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 the best smelling hand soaps and pick one that satisfies your olfactory sense.
Top Picks
11 Best Smelling Hand Soaps
1. Softsoap Moisturizing Hand Soap – Milk and Golden Honey
Image: Softsoap
This delightful hand soap is infused with the goodness of 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 keep your hands soft and supple. Further, the soap leaves a light and fresh scent that will leave you smelling your hands all day. Check out this video on SoftSoap Moisturizing Hand Soap and find out more about it.
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
2. Softsoap Hand Soap – Fresh Breeze
Image: Softsoap Store
Here’s another sweet-smelling soap from the trusted brand Softsoap. This one has a distinctive light and sweet 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 product by watching this video.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Recyclable bottle
- Dermatologist-tested and pH-balanced formula
Cons
- Some may find the formula overly drying
3. Puracy Natural Hand Soap – Lavender And Vanilla
Image: Puracy Store
Indulge in the aromatic scent of real French lavender blossoms blended with imported vanilla beans with every pump of this best smelling liquid hand 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 hand soap 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
4. Everyone Liquid Hand Soap
Image: Everyone
The liquid hand soaps are gentle cleaners that support a healthy microbiota and the skin’s natural oil retention. Using this hand wash, you may use aromatherapy to turn your everyday washing ritual into a nourishing moment of self-care. Everybody Lavender and Coconut Hand Soap is the ideal fusion of lavender pure essential oil and a warm, sweet coconut aroma. It keeps germs at bay while transporting your senses to a realm of tranquility.
Pros
- Certified vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free
- 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
5. Hand in Hand Nourishing Liquid Hand Soap
Image: Handinhand
The Hand in Hand Nourishing Liquid Hand Soap is free of palm oil, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It 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
6. Nest New York Bamboo Liquid Hand Soap
Image: Nest
You can enhance the experience of your hand-washing routine with the Nest New York Bamboo Liquid Hand Soap. This fragrant hand soap contains natural plant extracts and antioxidants that help wash and nurture 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
7. Mrs. Meyer’s Hand Soap
Image: Hand Soap
Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap is a non-drying, reliable, lemon verbena-scented soap for active hands. The garden-inspired fragrance keeps your hands fresh and rejuvenated. It contains natural ingredients, including essential oils, olive oil, and aloe vera. This product is Leaping Bunny-certified and is a 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
8. Life Is Pure Hand Soap
Image: Soapbox
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 exclusive formula of 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
- Free of parabens and harmful chemicals
Cons
- Coconut scent may be stronger
- Might be difficult to pour
9. Amazon Basics Liquid Hand Soap Refill
Image: Amazon Basics
The liquid hand soap 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 hand soap 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
- Tested by dermatologists
Cons
- Consistency might be runny
- May not lather well
10. Pecksniff’s Moisturizing Hand Wash – Sandalwood And Vanilla
Image: Pecksniff's Store
Embark on an aromatic journey with this liquid hand soap infused with an alluring fragrance of sandalwood, carnation flower, and vanilla. It is formulated for both sensitive skin and dry skin and contains a blend of natural ingredients and the finest quality oils sourced from all over the globe to cleanse and moisturize the skin. It 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
11. Beessential All Natural Foaming Hand Soap
Image: Beessential
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 hand soap 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
How To Choose The Right Smelling Hand Soap?
Here are a few things you should keep in mind before purchasing the ideal hand soap that smells good.
1. Ingredients
Choose products with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, and vitamin E, which help naturally cleanse your skin while keeping it nourished and hydrated. Formulas with moisturizing conditioners and gentle cleansers will also ensure your hands are left feeling 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 hand soaps 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, stay clear of harmful ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, dyes, and phthalates as they irritate your skin and rids it dry of moisture.
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 products and their descriptions 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.
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. So, you can try and use fragrance modifiers.
Hand soaps with a refreshing scent are all you need to keep your hands clean while ensuring that they smell fresh. However, before choosing an ideal hand soap, ensure that it contains natural ingredients such as vitamin E and aloe vera that nourish and hydrate your skin. Besides, choose one that sits well with your preferences in terms of scent and avoid harsh chemicals that may irritate your skin.
References:
- 15 Factors to consider when selecting hand hygiene products
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK144051/
