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Gold Antibacterial Bar Soap

Gold Antibacterial Bar Soap

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

An iconic antibacterial bar soap that eliminates 99.9% of bacteria while providing round-the-clock odor protection. Formulated with Clean Rinse Technology for deep cleansing that's gentle on skin, leaving it feeling clean, soft, and moisturized with the classic Dial Gold fragrance.

Antibacterial Formula Dermatologist Tested Cruelty Free (Leaping Bunny) Paraben Free Phthalate Free Silicone Free SLS/SLES Free 24-Hour Odor Protection
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
2/5
Size
4 oz Bar
Format
Bar Soap
Active
Benzalkonium Chloride
Protection
24 Hours
Cruelty Free
Leaping Bunny
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Eliminates 99.9% of Bacteria

Powerful antibacterial formula effectively removes bacteria encountered in household settings for thorough cleansing.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Solid Bar
Scent
Iconic Gold Fragrance
Lather
Rich & Creamy
Finish
Clean & Fresh

Eliminates 99.9% of Bacteria

Powerful antibacterial formula effectively removes bacteria encountered in household settings for thorough cleansing.

Round-the-Clock Odor Protection

24-hour deodorant protection keeps you feeling fresh and confident throughout the day.

Clean Rinse Technology

Cleanses deep while being gentle on skin, rinsing away completely without residue.

Moisturizing Formula

Contains glycerin to help maintain skin's natural moisture, leaving it soft and hydrated.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy Safe

Topical benzalkonium chloride is considered safe during pregnancy. No harmful ingredients for expecting mothers when used as directed for external cleansing.

Breastfeeding Safe

According to LactMed, topical application of benzalkonium chloride would not be expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants.

Not Fungal Acne Safe

Contains palm acid, coconut acid, and stearic acid which can feed Malassezia yeast. Not recommended for those with fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis).

Comedogenic Rating: 2/5

Low to moderate pore-clogging potential. Contains fatty acids that may trigger breakouts in acne-prone individuals. Patch test recommended.

Sensitive Skin Suitable

Dermatologist tested and suitable for sensitive skin. Made without common irritants like SLS/SLES, parabens, and silicones.

Contains Fragrance

Contains the iconic Dial Gold fragrance. Those with fragrance sensitivities should perform a patch test before full use.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Benzalkonium Chloride 0.1%Active

A quaternary ammonium compound that serves as the antibacterial active ingredient. Effective at eliminating bacteria encountered in household settings while being gentler than older antibacterials like triclosan.

  • Function: Antibacterial agent that disrupts bacterial cell membranes
  • Benefit: Eliminates 99.9% of bacteria for thorough cleansing
  • Safety: FDA-approved for use in antiseptic products
Replaced triclosan/triclocarban after FDA restrictions. Considered safe for topical use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Soap Base (Sodium Tallowate, Sodium Palmate, Sodium Cocoate)Cleansing

Traditional soap base made from saponified fats and oils. Creates the rich, creamy lather that Dial Gold is known for while effectively removing dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin.

  • Sodium Tallowate: Derived from animal fat, provides rich lather and cleansing
  • Sodium Palmate: Palm oil-based surfactant for bubble formation
  • Sodium Cocoate: Coconut-derived cleanser for gentle yet effective cleansing
Contains animal-derived ingredients (tallow). Not suitable for vegan consumers.

GlycerinMoisturizing

A powerful humectant that draws moisture to the skin, helping to prevent the drying effects commonly associated with antibacterial soaps. Studies show glycerin can be more effective than hyaluronic acid for hydration.

  • Function: Humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin
  • Benefit: Counterbalances cleansing to leave skin soft
  • Research: Proven antimicrobial and skin barrier support properties
Naturally found in skin. Helps maintain moisture balance during cleansing.

22 ingredients

Active Ingredient: Benzalkonium Chloride 0.1%

Inactive Ingredients: Sodium Tallowate, Sodium Palmate, Sodium Cocoate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Water, Glycerin, Coconut Acid, Palm Acid, Palm Kernel Acid, Stearic Acid, Tallow Acid, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance, PEG-6 Methyl Ether, Pentasodium Pentetate, Tetrasodium Etidronate, CI 19140 (Yellow 5), Titanium Dioxide, Alcohol, CI 15985 (Yellow 8), CI 14700 (Red 4)

FREE FROM: Parabens, Phthalates, Silicones, SLS/SLES, Triclosan, Triclocarban
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Bar Soap
2
Rinse
3
Pat Dry
4
Toner (Optional)
5
Moisturizer

Use as your primary body cleanser in the shower or bath. For face use, consider a gentler facial cleanser. Follow with moisturizer if skin feels dry.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet the Bar

Wet the soap bar and your skin with warm water to create optimal lathering conditions.

2

Lather Vigorously

Rub the bar between your hands or directly on skin to create a rich, creamy lather. Can also use with a washcloth or loofah.

3

Wash Skin Thoroughly

Apply lather to entire body, paying special attention to areas prone to odor. Massage gently for 20-30 seconds.

4

Rinse Completely

Rinse thoroughly with warm water, ensuring all soap residue is removed. Pat skin dry with a clean towel.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You want effective antibacterial cleansing
  • You need long-lasting odor protection
  • You prefer traditional bar soap over body wash
  • You love the classic Dial Gold scent
  • You want an affordable, family-friendly option
  • You have normal to oily skin
  • You're looking for a cruelty-free option

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
  • You have very dry or eczema-prone skin
  • You prefer fragrance-free products
  • You follow a vegan lifestyle (contains tallow)
  • You have severe acne requiring medicated treatment
  • You're sensitive to artificial colors/dyes
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Effectively removes excess oil and helps control shine. The antibacterial action helps reduce odor-causing bacteria common with oily skin.

Normal Skin
Excellent

Great daily cleanser for normal skin types. Glycerin helps maintain moisture balance for clean, fresh-feeling skin.

Combination Skin
Good

Works well on oily areas. May need to follow with moisturizer on drier zones to maintain balance.

Dry Skin
Moderate

May strip natural oils from already dry skin. Always follow with a rich moisturizer and limit use to body only.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Dermatologist tested and free from harsh sulfates. Fragrance may affect some sensitive individuals - patch test first.

Acne-Prone Skin
Moderate

Antibacterial properties may help with body acne. Not recommended for fungal acne. Contains potentially comedogenic fatty acids.

08

Results timeline

1 MONTH+
Immediate

Fresh, Clean Feeling

Skin feels thoroughly cleansed with the signature Dial Gold scent. Rich lather removes dirt, oil, and bacteria instantly.

95% noticed
1-3 Days

Improved Odor Control

Noticeable reduction in body odor throughout the day. Round-the-clock protection becomes apparent with consistent use.

88% noticed
1-2 Weeks

Skin Feels Balanced

Skin adjusts to the formula. Oily areas feel more controlled while moisture balance improves with glycerin content.

75% noticed
1 Month+

Long-Term Benefits

Consistent antibacterial cleansing supports overall skin hygiene. Some users report improvement in body acne and folliculitis.

70% noticed
09

Ratings by platform

20K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.6
Rating
15,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Formula changed from original, bars getting smaller (shrinkflation)
Walmart
4.5
Rating
3,500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users miss the original scent and formula
Brand Website
4.4
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Occasional reports of skin reactions with new Advanced Clean formula
Influenster
4.3
Rating
1,200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can be drying without follow-up moisturizer
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Iconic, nostalgic scent loved for generations
  • Effective antibacterial cleansing (99.9% bacteria)
  • Excellent 24-hour odor protection
  • Rich, creamy lather
  • Affordable and widely available
  • Cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny certified)
  • Free from parabens, phthalates, silicones, SLS
  • Dermatologist tested
  • Trusted brand with 75+ year heritage

Criticized

  • Formula changed from original (no more triclocarban)
  • Bar size has decreased over time (shrinkflation)
  • Can be drying for some skin types
  • Contains fragrance and dyes
  • Not suitable for fungal acne
  • Not vegan (contains tallow)
  • Some report reactions to new Advanced Clean formula
  • Leaves residue on tub/shower walls
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Safeguard Beige Antibacterial Bar Soap
$5.99
Similar Pick

Very similar antibacterial bar soap from P&G. Uses micellar technology instead of benzalkonium chloride. Also dermatologically tested with comparable scent profile.

70% Match
Irish Spring Original Clean Bar Soap
$4.99
Budget Pick

Non-antibacterial alternative with iconic fresh scent. Similar lather and cleansing but lacks the antibacterial active ingredient. Great for those who don't need antibacterial.

65% Match
Original Bar Soap
$5.49
Budget Pick

Deodorant bar soap with similar odor protection claims. Gentler formula that may be better for dry skin but lacks antibacterial properties.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
Active Ingredient None (Cleansing Bar)
Antibacterial No
Moisturizing Superior (1/4 Moisturizer)
Fragrance Free Yes
Best For Dry/Sensitive Skin

Safeguard Beige Antibacterial

Active Ingredient Micellar Technology
Antibacterial Yes (99%)
Contains Aloe Yes
Heritage 60+ Years
Best For Family Use

Irish Spring Original

Active Ingredient None
Antibacterial No
Deodorant Yes
Scent Strong Fresh Scent
Best For Fresh Scent Lovers
13

Storage & shelf life

24 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

24 months after opening. Bar soap has excellent shelf life when stored properly.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place. Keep on a well-draining soap dish between uses to extend bar life.

Packaging

Paper-wrapped bar soap in cardboard box. Available in single bars and multi-packs (3, 4, 8, 12 count).

Travel Friendly

Yes, bar soap has no liquid restrictions. Use a soap case or bag to prevent mess in luggage.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, Dial Gold is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The active ingredient, benzalkonium chloride at 0.1%, is a topical antiseptic that does not significantly absorb into the bloodstream. According to the LactMed database, topical application of benzalkonium chloride would not be expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. However, as with any product, if you have concerns, consult your healthcare provider.

No, Dial Gold is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that can feed Malassezia yeast, including palm acid, coconut acid, stearic acid, and other fatty acids. If you have fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis), look for products specifically formulated to be malassezia-safe, such as those with zinc pyrithione or sulfur.

Dial Gold is primarily a body cleanser and rinses off completely. If you're using retinol, vitamin C, or chemical exfoliants in your skincare routine, you can safely use Dial Gold for body cleansing. However, for facial cleansing, consider a gentler, pH-balanced cleanser that won't disrupt your active ingredients. Always moisturize after using Dial Gold, especially if using other active ingredients that can cause dryness.

Dial Gold is best suited for normal to oily skin types. Its antibacterial and deep-cleansing properties work well for those who experience body odor or want thorough cleansing. It's dermatologist tested and suitable for sensitive skin, though the fragrance may affect some individuals. Those with very dry skin or eczema may find it too drying and should follow with a moisturizer or choose a gentler alternative like Dove.

You'll feel clean and fresh immediately after the first use. Noticeable improvement in odor control typically occurs within 1-3 days of consistent use. For those using it to address body acne or folliculitis, visible improvement may take 2-4 weeks of regular use. The 24-hour odor protection works from day one.

Dial Gold is designed as a body cleanser and should be the first step in your shower routine. Use it to cleanse your entire body, rinse thoroughly, then follow with any other shower products. After showering, pat dry and apply body moisturizer. For facial care, consider using a dedicated facial cleanser rather than bar soap to maintain optimal skin pH and moisture levels.

Dial Gold has a comedogenic rating of approximately 2 out of 5, meaning it has low to moderate pore-clogging potential. It contains fatty acids like palm acid and stearic acid that may contribute to breakouts in acne-prone individuals. Since it's a rinse-off product, the risk is lower than leave-on products, but those prone to body acne should monitor their skin and consider alternatives if breakouts occur.

Bar soap has an excellent shelf life of approximately 24 months after opening. To maximize the life of your bar, store it on a well-draining soap dish to prevent it from sitting in water, which causes it to become soft and dissolve faster. Keep unused bars in a cool, dry place away from humidity. A 4 oz bar typically lasts 3-4 weeks with daily use for one person.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.2 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Dial Gold Antibacterial Bar Soap remains a solid choice for those seeking effective, affordable antibacterial cleansing with nostalgic appeal. Its proven formula eliminates 99.9% of bacteria while providing reliable 24-hour odor protection. The cruelty-free certification and absence of harsh sulfates, parabens, and silicones make it a conscientious choice. However, it's not suitable for fungal acne sufferers, vegans, or those with very dry skin. The formula change from the original triclocarban version has disappointed some longtime users, but the current benzalkonium chloride formula remains effective. Best for normal to oily skin types who want a trusted, budget-friendly antibacterial soap with the classic Dial Gold fragrance.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
1
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
45% 4% 50%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 22 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
0 Unknown
Benzalkonium Chloride
Antimicrobial, Preservative
1 Unknown
Sodium Tallowate
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsifying, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
1 A
Sodium Palmate
Surfactant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsifying, Sufactant
1 A
Sodium Cocoate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing
1 A
Sodium Palm Kernelate
Sufactant, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Viscosity Controlling
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS