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When we’re using conventional hand soaps, we naturally take it for granted that we’re getting our hands clean. And although our conventionally made hand soaps might be washing off germs, many are actually made with chemical ingredients that can be absorbed through our skin while we’re washing up. But here’s the good news — there are many non toxic hand soap options out there made from natural ingredients that are just as effective at washing away germs.
Why Opt for Natural and Non-Toxic Hand Soap?
The difference between conventional and natural hand soaps lies in their ingredients. Here’s a list of concerning and potentially harmful ingredients commonly found in conventional hand soaps:
- Triclosan: This antibacterial agent has been linked to hormonal disruptions and may contribute to antibiotic resistance.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): These foaming agents can irritate the skin and eyes and have been linked to skin and eye damage.
- Fragrance: Synthetic fragrances can contain a mix of potentially harmful chemicals, including phthalates, which have been linked to hormone disruption and developmental problems.
- Parabens: These preservatives have been linked to hormone disruption and have also been found in breast cancer tumors.
- Artificial Colors: Artificial colors may contain heavy metals that can be absorbed through the skin and potentially cause health problems.
If you want to avoid these ingredients, it’s best to look for all natural soaps containing organic and plant-derived ingredients. That way, you know your hands are getting clean without a side of toxins.
13 Best Natural and Non-Toxic Hand Soaps for a Cleaner Wash
Here are our favorite natural hand soaps made from non-toxic, plant-derived ingredients. Many are EWG verified, and those that aren’t didn’t make the cut because they use essential oils, which the EWG notes could irritate some people with more sensitive skin.
1. Everyone Hand Soap ($17 for 3) *EWG verified
Everyone Hand Soap is a popular brand of liquid soap that is known for its natural and gentle ingredients. This soap is formulated with plant extracts and essential oils that are not only effective at removing dirt and grime from your hands but also provide a range of benefits for your skin. I use this in my house, and it works very well for getting my kids’ grubby hands clean!
One of the main benefits of Everyone Hand Soap is that it is free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. This makes it a great choice for people with sensitive skin or those who are looking for a more natural option for their hand washing needs.
The natural ingredients in the soap are also gentle on the environment, making it a more eco-friendly choice compared to many other hand soaps on the market.
Everyone’s hand soaps come in lavender/coconut, apricot/vanilla, ruby grapefruit, and spearmint/lemongrass scents.
2. Attitude Hand Soap ($12) *EWG verified
Attitude is known for its commitment to using natural and sustainable ingredients in their hand soaps, dish soaps, and lotions for adults and kids. Their hand soap is free from harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
They also make a foaming hand soap line for kids called Little Leaves.
3. Dr. Bronner’s Organic Sugar Soap ($14)
Dr. Bronner’s sugar hand soap formulated with simple, organic and fair-trade ingredients. The soap is free from synthetic preservatives and detergents. The sugar in the formula helps to moisturize and soothe the skin, leaving your hands feeling soft and hydrated.
They also sell a great variety pack of all four of their awesome scents (which come from essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances).
4. Babo Botanicals Non-toxic Hand Soap ($11)
Babo Botanicals hand soap is a natural and gentle option for anyone looking for a plant-based soap. It contains organic ingredients like calendula, chamomile, organic argan oil, shea butter, aloe vera, and olive oil, which are soothing for your skin.
Free from harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens, Babo is a great choice for anyone with sensitive skin. Babo also makes a hand soap that’s extra gentle for sensitive babies and kids.
5. Blueland Foaming Hand Soap ($19 for starter set) *EWG verified
The innovative tablet formula of Blueland’s hand soap makes it easy to create a luxurious foam soap without any wasteful plastic packaging. The tablets are made with natural ingredients and essential oils, and the reusable bottle and tablet refills are eco-friendly because they reduce plastic waste (instead of buying a new bottle, you just drop in a tablet and add water to the original bottle).
One tablet dissolves into water to make 9 ounces of foaming non-toxic hand soap.
6. EO Liquid Hand Soap ($12)
EO’s hand soap is made with natural ingredients that include organic essential oils and aloe vera. With scents like peppermint and lemon, lavender, and lemon and eucalyptus, this is an enjoyable smelling soap to wash up with. EO hand soap also comes in big, gallon sized refills.
7. Alaffia Everyday Shea Foaming Hand Soap ($11)
Alaffia Everyday Shea foaming hand soap is made with fair trade and ethically sourced ingredients, like shea butter and coconut oil. The formula is gentle and effective at removing dirt and grime, without any harsh chemicals like sulfates or parabens. Plus, it comes in a range of yummy smelling scents, like vanilla mint and lavender.
Alaffia is a socially responsible, Fair Trade company that supports communities in West Africa. Their products contain zero sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, mineral oil, artificial color and synthetic fragrances.
8. Kosmatology ($10)
If you’re looking for an organic and non-toxic hand soap, you can’t go wrong with Kosmatology. This soap relies on coconut oil olive oil, and aloe vera that moisturize while cleaning your hands. It has no parabens or sulfates, and the scents are amazing, with options like peppermint and lavender which come from essential oils.
9. Sally B’s Skin Yummies ($16) *EWG verified
Sally B’s Skin Yummies non-toxic hand soap is the real deal when it comes to natural hand soap. It’s made with coconut oil and aloe vera, so it’s gentle on your skin and won’t leave your hands feeling dry. The bottle is recyclable, and this soap is made in the USA. You can get this soap unscented or with citrus vanilla, lavender, or lemongrass scents.
10. Carolina Castile Soap ($19) *EWG verified
lavender, peppermint, tobacco vanilla, and unscented
Carolina Castile Soap is an awesome soap made with natural ingredients, including organic olive oil and coconut oil. It doesn’t have any yucky stuff like synthetic fragrances or harsh chemicals. It comes in lots of different scents, like lavender, peppermint, tobacco vanilla, and unscented for those who prefer to avoid scented soap.
Carolina Castile Soap is super versatile, in that you can also use it as a body wash, shampoo, or for washing your laundry.
11. Mama Suds Non-toxic Hand Soaps ($16)
Mama Suds hand soaps are eco-friendly, natural soaps made of coconut oil, olive oil, and aloe vera that moisturize as they clean your hands. They come in peppermint and lavender scents, and they don’t have any harsh chemicals that can mess up your skin or the planet.
Non-Toxic Hand Bar Soaps
If you like a good natural bar soap rather than a bottled hand soap, check out these great natural options.
1. Aspen Kay Naturals Oatmeal Bar Soap ($9)
This natural bar soap is made with shea butter, EVOO, organic sunflower oil, and other natural ingredients. It’s made for sensitive skin in small batches for quality control. It’s made in the USA and never tested on animals.
2. Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Bar Soap ($34 for variety pack of 6)
Dr. Bronner’s has so many great natural products, including one of our favorite body lotions, and it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to non-toxic bar soap. This bar soap uses organic oils that are gentle, effective cleaners. You can use it on your face and body as well, so you may as well buy a variety pack so you can keep some in the shower as well as by your sink.
The variety pack includes 6 scents: Almond, Baby Unscented, Lavender, Peppermint, Citrus & Rose. Note that according to Dr. Bronner’s, the palm oil used in this soap is certified organic and is grown by fairly paid farmers to ensure sustainable harvesting practices, including intercropping, biodiversity, and reforestation.
It’s Time to Wash our Hands of Conventional Hand Soap
In my efforts to choose more non-toxic and eco-friendly products in our home, I began with replacing my lotions, shampoos, hand soaps, dish soaps, and even my shower curtain. Luckily, there are now lots of companies that have recognized the value of, and demand for, cleaner products, so we have a lot of great natural and non-toxic hand soaps we can choose from.
It’s time to wash our hands of synthetic soaps and take a step towards more non-toxic living. For more healthy ways to pamper your hands, check out our favorite non-toxic nail polishes for a healthy mani-pedi.
