12 Best Esthetician-Approved Hand Soaps For Soft Skin (2024)

Hand soaps are an ideal way to keep your hands germ-free and sanitized. Unclean hands are nothing but an invitation to infections and diseases. This is why you need the best hand soaps for germs to keep your hands clean and prevent getting contagious diseases.

Our hands come in contact with food, shoes, clothes, unwashed dishes, furniture, and so many other surfaces which are breeding grounds of pathogens. Cleaning your hands regularly with soap will keep you protected from all those micro-monsters. So, in this article, we bring you the 12 best hand soaps. Check them out below!

How To Wash Your Hands

Washing your hands involves the following steps: 

1. Pump the soap into your palms.
2. Press your hands together and spread the soap all over your palms and fingers and thumbs.
3. Keep lathering your hands for at least 20 seconds.
4. Wash your hands, preferably with warm water.

Let’s now get to know what the best hand soaps on the market are.

Note: Do a patch test before using these hands soaps on your skin. Avoid any contact with the eyes.

12 Best Hand Soaps That’ll leave Your Skin Soft & Supple – 2024

1. Best Overall: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Hand Soap

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Hand Soap cleans your hands without leaving them feeling dry. It has a sweet and fresh honeysuckle scent. It is made with essential oils, olive oil, aloe vera, and other carefully selected ingredients that soften the hands. This liquid hand soap is made without parabens, phthalates, animal-derived ingredients, or artificial colors. It is not tested on animals. Check out this video for a detailed review along with the tester’s experience of using the product for more information.

Ingredients

Water, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate, Glycerin Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Fragrance, Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.

• Good smell
• Doesn’t dry hands
• Keeps the hands soft and smooth
• Not tested on animals

• The pump doesn’t press down smoothly.
• Doesn’t lather immediately.

Caution

Fragrance in the product may cause subtle dryness, so follow up with a hydrating lotion after washing your hands.

2. Best Antibacterial: Dial Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap

The Dial Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap kills 99.9% of germs on your hands. Along with cleansing your hands, it also leaves them moisturized. Once you pump the soap into your hands, lather it for at least 15-20 seconds before you wash it off. It lathers easily and has a mild fragrance. It is made with ingredients with strong antibacterial properties that are tough on germs and gentle on the skin. If you want to know more about the benefits of this product along with the people’s experience of using it, check out this quick review on YouTube.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Benzalkonium Chloride 0.13%
• Inactive Ingredients: Aqua (Water, Eau), Lauramidopropylamine Oxide, Glycerin, Lauramine Oxide, Cetrimonium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Zinc Sulfate, Myristamidopropylamine Oxide, Parfum (Fragrance), Dimethyl Lauramine, Tetrasodium EDTA, Alcohol, Dimethyl Myristamine, CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 14700 (Red 4).

• Doctor-recommended
• Moisturizes the skin
• Suitable for dry skin

• Packaging issues
• The pump might be a little tough.
• The smell doesn’t suit everyone.

3. Via Mercato Liquid Soap

The Via Mercato liquid soap comes in a well-crafted bottle with a hand pump for convenience. This fragrant soap removes dirt from your hands, leaving them soft, fresh, and hydrated. It is enriched with skin-loving ingredients, like shea butter and glycerin. It doesn’t have artificial fragrances and comes in nine different fragrances. Along with hydrating hand soap you can also choose the Via Mercato Bar Soap that has moisturizing ingredients, like shea butter, Italian olive oil, and coconut oil that keep your hands soft.

Ingredients

• 1 – Bergamot, Patchouli, & Rosewood
• 2 – Green Tea & White Musk
• 3 – Pepe Rosa, Lavender, & Vanilla Bean
• 4 – Violets, Magnolia, & Amber
• 5 – Waterlily & Sandalwood
• 6 – Fig, Orange Blossom, & Cedarwood
• 7 – Peach, Fig Blossom, & Rose
• 8 – Clove, Vanilla Flower, & Orange
• 9 – Grape, Black Currant, & Musk

• Lathers well
• Moisturizes the skin
• Artificial fragrance-free

• The fragrance may be overpowering for a few people.
• May not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.

4. Best Medicated: Provon Antimicrobial Lotion Soap

The Provon Antimicrobial Lotion soap is a medicated hand cleanser that combines broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with conditioning properties to clean your hands and keep them soft. It also kills any bad odor on your hands. It is made completely with natural ingredients. The ingredients are French triple-milled, which removes excess water from the soap and makes it long-lasting. This liquid soap has a pH of 7.2, so it doesn’t strip your skin of its natural protective barrier. You can use it for your face and body as well. It suits all skin types. It does not use parabens or sulfates and is also not tested on animals. Here’s an honest review of the product and the tester’s experience of using it.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: 0.3% chloroxylenol (PCMX)
• Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Coconut Acid, Oleic Acid, Sodium Sulfate, Ethanolamine, Cocamide MEA, CocoBetaine, Propylene Glycol, Retinyl Palmitate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Fragrance (Parfum).

• Works well for new piercings
• Good disinfectant soap
• Clean well
• Suitable for all skin types
• Dermatologist-tested

• Packaging issues
• The smell might not suit everyone.
• The bottle may leak.

5. Thymes Frasier Fir Hand Wash

The Thymes Frasier Fir Hand Wash combines wholesome formulas with signature and natural scents. It contains mild ingredients that clean and condition your hands without drying them out.  It is made with hydrating glycerine that keeps the skin moisturized and smooth after every wash. The fragrance is a mix of crisp Siberian fir needles, cedarwood, and sandalwood. 

Ingredients

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropylamine Oxide, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Glycerine, Polyquaternium-10, Vegetable Protein Extract, Propylene Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

• Pleasant smell
• Lathers well
• Doesn’t dry hands
• Not tested on animals

• Contains parabens
• Contains sulfates

6. Beessential Lavender With Bergamot Foaming Moisturizing Hand Soap

The Beessential Lavender With Bergamot Foaming Moisturizing Hand Soap has a calming fragrance of lavender with hints of bergamot. It contains coconut, olive, hemp, aloe vera, and honey that thoroughly moisturize and soften your hands. It lathers nicely and leaves your skin soft without drying it. It doesn’t use parabens, SLS, GMO, alcohol, PEG, or gluten. It is made and approved by beekeepers and is not tested on animals.

Ingredients

Filtered Water, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glycerin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Potassium Hydroxide, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice, Lavandula Officinalis (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Bergamia (Bergamot) Oil, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Honey, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/ Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Glyceryl Laurate, Citric Acid, Lauryl Glucoside, Tetrasodium Glucamate Diacetate.

• Foams well
• Moisturizes skin
• Paraben-free
• SLS-free
• GMO-free
• Gluten-free
• PEG-free
• Alcohol-free
• Not tested on animals

• May go rancid after a few months.
• Pungent smell

Caution

This product contains citric acid that may cause a mild tingling sensation or skin irritation. So, do not use this hand soap on sensitive skin types.

7. Deep Steep Foaming Hand Wash Refills

The Deep Steep Foaming Hand Wash Refills come in four scents – grapefruit bergamot, lavender chamomile, rosemary mint, and tangerine melon. They contain olive oil, argan oil, aloe vera, and coconut oil, which moisturize and soften your hands. This rich and creamy hand wash foams instantly and cleanses your hands without drying them out.

Ingredients

Aqua, Coco-Glucoside, Glycerin, Heptyl Glucoside, Sodium Chloride, Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Aroma, Organic Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Organic Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Organic Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Oil, Organic Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Peel Oil, Organic Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Organic Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Citric Acid.

• Foams well
• Makes hands smooth
• Doesn’t irritate sensitive skin
• Doesn’t dry hands

• Thin consistency
• The smell may be overpowering for some people.

8. Best For Sensitive Skin: doTerra On Guard Foaming Hand Wash

The doTerra On Guard Foaming Hand Wash is a gentle soap and a good option for sensitive skin. This hand wash is infused with protective proprietary doTerra essential oil blends that keep your hands fresh and dirt-free. It uses gentle cleansers and emollients that clean and soften the hands without drying or irritating the skin. This pH-balanced hand wash protects the delicate moisture barriers of the skin. It has a spicy and citrusy scent that invigorates the senses.

Ingredients

Water, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 20, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Sinensis (Sweet orange ) Oil,

Eugenia Caryophyllata (Clovebud) Oil, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Cinnamon Bark) Oil, Rosemarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Oil, Cetyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Sodium Hydroxide,

Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid.

• pH-balanced
• Foams well
• Suitable for sensitive skin

• Packaging issues
• The ingredients list is not mentioned on the bottle.

9. Bath & Body WorksAromatherapy Gentle Foaming Hand Soap

4.6

Image: Bath & Body Works

Now 22% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $21.94

Buy on Walmart

The Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Foaming Hand Soap comes in a pack three. It is blended with essential oils and skin-friendly ingredients that clean and moisturize your hands. This hand soap maintains the skin’s natural moisture barrier and soothes your skin. Vitamin E and the creamy texture of the formula help in nourishing and soothing your skin. The eucalyptus oil and spearmint scent uplifts your mood and keeps you relaxed and calm.

Ingredients

Aloe vera, Eucalyptus, Vitamin E, and Spearmint

• Cruelty-free
• Moisturizing
• Pleasant calming scent

None

10. Best Aromatic: Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash

The Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash is a cleansing gel. This gentle formulation contains the oils of orange, rosemary, and lavender that cleanse the hands effectively without drying them out. It is perfect for people with dry hands. This hand wash makes your skin feel clean and refreshed.

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Bark Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Sodium Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Dehydroacetate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Linalool.

• Smells good
• Makes hands soft
• A little goes a long way

• Contains sulfates
• Packaging issues

11. Puracy Natural Liquid Hand Soap

The Puracy Natural Liquid Hand Soap is made with a plant-driven formula. It has a thick, honey-like consistency and lathers easily. It moisturizes and softens the skin and removes dirt and oil. This doctor-developed formula smells of citrus and sea salt. It contains aloe vera and vitamin E that keep your hands moisturized. It does not contain sulfates, triclosan, petrochemicals, animal by-products, or other harsh chemicals. It is not tested on animals and is vegan-friendly and gluten-free. It is organic, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic.

Ingredients

Purified Water, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Lauryl Glucoside (Coconut Oil-Based Cleanser), Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Decyl Glucoside (Vegetable-Based Cleanser), Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Coco-Glucoside (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Glyceryl Oleate (Plant-Based Skin Softener), Citric Acid (Citrus-Based Preservative), Benzisothiazolinone (Biodegradable Preservative), Natural Fragrance, Vegetable Glycerin (Plant-Based Skin Softener), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sodium Citrate (Plant-Based Water Softener), Himalayan Pink Sea Salt.

• All-natural
• Doesn’t dry hands
• Vegan-friendly
• Hypoallergenic
• Gluten-free
• Sulfate-free
• Triclosan-free
• Dermatologically-tested

• Not suitable for sensitive skin
• The pump doesn’t work properly.

12. Stonewall Kitchen Coastal Breeze Hand Soap

The Stonewall Kitchen Coastal Breeze Hand Soap has a light and breezy scent that comes from coconut and citrus. It is made from a plant-based formula. It is enriched with vitamins that keep your skin soft and supple. It soothes the skin and leaves a light, refreshing fragrance.

Ingredients

Purified water, sodium laureth sulfate, cocamide, coco betaine, coconut oil, aloe vera, vitamins A and E, glyceryl cocoate, sea salt, fragrance oil.

• Does not dry the skin
• Lathers well
• Enriched with vitamins A and E

• Issues with the pump.
• The scent may be overpowering for a few people.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Oyendrila Kanjlal, is a certified skin care coach who loves reviewing beauty products for her readers. She did an extensive research on hand washes and their ingredients to find the most effective options for her readers. She spent hours reading online customer reviews to narrow down this list of the hand soaps that can fight germs. Her recommended formulas do not dry out the hands, have pleasant fragrance, and are mostly free of harmful chemicals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hand soap antibacterial?

Yes, many hands soaps are antibacterial. They effectively kill all germs in your hands.

Is hand soap non-toxic?

Yes, many hand soaps like the Puracy Natural Liquid Hand Soap are made with organic ingredients, making them non-toxic and safer to use.

Can you use hand soap as a body wash?

Yes, you can use hand soap on your whole body, except your face since the facial skin is more sensitive and requires gentler formulas.

Do hand soaps have harmful chemicals?

Yes, some hand soaps contain harsh chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, and artificial fragrances that can irritate the skin.

Does hand soap dry out your hands?

Yes, overusing hand soap or hand washing too frequently can dry up your hands. Always use hand cream each time you wash your hands.

What is the difference between soap and handwash?

A handwash is usually rougher on the epidermis than hand soap because of its chemical composition, extensive processing, and petroleum concentration.

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Anna MisztelaLicensed Esthetician

     

Anna is a licensed esthetician and the founder and owner of Beauty and Cutie® hair, skin and nails vitamins from New York. Her interest in nutrition analysis and beauty propelled her to obtain a certification in Nutrition Science from the Stanford Center for Health Education and then develop and successfully market her product to improve hair, skin, and nails.

Read full bio of Anna Misztela

Oyendrila KanjilalCommerce Writer

 

Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.

Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli 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

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee