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.
Our Top Picks
11 Best Smelling Hand Soaps
1. Softsoap Moisturizing Hand Soap – Milk and Golden Honey
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
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
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. Seventh Generation Hand Wash
If plant-based handwashes are what you seek, give this sweet-smelling and foaming hand soap from Seventh Generation a try. The 97% bio-based formula effectively keeps your hands clean and is free of harsh chemicals, dyes, or triclosan. Besides, its Mandarin orange and grapefruit-infused scent will leave your hands smelling pleasant for hours. Take a look at this review video to know more about the product and make an informed buying decision.
Pros
- USDA-certified
- Produces a rich lather
- No synthetic fragrances
- Bottle made of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic
Cons
- Bottle design may not be user-friendly
5. Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap – Refreshing Citrus
This liquid hand soap from Softsoap is touted for its zesty and citrusy scent that lingers long after you have used the product. The non-antibacterial formula effectively removes food residue, impurities, and unpleasant odors and leaves your hands clean and soft. Moreover, the light moisturizing soap is dermatologist-tested and pH-balanced, making it ideal for all skin types.
Pros
- Paraben- and phthalate-free
- Mild and gentle
- Recyclable packaging
- Helps retain the skin’s natural moisture
- Contains biodegradable cleaning ingredients
Cons
- Some may find the consistency of the formula lumpy
6. Dial Complete Antibacterial Foaming Hand Soap
Enjoy luxury in a bottle with this natural hand soap that offers a rich lather and effectively kills germs and bacteria. The formula keeps your hands safe and clean and is free of phthalates, parabens, and silicone. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about your hands drying out, as it contains moisturizing conditioners. The soap’s gentle cleansing ingredients leave your hands soft and smooth while keeping them free of impurities. Besides, the antibacterial soap also comes with a fresh and fruity pear scent that will wow your senses.
Pros
- Kills 99.99% of bacteria
- Ideal for children and adults
- Mild enough for daily use
- Ideal for all skin types
Cons
- May have a watery consistency
7. La Tasse Hand Soap
Be spoilt for choice with this four-pack bottled hand soap that comes in various scents, including creamy coconut with a nutty scent, sweet orange with citrus notes, and floral gardenia that will transport you to a tropical garden. One pump is all you need for clean, sweet-smelling hands! Made with high-quality ingredients, it gently cleanses your skin.
Pros
- Vegan formula
- Rich lather
- Paraben-free
- Moisturizing ingredients
Cons
- Contains sulfates
8. Life Is Pure Hand Soap
From crisp notes derived from mango extract and avocado oil to the classic and floral fragrance that comes from roses, these six unique and equally enchanting liquid hand soaps smell divine. Each product contains its own special blend of natural ingredients with moisturizing agents such as shea butter, aloe vera, olive oil, orchid, kelp, and sea whip, leaving your hands feeling smooth and hydrated. The gentle formula is free of harsh chemicals and ideal for daily use.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- High-quality ingredients
- Light scents that are not overpowering
- Free of sulfates, parabens, or phthalates
Cons
- Some may find the scent to be a little too mild
9. Tea Tree Hand Soap
Tea tree is a marvelous ingredient that doubles as a natural hand sanitizer, ridding hands of bacteria and viruses. The antibacterial hand soap includes peppermint and lavender to ensure clean, germ-free hands that also smell amazing. Further, the intoxicating natural and herbal scent makes this a must-have hand soap.
Pros
- Lathers well
- Paraben-free
- Recycled packaging
- Gluten-free
- Ideal for all skin types
Cons
- One may have to use more products than expected
10. Pecksniff’s Moisturizing Hand Wash – Sandalwood And Vanilla
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. Yardley London Luxurious Hand Soap – English Lavender
This hand soap from Yardley London is like no other and has a gentle formula ideal for everyday use. Infused with the goodness of essential oils, this creamy formula cleanses and soothes your skin and keeps your hands soft and hydrated. The classic lavender scent is divine and makes this a product you cannot miss out on.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Travel-friendly
- Rich cleansing lather
- Contains moisturizing agents
Cons
- Contains synthetic fragrances that may feel overpowering to some
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.
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.
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