- 1. Cetaphil Brightness Reveal Bar
- 2. MET Tathione Body Soap
- 3. Belo Intensive Whitening Bar
- 4. Seoul White Korea Double Whitening Soap
- 5. Gluta-C Kojic Whitening Soap
- 6. G21 Best Seller Soaps Golden Dust and Duo Soap
- 7. Masshiro Green Kojic Soap
- 8. VITAPACK 8-in-1 Whitening Soap
- 9. Belo Kojic Extra Moisture Body Wash
- 10. Snailwhite Whipp Soap
- 11. SCT Gluta Kojic Ultra Whitening Soap
- 12. Olay Body Science Creme Body Wash
- 13. Silka Shea Butter Whitening Soap
Whitening products have always raved in the Philippines. Filipinos have an obsession to have fair skin that suits the Western beauty standards and maintain their skin by not exposing themselves much to the sun. Most whitening products such as lotion can be expensive and out of reach for the common masses which led local brands to develop whitening soaps that are accessible, available, and effective.
More often, we look at all the ingredients before purchasing any product. In whitening soaps, we always look for ingredients like papaya or papaya extract, vitamin C, Kojic Acid, Glutathione, and the latest trend, Niacinamide.
It is not shocking to find a bar of whitening soap in every Filipino bathroom. It became a staple and etched into the Filipino culture that has been passed from one generation to another. With the oversaturated market of whitening soaps, a lot of products have appeared with the same claims. If you are just beginning your journey in skin whitening, you might be confused about what to use.
In this list, we compile the best whitening soaps in the Philippines that will address your skin concerns.
Cetaphil Brightness Reveal Bar
The Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Brightness Reveal Bar features the GentleBright Technology that has been developed and critically tested under the expertise of dermatologists. The hypoallergenic soap gently cleanses to reveal a healthy radiant glow and natural fairness. It washes away any signs of impurities, dirt, and dullness to even out the skin tone leaving it feeling hydrated and smooth. It is enriched with niacinamide, vitamin B30 and white sea daffodil extract.
Pros
- The soap is hypoallergenic and has a mild scent perfect for those who have sensitive skin
- Clinically proven and dermatologically tested
- Has no drying effect after using
- Doesn’t easily dissolve or melt after using
- Cetaphil has earned a good reputation over the years which makes it a credible skincare brand
Cons
- Lies on the pricier side of whitening soaps in the market
MET Tathione Body Soap
A product of Japan, MET Tathione Body Soap, gives you the glowing skin that you want. It is not like the other local whitening products as it is infused and riched with glutathione and not kojic acid. This glutathione-infused soap is added with Alpha-Arbutin which doubles the effect and is superior in whitening agents. To reveal a moisturized, glowing, and smooth skin, natural ingredients are added such as soybean extracts, palm oil, and coconut oil. This removes blemishes and evens out fine lines.
Pros
- The soap has a mild and pleasant smell
- A trusted whitening skincare product in Asia
- Foamy and bubbly soap for the shower
- Numerous testimonies of its whitening effect
Cons
- Has a peeling effect which may be a bother
- Has a peeling effect which may be a bother
Belo Intensive Whitening Bar
The Belo Intensive Whitening Bar is ideal for those who have normal to oily or combination skin. Its whitening effects address stubborn pigmentations, pimple marks, and dark spots. Its active ingredients are Kojic Acid and Tranexamic Acid which makes it more effective by whitening 64% more than other whitening bars on the market. It is hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested.
Pros
- The soap has a glycerin base that deeply moisturizes the skin
- 42% more moisturizing than other kojic soaps
- Good for those that have sensitive skin as it does not leave the skin feeling dry and itchy
Cons
- Does not lather easily
- Slightly more expensive than average whitening soaps
- The whitening effect may be gradual and subtle for others
Seoul White Korea Double Whitening Soap
Seoul White Korea brings a brightening soap to achieve that Korean glowing glass skin. The whitening soap combines bearberry arbutin and kojic acid to gently exfoliate and whiten skin for sensitive skin. It claims to be safe for everyday use as it leaves the skin gentle and has no stinging sensation effects to optimize its goal of providing long-term skin whitening. Its creamy feeling texture makes it a shower staple for everyone. The brand is 100% manufactured in South Korea yet is targeted at Filipino skins.
Pros
- Leaves the skin feeling cleansed and moisturized without harshly stripping its natural barriers
- Leaves the skin feeling cleansed and moisturized without harshly stripping its natural barriers
- Fragrant sweet smell
- Affordable whitening soap
Cons
- Not readily available in local supermarkets
- Highly sensitive skins may need to patch test
Gluta-C Kojic Whitening Soap
The Gluta-C Kojic Whitening Soap is perfect for those looking for a fast whitening in a limited amount of time. It claims to have a 4x whitening action exclusive to its brand that is not commonly seen in the market. It combines the power of Kojic Acid, Vitamin C, Glutathione, and Azeloyl Diglycinate. To protect the skin from the multilayered whitening ingredients, it includes a 3x more antioxidant. The whitening soap is made from natural and mild ingredients that will leave your skin glowing, smooth, and revitalized. Aside from its whitening effect, it deeply cleanses the skin and removes stubborn acne.
Pros
- Doesn’t melt easily like other whitening soaps
- Faint smell for those people that do not like the fragrance
- Soap does not melt easily
- Affordable and available in local drugstores and supermarket
Cons
- Can leave the skin flaky and needs to add a layer of moisturizer
- Not appealing packaging and looks like every other whitening soapbox
- The fast whitening effect may vary from skin to skin
G21 Best Seller Soaps Golden Dust and Duo Soap
G21 is a local brand and a new product in the whitening market. It is a luxurious soap that claims to leave the skin with a glass skin effect. It deeply cleanses the skin and leaves it nourished. Aside from its whitening effect, its benefits are pimple eraser, exfoliated dead skin, evens out skin, and anti-aging effect.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Aesthetically pleasing and appealing soap design
Cons
- Micro peeling in the first three days of using
- Not readily accessible in local supermarkets and drugstores
- Available only online and through resellers
- Does not have much testament compared to other whitening soaps since it is a new product in the local market
Masshiro Green Kojic Soap
Another new product in the whitening market is the Masshiro Green Kojic Soap which deeply cleanses the skin but leaves it gentle and delicate. The product claims to moisturize the skin, repair barriers, and brighten skin complexion. The soap serves a dual purpose as a whitening wash on the face and also removes acne effectively. Most of all, it sucks oils and blackheads stuck in pores that may lead to acne.
Pros
- Lathers and bubbles easily leave a fragrance smell
- Includes a foaming net that creates a soft bubble to have a luxurious bath
- Includes a foaming net that creates a soft bubble to have a luxurious bath
- Numerous testimonies of its whitening effect
Cons
- Not readily available in drugstores, supermarkets, and local stores
- Hard to find a legitimate shop since only a few sellers offer the product online
VITAPACK 8-in-1 Whitening Soap
Vitapack is a one-of-a-kind whitening soap that has 8 skincare benefits. It brightens, whitens, exfoliates, moisturizes, clarifies, smoothening effect, is anti-bacterial, and is anti-aging. One product alone that combats every skincare issue. It combines world-acclaimed whitening ingredients such as Glutathione from Japan, Argan Oil from Morocco, Clairju from Japan, VB9 from Korea, and Acnebuster from Japan. Vitapack leaves the skin feeling renewed and rejuvenated after an intensive whitening session.
Pros
- Has an alluring fresh scent
- Is paraben-free to prevent irritation and added preservatives
- The bar is in a circle shape which creates a unique design among the common square-shaped whitening bars
Cons
- Expensive for one bar of whitening soap
- It can be hard to find in local stores which makes the soap inaccessible for the many
Belo Kojic Extra Moisture Body Wash
With just 2 pumps, this moisture-rich extreme whitening body wash generates a rich lather that can cover the entire body. This body wash which is produced by the famous Belo Cosmetics contains a potent blend of Kojic Acid and Tranexamic Acid to effectively whiten the skin.
Pros
- The product has glycerin which helps moisturize the body even with the presence of Kojic Acid
- Tranexamic acid reduces the appearance of dark spots
- The scent is nothing like ordinary kojic soaps - it smells fruity and refreshing
- The product is also available in the form of bar soap, for those who want to try it
Cons
- The soap might sting and itch the skin because of its active ingredients like Kojic Acid
- Without the use of bath sponges or towels, the soap would not give you a squeaky clean feeling
Snailwhite Whipp Soap
Pros
- Due to the variety of good ingredients, this product promises fair looks for all skin types (even the sensitive ones) -- and they deliver
- Because of snail potion or snail secretion, it can be used for both the face and body and it won’t dry out
- Packaging is good -- packed in a resealable pouch
Cons
- Some people are claiming that they experienced breakouts after using the product on their faces, so it's still better to do a patch test
- There are a lot of fake products circulating in the market due to their popularity and demand, so it’s best to buy from trusted and legit stores
SCT Gluta Kojic Ultra Whitening Soap
SCT Gluta Kojic Ultra Soap is a handcrafted herbal soap that is ultra-lightening and suitable for both men and women. Kojic acid extract, glutathione extract, virgin coconut oil, and other natural extracts make up the formula and it claims to lighten the skin in just seven days.
Pros
- After a month of use, the skin is visibly lighter and has a creamy white glow. You won't have to worry about micro-peeling!
- This bar soap does not dissolve quickly like other bar soaps
- A powerful whitening soap with long-lasting results
Cons
- It's a little drying on the skin, so it's better to apply lotion after a bath
- The first few days of use can cause a slight tingling sensation, so it's advisable to not leave it on the skin for a very long time
Olay Body Science Creme Body Wash
Cleanse and rejuvenate skin with Olay’s first niacinamide-powered body soap. Infused with Swiss-purified niacinamide (vitamin B3) and hyaluronic acid, which efficiently nourishes skin while repairing the moisture barrier with regular usage to give you a dewy, radiant look all over.
This emulsion is an all-natural product that can keep your skin hydrated for the whole day. And even works well as a primer for your makeup.
Pros
- Long-lasting hydration is provided by a rich and creamy foam that lathers, soothes, and pampers the skin. It rinses cleanly without leaving a greasy, oily residue, leaving your skin soft and velvety all over
- It contains a fair amount of Niacinamide which can also reduce oil or sebum secretion and reduce the risk of acne aside from its whitening effect
- A little indeed goes a long way. Even if you buy the smaller bottle, using 2-3 pumps every bath time will make it last a lot longer
Cons
- The product is quite pricey due to its huge brand name, so you would think twice if it’s worth every peso
- Since it’s a creme body wash, it’s quite hard to rinse off, and it acts like a body conditioner that can be quite heavy for oily skin
Silka Shea Butter Whitening Soap
Silka is one of the most popular whitening soap in the Philippines known for its whitening products. They recently have produced new soaps infused with active ingredients such as Shea Butter. Both dry and oily skin types might benefit from shea butter. Shea butter, for starters, is abundant in fatty acids. When applied to the skin, it absorbs its oils, strengthening the moisture-locking barrier. Shea butter also inhibits the production of excess oil and reduces the quantity of acne-causing bacteria.
Pros
- It has an SPF of 3-4, so it can provide some sun protection. For best effects, use it in tandem with sunscreen. It not only keeps your skin fair, but it also protects you from UV exposure
- It effectively cleanses the skin, leaving it feeling fresh and clean without being scrubbed dry. And to top it off, it doesn't irritate the skin in any way
- Priced lower than competitors, they’re staying true to their roots of providing more for less
Cons
- The soap lathers well for a whitening soap, but it does not whiten the skin quickly, thus it must be used regularly to achieve visible whitening results
Conclusion
Weaving through endless shelves that claim to whiten skin can be confusing especially if you have no prior background in it. In this list, we have provided you with a number of popular whitening soaps in the market that have been repurchased countless times by Filipinos. Despite its promising claims, it should not be disregarded to do a skin patch test that will help you identify suitable whitening soap for your sensitive skin.
Skin whitening products are extremely popular among Filipinos. As a result, whitening soap has become a household need in many Filipino homes. With so many alternatives, you’ll want to get to know the characteristics of high-quality soap. Always remember that a glowing complexion needs effort. You will achieve a smooth and even skin tone all over your body with proper care. Before purchasing a whitening soap, look at the ingredients, consider your skin type, and read product reviews for the best results. We have seen the best whitening soaps in the Philippines. It is up to you to decide which one is best for you. There are so many great options that it will be hard to choose just one.
Applying skincare products may take a lot of time and patience but as the Filipino saying goes, “ Tiis ganda tayo.” Patience is important when it comes to the whitening process since you may not have the fast result that others enjoy. Imposing strict applications and using beyond the instructions should be out of the option. As cliche as it may sound, one should remember that each one of us is beautiful in our own little ways.