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  3. 12 Hand Soaps That Are Effective at Killing Germs and Hydrating Your Hands

12 Hand Soaps That Are Effective at Killing Germs and Hydrating Your Hands

By Alyssa Brown
March 12, 2020
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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woman washing her hands soap and water under faucet
Credit: Mike Kemp / Getty Images

In addition to being effective and gentle, they also smell and look good, too.

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woman washing her hands soap and water under faucet
Credit: Mike Kemp / Getty Images

Whether you suds up while counting slowly to 20 or prefer to pass the time by singing the chorus of Dolly Parton's "Jolene," properly washing your hands throughout the day is the best way to prevent the spread of germs. That said, not all soaps are created equal. Some may tout their antibacterial properties, while others might include more moisturizing ingredients or botanical extracts. In a perfect world, your hand soap has both. Luckily, several exist—and you can purchase them right now. Ultimately, though, the best hand soap you can buy is the one you're most likely to use over and again—we think any product that turns lathering up into a feel-good experience is bound to be used more frequently.

For most people, a soap that smells amazing, makes your hands feel extra soft (this is important when you're washing frequently!), and looks pretty on the sink counter is the one you're most likely to reach for. Just as big a draw? "Many customers look for ingredients they recognize, like olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, or goat's milk," says Barb Delossantos, vice president of the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild. She says it's common for people to purchase soaps with added shea or cocoa butter.

In the end, though, any soap will get the job done. Brian Sansoni of the American Cleaning Institute says that "it doesn't matter what type of soap you use to wash your hands—all soaps help to lift dirt and grime." But, since hand washing is one of the most important habits for living a healthy lifestyle, you might as well elevate the experience. Ahead, you'll find some of our favorite fragrant, moisturizing, and effective hand washes that will get you excited about sudsing up more regularly—so you can spend those 20 seconds by the sink belting out the chorus of your favorite tune, whatever it may be.

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Sweet and Soothing

dally naps in the grove hand wash
Credit: Courtesy of Dally

If you are looking for hand soap filled with fruity scents and nourishing ingredients, you're in luck: This formula pairs notes of grapefruit, neroli, and geranium with soothing orange peel extract to refresh your hands with every wash.

Shop Now: Dally "Naps in the Grove" Hand Wash, $21, dallygoods.com.

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Scents of Suede

Byredo Suede Hand Wash
Credit: Courtesy of Bloomingdales

Known for its perfumes, Byredo's hand soaps are expectedly fragrant while providing moisture and softness to hands. The suede scent notes include a base of crisp amber, pear, soft musk, and velvet plum with lily of the valley and violet notes, topped with bergamot and fresh aldehydes.

Shop Now: Byredo Suede Hand Wash, $65, bloomingdales.com.

  • How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor

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Lively Lemon

Mrs. Meyer’s Lemon Verbena Liquid Hand Soap
Credit: Courtesy of Target

You've likely used this bright, citrus scent a time or two before, as Mrs. Meyers is a brand that's adored for its punchy fragrances and reasonable price point. This lemony wash uses plant-based ingredients for cleansing, plus olive oil and aloe vera for softening.

Shop Now: Mrs. Meyer's Lemon Verbena Liquid Hand Soap, $4.99, target.com.

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Rich and Woody

Jo Malone Black Cedarwood and Juniper Body and Hand Wash
Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

For those attracted to rich, woody scents, Jo Malone's Black Cedarwood and Juniper Body and Hand Wash delivers a clear soap with a rich lather and long-lasting earthy fragrance.

Shop Now: Jo Malone Black Cedarwood and Juniper Body and Hand Wash, $60, amazon.com.

  • How to Find Your Signature Scent

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Everything Soap

Follain Refillable Everything Soap
Credit: Courtesy of Follain

Available in lemongrass or lavender scents, Follain Everything Soap is like a castile soap in that it can be used to wash everything from your hands and your dishes to your dog. Saponified olive and jojoba oils work with aloe vera to provide big-time hydration, while fighting bacteria and delivering antioxidants that keep skin healthy.

Shop Now: Follain Refillable Everything Soap, $18, follain.com.

  • The Best Refillable Cleaning Products for Your Eco-Friendly Home

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Amber Notes

diptyque hydrating hand soap dispenser
Credit: Courtesy of Diptyque

This liquid soap is made of lavender honey and organic floral waters, and is regenerative and moisturizing. The scent notes also include subtle hints of amber and ylang ylang.

Shop Now: Diptyque Softening Hand Rinse, $62, diptyqueparis.com.

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Sweet and Spicy

Malin+Goetz Rum Hand+Body Wash
Credit: Courtesy of Space NK

This multi-purpose wash can be used in the sink or the shower— wherever you want to experience this formula's sugar-meets-spice scent. The foaming gel uses amino acids and hydrating glycerin, making it a safe bet for those with sensitive skin.

Shop Now: Malin+Goetz Rum Hand+Body Wash, $24, spacenk.com.

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Gentle Gel

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash
Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

Orange, rosemary, and lavender oils collide to bring not only a crisp, woody scent to your hands, but also plenty of moisture. Follow up the gentle gel wash with the brand's complementary hand balm for extra soft hands.

Shop Now: Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash, $39, nordstrom.com.

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No Water Needed

J.R. Watkins Rosewater Cleansing Hand Elixir
Credit: Courtesy of J.R. Watkins

A moisturizer with cleansing properties? Sign us up! This naturally-derived formula from J.R. Watkins is a no-rinse hand cleanser that hydrates and revitalizes skin while delivering a fresh rosewater fragrance. While this doesn't replace the act of physically washing your hands, it's a good on-the-go option.

Shop Now: J.R. Watkins Rosewater Cleansing Hand Elixir, $9.99, jrwatkins.com.

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Garden Variety

Le Labo Basil Hand Soap
Credit: Courtesy of Le Labo

Made of a plant-based formula with sea buckthorn, rosemary leaf, and sugarcane, this vegan hand soap from Le Labo is all natural. The basil scent combines with verbena to produce a garden-like, bright fragrance.

Shop Now: Le Labo Basil Hand Soap, $23, lelabofragrances.com.

  • Our Favorite Seasonal Fragrances for Summer

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Lavender Fields

Compagnie De Provence Extra Pur Liquid Soap
Credit: Courtesy of Anthropologie

Lavender fans will love this coconut oil-based option—it reminds us of walking through a lavender field in Provence.

Shop Now: Compagnie De Provence Extra Pur Liquid Soap in Lavender, $28, anthropologie.com.

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Sugar Soap

Dr. Bronner’s 4-in-1 Lemongrass Lime Organic Sugar Soap
Credit: Courtesy of Walmart

A blend of organic sugar, white grape juice, coconut oil, olive oil, and hemp oil, this Dr. Bronner's pump soap is good for hands, face, body, and hair washing. The four-in-one concoction lathers up when used as a hand wash, and keeps skin feeling extra smooth.

Shop Now: Dr. Bronner's 4-in-1 Lemongrass Lime Organic Sugar Soap, $19.99, walmart.com.

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    1 of 13
    2 of 13 Sweet and Soothing
    3 of 13 Scents of Suede
    4 of 13 Lively Lemon
    5 of 13 Rich and Woody
    6 of 13 Everything Soap
    7 of 13 Amber Notes
    8 of 13 Sweet and Spicy
    9 of 13 Gentle Gel
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    11 of 13 Garden Variety
    12 of 13 Lavender Fields
    13 of 13 Sugar Soap

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