The 8 Best Papaya Soaps for Skin Whitening Reviews & Guide 2024

Does papaya whitening soap work? It’s a popular solution for getting rid of acne scars, melasma, and other types of hyperpigmentation. Of course, there are other treatments like chemical peels that work faster and more effectively. But if you’re fine with gradually lightening dark spots, check out the papaya whitening soap reviews below.

Here are the best papaya soaps for skin whitening:

Why does papaya soap fade hyperpigmentation?

The key ingredient in papaya soap is papain. It’s an enzyme that exfoliates dead cells, getting rid of the darkened layers and gradually revealing fresh skin (1). In fact, it’s a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down other proteins so effectively that it’s used as a meat tenderizer. It’s not surprising that it leaves the skin so soft.

Papaya soap also has vitamins A and C, which encourage the growth of collagen in the skin to make it firmer and smoother. Both vitamins also brighten the complexion and even out skin tone.

What’s interesting is that papaya soap, because of the papain, also treats acne. It helps keep pores clear and relieves inflammation. In fact, some people use papaya soap to alleviate the itching and redness caused by bug bites.

Who should not use papaya soap?

The only downside to papaya soap applies to those who are allergic to latex. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to do a patch test if you’ve never tried papaya soap before and you have sensitive skin.

Which papaya soap is best for skin whitening?

There are many excellent papaya soaps for skin lightening. The reviews below go in-depth on the fine differences between them. We hope it helps you find the best hyperpigmentation treatment for your needs.

Best Papaya Soaps for Skin Whitening in 2024

Koji White Kojic Acid & Papaya Skin Brightening Soap

Which is better, kojic or papaya soap? There’s no need to choose between them. This popular bath soap has both. Happily, it’s suitable for all skin types. If your goal is to get rid of discoloration as quickly and effectively as possible, we highly recommend it.

In case you’re not familiar with kojic acid, it’s a byproduct of rice wine production. At some point in history, someone figured out that it lightens dark patches of skin by preventing melanin formation. Now it’s used to treat melasma, acne scars, and age spots (2).

As you might imagine, any soap with both kojic acid and papaya enzymes is very potent. Over time, it smooths the skin and fades hyperpigmentation while also clearing up acne.

Moreover, this particular soap is formulated with moisturizers like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and glycerin to keep it from dehydrating the skin. It’s mild enough to use on the face and strong enough for any part of the body, including darkened armpits.

We checked the label and saw other skin whitening ingredients like arbutin (similar to hydroquinone), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and licorice root. No wonder this soap works so well! Now we understand why so many reviewers are enthusiastic about it. It doesn’t hurt that it has a pleasant citrus fragrance that appeals to both women and men.

Pros:

• Papaya soap with kojic acid, arbutin, vitamin C, and licorice root
• Exfoliates and lightens hyperpigmentation caused by melasma, acne, and sun exposure
• Prevents new dark spots from forming
• Reduces blemishes caused by acne
• Non-drying, mild enough for the face and all skin types

Cons:

• Has an artificial citrus fragrance

FrontRow 03 Orange Papaya Bar

What happens if you blend papaya, kojic acid, and glutathione? You’ll get an effective skin whitening soap. Glutathione is a peptide with antioxidant properties that prevent melanin, or skin pigment, from forming (3). It’s a powerful companion for the other skin lightening ingredients in this soap.

Users say the soap brightens the skin without changing its color. It has a grainy texture that feels a little rough, so it’s best to build lather in the hands before massaging the foam on the face. Let it work for couple of minutes before rinsing.

This is the third soap in a series of three, with number one being the mildest and number three being the extreme whitening system. The manufacturer recommends starting with the number one soap and using that for a couple of months before moving on to number two for a month before switching to this soap.

Also, if you don’t have oily skin, the soap can be a little drying. Be sure to apply moisturizer after cleansing and remember to use sunscreen.

Pros:

• Potent blend of papaya, kojic acid, and glutathione
• Exfoliating soap that inhibits excess melanin production
• Lightens discolored spots and brightens the complexion

Cons:

• A bit drying
• May sensitize the skin to UV rays, so remember to apply sunscreen

Likas Papaya Soap

This famous soap is made in the Philippines with papaya extract, vitamin C, and coconut oil. It has no artificial fragrance, which is good news for those with sensitive skin. Like other papaya soaps, it exfoliates to keep the skin soft and to even out the tone.

However, it doesn’t contain any bleaching agents like arbutin or hydroquinone, so it’s safe for those with naturally dark skin that simply want to remove acne scars and the like.

One bright spot is that it helps eliminate acne by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. Leave the lather for at least three minutes before rinsing to enjoy this benefit.

Pros:

• Gentle, fragrance-free soap with papaya extract, coconut oil, and vitamin C
• Brightens the complexion and evens out skin tone
• Safe for naturally dark skin as it doesn’t bleach
• Helps eliminate acne by unclogging pores

Cons:

• Not as fast-acting as other options with kojic acid or Arbutin
• Lather needs to be left in the skin for at least three minutes

Shea Moisture Papaya and Vitamin C Revive & Brighten Body Wash

Bar soap isn’t for everyone. If you prefer liquid soap, check out this papaya body wash. It polishes the skin, leaving it smooth, soft, and even-toned. Use it with a washcloth or your favorite loofah.

Yes, it’s an exfoliating formula with papaya, yuzu lemon, and vitamin C. But since it’s sulfate-free and packed with moisturizers like shea butter, it’s mild enough for everyone. Feel free to use it daily.

In other good news, it’s made by a cruelty-free brand that never includes mineral oil, phthalates, or parabens. Even the fragrance is an essential oil blend instead of synthetic chemicals.

Pros:

• Moisturizing and exfoliating, it gradually evens out skin tone
• Brightens the skin’s appearance and leaves it soft and smooth
• Features vitamin C, papaya, and yuzu lemon with shea butter
• Mild enough for daily use and sulfate-free.
• Contains no parabens, phthalates, or mineral oil

Cons:

• None

LAISAE Papaya Brightening Soap

If you’re in a hurry to clear up hyperpigmentation, use this bar of soap morning and night. It’s suitable for all skin types and enriched with moisturizers to prevent dryness. Unlike regular soap, it has plenty of natural skin conditioners like coconut, olive, and sweet almond oil.

Moreover, the whitening formula doesn’t just rely on papaya extract and vitamin C. It also has white mulberry root, a natural skin lightener. Then, there’s niacinamide which reduces redness. And finally, there’s snail extract which is excellent for reducing inflammation and keeping the skin hydrated.

Reviewers say it can lighten the skin two shades in a month. But they recommend keeping it away from the eyes as it burns.

Pros:

• Blend of papaya, vitamin C, white mulberry root, and niacinamide to lighten skin
• Extra moisturizing with snail extract and conditioning oils
• Mild enough to use twice daily

Cons:

• Stings the eyes
• Has an artificial fragrance and artificial color

ASANTEE PAPAYA & HONEY SOAP

It smells so much like honey and papaya you might want to eat it. Instead, put this handmade soap inside the included exfoliating bag and use it as a loofah. Then, it’s ready to lather away scars and dark spots as you use it day after day.

The exfoliating effects of the papaya extract are bolstered by alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin A. These gently dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells. In the meantime, collagen and coenzyme Q10 promote firmer, healthier skin.

Users say the lather starts to sting if you leave it more than a couple of minutes before rinsing, but the soap works as promised.

Pros:

• Has alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin A, and papaya for exfoliation
• Promotes firmer skin with collagen and coenzyme Q10
• Attractive honey and papaya fragrance
• Comes with an exfoliating bag

Cons:

• May sting sensitive skin

LIGHTEN KOJIC PAPAYA AND GLUTATHIONE SOAP

This soap pulls out all the stops to whiten skin. It has papaya, kojic acid, vitamin C, arbutin, and glutathione. These are all skin lightening ingredients we’ve discussed up to this point.

But have you ever heard of Saxifraga sarmentosa? It’s a skin whitener found in BB creams and pore strips, of all things. Then, there’s peony root that clarifies the skin, making it less dull and dry. Lastly, there’s Chinese skullcap the guards against UV damage and boosts antioxidant activity. So yes, this soap has a little bit of everything to give you a flawless appearance.

The only con is that you’ll need to be patient and wait for results. Also, those with sensitive skin should be cautious and do a patch test first. We’ve heard reports that the soap is a little drying.

Pros:

• Formula has potent skin whitening agents like papaya, arbutin, kojic acid, vitamin C, and glutathione
• Also features peony root, Chinese skullcap, and other botanicals to clarify the skin

Cons:

• May cause dryness

Coconut & Papaya Soap by Nubian Heritage

Let’s wrap up with a very moisturizing papaya soap. We’ve spent the past year or so doing a lot of hand washing and have come to appreciate soaps that don’t strip our skin dry. This vegetable soap has certified organic coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa seed butter, and other natural goodies. But what will really get your attention is the tasty fragrance. It’s made with vanilla beans and essential oils.

Although it’s not as quick to erase acne marks as some whitening soaps, it does gradually reduce dark patches.

Furthermore, the soap is made in the USA by a certified cruelty-free brand that uses sustainably produced and ethically traded ingredients.

Pros:

• Moisturizing body soap with papaya and vanilla beans
• Exfoliates and conditions the skin
• Has certified organic shea butter, coconut oil, and cocoa seed butter
• Cruelty-free and made with sustainably produced, ethically traded ingredients

Cons:

• None

Conclusion

Wouldn’t it be nice if those dark spots would go away? Papaya soap will get the job done. All it takes is time and persistence.

We hope these reviews helped you find the best skincare products for your needs today. If you’re pleased with your purchase, we’d love to hear about it. Feel free to leave us a comment below.

Sources:

1. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/unapproved-drugs/questions-and-answers-about-fdas-enforcement-action-regarding-unapproved-topical-drug-products, updated December 7, 2015, accessed November 25, 2021

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kojic_acid accessed November 25, 2021

3. https://ijdvl.com/glutathione-as-a-skin-whitening-agent-facts-myths-evidence-and-controversies/ Sonthalia S, Daulatabad D, Sarkar R. Glutathione as a skin whitening agent: Facts, myths, evidence and controversies. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2016;82:262-272