Soap

This handmade, all-natural soap is another excellent choice for those looking for a moisturizing and gentle cleanse. The combination of goat milk, honey, and oatmeal makes it a great alternative for people with eczema, psoriasis, or extremely dry skin.

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Pros:

  • All-Natural Ingredients: Free from synthetic chemicals and harsh detergents.
  • Rich & Creamy Lather: Produces a luxurious, creamy foam that feels nourishing on the skin.
  • Long-Lasting: A durable soap that lasts a long time without getting mushy.
  • Mild & Gentle: Perfect for sensitive and baby skin.
  • Great Value: Reasonably priced for an artisanal, handmade soap.

Cons:

  • No Fragrance-Free Option: While lightly scented, those sensitive to smells may find it noticeable.
  • Availability Issues: Not as widely available in stores as some competitors.

For those seeking a gentle, handmade alternative with deep moisturizing effects, this is a solid choice.

5. Yardley London Oatmeal & Almond Nourishing Bath Soap

Yardley London is a classic brand that has been making soaps for decades. Their Oatmeal & Almond Nourishing Bath Soap is one of their most popular bars, known for its pleasant scent and soothing formula.

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Pros:

  • Affordable & Widely Available: One of the most accessible options.
  • Warm, Comforting Scent: A blend of oatmeal and almond gives it a mild, sweet fragrance.
  • Creamy Lather: Lathers well and feels great on the skin.
  • Gentle Exfoliation: The oatmeal adds a light exfoliating effect.

Cons:

  • Contains Fragrance & Synthetic Ingredients: Not ideal for those avoiding chemicals.
  • Not as Moisturizing: Compared to goat milk soaps, it can feel slightly drying for some.
  • Fragrance Might Be Strong for Some Users: If you prefer unscented soaps, this might not be your best choice.

For a budget-friendly, classic oatmeal soap, Yardley London is a solid pick.

Concluding Thoughts

Each of these oatmeal soaps has its own unique benefits. Whether you’re looking for a handmade, all-natural option or a budget-friendly drugstore find, there’s an oatmeal soap out there for everyone. If you need deep moisture, go for a goat milk-based soap like The Soap Haven or Southern Natural. If you want something soap-free and ultra-gentle, Aveeno is a great pick. For those who prefer a classic, budget-friendly soap, Yardley London and The Grandpa Soap Company offer fantastic alternatives.

Have you tried any of these oatmeal soaps? Let me know your experience!

One Response

  1. Mary O’ February 3, 2025

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