10 Best Soap To Use After Surgery

It is not uncommon for patients to be discharged from the hospital before their wounds are fully healed. That said, your surgeon should let you know of the proper post-operative skincare, which includes ways to wash a surgical incision. In this way, you can minimize the chances of getting infected as you heal.

As for the best soap to use after surgery, you will find plenty of options in the market. Before you buy, make sure to check the following:

• Ingredients: Let’s face it: We don’t normally care about soap ingredients, but it’s a different case when you’re going under the knife. Not all soaps can make our skin clean enough for surgery. Your doctor will give you pre and post-operative instructions, including recommending special surgical soap. Chlorhexidine gluconate is the most common choice but there are other alternatives as well.
  
  
• Fragrance: Fragrance is known for irritating, especially for those with sensitive skin. The same can be said on harmed skin so your physician may instruct you to use fragrance-free soaps. That said, do not confuse this with “unscented.” “Fragrance-free” means that no synthetic or natural fragrant materials were added to the product. “Unscented” means that the product does not have a smell but there is a possibility that it contains ingredients to mask the odor.
  
  
• Bottled vs. Bar: The format of the soap or bottle design may not be a big deal, except for instances wherein you can only use one hand. For instance, if you have shoulder surgery, a pump bottle can make showering a whole lot easier. Some liquid soap bottles are hard to squeeze, which can be difficult if you have stitches on your arm.

In this article, I will discuss ten soaps, as well as the pros and cons of each product to give you a better idea of how they work. Always remember, doctors are the best resource persons to consult. Be sure to get their approval before you buy antibacterial soap after surgery.

What is the best soap to wash with after surgery?

1. Hibiclens ND-MOL57532 Antiseptic Skin Cleanser

Anyone who went under the knife before has probably heard of Hibiclens for wound care. As a chlorhexidine gluconate solution, this antiseptic skin cleanser is trusted by medical professionals. Intended for the whole body, it is commonly used for bathing before and after surgery. For smaller wounds, I only need a small amount to cover the area.

Outside the medical setting, my family and I can also wash our hands with this soap to protect ourselves from a wide range of germs, bacteria, viruses, yeast, and fungi. Yet, it is extremely gentle to the skin!

While this soap binds to the skin, I noticed that it rinses off well without leaving nasty residue. A staple for post-surgery care ensures that the incision does not get infected. Plus, it is very easy to use!

I just wish the bottle had a pump so I could control the amount of liquid soap coming out. With the current design, I tend to pour more than what I need. As a result, I would transfer the contents into a separate pump bottle. Also, it is more expensive compared to your ordinary antibacterial soap. Although it is completely safe to use as an everyday soap, the price would make you think twice.

A gold standard for pre and post-surgery care, this antiseptic skin cleanser is your best defense against various germs, bacteria, yeast, fungi, and viruses. No doubt, it can prevent your incision from getting infected.

2. Dial I0002486 Antibacterial Deodorant Bar Soap

Whether days prior or after incision, your doctor would probably recommend you this good ol’ Dial antibacterial body soap for surgery. It’s a good alternative for those who are allergic to chlorhexidine. The fact that you can use it for daily showering, handwashing, or after getting tattoos makes it quite versatile.

I love this the most because it can kill odor-causing bacteria and its effect can last all day. In other words, I don’t smell bad even as I sweat at work for long hours! Aside from helping me clean myself, I love that this bar soap keeps my skin well-hydrated and moisturized.

Showering after surgery, I was treated to a subtle yet pleasant smell. Not to mention, it is suitable for sensitive skin!

Though the amount of foam does not determine how soap can be cleaned, I still like that it has a creamy lather that feels all the more refreshing. Sold in a pack of three and four, I can buy more and stock up at home because of its affordable price. The only catch is that one bar dissolves a lot faster than other soap brands. Furthermore, this Gold variant can stain your soap dish. If you ask me, it’s no big deal.

If you’re looking for an alternative to chlorhexidine gluconate, then this soap will do. Besides helping you prepare for surgery, it can also keep your skin hydrated and free from odor.

3. Rite Aid Antiseptic Skin Cleanser

Normally, healthcare professionals use this chlorhexidine gluconate before surgery or when caring for patients. However, the brand also recommends it for personal use. Because it is dye-free, it is quite gentle, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Aside from that, I know people who massage this on their piercings to keep them clean. Meanwhile, some folks found it helpful in eliminating body odor.

Like other antibacterial and antimicrobial skin cleansers, I assure you that this one can clear away disease-causing bacteria. Moreover, it curbs surgical site infection. On top of that, it works well with saline, alcohol, and antiseptic sprays. Hence, it’s a great addition to my wound care after-surgery kit. But for me, the best part is that it has no medicinal scent that you often smell in hospitals.

You will be delighted to know that this product is more affordable than other skin cleansers. As it comes in a pump bottle, I find it easier to extract small amounts and prevent wastage. It can be convenient for those who just had surgery around the shoulders or hands. Just a warning: The plunger itself is not durable, so be careful in pressing it. Luckily, mine broke when the container was almost empty. Still, I hope that the manufacturer improves the design.

Rite Aid offers chlorhexidine gluconate at an affordable price that works effectively as any other name brand. Besides cleansing your post-surgery wound, it can also help eliminate body odor. Apt for sensitive skin, you can be sure that it will not irritate some greedy people.

4. Defense Soap All Natural Bar Soap

Free from additional fragrances, dyes, and other potentially irritating ingredients, the Defense Soap was crafted by a wrestling coach. Initially, it was intended to address a skin infection among his wrestlers.

Today, it is widely used by many professional athletes, gym buffs, and regular folks like you and me. Well, it’s mainly because the soap can safely resolve ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch, and even acne. Even better, it works on sensitive skin and eczema.

Two of its ingredients are tea tree and eucalyptus oil, promoting wound healing apart from washing away bacteria and fungi. While it comes in three different scents, they generally smell pleasant but not overpowering.

Personally, I like to use it as an everyday soap because of its rich lather. I would step out of the shower feeling squeaky clean and fresh. After all, it penetrates deep into the pores to remove grimes, dirt, dead skin cells, and excess sebum. More than that, it helps get rid of the odor.

For some users, this soap dries their skin. Rest assured, you can fix this by applying moisturizing lotion. As for me, I find this pack of two a lot pricier than the regular antibacterial soap for after surgery. Despite that, I think it is worth every penny considering all the benefits I enumerated above.

Whether you’re into contact sports or simply recovering from surgery, you can give this soap a try. Made with natural ingredients, its formula does not contain skin irritants, making it safe for sensitive skin.

5. Truremedy Naturals GN-R9BG-KFJ4 Remedy Soap

Tea tree oil is best known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that can facilitate proper wound healing. It is also antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, which helped a lot when I was caring for my surgery scars. Combined with other oils like peppermint and eucalyptus, this soap can also help with skin irritations.

I could list down all the natural ingredients this soap contains but let me just highlight what is important. Apart from its cruelty-free formula, it has no parabens, synthetic fragrances, preservatives, sulfate, and other chemicals that may irritate harmed skin.

For gym-goers, this soap offers plenty of advantages. Firstly, it soothes the jock itch and athlete’s foot. Secondly, it also eliminates body and foot odor. That said, I must say that it is very gentle to use for everyday showers. I especially love that it helps me manage acne breakouts. Since it is moisturizing, it fixes my cracked and dry feet as well. Some people also use this for their eczema.

What I don’t like is that the bottle is hard to squeeze. If you’re going to shower with one hand due to surgery, I suggest that you transfer its content into a pump bottle. Given its price, I also think that it contains a lesser quantity. Hence, I find it quite expensive.

With powerful natural ingredients, this body wash can address a wide array of skin conditions. Since it contains tea tree oil, it can also enhance natural healing and help you care for your surgery scars.

6. VITA VIE Antibacterial Body Wash

We all know that a typical antibacterial body wash for surgery smells like a hospital, but this one doesn’t. Admittedly, I did not realize that this product is appropriate for pre and post-surgery showers since I have been using this as an everyday bath soap for quite some time.

Nothing beats lathering it on my skin and smelling its fresh scent of lemon while in the shower. Its moisturizing formula is one of the reasons why it has instantly become my favorite.

While it does not contain harmful chemicals, I’m amazed that the soap can eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and germs that cause diseases, as well as skin irritations and infections. Moreover, it is suitable for both kids and adults. Just so you know, it is offered in 350 ml and 1.8-liter for those who want to stock up. Either way, it is super affordable!

Truth be told, I cannot find anything negative about the soap itself. Keep in mind that it cannot be used as a facial wash. According to the label, it contains fragrance and alcohol. Note that the bottle does not have a plunger. It might be a little inconvenient if you just had surgery around the arm or shoulder. Anyway, you can transfer it to a refillable pump bottle if you already have one.

So far, this soap checks all the boxes in my criteria. Besides its all-natural ingredients, It is affordable, gentle, and capable of fighting germs and bacteria. Is this the top-rated antibacterial soap to use after surgery? I will leave it up to you to decide!

Best Soaps for Soft Water

7. Derma-nu Miracle Skin Remedies Antifungal Therapeutic Soap

As the product name suggests, this soap is antifungal. In other words, it can handle athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, yeast infections, and nail fungus. Many people claim that it has significantly decreased itching and I can attest to that.

What I think will be relevant to those who have just gotten surgery is that this soap has tea tree oil. Previously, I mentioned that this particular ingredient helps heal wounds. When combined with oregano, however, the soap’s antiviral and antiparasitic becomes more potent.

To top it off, this soap is also antibacterial. In this way, I can keep my incision from getting infected. Alongside the mint, the body wash can also get rid of body odor and manage breakouts. Meanwhile, peppermint, eucalyptus, spearmint, menthol, and wintergreen are also found in this soap.

Overall, this vegan soap is excellent for all skin types. It is also highly recommended for athletes or anyone who goes to the gym regularly, especially those who suffer rashes due to sweat. Apart from its steep price, my only concern is that it dries my skin. Perhaps this is not a common experience since I know some friends who swear by this. At any rate, if this happens to you, you can always apply moisturizer.

More than just an antibacterial body wash after surgery, this product offers plenty of benefits. Besides resolving fungal infections, it can soothe itchiness and fix odor issues. Not to mention, its vegan formula is suitable for all skin types.

8. CeraVe TAZ3890 Hydrating Cleanser Bar

Our skin can feel extra-sensitive when we have wounds due to injury or operation, which is why mild soaps like CeraVe are recommended. It is high on my list both as a facial, hand, and body soap mainly because it’s very gentle and free from fragrance and parabens.

Its main ingredients include three essential ceramides that help restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. Furthermore, it is capable of locking in moisture while keeping out impurities.

I know many of us like rich lather partly because most commercial soaps behave that way and we’re used to it. This one, however, has a light foam. Despite that, it can cleanse deeply without removing the natural moisture.

Consequently, my skin feels more soft and supple. Developed by the manufacturer and dermatologists, this cleanser bar can also work as a make-up remover. As such, it manages to reduce acne, eczema, and other skin problems.

Note that using this soap requires wetting your skin with lukewarm water. You can use your hand or cloth to massage it into the skin in a circular motion. Based on experience, I find this whole process very relaxing. I just hate the way it smells. It kind of reminds me of old perfume.

Even though this body cleanser is versatile, it does so well whether I use it on my face, hands, or body. Safe to use on harmed skin, its formula is free from potential irritants like parabens and fragrance.

Soaps for Psoriasis

9. SheaMoisture U-BB-2692 Bar Soap for Troubled Skin

Granted, SheaMoisture’s bar soap may not be the first product that would come to mind when caring for incisions because it is shelved in facial and body washes.

Still, it contains tea tree oil, aloe vera, and tamarind extract to support proper healing. That said, let me emphasize that tea tree oil alone has antibacterial properties that decrease wound healing time.

In the context of skincare, the ingredients offer several benefits, one of which is treating and managing cystic acne. Aloe vera, for instance, moisturizes dry and sensitive skin, while tamarind extract exfoliates.

Alongside oats, this soap can absorb excess oil while soothing irritation. Apart from cleansing, it leaves my face and body soft, smooth, and supple. Stepping out of the shower does not only feel fresh.

Surprisingly, the soap bar is larger than the average. This means that it lasts longer, too. Like any soap, some people did not get the results they hoped to achieve as it dried their skin. I think it’s a matter of compatibility, so make sure you do a spot test first. Furthermore, it has an overpowering smell. For me, it’s tolerable, but for some, it’s not. Anyway, the good news is that it does not linger too long.

All in all, I think this soap is pretty decent. Crafted with powerful ingredients, it can accelerate the wound healing process and treat skin conditions. Its chunky size can last long enough for you to see the results.

10. DAILY REMEDY Detox Soap

Available in five different scents, this detox soap contains tea tree oil, one of the key ingredients known for fast-tracking the wound’s healing.

With a pH level between 5 and 6, it is considered mild. That’s because it is the closest to natural neutral skin pH. Therefore, it comes in handy for recovering patients who need to practice post-surgery care.

Formulated for deep cleansing, the brand claims that it can eliminate toxins and wash away impurities. As such, it ensures that my wound will be clean to prevent infection. When I use this to shower, I find the soap very moisturizing. By the way, this soap is vegan-approved and is made of natural ingredients. Moreover, it was developed without testing it on animals!

Showering with this body wash feels relaxing and refreshing. Its scent is super delightful. So much so that I would say that it gives me a spa-like treatment after a long day at work. Even better, its bottle has a pump, thereby allowing me to draw out just enough liquid soap. This is super convenient for those who have trouble showering with one hand after surgery.

However, the liquid soap has a gel-like consistency that can feel weird for those who are not used to it. Personally, it does not bother me at all. After all, it lathers and rinses well.

Developed with a mild formula, this body wash can cleanse the toxins and impurities away to protect your incision against infection. Since it comes with a pump bottle, you don’t have to worry about spillage!

What to Look for When Buying Soaps to Use After Surgery

Like many everyday items, we take soap for granted. As long as we don’t get allergic reactions, we continue to purchase and use the product for showering. Once you factor in surgical wounds, you will need to consider your doctor’s recommendation and learn about the product’s ingredients. If you are buying surgery for the first time or looking for alternatives, let me share some tips:

Authenticity

Believe it or not, some greedy people want to make quick bucks by scamming customers with fake medical and skincare products. Be vigilant and make sure that the antibacterial body wash after surgery you are buying is authentic. In this day and age, even the “FDA approved” seal can be easily photoshopped onto the product’s packaging.

You can avoid counterfeit products by purchasing directly from a known brand or a reputable distributor. If you are buying online, check for reviews on the website and scrutinize the product images, including the user-uploaded ones.

Pricing

Admittedly, Hibiclens shocked me with its price, but I still bought it knowing its quality is superior. That said, getting surgery can be very expensive when it’s not covered by insurance. If you want to cut costs elsewhere, you can find plenty of affordable options. Rest assured, these alternatives are just as effective in ensuring that your incision will never be infected.

Lather

Many people would say that they wish the soap would lather more. Truly, a rich lather makes showering more fun and refreshing. Bubbles are visual cues that tell us we are washing our bodies. Furthermore, advertisers have used foam to add cinematic value to their commercials. However, certain ingredients produce smaller bubbles, but that does not mean that they cannot cleanse your skin. The lesson here is that don’t judge the soap by its lather!

Irritations

The last thing you want is to complicate your surgery care further with allergies or other forms of irritations. Although the soaps I featured are generally safe to use, we cannot completely rule out the possibility of skin reactions. Hence, make it a habit to read the soap’s label before buying. This way, you can learn what each ingredient does and foresee any allergic reactions if there are any. Otherwise, you can also patch-test the soap or body cleanser first.

Skin Type

Most of the soaps I reviewed can be used for various purposes. Whether it’s prepping for surgery, cleaning a wound, regular showering, treating acne, or washing after playing sports.

Regardless, you need to ensure that the soap you are buying is compatible with your skin type if you intend to use it on your face and body. Oily skin has different needs compared to those who have dry skin. Most of the time, people will have to go through a series of trials and errors before they find the right one.

How Do You Clean a Surgical Incision

Before you begin, gather all the supplies needed to wash your incision. Prepare your gauze pads, medical gloves, surgical tape, plastic bag, and scissors.

• Step 1: Always make it a point to practice a good handwashing technique with antibacterial soap. You can use any mild antibacterial soap of your choice or Hibiclens after surgery. Washing your hands quickly with water is not enough to protect your wound from infection. After drying your hands, put on your medical gloves. Remove the tape around the old dressing.
  
  
• Step 2: Check the wound for any signs of infection. This includes worsened pain, swelling, bleeding, pus, increased drainage, and bad smell. You may also notice that your wounds are getting bigger and deeper. Another sign is that you have a fever for more than four hours. If you have any of these signs, call your doctor. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.
  
  
• Step 3: Wash the incision with antibacterial soap and water to remove the crust. Avoid scrubbing or soaking your wound. Likewise, refrain from using rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and iodine as these will harm your wound.
  
  
• Step 4: Before reapplying the dressing, allow the affected area to air dry or pat it dry with a clean towel. Next, hold the sterile gauze pad at the corner and place it over the wound then securely tape all sides.
  
  
• Step 5: Throw all the trash in the plastic bag, then remove your gloves. Make sure that the plastic bag is sealed before throwing it away, then wash your hands.

Note that the direction above is a more general approach. Your physician may have specific instructions on how to shower after surgery, glue, or clean your incision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Surgery can be overwhelming. If we do our part in learning how to care for our wounds and follow the doctor’s instructions, we can lower the risk of infection, and therefore, make the whole process less stressful.

That said, let me reiterate that we cannot use just about any soap that we have at home. Unless, of course, you are already using a brand that I included in the review of the best soap to use after surgery. When in doubt, consult your doctor.