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10 Best Natural Soap for Dry, Itchy Skin

  • Writer: LSN
    LSN
  • Jan 27
  • 5 min read

Updated: Jul 8

If you're struggling with dry, itchy skin, finding the best skincare can make a world of difference. Handmade vegan natural soaps are particularly effective, thanks to their all-natural ingredients and soothing, moisturising properties. Before exploring the potential solutions, it's important to understand the underlying causes.


What causes dry, itching skin or rashes?

Skin rashes and itching are commonly caused by allergic reactions, irritants, dry skin, infections, or underlying conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Triggers can include harsh chemicals in soaps, synthetic fragrances, pollen, certain foods, or fabrics. When the skin’s natural barrier is compromised, it becomes more sensitive and susceptible to inflammation, redness, and discomfort. Understanding what causes skin rashes and itching is essential to finding natural and effective relief.


How to Choose the Best Soap for Dry and Itchy Skin?

For individuals with dry and itchy skin, it's important to choose a soap that is gentle, moisturizing, and free from harsh chemicals or fragrances that could further irritate the skin.


Best natural soap for dry itchy skin

Look for soaps that are specifically designed for dry or itchy skin. Here are some factors to help you choose the best soap for your dry, itchy skin:

  • Look for Moisturizing Ingredients: opt for soaps that contain moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil. These ingredients can help retain moisture in your skin and prevent it from drying out further.

  • Avoid Harsh Ingredients: Stay away from soaps that contain harsh detergents, fragrances, and sulphates. These can strip your skin of its natural oils and exacerbate dryness and itchiness.

  • Hypoallergenic and Fragrance-Free: Choose a soap that is labelled as hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. Fragrances can sometimes trigger skin irritation and allergic reactions, making fragrance-free options a safer choice.

  • Natural and Organic Options: Some people find relief with natural and organic soaps that contain fewer synthetic additives. Look for ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, chamomile, or calendula, which can have soothing properties.

  • Avoid Antibacterial Soaps: Antibacterial soaps often contain harsh ingredients that can worsen dryness and itchiness. They also disrupt the natural balance of your skin's microbiome.

  • pH-Balanced: Look for a soap that is pH-balanced, as this helps maintain your skin's natural acidity level and can prevent further drying.

  • Read Reviews: Research online or ask friends and family for recommendations. Reading reviews from individuals with similar skin concerns can provide insights into how effective a particular soap is for addressing dry and itchy skin.

  • Consult with a Dermatologist: If your skin condition is severe or persistent, it's a good idea to consult a dermatologist. They can recommend specific soap brands or even prescribe medicated soaps if necessary.

  • Patch Test: Before using a new soap all over your body, do a patch test. Apply a small amount of the soap to a small area of your skin and wait for 24 hours to see if any adverse reactions occur.

  • Trial and Observation: It might take some trial and error to find the soap that works best for your skin. Keep an eye on how your skin responds after using a new soap for a week or two. If it alleviates dryness and itchiness, you're on the right track. Additionally, after using a moisturizing soap, it's crucial to follow up with a good-quality, fragrance-free moisturizer to lock in hydration.

Remember that everyone's skin is unique. If your dry and itchy skin is a persistent issue, it's a good idea to consult with a dermatologist. They can recommend specific products based on your skin type and condition.

Lastly, maintaining overall skin health goes beyond soap selection. Staying hydrated, using lukewarm water instead of hot water for bathing, and avoiding excessive scrubbing can also contribute to alleviating dryness and itchiness.



Here’s a list of the best soap options to keep your skin healthy and hydrated:


shea butter & coconut oil natural soap, perfect for dry itchy skin
  • Why it's excellent: Shea butter intensely nourishes and calms dry, itchy skin, while coconut oil provides intense hydration and helps repair the skin barrier. Together, they create a perfect moisturising blend that soothes irritation and leaves skin feeling soft and protected.

  • Best for: Extremely dry, flaky, or irritated skin needing deep hydration.

  • Handmade Highlight: Vegan, cruelty-free, and often scented with natural essential oils for a luxurious experience.


2. Coconut Milk Soap

  • Why it's great: Coconut milk soaps are plant-based alternatives to goat milk soaps and deliver similar hydration and soothing properties without animal products.

  • Best for: Dry, flaky, or eczema-prone skin.

  • Handmade Edge: Small-batch production ensures higher quality and attention to detail.


castor oil natural soap best for skin needs hydration and repair

3. Castor Oil Soap

  • Why it's excellent: Castor oil is a natural humectant that deeply moisturises and soothes dry, itchy skin while enhancing the soap’s lather.

  • Best for: Skin that needs extra hydration and repair.

  • Vegan Bonus: Handmade versions exclude palm oil or other harmful ingredients.


  • Why it's excellent: Aloe vera soothes inflammation, reduces itching, and locks in hydration, making it a staple for natural, vegan skincare.

  • Best for: Sunburned, cracked, or irritated skin.

  • Vegan Advantage: Most handmade aloe vera soaps skip animal-derived additives.


Coconut oil soap best for winter-damaged or over-washed skin

5. Coconut Oil Soap

  • Why it's excellent: Coconut oil deeply hydrates and nourishes, restoring moisture to dry, flaky skin.

  • Best for: Winter-damaged or over-washed skin.

  • Sustainability Note: Look for palm-oil-free, handmade coconut oil soaps for a cleaner conscience.


6. Calendula Soap

  • Why it's great: Calendula’s anti-inflammatory properties are perfect for calming itchy, red skin.

  • Best for: Very sensitive or reactive skin.

  • Eco-Friendly: Handmade calendula soaps often come in zero-waste, plastic-free packaging, reducing your carbon footprint.


7. Oatmeal & Shea Butter Soap

  • Why it's great: Handmade oatmeal and shea butter soaps gently exfoliate with natural oats while locking in moisture with shea butter, leaving skin soft and itch-free.

  • Best for: Sensitive, dry skin prone to redness and irritation.

  • Vegan Perk: No animal-derived ingredients, perfect for cruelty-free skincare.


8. Castile Soap (Olive Oil-Based)

  • Why it's great: Handmade Castile soaps crafted with pure olive oil are incredibly gentle and ideal for dry, itchy, or sensitive skin.

  • Best for: Daily use on delicate skin.

  • Vegan Edge: 100% plant-based and biodegradable, perfect for eco-conscious skincare routines.


9. Avocado Oil Soap

  • Why it's great: Avocado oil is packed with vitamins A, D, and E, which nourish and repair skin while reducing inflammation.

  • Best for: Cracked, dry skin that needs intensive care.

  • Handmade Advantage: Small-batch vegan avocado soaps often include other complementary oils for extra hydration.


10. Chamomile Soap

  • Why it's great: Handmade chamomile soaps soothe stress-induced itchiness and dryness with their calming, anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Best for: Skin prone to irritation and redness.

  • Vegan Value: Naturally mild and made without animal by-products.


  1. Gentle on Skin: Made with all-natural, plant-based oils, they avoid harsh chemicals like parabens, SLS, or artificial fragrances that can irritate the skin.

  2. Eco-Friendly: Handmade vegan soaps are often palm-oil-free and come in zero-waste packaging, helping reduce your plastic usage and carbon footprint.

  3. Cruelty-Free: Vegan soaps contain no animal-derived ingredients and are never tested on animals, making them a compassionate choice.

  4. Better Quality: Small-batch soaps are crafted with high-quality ingredients and more attention to detail, ensuring better results for your skin.


Switching to handmade vegan natural soap is not just great for your skin—it’s also a step toward a more sustainable and ethical lifestyle. Use this guide to discover the best soap for dry, itchy skin and transform your skincare routine.



Why not try our natural clay soaps? All our soap bars are handmade using the traditional cold process method and are naturally rich in glycerin, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Free from harsh chemicals and alcohol, our all-natural artisan handmade soaps are simply gentle and truly moisturising to your skin and aesthetically pleasing.

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