Image: MomJunction Design Team
Handwashing is a necessary step you must take to keep yourself free of germs and maintain a healthy lifestyle. And for this, you need the best smelling hand soaps by your side to cleanse your hands efficiently while ensuring they smell pleasant. From the soothing scents of vanilla to the refreshing notes of sea breeze, there are a plethora of scents to choose from. So, take a look at our curated list of fragrant hand soaps and pick one that satisfies your olfactory sense.
Top Picks
11 Best Smelling Hand Soaps
1. Best Honey Formula:Softsoap Moisturizing Hand Soap – Milk and Golden Honey
This delightful hand soap is infused with milk protein and sweet golden honey extract, which helps cleanse and nourish your skin gently. The formula also contains sodium chloride, which produces a rich, moisturizing lather to make your hands soft and supple. Further, the exotic-smelling hand soap leaves a light and fresh scent that will leave you smelling your hands all day. Check out this video about the SoftSoap Moisturizing Hand Soap and find out the reviewer’s experience.
Pros
- Paraben- and phthalate-free
- Recyclable bottle
- Dermatologist-tested and pH-balanced formula
- Contains biodegradable cleaning ingredients
Cons
- Might be harsh for those with skin conditions such as eczema
"The hand soap gets the cleansing job done, leaving behind a soothing aroma of sweet milk and honey. You may want to use lotion after using the soap as it may feel drying. All things considered, it's a good option for regular use."
Quick tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 1,886 positive reviews on Amazon.
2. Best Biodegradable:Softsoap Hand Soap – Fresh Breeze
Here’s another sweet-smelling soap from the trusted brand Softsoap. This one has a wonderful scent that will transport you to the sea. Made using biodegradable cleaning ingredients, it leaves you germ- and bacteria-free, so your hands are clean. Unlike other harsh hand soaps, the gentle formula nourishes and moisturizes the skin, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Learn more about this calming hand cleanser by watching this review video.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Recyclable bottle
- Dermatologist-tested and pH-balanced formula
Cons
- Some may find the formula overly drying
"I've noticed that this hand soap is a good quality cleanser. It provides moisture to my dry skin without overpowering the senses with fragrance."
3. Best Skin-Friendly:Everyone Liquid Hand Soap
The liquid hand soaps are gentle cleaners that support a healthy microbiota and the skin’s natural oil retention. Using this aromatherapy hand soap, you can turn your everyday washing ritual into a nourishing moment of self-care. Everyone’s Lavender and Coconut Hand Soap is the ideal fusion of lavender pure essential oil with a warm, sweet coconut aroma. The scented liquid soap gives you germ- and bacteria-free hands while transporting your senses to a realm of tranquility.
Pros
- Certified vegan and gluten-free
- Not tested on animals
- GMO-free, triclosan-free, synthetic fragrance-free, and EWG-verified
- Lathers well
- No-waste recycled bottles
Cons
- Lavender scent may be fainter than coconut
- Bottle may leak
"That deep-cleansing soap is an essential in my kitchen, as hand washing is a common practice during meal preparation. This one contains mild fragrances of coconut and lavender. So far, it has treated my skin gently!"
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 2,997 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
Softsoap Moisturizing Hand Soap - Milk and Golden Honey Best Honey Formula | Softsoap Hand Soap - Fresh Breeze Best Biodegradable | Puracy Natural Hand Soap - Lavender And Vanilla Best Skin-Friendly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Dry | Sensitive | All |
| Dimensions | 3.4 x 1.67 x 5.76 inches | 3.4 x 1.67 x 5.76 inches | 8 x 3.6 x 7.1 inches |
| Weight | 9.73 Ounces | 9.73 Ounces | 2.49 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,886 | 2,576 | 2,997 |
| Price | $7.44 | $7.74 | $14.61 |
4. Best Organic Shea:Hand in Hand Nourishing Liquid Hand Soap
The Hand in Hand Nourishing Liquid Hand Soap is free of palm oil, making it suitable for sensitive skin. This refreshing hand cleanser contains organic shea butter, which supports and repairs the skin, absorbs readily, locks in moisture, enhances skin tone and elasticity, and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth. Coconut oil allows natural oil to absorb rapidly and keeps the skin nourished and hydrated.
Pros
- More than 97% of it is natural
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- A blend of eucalyptus, sweet mint, and chopped spearmint for a stimulating and fresh fragrance
- Infinitely recyclable
Cons
- May not lather well
- Product scent might fade quicker than expected
"This hand soap with a refreshing eucalyptus, sweet mint scent and gentle formulation is a regular in my cart. It leaves my hands feeling soft and moisturized."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 230 reviews on Amazon.
5. Best Antioxidant:Nest New York Bamboo Liquid Hand Soap
You can enhance the experience of your hand-washing routine with the Nest New York Bamboo Liquid Hand Soap. This professional-grade floral-scented soap contains natural plant extracts and antioxidants that help in washing and nurturing the skin. Its flowering bamboo scent combines white florals, lush green notes, and traces of sparkling citrus to create an appealing ambiance.
Pros
- Suits all skin types
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Long-lasting
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Bottle may leak
- Some may find the fragrance strong
"The citrusy and floral green hand soap goes on my daily use list for its scent, which is neither too strong nor too subtle. It dispenses just the correct quantity each time and lathers nicely."
6. Best Uplifting Cleanser:Mrs. Meyer’s Hand Soap
Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap is a non-drying, reliable, lemon verbena-scented soap for active hands. It has an uplifting garden-inspired fragrance to keep your hands fresh and rejuvenated. The biodegradable formula contains natural ingredients, including essential oils, olive oil, and aloe vera. This citrus-scented hand cleanser is Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free formula.
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Plant-derived ingredients
- No parabens, phthalates, or synthetic colors
- Moisturizes and softens active, labor-intensive hands
Cons
- Scent may not be mild for some
- Some may find the consistency thicker than expected
"I've been testing different hand soaps, and this lemon verbena choice stands out for its moisturizing properties and softness on the skin. I found the scent a bit strong, but I like that it is devoid of artificial coloring and parabens."
7. Best Rejuvenation For Dry Skin:Soapbox Liquid Hand Soap
The coconut and sandalwood hand soap is known to rejuvenate your skin with deep moisture, so washing your hands shouldn’t dry them. Coconut oil is ideal for retaining your skin’s silky touch as it contains fatty acids, vitamins E and K, and other nutrients. This result-driven formula, infused with naturally sweet coconut milk, sandalwood, shea butter, and aloe vera will leave your skin clean and moisturized. Additionally, you can fill more than five 12 oz. bottles with a single refill.
Pros
- Produces a nourishing lather of thick, creamy foam
- Has a sweet, nutty scent
- Gluten-free and cruelty-free
- Ideal for dry skin
- Free of parabens and harmful chemicals
Cons
- Coconut scent may be stronger
- Might be difficult to pour
"After using it for a while, I realized that this hand soap is a luxurious formulation with a velvety texture. Although it may not be the most hydrating choice, using it with lotion solves the issue. It's not your typical bar soap and contains no harsh ingredients!"
8. Best Coconut Water Fusion:Amazon Basics Liquid Hand Soap Refill
The pleasant-smelling hand wash is made with mango and coconut water for a refreshing and nourished feel. It removes germs and bacteria effectively, providing a tropical, fruity, and fresh aroma. One bottle contains 56 fl. oz, making it long-lasting. This tropical-scented hand wash is suitable for all skin types and can keep your skin irritation-free.
Pros
- pH-balanced
- Free of phthalates, parabens, triclosan, and formaldehyde
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Consistency might be runny
- May not lather well
"I've been relying on Amazon Basics for most of my home needs, and their fruity-scented liquid hand soap is no different. It's a sensible choice for regular usage—it's easy on the hands and lathers nicely with a light aroma."
9. Best Of Natural Ingredients:Pecksniff’s Moisturizing Hand Wash – Sandalwood And Vanilla
Embark on an aromatic journey with this luxurious hand cleanser infused with an alluring fragrance of sandalwood, carnation flower, and vanilla. It is formulated for sensitive and dry skin types and contains a blend of natural ingredients and the finest quality oils sourced from all over the globe to cleanse and moisturize the skin. The aromatic hand wash also contains vitamin B to fortify your skin against bacteria and grime.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Creamy, rich lather
- Gentle formula for daily use
- Maintains the pH balance of the skin
Cons
- May not be ideal for oily skin
"This hand soap has a beautiful sandalwood-vanilla scent that stays long after washing, so I have enjoyed using it. Its quality is consistently good, and it works well without drying the skin. The perfume may be strong for some people, but I liked it."
10. Best Peppermint Essential Oil:Beessential All Natural Foaming Hand Soap
The Beessential Peppermint Foaming Soap’s peppermint scent enraptures while providing your skin hydration, nourishment, and moisturization. It includes various natural ingredients, including peppermint essential oil, coconut oil, olive oil, aloe, honey, and hemp seed oil. This professional-grade herbal-scented foaming hand wash does not contain alcohol, PEG, SLS, parabens, and other harsh chemicals.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Free of cruelty
- Ultra-calming foam
- Nourish and pamper skin without overdrying
Cons
- Might leave a yellow stain on surfaces
- Consistency may not be thick enough
"Its all-natural formulation was the first thing that appealed to me. Besides, it cleanses my hands without drying them, and the peppermint fragrance is refreshing. Its large quantity is also a bonus, and I love that I can even use it to clean my glasses."
11. Best Vitamin E-Infused Formula:Puracy Natural Hand Soap – Lavender And Vanilla
Indulge in the aromatic scent of real French lavender blossoms blended with imported vanilla beans with every pump of this expert-recommended invigorating liquid soap. Besides the captivating scent, the formula is infused with natural ingredients such as vitamin E, sea salt, and aloe vera and plant-based cleansers and preservatives to free your hands of germs, dirt, and grime. The delightful hand wash is naturally hydrating and moisturizing and is ideal for all skin types.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Thick consistency
- Plant-based formula
- Vegan, gluten-free, biodegradable
- Contains no harmful chemicals such as sulfates
Cons
- May not produce a rich lather as claimed
Do rememberWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 7,157 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
How To Choose The Right Smelling Hand Soap?
Here are a few things you should keep in mind before purchasing the best smelling liquid hand soap.
1. Ingredients
Choose products with clinically proven or natural ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, olive oil, and vitamin E, which help naturally cleanse your skin while keeping it nourished and hydrated. Gentle cleansers with moisturizing properties will keep your hands soft and supple.
2. Scent
There are many scents to choose from, which may leave you overwhelmed. While choosing a fragrance is purely subjective, always select natural ones and not those loaded with synthetic fragrances.
3. Harsh chemicals
While most perfumed hand cleansers are ideal for all skin types, those loaded with harsh chemicals are not recommended for sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, look for fragrance-free options. Stay clear of harmful ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, dyes, and phthalates as they irritate your skin and rids it dry of moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are scented hand soaps safe to use?
Scented hand soaps are safe only when they contain fragrances in moderation. Certain fragrances can be overwhelming, cause discomfort, and trigger respiratory symptoms (1).
2. Can I add fragrance to scented hand soaps?
Scented hand soaps are pre-fragranced, and you may be in no need of adding extra fragrance to such hand soaps. Excessive fragrance can cause skin and respiratory discomfort.
3. Can I add essential oil to scented hand soaps?
Yes, you can because essential oils have natural disinfectant benefits. These oils may be uplifting, purifying, and calming. However, some essential oils may not mix well with certain liquid soaps.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag, our in-house writer and reviewer of makeup and skincare products, has curated this list of the best-smelling hand soaps after extensive research. She has picked the best-rated products and presented their pros and cons after going through multiple user reviews of products on different portals. Besides, Poulami has created a buying guide section to help you understand what to look for when choosing a hand soap that smells good.
The Bottom Line
Hand soaps with a refreshing scent are all you need to keep your hands clean while ensuring they smell fresh. However, before choosing an ideal hand soap, ensure it contains natural ingredients such as vitamin E and aloe vera that nourish and hydrate your skin, as some soaps with fragrance tend to dry out the skin. Besides, choose one that suits your preferences in terms of scent and avoid harsh chemicals that may irritate your skin. Also, consider dermatologist-tested and pH-balanced soaps like the Softsoap Moisturizing Hand Soap for a skin-friendly experience. Meanwhile, the synthetic fragrance-free Everyone Liquid Hand Soap and the paraben-free Mrs. Meyer’s Hand Soap are good plant-based alternatives.
Infographic: Tips For Choosing An Aromatic Hand Soap
Handwashing is important to maintain hand hygiene, especially before and after eating food. But hand soap with fragrance can help remove any tough smell and make the hands soft in addition to removing dirt and germs. But not all fragrant soaps are good. Go through the infographic for tips to help you choose the best aromatic hand soaps.
Some thing wrong with infographic shortcode. please verify shortcode syntaxReferences
- About Handwashing.
https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/ - Factors to consider when selecting hand hygiene products.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK144051/
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Ann Van de Langerijt
Read full bio of Wedetso Chirhah
Read full bio of Poulami Nag
Read full bio of Gayatri A
