13 Best Antibacterial Hand Soaps, According To A Dermatologist (2024)
Protect your hands and improve your health with an antibacterial shield in every wash.
Dr. Schwarzburg is a leading authority in the field of minimally invasive cosmetic and laser medicine in New York City. He is an Ivy League school graduate with 7 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and regenerative medicine.
His authority is widely recognized, and his expert opinion has been sought by many prestigious publications, including Forbes, Glamour, Good Morning America, ABC News, and many others.
Read full bio of Dr. Schwarzburg
Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 3 yearsSwathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.
Read full bio of Swathi E
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Washing hands provides you with the best line of defense against many bacterial and viral infections. Though washing hands is there in our routine, these days we have realized its importance even further. Using the best antibacterial hand soap for washing hands can help you stay clean and healthy. Antibacterial hand soaps can offer protection against dreadful bacteria and germs. These are different from regular soaps and are effective in removing nearly 99.99% of the disease-causing germs from your hands. They can reduce the risk of several health concerns like cold or flu and other infections.
But picking the right product from the tons of antibacterial soaps available on the market can be a daunting task. Worry not – we have curated a list of the best antibacterial hand soaps that work effectively and help you maintain personal and hand hygiene. Check out these 15 best antibacterial hand soaps to kill germs and stay hygienic. Continue reading and choose your pick.
In This Article
13 Best Antibacterial Hand Soaps Reviews & Buying Guide 2024
1. Best Moisturizing Formula: Softsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
Softsoap antibacterial liquid hand soap is a unique formula that is clinically proven to reduce 99.9% of bacteria. Along with its intense cleaning properties, also comes the super moisturizing effect that it provides. The formula smells citrusy and leaves skin feeling soft. You can use it as your daily hand soap as it washes away dirt, and impurities and kills bacteria effectively and gently. You can trust the quality as it is dermatologically tested and safe to use.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Clinically proven
- Paraben-free
- Retains skin’s moisture
- No phthalates
- pH-balanced
Cons
- Doesn’t lather a lot
"The citrus scent of this hand soap refreshes my mind. It strengthens my hands’ skin and maintains its pH level. It eliminates the bacterial buildup and moisturizes my hands. I like that it does not leave residues between my fingers."
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 21,824 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
2. Best Gentle Formula: Dial Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
When looking for a mild hand soap that is gentle on your skin and moisturizing, choose this expert-recommended hand soap from the Dial store. This hydrating formula offers a soothing effect and is effective at keeping your hands soft and clean. It protects your hands from bacteria and conditions them altogether. This soap contains glycerin, a humectant that helps lock in moisture. It is great for anyone with dry skin or who generally wants to maintain the hydration of their skin. The product comes with a pump dispenser, and you can use it just like any regular hand wash. Just pump some product into your hands and lather for around 20 seconds. Rinse clean with water. The scent of the hand soap is really fresh and awakens your senses.
Pros
- Contains glycerine
- Makes skin soft
- Refreshing scent
- No silicones
- No paraben
Cons
- Not very good quality pump
"This hand soap soothes my dry hands and cleans them effectively. The formula is gentle, so it never aggravates the itchiness in my rough hands. I dispense a small amount of product every time, and it is enough to deep clean my hands."
Fun FactWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 13,184 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
3. Best Organic Formula: Real Skin Care Hand Soap
With the Real Skin Care Hand Soap, it’s effortless to maintain cleanliness without worrying about harming the skin barrier. The foam soap is made with all-natural, skin-friendly ingredients that do a good job of purifying the skin. These gentle ingredients, including the organic virgin coconut oil and natural scents, keep the hands clean and conditioned. It is free of irritants or unsavory fillers, thus is safe for all skin types. The coconut oil reduces kin dryness and smoothes the skin. The luxurious foam produced by the hand-foaming soap not only soothes and calms the skin, but also effectively removes any harmful contaminants including dirt, dust, residues, and grime.
Pros
- Safe for all skin types
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- GMO-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
"This hand soap does not dry out my hands. The formula lathers up well and removes the impurities swiftly. It leaves my hands looking clean and feeling soft and moist. Its creamy texture feels smooth on my skin, and its light fragrance smells nice."
| Softsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap Best Moisturizing Formula | Dial Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap Best Gentle Formula | Real Skin Care Hand Soap Best Organic Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Dry | All | All |
| Dimensions | 7 x 6 x 7.8 inches | - | 2 x 2 x 8 inches |
| Weight | 0.01 Ounces. | - | 9.91 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 21,824 | 13,184 | - |
| Price | $19.93 | $8.99 | $8.99 |
4. Best Natural Ingredients: Derma-nu Antifungal Therapeutic Soap
The Derma-nu Antifungal Therapeutic Soap not just cleans or nourishes the skin but gives you relief from many skin irritations. The formula contains tea tree oil, menthol, wintergreen, spearmint, eucalyptus, mint, and aloe vera extract that clean away fungus or germs causing skin issues like jock itch, ringworm, psoriasis, yeast, etc. You can also get rid of the foot and body odor that people usually suffer from. People who sweat a lot can opt for this product and feel fresh whenever needed.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Makes skin brighter
- Clean scent
- Soothing formula
- Does the job of a hand soap and body wash
Cons
- Doesn’t lather a lot
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 11,444 great reviews on Amazon.
5. Best Cruelty-Free: Maple Holistics Tea Tree Peppermint Hand Soap
This gentle cleanser from Maple Holistics is a reliable choice for ultimate germ protection and effective cleansing. It is formulated with peppermint and tea tree oil that make this hand soap highly effective at clearing bacteria and germs. This vegan antibacterial hand soap smells great and calms down your nerves every time you wash your hands. Use it like your regular daily hand soap and clean, disinfect, moisturize your hands all at the same time. Made with natural ingredients such as tea tree, peppermint, jojoba seed oil, and more, this hand soap keeps your hands free from any type of smell.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Natural hand soap
- Convenient packaging
- Also works as an antimicrobial soap
Cons
- Slightly mild scent
6. Best Vitamin-Enriched Formula: Dermakleen Antiseptic Lotion Soap
DermaKleen is an antimicrobial hand wash that has the perfect formula. It contains vitamin E that nourishes the skin and helps in stopping the spread of viruses and bacteria. The formula is gentle and is safe on all skin types. It is quite versatile and can be used in homes, nursing homes and hospitals. This liquid hand soap has antiseptic properties and cleanses and moisturizes hands effectively. You can kill germs up to 99% and stay healthy with its constant use.
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Lotion form
- Triclosan-free
- Safe for kids
Cons
- Slightly strong fragrance
7. Best Fragrance: Safeguard Antibacterial Deodorant Soap
Safeguard Antibacterial Soap comes in a bar form and works great for deep cleansing as it has triclocarban, an antibacterial compound. It eliminates bacteria, odor and dirt from your hands effectively. Induced with glycerine, this soap unlike regular hand soaps is not harsh and helps retain skin’s natural moisture. It is one of the best moisturizing antibacterial hand soaps and leaves skin feeling clean and fresh. If you are worried about dryness, this fast-acting hand soap lets you enjoy soft skin without any dryness.
Pros
- Easy to carry
- Smells wonderful
- Great design that dries it fast
- Powerful antibacterial ingredients
Cons
- Small size
8. Best For Dry Hands: Free & Clean Unscented Hand Soap By Seventh Generation
The Free & Clean Unscented Hand Soap By Seventh Generation is made from plant-based ingredients, including botanical extracts and is intended to clean hands without irritating or drying them out. This hand soap’s sustainable cleaning chemicals and mild plant-based formula provide for clean, soft, and revitalized hands. It’s a mild composition that helps with dryness. It is a transparent liquid that is moderate in flavor and suitable for daily usage. The formula is hypoallergenic and is made for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Gentle
- Non-drying
- Allergen-free
- Triclosan-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Synthetic dyes-free
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 2,320 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
9. Best Chemical: Dial Complete Liquid Antibacterial Hand Soap
This antibacterial formula from the expert-recommended brand Dial helps in tackling bacteria and germs. It kills 99.99% germs effectively and makes the cleaning experience simple. This scented hand soap gives a refreshing feel. If you wish to cleanse and moisturize your hands in one go, this has to be your top choice. With mere 20 seconds of massaging, the hand soap lathers well and cleans skin.
Pros
- Delightfully scented
- No paraben
- No silicones
- No phthalates
Cons
- Not thick consistency
"I love how clean my hands feel after I wash them with this hand soap. Its spray bottle dispenses the right amount of product each time. It never soaks up the natural moisture of my skin. I also like its smell."
10. Best GMO-Free: The Yellow Bird Peppermint Tea Tree Soap Bar
This unique hand soap with multiple organic ingredients lets your skin feel fresh and radiant. It serves the purpose of more than just a good antibacterial hand soap. You can use it for your body as well. Infused with tea tree, cajeput, peppermint oil and sunflower oil, this soap helps improve skin’s appearance, fights fungal issues, bad odor, and cleans skin effectively. You can even tackle any type of rashes and dry skin conditions. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and produces a rich lather.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- GMO-free
- No alcohol
- No synthetic dyes
Cons
- Very lightly scented
11. Cleanze Antibacterial Hand Soap
Feeling squeaky clean is no more a task with this Cleanze hand soap.This antibacterial hand wash easily eliminates odor, germs, and dirt and is gentle yet effective. It comes with a calming lavender scent that leaves your hands feeling great. Since this clean formula is anti-bacterial, it easily eliminates germs and bacteria that cause illness. Just apply it on wet hands, rub for a few seconds and rinse thoroughly for fresh and clean hands.
Pros
- Mild action
- Tough on germs
- Easy-to-use
- Prevents drying out hands
Cons
- Thin consistency
12. Best Long-Lasting Protection:Fruits & Passion Cucina Hand Soap
Made with a subtle blend of olive tree and coriander extracts, this hand soap Fruits & Passion Cucina is extremely nourishing for skin. It prevents drying of skin and still cleans hands effectively. This luxury antibacterial hand soap has herbal ingredients that make it immensely safe for use. The skin-safe formula is quite rare but is great for cleaning hands and killing germs in a gentle manner. Pour some amount on your hands, rub for a few seconds and rinse well for long-lasting protection.
Pros
- Smells great
- Biodegradable formula
- Not tested on animals
- Refill available
Cons
- Small size
"This hand soap foams up nicely on my hands, and the foam gently cleans them. It eliminates the bacterial buildup between my fingers and soothes my rough hands. The fragrance is revitalizing, and it lingers for a long time."
13. Best For Quick Wash:Nxn Antibacterial Hand Soap
Calming your senses and cleaning hands is possible altogether with this antibacterial soap. It has a mild fragrance that spreads quickly from your hands to your surroundings. With benzalkonium chloride, an antibacterial compound as its active ingredient, the hand soap stands out as one of the best antibacterial hand soaps. It is effective and kills almost 99% germs and bacteria. The liquid soap is easy to use as it spreads well and cleans your hands quickly.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Slightly strong formula
"My hands feel soft to the touch after I wash them with this liquid soap. It removes grime and dirt from my hands and fights the bacterial buildup. The formula never irritates my hands or dries them out. The soapy suds wash off easily as well."
So, these are the 13 best hand soap options to kill germs in 2024. You must check out the points given below to make a better choice.
How To Choose Antibacterial Hand Soap?
Consider the following points before choosing a hand soap.
- Ingredients
Look for ingredients that are both safe to use and powerful enough to kill germs. Do not settle for less. Residue-free soaps with antibacterial compounds blended together with herbal ingredients are the best.
- Fragrance
Fragrance lasts quite a while after washing hands. Thus, pay attention to it before investing in a hand soap. Fragrance must be pleasing and strong enough to last but mild enough to be not overwhelming.
- Budget
You are investing in a product that is required every day. Thus, it needs to be something in your price range. Do not buy fancy products that cost a lot and leave your pockets drained.
Infographic: Tips For Using An Antibacterial Hand Soap For Optimal Hygiene
Antibacterial hand soaps help kill germs and prevent infections. However, these soaps can only work properly if you use them the right way. In the infographic below, we have listed a few tips, including washing techniques and hand care tips, to maximize the effects of antibacterial hand soap. Take a look!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Antibacterial hand soaps can help you protect yourself from severe skin conditions. These hand soaps don’t let the bad bacteria or impurities settle in your skin and effectively remove germs that often accumulate in your palm. They reduce the risk of getting infected by cold or flu-causing bacteria as well. In other words, antibacterial hand soaps help you stay hygienic. These soaps contain ingredients that are superb for cleaning out the toxins from your hand. The products on this list also offer a super-moisturizing effect and help the deeper layers of your skin to be well-nourished and hydrated. They help in balancing your skin’s pH level. For moisturizing hand soap, go for the Softsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap. Opt for cruelty-free Maple Holistics Tea Tree Peppermint Hand Soap that also smells great. Choose the Cleanze Antibacterial Hand Soap for a non-drying and gentle option. However, while choosing the right antibacterial hand soap for yourself, it is better to steer clear of the ones that don’t lather a lot. Taking into account the insights from reviewers can help you make an informed decision when choosing the right antibacterial hand soap for your needs.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
The author of this article, Kirtana Divakar, has a deep interest in skin care and loves reviewing various products for her readers. She curated this list of the best antibacterial soaps after researching the ingredients in detail and going through multiple user reviews on trusted online forums. The shortlisted products keep you clean and safe from germs with their skin-friendly and nourishing formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Antibacterial Soap Safe?
Yes, antibacterial soaps are safe. However, people with allergies, or skin issues should consult a dermatologist and conduct a patch test before using such products.
Is Antimicrobial Soap Better Than Antibacterial?
Yes, antimicrobial soap is better than antibacterial. Antimicrobial soaps fight against all types of microorganisms whereas antibacterial soaps fight only against bacteria.
Is Softsoap Antibacterial?
Yes, Softsoap is antibacterial.
How Long Does Antibacterial Hand Soap Last?
The longevity of an antibacterial hand soap depends on the size of the product. The general size is 4 or 8 ounces and it lasts 1 and 2 months respectively.
Is Meyers Hand Soap Antibacterial?
No, Meyer’s hand soap is not antibacterial. It has simple aromatic ingredients.
Read full bio of Dr. Schwarzburg
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