If you have dry skin, you know how frustrating it can be to find a soap that cleanses without stripping moisture. Many soaps leave skin feeling tight and parched, but shea butter soaps can be a game-changer. Shea butter is packed with fatty acids and vitamins that help nourish, hydrate, and soothe the skin. Over the years, I’ve tested several shea butter soaps, and some have truly stood out for their moisturizing power, quality ingredients, and overall effectiveness. Here are my top five picks, including the good and the not-so-good aspects of each.
1. SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Soap
This soap from SheaMoisture is a well-known choice for those who need a deeply moisturizing and gentle cleanser. It’s made with fair trade shea butter, frankincense, and myrrh, which all contribute to its hydrating and calming effects.
Pros:
- Deeply moisturizing – Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.
- Rich, creamy lather – A little goes a long way.
- Ethically sourced shea butter – Supports fair trade practices.
- Gentle on sensitive skin – Many users with eczema and psoriasis report relief.
- Pleasant, earthy scent – The combination of frankincense and myrrh gives it a warm, grounding aroma.
Cons:
- Strong fragrance – Some people with scent sensitivities may find it overpowering.
- Melts quickly – If not stored properly, it can become mushy.
- Formula changes – Some long-time users feel recent formula adjustments have reduced its moisturizing power.
Overall, it’s a great option for dry and sensitive skin, but proper storage is necessary to make it last longer.
2. Shea Terra 33% Shea Butter Soap
Shea Terra’s 33% shea butter soap is one of the most moisturizing options on this list. With a simple, fragrance-free formula, it’s a fantastic choice for sensitive and allergy-prone skin.
Pros:
- Extremely moisturizing – One of the highest shea butter contents available.
- Fragrance-free – Perfect for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
- Creamy, rich lather – Feels luxurious and soothing.
- Ethically sourced shea butter – Supports fair trade and sustainability.
- Long-lasting – Harder bar means it doesn’t melt away quickly.
Cons:
- Pricey – More expensive than many other shea butter soaps.
- Plain scent – Those who enjoy scented soaps might find it a bit too simple.
- Slightly slippery – Can be hard to hold when wet.
This is a fantastic choice for ultra-dry, sensitive skin. If you prioritize moisture over scent, it’s well worth the investment.
3. Peet Bros. Shea Butter Bar Soap
Peet Bros. takes pride in making palm oil-free, high-shea butter content soaps. Their Argan & Sandalwood Shea Butter Bar Soap is a hydrating and eco-conscious option.
Pros:
- Rich in shea butter – Claims to have 25x more shea butter than typical soaps.
- No palm oil – Environmentally friendly choice.
- Warm, woodsy scent – Subtle and gender-neutral.
- Creamy lather – Covers skin well and rinses clean.
- Eco-friendly packaging – Comes in 100% recyclable and compostable packaging.
Cons:
- Slightly drying for some – A few users report a squeaky clean feel rather than deep hydration.
- Slippery when wet – The bar can be hard to grip.
- Melts quickly – Needs proper storage to extend its lifespan.
Overall, this is a great eco-conscious option that still provides good hydration, especially for those who prefer natural, ethical skincare.
4. Nubian Heritage Raw Shea Butter Soap
Nubian Heritage’s Raw Shea Butter Soap with Frankincense and Myrrh is a richly moisturizing bar with an aromatic twist. It’s especially popular for its luxurious lather and soothing properties.
Pros:
- Deep hydration – Works well for dry and mature skin.
- Rich lather – Lathers easily and feels luxurious.
- Warm, earthy scent – The frankincense and myrrh create a grounding, calming aroma.
- Ethical sourcing – Uses fair trade shea butter from Ghana.
- Great for eczema – Many users report relief from eczema and psoriasis.
Cons:
- Fragrance can be strong – Those with scent sensitivities might find it overpowering.
- Formula inconsistencies – Some users feel the older formula was more moisturizing.
- Can be slippery – Needs proper storage to prevent melting.
This is a wonderful option for those who love a warm, spa-like scent while benefiting from deep hydration.
5. Kitsch Shea Butter Exfoliating Body Wash
Kitsch offers a solid exfoliating body wash bar infused with shea butter and apricot seed powder, making it a great choice for gentle exfoliation and hydration.
Pros:
- Exfoliating and moisturizing – Perfect two-in-one solution for dry skin.
- Eco-friendly packaging – Comes in plastic-free, recyclable cardboard.
- Gentle exfoliation – Uses natural apricot seed powder.
- Rich, foamy lather – Covers skin easily and washes off cleanly.
- Leaping Bunny Certified – Vegan and cruelty-free.
Cons:
- More expensive – Costs more than traditional bar soaps.
- Melts faster – Needs a soap dish with proper drainage.
- Mild exfoliation – Those who prefer stronger scrubs might find it too gentle.
If you want a hydrating exfoliating bar that’s also eco-conscious, Kitsch is a great option.
Concluding Thoughts
All of these shea butter soaps offer excellent hydration, but the best choice depends on your specific needs. If you prefer deep hydration, Shea Terra’s 33% Shea Butter Soap is unbeatable. If sustainability is a priority, Peet Bros. and Kitsch are excellent eco-conscious picks. For a luxurious scent and lather, Nubian Heritage and SheaMoisture stand out. No matter which one you choose, these soaps will help keep your skin soft, nourished, and healthy!
