The 12 Best Hand Soaps for Your Bathroom, Powder Room, and Kitchen (2025)

An effective and nourishing hand soap is essential in any bathroom and kitchen, two rooms in your house where germs and bacteria thrive. However, not all hand soaps are made the same.

“Some people prefer hand soaps with creamy textures that other people would find too heavy, some prefer lighter weight gels or foams,” says Dr. Carmen Castilla, board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group. “There are cream, liquid/gel, and bar soap versions. A significant part of it is finding the texture and scent, if any, that you prefer.”

With the help of Castilla’s insight, we researched the best hand soaps that suit a variety of skin types, scent preferences, and budgets while maintaining their effectiveness.

What We Researched

We evaluated the best hand soaps based on a variety of factors, including their type, scent, volume, and ingredients.

Best Under $50

View on Amazon$39$23 at Walmart$43$41 at Nordstrom

For those looking to invest in a high-quality hand soap, the Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash is a must-have. We love the woody and herbaceous scent that includes notes of orange, rosemary, and lavender. The soap is also made with a fine-grain formula that thoroughly cleanses hands while leaving them soft and moisturized.

Although this is a luxurious hand soap, it should be noted that the bottle is made from recycled plastic. While we do wish it was either glass or ceramic, we still think this hand soap makes for a useful gift or a thoughtful touch in your guest bathroom.

Product Details: Type: Liquid | Scent: Resurrection Aromatique | Volume: 16.9 fl. oz.

$39 at AmazonView on Youthtothepeople.com$39 at Sephora

While shopping for a hand soap, it’s important to consider one that doesn’t dry out or strip your skin’s protective barrier. We recommend the Youth to the People Superfood + Cedarwood Fresh Greens Hand Wash as it gently purifies while leaving behind a pleasant fragrance.

We love the glass bottle and signature scent, Elevated Self, which is a fresh and aromatic combination of black pepper, kale, green tea, and cedarwood. Plus, this formula contains antioxidants and plant-based surfactants to treat your hands with the same care you would your face.

It’s important to note that this hand soap doesn’t have a refill packaging option, which means you’ll have to repurchase the entire product, including the plastic pump. However, there is a subscription option for convenience.

Product Details: Type: Liquid | Scent: Elevated Self | Volume: 13.1 fl. oz.

$35 at Nordstrom$35 at BloomingdalesView on Lelabofragrances.com

We love the look of the Le Labo Hinoki Hand Soap, which looks like it were found on the shelf of an apothecary. Like other products by the brand, the label notes where the soap was made, the amount included, and other details.

The thick gel texture of this hand soap means you only need a small pump to cleanse your hands and leave them smooth all day. Best of all, the scent is inspired by Japan’s hinoki trees, leaving a spiced, woody, and verdant aroma that’s not overwhelming, but still lasts all day on your hands.

This option is one of the most expensive products on our list, but we think it makes for a great housewarming gift or a little luxury for yourself.

Product Details: Type: Liquid | Scent: Hinoki | Volume: 8.5 fl. oz.

$33 at Amazon$33 at NordstromView on Loccitane.com

Most hand soaps are not formulated for use on the rest of your body, which is why we love the L'Occitane Shea Hands and Body Liquid Soap. As a shower body wash or as a reliable hand soap, this formula is great for nourishing the skin and adding an extra layer of moisture due to its infusion of shea butter.

This hand soap is made with organic verbena extract to give it a fresh and invigorating citrus scent. We also love the artisanal look of this hand soap, but note that the cube-shaped bottle may be too bulky for those with limited bathroom counter or sink space.

Product Details: Type: Liquid | Scent: Lemon Verbena | Volume: 10 and 16.9 fl. oz.

Best Under $30

$26 at AmazonView on Capri-blue.com

Capri Blue’s cult favorite scent Volcano is tropical and fruity, made popular by the candles most commonly found at Anthropologie. Although the fragrance in this hand soap is not as strong as the candles, it’s moisturizing due to its plant-based glycerin base.

The soap is formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic colors, and we love the bold cobalt blue bottle that will stand out in any bathroom. Plus, it’s available in two sizes, which is ideal for gifting (or for keeping the smaller size in a guest bathroom), and in other scents and refills.

Product Details: Type: Liquid | Scent: Volcano | Volume: 7.75 and 15 fl. oz.

$20 at AmazonView on Apothekeco.com

For a luxurious look and feel, we suggest the Apotheke White Vetiver Liquid Hand Soap. The label and packaging are reminiscent of elegant and minimalist spa products, while the coconut-and-aloe-based formula is gentle and hydrating on skin.

Although the hand soap is offered in several scents, we particularly love White Vetiver’s notes of cedarwood, eucalyptus, and amber, amongst others. The hand soap is free of parabens and phthalates as well, and is also cruelty-free.

If you love this hand soap’s fragrance as much as we do, you can opt to get the matching hand lotion and three-wick candle.

Product Details: Type: Liquid | Scent: White Vetiver | Volume: 10 fl. oz.

$21 at Amazon$14 at NordstromView on Nopalera.co

Bar soaps, like the Nopalera Cactus Soap, are versatile and usually work for both hands and body. We love this one for its vegan and plant-based ingredients containing butters and oils, and prickly pear cactus fibers to refine your skin’s texture.

We’re partial to the Noche Clara bar containing activated charcoal for a gentle exfoliation, but it’s also available in Flor de Mayo and Planta Futura.

Similar to other bars of soap, this one can get a bit messy and create excess lather once it’s been used, meaning some product inevitably gets wasted. To mitigate this issue, it’s best to keep the bar wall-drained using a soap dish if you’re using it as a hand soap, or a well-draining shower caddy.

Product Details: Type: Bar | Scent: Charcoal | Volume: 4 oz.

$14 at Container StoreView on Grove.coView on Koalaeco.com

It seems rare for a scented hand soap to be safe and gentle for those with sensitivities or children, but the Koala Eco Hand Wash is just that. Made with natural Australian essential oils, this pH-balanced and biodegradable formula cleans hands thoroughly while keeping them soft and smooth.

While we love its invigorating aroma of lemon scented eucalyptus and rosemary, it may be a bit strong for those who typically use unscented products. However, we still think it’s an excellent and effective choice for anyone who’s looking for a fragrant yet naturally derived hand soap.

Product Details: Type: Liquid | Scent: Australian lemon-Scented Eucalyptus and Rosemary | Volume: 16.9 fl. oz.

Best Under $10

$13 at Amazon$4 at TargetView on Vitacost

We like that that Seventh Generation Free & Clear Hand Wash is free of harsh chemicals, fragrance, and dyes. It’s also the only hand soap on our list that is EPA Safer Choice Certified, making it a great eco-friendly hand soap to consider.

If the look of a hand soap’s bottle, label, and overall packaging matter to you, it’s worth noting that this pick isn’t exactly a decorative option. However, considering its eco-friendliness and price point, we still think it has many great qualities to consider.

Product Details: Type: Liquid | Scent: Unscented | Volume: 12 fl. oz.

$15$14 at Amazon$5 at Target$8 at Walmart

For a hand soap that’s effective, made with high-quality ingredients, and isn’t as expensive as other options, consider Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Hand Soap. The hand soap, which is under $5, is cruelty-free and made with a plant-based formula that includes natural essential oils, aloe vera, and olive oil.

We particularly love the numerous scents to choose from, including popular garden-inspired scents like Lemon Verbena, Basil, and Geranium.

Unlike other liquid hand soaps, this one is a thick gel, so there’s a chance that it can sometimes get stuck in the pump. However, with just a bit of caution, this hand soap can become one of the most trusted cleaning products in your home.

Product Details: Type: Liquid | Scent: Various | Volume: 12.5 fl. oz.

$28$24 at Amazon$4 at Target$6$5 at Walmart

Overall, one of our favorite options is the Method Foaming Hand Soap. We like that this option is soothing on your skin and less expensive than other options, so you can purchase a few for different spaces in your home.

The hand soap is made with plant-based ingredients and it’s Leaping Bunny certified, which means it’s not tested on animals. Additionally, each bottle is made from 100% recycled plastic. We like that it’s offered in numerous scents as well, so you can choose based on the space you’re placing it in.

Product Details: Type: Foam | Scent: Various | Volume: 10 fl. oz.

$5 at Amazon

The Amazon Basics Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap is great for those who want a no-frills, reliable, and affordable hand soap with antibacterial properties. We appreciate that it’s pH-balanced, dermatologist-tested, and free of several elements, phthalates and parabens, amongst others.

The hand soap is offered in several scents, though we think the unscented pick is a great option for those who are sensitive to fragrance. At 50 fluid ounces, this is also the best value hand soap on our list.

It’s important to note that this hand soap is a large refill bottle, so you’ll need to have your own soap dispenser ready to fill. We hardly think this is a drawback, though, since you can choose the style of the dispenser to match your bathroom’s aesthetic while still having an effective antibacterial hand soap.

Product Details: Type: Liquid | Scent: Unscented | Volume: 50 fl. oz.

What to Know About Hand Soap Before Shopping

Type

Most hand soaps come in four types or forms: bars, cream, foaming, and gel (most commonly referred to as liquid). Castilla says that choosing the best hand soap type for you is based on your personal preference since it will impact your sensory experience.

“Since bar soaps are out in the air and people are always touching them, they have shorter shelf lives than bottle versions,” she says. “Creamy versions can feel heavy to some, but are better with those prone to eczema or very dry hands. For those with dry hands, gel versions may be too stripping of natural oils.”

For foaming hand soaps, Castilla suggests making sure you still take time to work it into your hands even though it already comes out sudsy. Regardless of the type of soap, Castilla says there’s one rule everyone should follow: “Always moisturize after washing!”

Scent

You might have an easier time finding scented hand soap than you will unscented ones. Some contain synthetic fragrances, which can cause irritation, while others are made with natural essential oils. Castilla says it’s important to thoroughly consider the scent before choosing a hand soap, especially if guests will be using it.

“For some, a strong scent is great, but repulsing for others. Fragrances can also linger too long,” she says. “Hand soaps with any fragrances can be very irritating for those with eczema or already dry hands. It's best to smell a few before committing to one.”

Volume

Bottled hand soaps usually vary between 8 and 16 ounces, and bar soaps are typically sized between 3 and 8 ounces. There are also refill bottles up to 50 ounces. Castilla says it's best to decide on the quantity or volume based on your needs and preference.

“In high-traffic areas, it’s more cost effective to purchase a large-volume container,” she says. “Refillable options, if they come in non-plastic packaging, can also cut down on plastic waste. There are also versions where the refill comes in a tablet form—simply place the tablet in the empty bottle and add water.”

Your Questions, Answered

What are some ingredients to consider when shopping for hand soap?

If you’ve ever turned over a hand soap bottle to see its ingredient list, you may have wondered which are safe and which are harmful. Castilla says it’s important to consider ingredients when shopping for hand soap, particularly in the winter when hand-washing increases and the cold, dry weather can easily lead to irritated hands.

“If you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, try to avoid antibacterial hand soaps and those with fragrance since many of these soaps can be harsh on the skin,” she says. “If you wash your hands properly, you can effectively clean your hands without the need of an antibacterial ingredient. Look for soap that lathers well but doesn't leave a slippery residue after rinsing.”

Additionally, Castilla says that the type of surfactant is important to know.

“Surfactants are the agent or ingredient that actually cleanse the hand, removing dirt and bacteria,” she says. “Lauryl sulfate was traditionally used as a surfactant, but it can be very drying. Newer surfactants such as sodium cocoyl isethionate and sodium lauroyl isethionate are effective yet gentle on the skin barrier. Also, look for formulations that include hydrating ingredients such as glycerin or shea butter and avoid alcohol-based gels.”

Does hand soap ever expire?

Castilla says that technically, soap does expire. Preserving it requires proper storage, regardless of the type.

“The typical shelf life of hand soap in a bottle is expected to be around three years, whereas soap bars expire within a year, especially artisanal or handmade ones,” she says. “I recommend keeping it in a cool, dry environment to help it last longer.”

How long does hand soap last?

According to Castilla, how long a hand soap lasts depends entirely on how frequently it’s used. Hand soaps in the primary bathroom, for example, tend to last for a shorter amount of time since one or two people are washing their hands multiple times per day. Hand soaps in a bathroom that’s used solely by guests, on the other hand, will last much longer.

“Most liquid or gel hand soaps last about one to two months, while foaming hand soaps tend to last up to four months,” says Castilla. “Bar soaps have a shorter lifespan of about three to six weeks.”

Who We Are

L. Daniela Alvarez is a contributing writer for Better Homes & Gardens with three years of experience specifically writing lifestyle content and product reviews for a variety of publications. For this article, she spent several hours researching the best hand soaps and reading customer reviews. She also consulted Dr. Carmen Castilla, board-certified dermatologist, New York Dermatology Group.