Hand Soaps We’re Obsessed With
Hand soap is one of the most used products in our homes. We reach for it multiple times a day and it has direct contact with our skin. Even after washing, small amounts can linger on our hands as we touch our face and food.
Hand wash is used so frequently that it’s important to choose products with gentle ingredients that still get the job done. Many conventional hand soaps have harsh chemicals that aren’t necessary for everyday use. The CDC recommends plain soap and proper washing technique for most hand washing, noting that antibacterial soap may not be safe for daily use. Keep in mind, recommendations can vary for certain professions, such as healthcare or food service, where soaps with stronger cleaning agents may be needed.
When choosing a hand soap consider this:
Keep it simple. Fewer ingredients mean fewer unnecessary chemicals.
Skip harsh chemicals. Gentler soaps clean just as well.
Go organic when possible. It helps reduce pesticides and unnecessary chemicals.
Limit synthetic fragrances. They may contain undisclosed chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin.
Look for these skin-friendly ingredients
Saponified oils for gentle, naturally cleansing.
Essential oils for natural fragrance and added benefits.
Coconut or olive oil for moisturizing and soothing.
Natural preservatives, like citric acid or vegetable glycerin for safer preservation.
Look out for these ingredients:
Conventional preservatives, including parabens and formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, are often used to extend shelf life but can raise concerns around long-term exposure.
Strong detergents, like sodium laureth sulfate, are effective foaming agents but can strip natural oils and cause skin irritation.
Synthetic fragrances and phthalates can contain undisclosed chemical blends and have raised concerns around hormone disruption.
Antibacterial additives, like triclosan, are rarely necessary for everyday use and have been linked to hormone effects and antibiotic resistance.
Swaps you can make
One of the easiest low-tox changes you can make.
Swap Softsoap
Contains ingredients sodium laureth sulfate, colors and dyes, fragrance and benzalkonium chloride.
Antimicrobial is unnecesary for daily use.
Leaves our hands feeling very dry.
Overly strong scent that lingers after hand washing.
“Free and Clear” soaps still use sodium laureth sulfate.
For Kosmatology
Foaming castile-based soap made using saponified organic oils and ingredients.
Leaves our hands feeling soft without drying them.
Made with only five ingredients in the unscented and seven in the scented soaps.
All products are MADE SAFE Certified.
The dispenser can have some buildup, so we use a toothpick now and then to keep it flowing smoothly.
We love the Lavender Eucalyptus and Unscented soaps.
Swap Mrs. Meyers
Contain fragrance blends, rather than essential oils, which can include undisclosed chemicals that may not be safe for everyday use.
Longer list of ingredients.
The scent is very potent for daily use.
Better than conventional soaps, but we prefer simpler alternatives.
For Earth Mama
Foaming castile-based hand soaps are light and moisturizing.
Our favorite is the unscented, Non-Scents Castile Soap.
Made with just a few, mostly or all organic ingredients
All certified by a third-party.
Gentle enough for babies, some hospitals use them in their prenatal, postpartum, and NICU care units.
Quick tip: use a toothpick to clear up any buildup in the dispenser.
Simple hacks
These go-to hacks make using low-tox hand soaps more affordable and travel-friendly.
Buying soap refills is a great way to save a little bit while reducing waste.
Signing up for subscription programs makes restocking hassle-free.
Kosmatology and Earth Mama make travel sizes or you can make your own travel bottle with your favorite soap for convenience on the go.
