Image: MomJunction Design Team
The best natural hand soaps are generally dermatologist-tested, non-drying, gentle, plant-based, sustainable and suit all skin types. Washing your hands with a natural hand soap rather than the ones filled with nasties such as parabens and phthalates can keep your skin healthy. Also, repeated washing of hands with harsh soaps can cause skin dryness and irritations, so choosing the right soap matters. We have collated some cruelty-free, organic, and safe, and expert-recommended natural hand soaps. Read on and take your pick.
Top Picks
15 Best Natural Hand Soaps
1. Best Hypoallergenic: Puracy Natural Liquid Hand Soap
This plant-based hand soap from Puracy can hydrate your hands and keep them soft in the most natural way. The gentle hand soap is suitable for sensitive skin, as it is hypoallergenic. Formulated by doctors, it is free of sulfates and biodegradable. It lathers well when washed and releases the scent of French lavender and vanilla bean. The mineral-based formula can effectively clean dirt, oil, and grime from your hands.
Pros
- Has no harsh chemicals
- Easy to rinse off
- Safe for all skin types
- Has a subtle scent
- Non-toxic and gluten-free
- Leaves no residue
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May have a runny consistency
- May be a tad slimy
Trivia
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 10,478 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
2. Best Dermatologist-Tested: Tom’s Of Maine Prebiotic Moisturizing Natural Liquid Hand Soap
The prebiotic natural liquid hand soap from Tom’s Of Maine helps support a healthy skin barrier. It promotes good bacteria growth and keeps your skin fresh and odor-free. This formula has microbiome-friendly pH to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. It is a dermatologist-tested cruelty-free hand soap that does not contain parabens or artificial fragrances.
Pros
- Has no artificial colors
- Soothes the skin
- Retains the skin’s moisture level
- Lathers well
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Consistency may be a bit thin
- May have a powerful peppermint scent
3. Best Vegan: Muse Bath Apothecary Hand Ritual Nourishing Hand Soap
This premium plant-based formula from Muse Bath Apothecary’s is an aloe and natural essential oil hand soap, with additional ingredients like eucalyptus and lavender. It comes in a pack of two and is suitable for oily, combination, and dry skin. Unlike conventional spas, this professional-grade pH-balanced formula keeps your skin well moisturized and soft after wash. It is a vegan hand soap and made without harsh chemicals, parabens, phthalates, or EDTA.
Pros
- Nourishing formula
- Leaves no sticky residue
- Gentle for sensitive skin
- Enriched with natural fragrance
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May not lather well
- May have a watery consistency
"The gentle formula of this soap has been perfect for everyday hand washing. Some may find its consistency thin, but it's very hydrating and rinses off easily. Moreover, its minimalist bottle looks very elegant."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 3,038 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
Puracy Natural Liquid Hand Soap Best Hypoallergenic | Tom’s Of Maine Prebiotic Moisturizing Natural Liquid Hand Soap Best Dermatologist-Tested | Muse Bath Apothecary Hand Ritual Nourishing Hand Soap Best Vegan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All, Oily, Normal | All, Oily, Normal | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal |
| Dimensions | 12 x 8.5 x 5 inches | 12 x 8.5 x 5 inches | - |
| Weight | 3 Pounds | 3 Pounds | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 10,478 | 2,845 | 3,038 |
| Price | $24.79 | $13.29 | $19.98 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Non-Drying: ecoLove Natural Liquid Hand Soap
Packed with herbs, essential sea minerals, and natural oils, this eco-friendly hand soap from ecoLove is suitable for dry skin. Apart from cleaning your hands thoroughly, the expert-recommended formula also hydrates them, making the skin soft and smooth. Infused with grapes, lavender extracts, and blueberry, this sensitive skin hand soap helps prevent itchiness and dryness of the skin with regular use.
Pros
- Non-drying formula
- Vegan and eco-friendly
- Cruelty-free
- Free from parabens, SLS, petrochemicals, and alcohol
Cons
- Some might find the smell overpowering
- Consistency might be thicker than expected
"Besides cleaning my hands, this soap nourishes them. Its fragrance, though distinct, feels very refreshing. It's a little pricy, but its gentle formula has made it a repeat buy."
Point To Consider5. Best Dye-Free:Nature Well Refreshing Lemon Liquid Hand Soap
Enjoy the refreshing fragrance of zesty lemon by cleaning your hands with the Nature Well soothing hand soap. Formulated with essential oils, this soap washes away germs and dirt while keeping the hands soft and supple. The cruelty-free liquid soap instantly offers a rich lather and rinses off thoroughly without leaving any residue.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Free of SLS and SLES
- Gentle on the skin
- Vegan-friendly
- Free of artificial colors and fragrances
Cons
- May have a thick consistency
- May not be travel-friendly
"I like this soap's zesty lemon scent, as it is calming. Though it took me some time to get used to the gel-like consistency, I love that it lathers well and doesn’t dry my hands."
6. Best Paraben-Free: Attitude Natural Hand Soap
The hypoallergenic and hydrating hand soap from Attitude is super gentle and helps soothe and calm your skin. It is formulated using all-natural ingredients like oatmeal and chamomile and provides your skin with nourishing protection. Chamomile is rich in flavonoids that help repair dry hands. This paraben-free hand soap is free from all other harsh chemicals like SLS, SLES, formaldehyde, and synthetic fragrances to keep your skin irritation-free.
Pros
- ECOLOGO certified
- Soothes the skin
- Suitable for all skin types
- Dermatologically tested
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
Cons
- Fragrance may be intense
- Pump may be flimsy
7. Best Hydrating:J.R. Watkins Foaming Hand Soap
Keep your hands clean and nourished with the J.R. Watkins foaming liquid soap. It contains the goodness of calendula to calm the skin, vitamin E to nourish the skin, vitamin D to protect it, and oats to soothe it. Its refreshing rose water content keeps the skin irritation-free while bestowing a charming floral fragrance. This moisturizing and hydrating hand soap ensures your hands stay clean and soft.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Free of parabens, dyes, or phthalates
- Convenient-to-use pump style
- Devoid of formaldehyde, EDTA, and SLES
Cons
- Bottle may not be leak-proof
- Some may not like the fragrance
"The highlight of this hand soap is its enchanting rose fragrance. Its quantity is also satisfactory, and the lack of chemicals like parabens is much appreciated. Although it's gentle, I’d still recommend using a pea-sized amount to prevent drying of hands."
8. Best All-Natural: A La Maison de Provence Liquid Hand Soap
The two-pack liquid hand soap has a foamy lather formula to wash away dirt and grime from your hands. Formulated with the triple French milled recipe and made with 100% natural vegetable oils, this mild hand soap can revive your skin’s natural texture. This natural hand soap does not contain parabens, phthalates, or SLS and is suitable for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Offers long-lasting softness
- Relieves dry and itchy skin
- Gentle formula
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May have a watery consistency
- Scent may not last long
"This hand soap is my favorite with its mild aroma and plant ingredients. It has a strong almond fragrance, which I like, though. I sometimes use it as a body wash too."
Did You Know?Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 835 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
9. Best Odor-Neutralizing: Kirk’s Odor-Neutralizing Natural Hand Soap
Kirk’s four-pack hand soap is an odor-neutralizing formula that keeps your skin fresh. Formulated with natural vegetable fermentation technology, it helps remove unwanted odor and replaces it with scent of lemon and eucalyptus. Suitable for sensitive skin, the scientifically-formulated hand soap is non-GMO and does not contain parabens, phthalates, colorants, and gluten.
Pros
- Enriched with aloe vera, essential oils, and coconut oil
- Gentle on the skin
- Biodegradable
- Dermatologist-tested
- Provides a creamy lather
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May leave an oily film
- Pump may be slightly flimsy
"This hand soap easily tackles everything from dirt to stubborn garlic and onion odors. Its scent is also neutral, and the lack of summy residue is much appreciated. The only drawback is the fancy pump design, but its effectiveness has made it find a permanent spot on my sink."
10. Best Plant-Based: Clear Consumption Natural Foaming Hand Soap
The foaming hand wash from Clear Consumption comes in a 64-ounce refillable can. This unscented formula is enriched with plant-based, organic vegetable oils. It is an all-natural sulfate-free hand soap with no added detergents, parabens, phthalates, triclosan, dyes, or fragrances. This gentle foaming hand soap produces a rich lather to keep your skin soft.
Pros
- Non-drying soap foam
- Provides soft lather
- Long-lasting effect
- Vegan-friendly
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May leave a greasy film
- Smell may be slightly intense for some
"This foaming hand soap is gentle on my skin and works well against everyday grime. It is also effective against tough residues like pine sap. And while some may not like its faint natural scent, it's not a dealbreaker for me."
11. Best Non-Toxic: Cleancult Liquid Hand Soap
Gentle and revitalizing, this liquid hand soap from Cleancult is formulated for sensitive, oily, and dry skin types. The non-toxic hand soap is enriched with plant-based ingredients such as coconut oil, olive oil, and other essential oils, and has a blue sage scent. These ingredients work to keep your hands clean and moisturized.
Pros
- Non-irritating formula
- Keeps the skin extra soft
- Infused with biodegradable ingredients
- Free of nasty chemicals
- Cruelty-free
- Eco-friendly and paper-based packaging
Cons
- May not be easy to rinse off
- Consistency may be a bit thick
"Just a tiny amount of this hand wash is enough to cleanse my hands thoroughly. Its scent feels overwhelming at the get-go but fades away after a few minutes. All in all, it lathers luxuriously and makes my hands feel soft and hydrated."
12. Best Phthalate-Free: Brittanie’s Thyme Organic Natural Hand Soap
Made from pure olive oil, coconut oil, aloe leaf juice, vegetable glycerine, and botanical ingredients, this organic soap from Brittanie’s Thyme keeps your skin gentle and soft. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and E that help renew and repair your skin after every wash. This is a fragrance-free hand soap with no parabens, phthalates, or other harsh chemicals.
Pros
- Formulated with all-natural ingredients
- Nourishes the skin
- Multipurpose soap
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
Cons
- Rinsing it off may be a bit time consuming
- Some may find the fragrance a bit intense
"This olive oil-based cleanser leaves my hands soft without causing any dryness. It is gentle and effective even for my sensitive skin, and the lemon scent is mesmerizing."
13. Best Hand-Crafted: Fruits & Passion Cucina Sea Salt & Amalfi Lemon Hand Soap
Enriched with cold-pressed olive oil, the Fruits and Passion hand soap is inspired by Italian and Mediterranean traditions. It’s a luxurious yet gentle cleanser that keeps your hands moisturized while purifying them thoroughly. This spice-infused hand soap is suitable for all skin types, as it is made with naturally sourced ingredients. The sea salt and lemon content instantly transports you to the beach.
Pros
- Biodegradable formula
- Helps improve skin elasticity and natural skin barrier
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
- Artisan-crafted
Cons
- Smell may be overwhelming for some
- May have a flimsy pump
"What amazed me about this product is its odor-neutralizing properties. I use it after each cooking session. The large dispenser adds convenience, too, and refilling it is a breeze."
14. Best Organic:Avalon Organics Refreshing Lemon Glycerin Hand Soap
The Avalon Organics hand soap is formulated with a blend of botanical cleansers and natural ingredients. Its key ingredients include chamomile, vitamin E, and lemon essential oil. These ingredients rejuvenate the skin and keep it hydrated, and being an antibacterial soap, it washes away all germs thoroughly. The fresh lemon scent provides a long-lasting, refreshing smell to your hands and is suitable for daily use.
Pros
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
- NSF-certified
- Devoid of paraben and artificial preservatives
- GMO-free
Cons
- Pump may be prone to clogging
- Consistency may be thicker than usual
"With its effective cleansing properties and subtle lemon scent, this hand soap has gained a spot in my kitchen. I love the organic components, and while it isn't very drying for my hands, I prefer to use a moisturizer to keep them supple."
15. Best Biodegradable: Evolved By Nature Liquid Hand Soap
Evolved By Nature liquid hand soap is a biodegradable formula made from naturally derived ingredients. The scientifically formulated hand soap with activated silk technology protects your skin’s natural barrier function. The product comes in a pack of three, and each bottle has a ten-ounce quantity. Moreover, it doesn’t contain SLS, parabens, phthalates, and other additives — a completely chemical-free hand soap.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Safe for waterways
- Comes in a recyclable aluminum bottle
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May have a slippery texture
- Consistency may be slightly thin
"Although chemical-free, this hand soap creates a rich lather and cleanses my hands without overdrying the skin. Its pump bottle requires regular maintenance to prevent clogging, but the soap’s pleasant smell and effectiveness keep me hooked."
How To Choose The Right Natural Hand Soaps?
Here are a few suggestions you can follow to choose the right natural hand soaps.
- Ingredients: Go through the ingredient list and choose products devoid of parabens, phthalates, and SLS. Natural hand washes should have plant-based or organic ingredients that are skin-safe.
- Skin type: If you have sensitive skin, choose a hypoallergenic formula. Most natural soaps suit all skin types.
- Hydration: Choose a moisturizing hand soap formulated with ingredients like glycerine to keep your skin hydrated.
, a dermatologist and owner of Skinly Aesthetics, says, “Try to avoid hand soaps with fragrances as they tend to dry out the skin rather than hydrate it. And when using soap with fragrance, apply moisturizer as the fragrance or alcohol in the product may dry out your skin.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do natural hand soaps kill germs?
Hand soaps made of natural ingredients are as effective as chemical soaps in killing or removing germs. You should use the soap for at least 20 seconds to lose dirt, bacteria, and viruses from your hands(1). Additionally, natural hand soaps are gentle and don’t crack the skin on your hands.
2. Is liquid or foam hand soap better?
Foam soaps could be less effective than liquid hand soap in killing germs as they pump out as a lather, not allowing the time to build it up. Liquid hand soaps are more effective as you take enough time to lather the soap and rinse it. Moreover, foam soaps have less soap content than their liquid counterparts.
3. Which ingredients to avoid in hand soap?
Ingredients like methylisothiazolinone, cocamidopropyl betaine, triclosan, SLS, SLES, fragrances, and parabens may cause skin irritation, hormone disruption, and other health issues when used for a prolonged period. So, it is better to use a hand soap made with natural, plant-based ingredients that are safe for the skin and body.
4. Is natural hand soap better?
Yes, natural or organic hand soap contains gentle ingredients derived from plants. These soaps may be free of harmful chemicals and are better than regular hand soaps loaded with harsh chemical elements.
5. Does natural hand soap dry out the skin?
Some natural hand soaps may contain ingredients like palm oil or high amounts of lye or other ingredients that may dry the skin. If you have dry hands, choose a soap with moisturizing ingredients like olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera.
Natural hand soaps take care of your hands without exposing them to harsh chemicals, and most of them suit all skin types. However, if you have specific skin concerns, such as wrinkles on your hands, you can check the ingredients list and settle for a hand soap that has healthy and skin-loving ingredients to address them. Also, make sure that the hand soap has ingredients that offer intense hydration so that your hands don’t feel dry after each wash.
Infographic: A Step-By-Step Guide On Effectively Washing Hands
Handwashing is critical to curbing the spread of contagious bacteria and viruses. Properly washing your hands with soap and water is the best defense against several communicable infections and diseases. Check out the infographic to learn about the process of handwashing. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a hair and skincare enthusiast. She has compiled this list of the best natural hand soaps after conducting extensive research and reviewing consumer feedback. She has also included a buying guide with the features of each product to help you make an informed decision. These natural hand soaps will gently cleanse your skin without exposing it to harmful chemicals.
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