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Best Antifungal Soaps

Updated March 2024
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Purely Northwest Antifungal Tea Tree Oil Body Wash
Purely Northwest
Antifungal Tea Tree Oil Body Wash
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Premium Pick
Bottom Line

Loved by many for its tea tree and essential oils blend; ideal for treating toenails, ringworm, athlete’s foot, and other fungal conditions.

Pros

Enriched formula for acne and itchy scalp. Lice and foot odor prevention. Great for those in contact sports. Opens pores and cleanses gently.

Cons

Some found its smell intense. May need a soap dispenser since it’s slippery when wet.

Best Bang for the Buck
Defense Soap 2-pack Natural and Herbal Pharmaceutical Grade Tea Tree Oil Soap
Defense Soap
2-pack Natural and Herbal Pharmaceutical Grade Tea Tree Oil Soap
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Simple yet Solid
Bottom Line

A top choice for an antifungal bar soap that provides good lather and results.

Pros

Users say this soap is very effective on athlete's foot and other fungal infections. Leaves skin feeling refreshed. It also stands out for its pleasant scent. Cleanses without dehydrating skin.

Cons

May not work for all types of skin conditions or infections.

Remedy Wash Remedy Antifungal Soap
Truremedy Naturals
Remedy Antifungal Soap
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Natural Pick
Bottom Line

The best pick for a natural antifungal soap that is good for a variety of conditions.

Pros

Customers like the fact that this soap contains natural ingredients yet it is effective for several fungal and bacterial conditions. It stands out for reducing irritation. Refreshing and cooling on the skin. Uses all-natural and organic ingredients.

Cons

Cap tends to clog. Some felt it was too expensive.

Derma-Nu Antifungal Soap and Antibacterial Body Wash
derma-nu
Antifungal Soap and Antibacterial Body Wash
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Versatile Use
Bottom Line

This tea tree body wash uses ingredients that don’t contain harmful chemicals or synthetic fragrances to address fungus and bacteria concerns.

Pros

Can be used for the whole body. Targets a range of skin issues, including acne, body odor, and athlete's foot. Made with a blend of essential oils, safe for all skin types, and boasts a fresh scent.

Cons

The size of the bottle is pretty small for the price.

Terrasil Natural Antifungal Bar Soap
Terrasil
Natural Antifungal Bar Soap
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Contains Activated Minerals
Bottom Line

Wash effectively with natural ingredients such as shea butter, glycerin, olive and coconut oils, and other nutritious ingredients.

Pros

This option is infused with activated minerals, such as Thuja. It relieves Tinea and other fungal symptoms. The cruelty-free formula pairs well with their other Tinea treatments for ultimate protection.

Cons

Some are underwhelmed by the results.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for Best antifungal soaps

Antifungal soap is specially formulated to treat and prevent fungal infections on the skin. These infections cause mild to severe irritation and may be picked up in a variety of locations. Antifungal soap is sometimes made with fungus-combatting ingredients like ketoconazole and miconazole but more often features natural ingredients like tea tree and eucalyptus oil. Many soaps are also scented with mint or coconut to fight any unpleasant odors.

It’s vital to treat fungal infections quickly because they can spread to other parts of the body and are very contagious. In a household with shared bathrooms, transmission can occur quickly. Also, fungal infections are quite unpleasant, and it’s best if they’re caught early and treated swiftly. Use antifungal soaps as a preventative if you frequently spend time in locker rooms or shared showers.

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Worried about fungal infections of the scalp? Thankfully, there are antifungal shampoos available to help alleviate symptoms.

Key considerations

Types of fungal infections

There are various types of fungal infections, and not all infections will respond to the same active ingredients. Check product labels to find out which type of fungal infection a particular soap is best at treating. Here are some common fungal infections and their symptoms:

  • Ringworm: Ringworm is a common infection that can affect the skin on almost any part of the body. The infection is characterized by a ring-shaped irritation and is extremely contagious.
  • Athlete’s foot: Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that commonly affects the feet and causes the skin to itch incessantly. A severe case of athlete’s foot may cause burning, cracking, and bleeding.
  • Yeast infection: Characterized by itching and discomfort in the vaginal area, yeast infections may also be accompanied by discharge and a strong odor. Yeast infections are a result of a pH imbalance in the vagina.
  • Jock itch: Jock itch is a fungal infection of the groin area that results in itching and irritation.

Causes of fungal infections

People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to picking up fungal infections, but anyone in the wrong place at the wrong time can contract a fungal infection. Fungal infections are contagious and can be spread from person to person via direct contact or in shared locations like showers.

Fungal infections of the feet are often picked up in places where people tend to go barefoot. Pools and locker rooms, for instance, are hotbeds for fungi. Wear protective footwear in these places to protect against infection.

Other types of fungal infections like jock itch or vaginal yeast overgrowth are more likely to be caused by bad habits such as remaining in sweaty clothing after workouts. Change out of moist or wet clothes promptly to prevent fungal infections from proliferating.

Severity of infection

At-home treatment of fungal infections with soaps and creams is possible if your infection is in its beginning stages. Early treatment is critical to prevent spreading to other areas and to other people. Don’t mess around with skin infections. If you notice your condition isn’t improving, seek help from a medical professional. Severe infections may require stronger medication that isn’t available over the counter. During the initial stages of a fungal infection, regular washing with a medicated soap is vital.

Skin type

If you have dry skin or deal with other skin issues like acne, choose an antifungal soap to suit your skin type. Pick soaps with moisturizing properties in addition to medicinal ingredients if you have dry skin or eczema. For those with reactive skin or acne, pick non-comedogenic formulas.

Features

Form

Antifungal soaps are available in both solid and liquid forms. Both are effective, so the choice depends on your preference.

Active ingredients

Antifungal soaps contain medicinal ingredients to treat fungal infections. Conventional antifungal medications include ketoconazole and miconazole. Both are part of a larger class of drugs called azole antifungals. These ingredients kill fungal cell membranes in order to eradicate infections.

If you prefer a natural remedy, soaps with naturally derived ingredients such as tea tree and eucalyptus oil are also available. Both oils are known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. With consistent use, substances like tea tree oil have been shown to cure fungal infections, particularly those affecting the nails.

Special formulas

If you have any concerns about your skin, be extra selective when picking an antifungal soap. The wrong type of soap may dry out your skin or cause breakouts. Like regular soap, there are antifungal options made for different skin types, from dry to oily.

Scent

Antifungal soaps are often scented to mask the odor of pungent active ingredients. Check reviews to find out what others have to say about a product’s scent. Does it cover up the strong smell of medicated ingredients? Is the odor overpowering or is it pleasant?

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For your safety
The tea tree oil in antifungal soaps has been carefully diluted. Never apply concentrated tea tree oil directly to the skin without first diluting it.
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Antifungal soap prices

Antifungal soaps range in price from $12 to $15. Pricing typically works out to between $1 and $2 per fluid ounce, depending on the brand.

Bar soap is usually less expensive than liquid soap, averaging less than $12 for a single bar. Save money on bar soap by getting it in packs. Bar soap tends to last longer than liquid soap as well. With liquid soap, it’s easy to accidentally spill or dispense too much.

Tips

  • Antibacterial and antifungal don’t mean the same thing, but many ingredients have both antibacterial and antifungal properties.
  • Always dry your body thoroughly after washing. Fungi thrive in moist environments.
  • If your skin condition is not responding to the use of antifungal soap, it may not be a fungal infection after all. Speak with your doctor to get a correct diagnosis.
  • Bring a pair of flip-flops or shower shoes to the gym or public pool and avoid going barefoot to prevent infection.
  • Prevent fungal infections by quickly changing out of wet clothing and removing wet socks after a tough workout or swim.
  • Sprinkle medicated powder in your athletic shoes to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.
  • Prevent yeast infections by frequently changing tampons or pads during your menstrual cycle.
  • If you’re frequently outdoors, know that some fungi live in the dirt and sand. Wear gloves when gardening or doing work outdoors to prevent fungal infections.
  • If your dog is scratching frequently, it may be a sign of a fungal infection. Watch out! Infections like ringworm can be transmitted from pet to human.
  • Don’t rely on over-the-counter antifungal products if you suffer from diabetes, especially if you are dealing with a fungal infection on your feet. See a doctor right away to receive prompt treatment and verify that you’re indeed suffering from a fungal ailment.
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Did you know?
Many essential oils, including lemongrass and peppermint, have antifungal properties.
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There’s some evidence that overusing antimicrobial soaps may contribute to the growth of superbugs that do not respond to traditional antibiotic and antifungal treatments.

FAQ

Q. Can antifungal soap cure my fungal infection?

A. Unfortunately, even daily washing with antifungal soap may not cure your infection. Fungal infections are notoriously stubborn and have a tendency to return. Research on the effectiveness of antifungal soaps in the prevention and treatment of fungal infections is limited, but the ingredients included in many antifungal soaps do indeed have antifungal properties. In some cases, it may take as long as six months to cure a fungal ailment. Even with diligence, however, fungal infections, especially those affecting the finger and toenails, are notorious for recurring.

Q. Is antifungal soap safe for children?

A. Speak to a doctor before using any type of medicated soap on a child, even those formulated using solely natural ingredients.

Q. Is there anyone who shouldn’t use antifungal soap?

A. Studies on the effects of using antifungal soaps, creams, and ointments while pregnant or nursing are few and far between. It’s best to avoid using antifungal products when pregnant or nursing unless you’ve been given the okay from a healthcare professional.

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