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The 22 Best Hand Soaps on Amazon That Pamper Your Hands

Lather up these fragrant soaps for dry skin and more.

Claire Sullivan, Olivia Cigliano

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September 18, 2023, 12:06pm

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If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.

Hand soap comes in many shapes and sizes: There’s bar soap, liquid options, and foaming formulas. Some hand soaps have perfume-level fragrance, others contain ingredients that leave your hands soft to the touch; many luxury hand soaps do both. Because you use these hand washes on a daily basis, choosing one that smells fresh and feels amazing on your skin is a great way to treat yourself every time you’re at the sink. (If you’re looking for a Mother’s Day gift or hostess gift, you can’t go wrong with an option that comes in pretty packaging.)

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Heads up, savvy shoppers — Amazon’s October Prime Day event, also known as Prime Big Deal Days, is occurring on October 10th and 11th, so make sure to bookmark this page to snag hand soaps at a discount before the event kicks off this fall. There’s only a small window of time to grab these luxuriously scented, foaming, and moisturizing hand soaps on sale before the weather gets super chilly, so we’ll be updating this page ahead of the sales event with price drops as soon as they’re announced on Amazon.

To help you choose the best hand soap, we’ve scoured Amazon to find the best hand soaps for dry skin, the best smelling hand soaps, and the best foaming hand soaps. These formulas are standouts in the space for their nourishing ingredients, gorgeous scents, and their ability to turn a mundane task into something you’ll enjoy doing. Keep reading our hand soaps guide to find the right option for your needs from top hand soap brands.

Top Hand Soaps on Amazon for 2023

Best Hand Soaps for Dry Skin

Best Smelling Hand Soaps

Best Foaming Hand Soaps

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Best Hand Soaps for Dry Skin

L’Occitane Shea Ultra Rich Hand and Body Wash

Size: 10.1 oz
Scent notes: Nutty
Ingredients: Shea butter and oat milk
Pros: Dermatologist tested; sustainably-sourced shea butter
Cons: Pump may leak
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

For those dealing with dry hands year round, it doesn’t get better than L’Occitane’s Shea Ultra Rich Hand and Body Wash. The large square-shaped container is full of soap that leaves your hands cleansed and hydrated after each use. Shea butter is the hallmark ingredient inside — the omega 6-rich ingredient deeply moisturizes skin. Many similar creamy soaps don’t lather; this one does.

What reviewers say: “The hand soap I’ve been searching for years! The scent of shea butter butter during washing my hands was just blissful. Surprisingly this product is foamy, which we all love since it confirms that your hands are being cleanse properly. Lastly, shea butter is calming for the skin so this is great for sensitive skin type. An irreplaceable item.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $24

Courtesy of Amazon

L’Occitane Shea Ultra Rich Hand and Body Wash $24 Buy Now At Amazon

Deborah Lippmann Balancing Act Hand Soap

Size: 15 oz
Scent notes: Almond oil
Ingredients: Vitamin B5, oatmeal, panthenol, calendula flower extract
Pros: pH balanced, soothing, developed to promote and maintain healthy skin
Cons: Lack of scent
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann is known for her vibrantly hued nail polishes, but in fact, she says, a good manicure begins with a healthy hand. Without finding a hand soap to her liking, she made her own. The Balancing Act hand soap was designed with an ideal pH of 5.5 to not disrupt your skin’s comfort or moisture balance. Its creamy lather makes hands feel fresh, while the skin-supporting calendula flower extract and oatmeal ingredients ensure they never get dried out.

Price upon publish date of this article: $32

Courtesy of Amazon

Deborah Lippmann Balancing Act Hand Soap $27.20 Buy Now at Amazon

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hand Wash

Size: 16.9 oz
Scent notes: Peppermint, rosemary, thyme
Ingredients: Aloe vera, coconut oil-derivatives, and glycerin
Pros: Contains many active ingredients to soothe and revive skin
Cons: Pricey
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

If the skin on your hands is both sensitive and dry, we raise Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Hand Wash to you. Yes, it’s pricey, but you’ll get nearly 20 ounces of formula in the container (most traditional hand soaps have half that amount). This formula doesn’t contain artificial fragrance or loads of filler ingredients. Instead, each pump delivers soothing aloe vera, hydrating glycerin and panthenol, plus a plant complex to support the skin barrier. The gel texture foams up when you scrub your hands courtesy of coconut oil derivatives, not sulfates.

What reviewers say: “Leaves my hands feeling soft without all the chemicals and perfumes that other soaps use. I am so happy to have finally found a product that is balanced and feels like it has been specifically designed for making hands feel clean while preserving the skin’s natural oils. I am very sensitive to dyes and additives and have had no reactions or irritations since using it.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $65

Courtesy of Amazon

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hand Wash $65 Buy Now at Amazon

Caldrea Basil Blue Sage Hand Soap

Size: 10.8 oz
Scents available: Tangelo palm frond; pear blossom agave; sea salt neroli; lavender cedar leaf; ginger pomelo; rosewater driftwood; gilded balsam birch; sweet pea;
Ingredients: Aloe vera, glycerin, olive oil, unique blend of essential oils,
Pros: Very moisturizing, rich scents, pretty packaging
Cons: Comes in single use plastic bottles
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Caldrea is known for their collection of home cleaning products, hand care and sprays in a delightful range of scents at an affordable price. Blue sage is one of their most popular fragrances, and a personal favorite of mine. Its herbaceous cocktail of basil, sage, thyme, spearmint and rosemary make for a terrific kitchen hand soap that smells full-bodied but still somehow light and not overpowering. I also love that it’s made with plant-based and hydrating ingredients for my perpetually dry hands.

What reviewers say: “I first found this hand soap at a high end store and fell in love with it. Prices on Amazon are much better ! I will always have a bottle of this sitting on my kitchen sink. Everyone who uses it loves it and wants to know where to get some. If you like clean and light herb smelling soaps you will love this one.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $14

Caldrea Basil Blue Sage Hand Soap $14 Buy Now at Amazon

Milk + Honey Blood Orange, Ginger + Lemongrass Liquid Hand Soap

Size: 12 oz
Scents: Lavender + tea tree
Ingredients: Organic blood orange peel, organic ginger and organic lemongrass oils, organic castile soap, vegetable glycerin
Pros: Super moisturizing and calming formula, supports skin health, organic ingredients
Cons: Only two scents

Milk + Honey started in 2006 as a spa in Austin, Texas, with a focus on hyperclean ingredients and all-natural products. The spa’s explosive popularity led to the formation of their own all-natural skin and body care line based on their founding principles. Their Blood Orange, Ginger + Lemongrass hand soap is a cocktail of seriously skin-loving and healthy ingredients, including the naturally antiseptic organic blood orange peel oil to moisturize, organic ginger oil to calm inflammation, organic castile soap to cleanse and vegetable glycerin to hydrate.

What reviewers say: “I fell in love with this soap while visiting my sister in law who got it locally. It was one of those things she kept in the guest powder room. The smell was divine and my hands felt so soft after using it. I’m so glad I was able to find it online. It is definitely a bit more expensive than other hand soaps, but it is nice to splurge on this occasionally.”

Courtesy of Amazon

Milk + Honey Blood Orange, Ginger + Lemongrass Liquid Hand Soap $24 Buy Now at Amazon

Muse Bath Apothecary Hand Ritual Hand Soap

Size: 16 oz
Scent notes: Rosemary, mint, hemp
Ingredients: Essential oils, minerals, botanicals
Pros: Plant-based ingredients
Cons: Comes in single use plastic bottles
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Muse Bath Apothecary is a wellness studio that infuses everyday products with a pampering, self-care experience. This nourishing aromatherapy hand soap is sustainably formulated with essential oils, botanicals, and minerals to soothe both the mind and skin. It lathers as a foam to gently cleanse the skin while adding and preserving essential hydration.

What reviewers say: “I bought this as a present for my mother for Mother’s Day, because she told me she didn’t need anything, but I know how she likes her hand soaps. She loves the smell and says it makes her hands feel soft. Great purchase.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $12.98

Courtesy of Amazon

Muse Bath Apothecary Hand Ritual Hand Soap $14.98 $12.98 Buy Now At Amazon

Soapbox Sea Minerals & Blue Iris Liquid Hand Soap

Size: 12 oz
Scent notes: Floral
Ingredients: Shea butter and aloe vera
Pros: A bar of soap is donated with each purchase, cruelty-free
Cons: Comes in single use plastic bottles
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Fully vegan and packed with naturally-derived ingredients, Soapbox’s Sea Minerals & Blue Iris Liquid Hand Soap features ultra-hydrating shea butter and soothing aloe vera to hydrate dry hands. It washes away grime without stripping the skin’s natural oils, while radiating a soft spa-like floral aroma. Its minimal packaging looks great on any bathroom sink.

Price upon publish date of this article: $10.12

Courtesy of Amazon

Soapbox Sea Minerals & Blue Iris Liquid Hand Soap $10.12 Buy Now At Amazon

Best Smelling Hand Soaps

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Soap

Best Splurge Hand Soap

Amazon’s Choice
Size: 16.9 oz
Scent notes: Citrus, rosemary, cedar, orange, lavender
Ingredients: Mandarin, cedar, rosemary and lavender essential oils
Pros: Gentle, non-drying, luxurious texture, chic packaging, gorgeous scent
Cons: Low foaming, pricey
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Aesop’s cleansing gel leaves hands feeling refreshed and clean — quite the opposite, courtesy of its base of orange, rosemary and lavender essential oils. Although it’s a pricey option, the jumbo-sized bottle never seems to run out and the citrusy-woodsy-herbaceous aroma is universally beloved. This is the gift I always give for a housewarming party or to thank a gracious hostess — and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

What reviewers say: “Expensive, but the problem is that once I used this, there was no going back. Fantastic, luxurious hand soap. Love.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $41

Courtesy of Amazon

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Soap $40 Buy Now at Amazon

Nest New York Grapefruit Liquid Hand Soap

Size: 10 oz
Scents available: Amalfi lemon + mint; bamboo; birchwood pine; cedar leaf + lavender; holiday; lemongrass + ginger; Moroccan amber; ocean mist + sea salt; pumpkin chai; rose noir + oud; velvet pear; Sicilian tangerine
Ingredients: Blended with natural plant extracts and antioxidants
Pros: Certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny, refreshing citrus-green scent, has a matching hand lotion (sold separately)
Cons: Fragrance may be too intense for some
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Nest’s Grapefruit hand soap is one of the brand’s bestselling products — and rightfully so. Sudsing up with this nourishing gel formulation is a relaxing treat. With its strong lather and fresh scent, your hands will feel both cleansed and soft.

What reviewers say: “Nest soaps and lotions are second to none. If you haven’t smelled them before, trust me, you’ll be hooked when you do and you won’t believe how amazing and heavenly they smell. You won’t ever want another soap ever again.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $21.45

Courtesy of Amazon

Nest New York Grapefruit Liquid Hand Soap $26 $21.45 Buy Now at Amazon

Oribe Côte d’Azur Revitalizing Hand Soap

Amazon’s Choice
Size: 10.1 oz
Scent notes: Citrus, white jasmine
Ingredients: Lemon peel extract and olive, sweet almond, meadowfoam, jasmine and grape seed oils
Pros: Thick lather, Oribe signature scent, dermatologist-tested, hydrating
Cons: Can be too rich in scent and texture for some
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Staying true to the opulent Oribe brand, this creamy Revitalizing hand soap is pure decadence, with a luscious scent that bounces between citrus and floral notes, a hearty, cleansing lather and a deeply moisturizing blend chock-full of sweet almond, meadowfoam and olive oils, all brimming with vitamins and antioxidants.

What reviewers say: “This soap is great. Sometimes when I wash my hands with other soaps I have to use quite a bit. Just use one pump of this and it works fantastic. The pump amount is small but lathers and cleans well and saves using too much of the product. Also the smell is amazing.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $36

Courtesy of Amazon

Oribe Côte d’Azur Revitalizing Hand Soap $36 Buy Now at Amazon

Molton Brown Oudh Accord + Gold Liquid Hand Soap

Size: 10 oz
Scents available: Delicious rhubarb + rose; lime + patchouli; fiery pink pepper; refined white mulberry; orange + bergamot; heavenly gingerlily; flora luminare
Ingredients: 100% vegetarian formula
Pros: Refillable packaging that is made with 50% recycled plastic, made with 23.5-carat golden flakes, deliciously scented
Cons: Pricey
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

This Molton Brown hand soap is the favorite of Commerce Director, Adam Mansuroglu, who loves it for its silky texture, rich scent and luxurious sensibility. “Although it’s an oud, it’s not super oud-y,” he says referring to the potency fragrance of the hand soap . “People can find oud to be overwhelming, but the scent in Molton Brown’s hand soap strikes the perfect balance.” He also appreciates the special moment it creates throughout the day — and of course, the beautiful little gold flakes. “Washing your hands with this is a little luxury; it’s a pause and appreciate moment,” he says. “Being able to make your day nicer with a something as simple as a luxe hand soap like this can be transformative.”

What reviewers say: “A wonderful scent and beautiful package for every bathroom in the house.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $34

Courtesy of Amazon

Molton Brown Oudh Accord + Gold Liquid Hand Soap $34 Buy Now at Amazon

Grown Alchemist Sweet Orange, Cedarwood + Sage Hand Soap

Size: 16.9 oz
Scents available: Cedarwood atlas, ylang ylang + tangerine; sweet orange, cedarwood + sage; Tasmanian pepper, tangerine, chamomile
Ingredients: Fennel seed, cedarwood, vitamin E, proprietary salt complex derived from hyaluronic acid, rosemary leaf, sage, sweet almond and coconut oils
Pros: 100% natural, made with bioactive botanicals, rich lather
Cons: You’ll want to wash your hands all day
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Although Grown Alchemist might not be a household name (yet), it’s becoming the worst-kept secret in homecare. Fantastically aromatic and impossibly gentle, the brand tapped natural cleansers fennel seed, cedarwood and rosemary leaf oil to remove grime, while antioxidant-rich vitamin E and a derivative of hyaluronic acid protect and moisturize the skin. This is one hand soap that is not only one of the best I’ve ever smelled, but that also left me truly sad when it ran out.

What reviewers say: “I like the consistency of this soap and that it’s all-natural. The smell is wonderful and each time you wash your hands it’s like a spa experience! One bottle lasted a long time, as you don’t need very much.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $35.10

Courtesy of Amazon

Grown Alchemist Sweet Orange, Cedarwood + Sage Hand Soap $35.10 Buy Now at Amazon

Malin + Goetz Essential Bergamot Hand and Body Wash

Size: 8.5 oz
Scents available: Bergamot, Rum, Eucalyptus, Cannabis, Lime
Ingredients: Amino acids and glycerin
Pros: Vegan, cruelty-free, no synthetic fragrance
Cons: Not for those looking for a strongly fragranced soap
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

New York City-based brand Malin + Goetz creates top-notch genderless body care products. Their Bergamot Hand + Body Wash is a dual-use product that employs amino acid-based cleansing agents to remove grime without leaving your hands feeling tight or stripped. Glycerin moisturizes your skin while you’re washing, too. The Bergamot fragrance is a favorite of our Director of Commerce, Adam Mansuroglu.

What reviewers say: “I first received this body wash as a gift and did not know what to expect. I’m very picky and sensitive to smells so usually use lightly fragranced or fragrance free body wash. I was presently surprised as it left my skin feeling soft and fresh with only a hint of fragrance. I have now tried so other products from the range which have all be great.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $26

Courtesy of Amazon

Malin + Goetz Essential Bergamot Hand and Body Wash $26 Buy Now at Amazon

Mrs. Meyer’s Basil Liquid Hand Soap

Size: 12.5 oz, pack of three
Scents available: Lemon verbena; lavender; honeysuckle; rain water; Iowa pine; basil; orange clove; plum berry; geranium; peony; rose; mint; apple; oat blossom; rosemary; rhubarb
Ingredients: Olive oil, aloe vera, essential oils
Pros: Aromatherapuetic, plant-derived ingredients, Leaping Bunny certified
Cons: Only sold in packs of three or bulk size
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Mrs. Meyer’s basil liquid hand soap is one of my classic go-tos. All of the scents are rooted in aromatherapy, and the basil is known to be grounding and uplifting. The gel hand soap feels substantial but not goopy, and my hands always feel very clean after sudsing up. It’s the perfect hand soap to have on hand when you’re cooking and need something heavy duty, but still gentle, to wash off olive oil or sauce. It’s also one of the highest scoring hand soaps on the list, with more than 8,000 reviews and an average rating of five stars.

What reviewers say: “My favorite hand soap. Nice and thick and cleans well.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $14.64

Courtesy of Amazon

Mrs. Meyers Basil Hand Soap $14.64 Buy Now at Amazon

A La Maison Sweet Almond Liquid Hand Soap

Size: 16.9 oz
Scent notes: Sweet almond
Ingredients: Olive and argan oil
Pros: Plant-based ingredients, recyclable packaging, cruelty-free
Cons: Runny formula
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

If you fantasize about French pastries and love the aroma of sweet almond, A La Maison’s liquid hand soap is for you. The formula follows a traditional Marseille recipe that dates back to 1828, which involves triple-milling the soap for thorough purification and a super smooth lather. It’s enriched with vitamin E, olive oil, and argan oil to soften the skin as it gently cleanses. This hand soap is made with vegetable oils, making it completely plant-based, and is free of sulfates, parabens, or phthalates.

What reviewers say: ““I love the scent. This soap feels so high quality at a great price. I love having this in the guest bathroom and kitchen. It leaves your hands so soft!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $12.59

Courtesy of Amazon

A La Maison Sweet Almond Liquid Hand Soap $14.99 $12.59 Buy Now At Amazon

Best Foaming Hand Soaps

Dove Aloe + Eucalyptus Foaming Hand Soap

Amazon’s Choice
Size: 6.8 oz
Scents available: Lemon + goji berry; shea butter + warm vanilla; cucumber + green tea; lotus flower; lavender + yogurt
Ingredients: Made with 5x more moisturizers than average bathroom hand soap, free of alcohol, dye and sulfates
Pros: Highly moisturizing, gentle on skin
Cons: Foam soap gets used up faster than gels or bars
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

While Dove may be known for their bar soap, it’s their foaming hand wash that we really love. The lather feels rich, soft and creamy in your hands, especially the lavender + yogurt scent, which is formulated with a bit of yogurt for even more hydration. Your hands will feel cleansed without the tightness. I especially love this one as a seasonal transitional hand soap for the fall as the temperatures start to dip — it provides just enough extra moisture to prevent chapped hands.

**What reviewers say: “**This soap really helps my son’s eczema on his hands.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $14.09

Courtesy of Amazon

Dove Aloe + Eucalyptus Foaming Hand Soap $15.09 Buy Now at Amazon

Blueland Iris Agave Hand Soap Starter Set

Size: 9 oz bottle + four refill tablets per set
Scents available: Perrine lemon; lavender eucalyptus
Ingredients: Made with clean plant-based ingredients
Pros: One of the most sustainable options out there, pretty reusable glass bottle, fresh-smelling scents, fun to watch the tablet dissolve
Cons: Read the instructions for using — put water in vessel first, not tablet, or else you’re in for a mess
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

“Buy once, use forever,” is the tagline from this relative newcomer brand, Blueland, and it’s true. The brand’s ‘forever’ glass bottle can be used time and time again, plus its minimalist aesthetic looks nice on any sink and with any decor style. Their tablet-based formula — fill the vessel with water then drop the tablet in — have helped eliminate over 1 billion single-use plastic bottles from landfills and oceans. Couple that with a fresh eucalyptus scent (my personal favorite) and clean-feeling hands, and you’ve covered all the possible bases.

What reviewers say: “So obsessed with this brand! The soaps are just another one of their great products (I already have all of their cleaning sprays, the dish soap and dishwasher tablets). They look great on the countertop and I feel so much better about buying the refillable tablets than a whole new bottle. Plus they smell great.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $38.99

Courtesy of Amazon

Blueland Iris Agave Hand Soap Starter Set $38.99 Buy Now at Amazon

Gelo Lemon, Basil + Geranium Foaming Hand Soap

Size: 80 oz reusable bottle and two packs of four pods
Scents available: Cucumber melon + jasmine flower; sea mist, mineral + freesia
Ingredients: Shea and oat butters, essential oils
Pros: Plant-based biodegradable pods, cruelty-free, produces 97% less waste
Cons: Foamy texture goes fast
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Gelo is a new eco-friendly brand and they’ve reinvented what sustainability means when it comes to hand soap. They designed tiny little pods, which are plant-based and 100 percent biodegradable, that encase a mixture of concentrated hand soap. You just fill the bottle with water and pop a pod in, then watch it dissolve and turn into soap. With one purchase of their value pack, which comes with a reusable bottle and refill, you’re using 99% less plastic and 10x less emissions.

**What reviewers say: “**I’ve been trying to find ways to lessen my plastic waste. I discovered these foaming hand wash pods and was a bit skeptical as I had used other ones in tablet form that didn’t have the best scent. The Gelo Foaming Hand Wash pods have such an amazing scent and I feel our hands get really clean as well. Big thumbs up from this Gen-X’r who is trying to be better about having less of a carbon footprint.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $24.98

Courtesy of Amazon

Gelo Lemon, Basil + Geranium Foaming Hand Soap $24.98 Buy Now at Amazon

Method Violet + Lavender Gel Hand Soap

Size: 12 oz, pack of three
Scents available: Hyacinth + ylang ylang; vanilla + raspberry; vetiver + amber
Ingredients: Plant-based cleansers, free of p
Pros: Sleek counter-worthy vessel made from recycled aluminum, biodegradable formula, dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin
Cons: Other scents can be hard to find
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

This newly launched sophisticated hand soap category from Method is as eco-friendly as it is wonderful. The smooth, shimmery silver aluminum bottle is made from recycled materials and intended to be refilled for years. Plus, it looks flattering against all kitchen fixtures and styles. This gel wash has been tested and approved by dermatologists for those with sensitive skin, but all skin types will enjoy the instant, bubbly lather and peaceful floral scent.

What reviewers say: “I love the smell more than any other hand soap I’ve tried. The container is awesome. I wash my hands a lot and it does not overdry. It cleans well and does a good job emulsifying oils and dirt.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $20.97

Courtesy of Amazon

Method Violet + Lavender Gel Hand Soap $23.99 $20.97 Buy Now at Amazon

Softsoap Moisturizing Liquid Hand Soap

Amazon #1 Bestseller
Size: 7.5 oz
Scents available: Soft Rose, Fresh Breeze, Fresh, and Aloe Vera
Ingredients: Honey extracts and milk proteins
Pros: Budget-friendly; doesn’t tip over when dispensing
Cons: Contains sulfates
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Softsoap is a trusted household brand that’s reached celebrity status on Amazon — over 82,000 shoppers award it five stars. At just $7 for a pack of six, the soap is as budget-friendly as it gets. We’re partial to the Milk and Honey formula for its addition of softening ingredients. If similar standard household soaps tend to strip your hands, give this one a try instead.

What reviewers say: “Good soap. Pleasant, mild enough scent. As someone who has fairly sensitive skin and is sensitive to overwhelming scents, this has never caused any irritation.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $7.44

Courtesy of Amazon

Softsoap Moisturizing Liquid Hand Soap $7.44 for 6 Buy Now at Amazon

Grove Co. Foaming Hand Soap Concentrate + Reuseable Glass Soap Dispenser

Size: 12 oz
Scent notes: Lavender, thyme
Ingredients: Aloe vera, essential oils, plant extracts
Pros: Comes with reusable glass bottle
Cons: Pricey
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Gove Co. is an innovative brand that provides super sustainable solutions to all kinds of home cleaning essentials. Approved by Drew Barrymore, Grove Co.’s version of foaming hand soap is less traditional, as it comes with soap concentrate refills and a chic reusable glass soap dispenser. The soap formulation is 100 percent plant based, including natural essential oils and moisturizing aloe vera to leave the hands soft, squeaky-clean, and smelling good.

What reviewers say: “Not only do I love this brand and the fact that they are natural, but I love this soap. My favorites soaps are foaming soaps and this one smell so good and lathers so well. I really like that it comes with a dispenser that is refillable. Definitely will be purchasing for my other bathrooms and getting refills!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $24.99

Courtesy of Amazon

Grove Co. Foaming Hand Soap Concentrate + Reuseable Glass Soap Dispenser $24.99 Buy Now At Amazon

Body Prescriptions Citrus & Pear Foaming Hand Soap

Size: 20 oz
Scent notes: Citrus and pear
Pros: Lockable pump
Cons: Pump may leak
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Body Prescriptions’ foaming hand soap is designed to deep clean the skin and wash away dirt and grime. It dispenses from a hefty pump and softly lathers with a refreshing citrus and pair aroma, without any irritation. This soap is recommended for sensitive skin for its extra gentle and soothing formula.

What reviewers say: “I’m very particular with foaming soap and this one smells wonderful. It’s a nice, creamy foam (not flimsy) and comes in a very pretty bottle that’s a bit larger than normal. Great purchase!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $7.99

Courtesy of Amazon

Body Prescriptions Citrus & Pear Foaming Hand Soap $7.99 Buy Now At Amazon

What to Look for in the Best Hand Soaps

Washing our hands is an essential part of life, so you might as well use a hand soap you enjoy. And the good news is that there are plenty of options. Here’s what to look for to pick the best one for you.

Texture: There are many different kinds of hand soap formulas, the most popular being cream-based, foamy, gel-to-foam, bar soap, exfoliating, and antibacterial. Find foam to be too drying? Try a creamy, moisturizing option or a bar of soap for extra hydration. Not a fan of goopy-feeling gels? Then maybe a gel-to-foam soap is for you. Don’t be afraid to do a little trial and error here to find out what you really like and what works best for your skin type.
Fragrance: Scent is very personal, but the good news is that with a deluge of different options, you’re sure to find something you like. Citrus and herbaceous blends are great for kitchen use, while a richer or deeper fragrance can be an excellent choice for a powder room. It all comes down to your preference.
Ingredients: It’s true that hand soap can be drying. If your skin type is dry or sensitive, keep an eye out for ingredients like aloe, shea butter or oils, like coconut or argan, which will make the soap more gentle and moisturizing overall.
Eco-Friendly: Another personal choice, but if sustainability is important to you, then look for refillable options rather than single use bottles or a bar of soap.

Antibacterial Hand Soap vs. Other Hand Soaps

Antibacterial hand soaps tout the ability to clear away disease-causing bacteria, lowering your risk of getting sick. But these purported benefits are up for discussion — a 2013 study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy showed that antibacterial soaps are no more effective at removing bacteria than regular soap and water. In 2016, the FDA made a ruling on triclosan and other common ingredients found in antibacterial soaps. The ruling categorized these “antibacterial” ingredients as not generally safe and effective. The takeaway? Stick with classic hand soaps instead of seeking out ones labeled as antibacterial.

What is Amazon Prime Big Deal Days?

Prime Big Deal Days is the fall installment of Amazon’s Prime Day 2023 sales extravaganza, which will occur on October 10th and 11th. It’s an exclusive period that offers limited-time price drops on thousands of products across Amazon, including the best Amazon beauty products, home essentials, top-rated tech, fashion and accessories, and everything in between. Prime Day only happens twice a year, with Big Deal Days being the last installment of 2023, so it’s an ideal time to stock up on bathroom staples like hand soap, bath towels, body scrubs, and moisturizers for dry skin before fall and winter, while prices are marked down.

Why Trust WWD

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Authors

Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News. She’s spent over five years researching, reporting on, and writing about the beauty industry for publications like Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She’s tested hundreds of products during her time as a beauty editor, so she’s well-versed in selecting the products, like hand soaps, that are best in their category. Sullivan updated this story of the best hand soaps with new information and product releases for 2023.

Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. She updated this story for the best hand soaps in September 2023 with new product picks and additional intel on the upcoming Amazon Prime Big Deal Days.

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