The 9 Best Hand Soaps of 2021

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Our Top Picks

Best Antimicrobial:

Dial Antimicrobial Liquid Soap at Walmart

"This tried-and-true formula eliminates 99.9 percent of germs when paired with proper hand washing techniques."

Best Budget:

Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap at Walmart

"The soothing scent and reasonable price of this hand soap are a winning combination."

Best for Dry Skin:

Soapbox Deep Moisture Liquid Hand Soap at Walmart

"To battle dry, cracked hands, reach for this moisture rich formula that's infused with vitamin E and fatty acids."

Best Natural:

Puracy Natural Gel Hand Wash at Amazon

"Made without sulfates, triclosan, petrochemicals, or perfumes, this natural hand soap is an effective cleaner and gentle on skin."

Best Foaming:

Method Foaming Hand Soap at Amazon

"If you like a rich lather in your hand soap, this foaming formula is perfect for you, and comes in a range of appealing scents."

Best Refill:

Mrs. Meyer's Liquid Hand Soap Refill at Walmart

"This 33-ounce container of Mrs. Meyer's hand soap is affordable and effective—and this container has enough for multiple refills."

Runner Up, Best Refill:

Method Gel Hand Soap Refill at Amazon

"The biodegradable formula is naturally derived and comes in a 34-ounce pouch that is convenient to store under the sink."

Best For Sensitive Skin:

MADE OF Organic Hand Soap at Amazon

"This natural formula contains plant-based ingredients to cleanse without irritating, and is gentle enough for babies and children."

Best Smelling:

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash at Nordstrom

"Mandarin rind, lavender oil, and cedarwood bark oil blend to create a light scent that keeps reviewers coming back for more."

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Keep germs at bay with this tried-and-true hand soap from Dial. It's been used in schools, hospitals, and doctor's offices for years as it eliminates 99.9 percent of germs. The new formula also contains skin conditioners, so it won't strip your skin of much-needed moisture with regular hand washing.

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The calming scent and reasonable price of this hand soap are a winning combination. Light moisturizers will keep the skin from becoming cracked, and if you're sensitive to strong smells, this scent is a good choice as its scent is subtle. Additionally, customers love the rich, thick lather which helps make their hands feel extra clean.

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Washing your hands frequently can result in dry or cracked hands. To combat this, look for a hand soap that contains moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, aloe vera, or vitamin E. We recommend the moisture-rich formula of this hand soap from Soapbox, which is infused with vitamin E and fatty acids from coconut oil. The fatty acids effectively seal in moisture for softer and more hydrated skin. Their formula is also vegan, so if using vegan products is important to you, this soap is a great choice.

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Made without sulfates, triclosan, petrochemicals, perfumes, or animal by-products, this is a hand soap you can feel good about using. Like other soaps on this list, the natural formula contains vitamin E and aloe vera to hydrate and soothe the skin while you wash away germs. The addition of sea salt and citrus oils adds a light scent but won't irritate skin with eczema (or people with sensitive noses).

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Foam soap provides a rich lather that promotes thorough hand washing, and also uses less soap per pump. Method's Foaming Hand Soap uses naturally derived ingredients to cleanse and soften hands, and their scents are soft and appealing. A great choice for families, their foaming soap doesn't contain harmful ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, or animal by-products.

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If you're looking to stock up on hand soap, this 33-ounce container of Mrs. Meyer's hand soap is a great option. It has an affordable price tag and the formula is free of parabens and phthalates. Instead of harsh cleaning agents, this soap relies on olive oil, aloe vera, and essential oils to clean hands without stripping them of their natural oils. With a bright and citrusy scent, this hand soap works great in the kitchen or bathroom.

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For another soap refill that's economical and cleans well, we love Method's Gel Hand Soap Refill which comes in a pouch filled with 34 ounces. The biodegradable formula is naturally derived (no parabens or other harsh chemicals here) and will leave hands feeling soft and clean. The refill pouches also take up less space under the sink or in the bathroom, where storage space might be limited.

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If you have existing eczema or other skin sensitivities, this organic hand soap will get rid of germs and bacteria without irritating your skin. The natural formula relies on plant-based ingredients, like aloe vera and olive fruit oil, to cleanse and soothe without aggravating skin issues. While this formula is effective for adults of all ages, it's also gentle enough for babies and small children (it's been tested and reviewed by both pediatricians and dermatologists).

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With a decorative bottle and refreshing scent, you can't go wrong with the Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash from Aesop. Mandarin rind, lavender oil, and cedarwood bark oil work together to create a light scent that customers rave about. While this hand soap is a bit pricier than most, customers report that a small amount creates a beautiful lather and cleanses their hands well. The amber bottle is also an elegant bathroom accessory that can be re-used for minimal environmental impact—just purchase their formula as a refill instead of buying a new bottle.