The Best Antibacterial Hand Soaps To Buy Right Now
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
Whether it’s coronavirus or the flu, the advice is the same: wash your hands. And while regular old soap can often do the trick, we feel now is as good a time as ever to invest in the strong stuff and pick up some extra bottles of antibacterial hand soap.
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Contrary to popular belief, the word “antibacterial” in a hand soap description doesn’t hold a ton of weight. The good news is that pretty much all hand soaps can be “antibacterial” when used properly. That’s true whether you’re using a product specifically labeled as antibacterial or a fancy designer hand wash. When you scrub, cleanse and rinse your hands using proper handwashing techniques, you should remove any lingering germs and bacteria. If you’ve got access to a sink and some water, you’ve got the ability to effectively use any hand soap to avoid illness. It’s one of the best methods out there for protecting yourself, followed closely by hand sanitizer and face masks.
So, while washing your hands with antibacterial soap can’t guarantee you won’t catch a cold, the flu or anything else, it’s a great step in preventing such infections. And, remember, when you do wash your hands, don’t take any shortcuts. Make sure you wash your hands at the right times and do it correctly, too.
When Should You Wash Your Hands?
If your instant reaction to this question is “after using the bathroom” and no other time, it’s time for us to drop some knowledge. Even in pre-Covid times, washing your hands should have been a regular occurrence. Yes, Corona may not have been on the radar, but as we said, other common illnesses, like the common cold and the flu, should have been. Here’s a general guide to when you should be washing your hands:
Anytime you’re involved in human or pet food preparation/consumption (Before/During/After)
Anytime you’re caring for someone who is sick (Before/After)
When using the toilet (After. But before is fine, too.)
Anytime you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose (After)
Anytime you handle garbage (After)
Anytime you come in contact with animal/human feces (After)
Obviously, given the current state of affairs, the regularity with which you wash your hands should be a lot higher (follow governmental guidelines). However, when things return to “normal,” remember to keep hand cleaning in mind as it may well help in your fight against getting sick.
How To Wash Your Hands Correctly
It’s likely you’ve already been informed by several sources, numerous times, about how to correctly wash your hands. However, if you happened to slip through the net, or even if you didn’t, it never hurts to give a reminder.
1. Wet your hands with water (preferably warm).
2. Apply soap and create a lather to cover your entire hands, including under your nails, between your fingers and the back, too.
3. Scrub your hands. Ensure you do this all over and for a duration of at least 20 seconds. Tip: Sing “Happy Birthday” if you don’t have a timer or watch on hand.
4. Rinse your hands.
5. Dry your hands, avoiding communal towels.
The whole process of washing your hands shouldn’t take more than thirty seconds. It’s a small task to help improve your chances of remaining illness-free.
Is Handwashing More Effective Than Using Hand Sanitizers?
The short answer to this question is ‘yes.’ According to the CDC, handwashing with soap and water removes all germs from the skin, including heavy metals and chemicals, such as pesticides. The CDC notes that hand sanitizers can’t remove heavy metals and chemicals and although they do kill germs, they don’t remove them from the skin. If you’re not near water and soap, it’s a good idea to carry sanitizer (these are the brands we recommend), but handwashing is always the preferred option.
Keep reading for our list of the best antibacterial hand soaps in stock online.
1. Softsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
BEST OVERALL
The Softsoap antibacterial soap has a range of five great smelling scents and an easy-to-use pump top. The soap is also free of parabens and only uses biodegradable cleaning ingredients, meaning there are no phthalates. This option consists of a pack of six, making it easy to stock up.
Buy: Softsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap $11.88 (orig. $17.94) 34% OFF
2. Dial Complete Antibacterial Foaming Hand Wash
RUNNER UP
It’s easy to get a rich lather going with foaming hand soap, and Dial’s antibacterial soap foams and lathers particularly well. Plus, the fresh pear scent will leave your hands smelling great. The pump top is reliable and quickly dispenses soap without shooting out too much, and the soap washes away quickly and easily.
Buy: Dial Complete Antibacterial Foaming Hand Wash $1.92 (orig. $4.00) 52% OFF
3. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Hand Soap
MADE WITH ALOE VERA
This well-loved, hard-working hand soap from Mrs. Meyer’s is made with essential oils, aloe vera, olive oil, and other mindful ingredients that protect you as well as the planet in the cleansing process. The ingredients contain no parabens, phthalates, or artificial anything, and the lavender scent is as naturally calming as it is cleansing. None of their products are tested on animals and all feel high-quality and effective on your hands.
Buy: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Hand Soap $12.87
4. Method Gel Hand Soap
BEST SCENT VARIETY
We’re big fans of Method’s line of gel hand soaps, which come in 10 different scents. However, Pink Grapefruit is far and away our favorite. It has a light and refreshing fragrance that doesn’t come on too strong (citrus and sweet). Instead of alcohol that dries out your skin, Method uses naturally derived plant-based cleansers. This gel hand wash is paraben and cruelty-free. If you’re looking for a great, everyday, antibacterial hand soap to keep on your kitchen or bathroom counter, this is a fantastic option.
Buy: Method Gel Hand Soap $25.25 (orig. $37.74) 33% OFF
5. Dove Hand Wash For All Skin Types
SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES
Eliminate up to 99% of all bacteria with soap from one of the most trusted names in skincare. Dove’s Hand Wash for All Skin Types is a cleansing antibacterial soap that won’t leave hands feeling dry or cracked. The sulfate and paraben-free soap is gentle on sensitive skin and is available in a Deep Moisture option and a Shea Butter and Warm Vanilla scent.
Buy: Dove Hand Wash For All Skin Types $19.41 (orig. $20.97) 7% OFF
6. J.R. Watkins Foaming Hand Soap
BEST FOAMING WASH
There’s a lot to love about J.R. Watkins Foaming Hand Soap. The soap instantly begins to foam when it hits your hands, which means users don’t need much soap or water when washing, which helps extend the life of the bottle. J.R. Watkins makes their soap in several scents that customers will love, including Vanilla Fig, White Pine, Neroli and Thyme, and the uber-popular Aloe and Green Tea. Made from plant-based cleaning solutions, J.R. Watkins won’t leave hands feeling dry.
Buy: J.R. Watkins Foaming Hand Soap $34.24
7. Solimo Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
BEST REFILL
Keep all the soap dispensers in your home filled with antibacterial soap by using the Solimo Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap. The large, 56 fl ounce refill has a light moisturizing element that helps keep hands from getting dry. The soap is made without the use of triclosan, phthalate and parabens and is dermatologist-tested.
Buy: Solimo Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap $6.43
8. Everyone Hand Soap
MADE WITH ESSENTIAL OILS
Users with sensitive skin and sensitive noses will appreciate the Everyone Hand Soap, which is gentle on all skin types and is only lightly scented with essential oils. The soap is EWG verified, GMO-free, cruelty-free, gluten-free, triclosan-free, and synthetic fragrance-free, which makes it safe for the whole family. Available in many light scents, the soap is hypoallergenic, and dermatologist tested. We also like that the plant-based liquid is packaged in 100% recyclable packaging at a zero-waste site.
Buy: Everyone Hand Soap $18.39
9. Muse Apothecary Aromatic Nourishing Hand Soap
SPLURGE-WORTHY
This Muse Bath hand soap has a powerful plant-based formula that will clean your hands as well as moisturize so you’ll stay clean and comfortable. This soap quickly produces foam that lathers on your hands in a sweet-smelling aroma as it cleanses and refreshes. It’s made with anti-bacterial aloe, eucalyptus and lavender as well as a whole host of essential oils that are great on sensitive skin. This soap is for all skin types and is made with a completely vegan, plant-based formula that’s effective and cruelty-free.
Buy: Muse Apothecary Aromatic Nourishing Hand Soap $19.98
10. First Botany Tea Tree Mint Hand Soap
CRUELTY-FREE
First Botany’s luxury, soft, tea tree mint hand soap is made with 100% natural tea tree and peppermint essential oils to cleanse away dirt and grime on even the hardest working hands. This soap may be plant-based, but it can get the job done with vitamin E and botanical extracts to keep the hands soft and moisturized in addition to clean. This hand soap is ideal for everyone — men, women, and children. It’s also cruelty-free and never tested on animals. The composition includes natural essential oils which are safe for both adults and children to use.
Buy: First Botany Tea Tree Mint Hand Soap $14.98 (orig. $18.95) 21% OFF
11. DermaKleen Antibacterial Hand Soap
MEDICAL-GRADE
This gentle hand soap from DermaKleen is designed to be safe on all skin types. It’s alcohol-free, so it won’t dry out your hands. In addition, it’s safe for kids and babies. The formula includes moisturizing ingredients, like vitamin E, and kills 99% of germs in the process. It is designed for use in hospitals, nursing homes and other medical facilities, so you know it’s powerful against germs.
Buy: DermaKleen Antibacterial Hand Soap $7.99 (orig. $11.99) 33% OFF
12. Solpri Shield Antifungal Soap Bar
FIGHTS FUNGUS
If you’re looking for an easy way to fight bacteria and fungi at the same time, you may want to consider the Solpri Shield Antifungal Soap Bar. This bright orange bar includes five different essential oils and features a great-smelling lemongrass scent. Plus, it offers defense against all kinds of other ailments, too, including ringworm, itchy foot and foot odor. You’ll also find this USA-made, versatile bar can be used to soothe irritated skin.
Buy: Solpri Shield Antifungal Soap Bar $13.99
13. Aromavita Oregano Oil Soap
PROTECTS AGAINST VIRUSES
If you want a soap that does more than just kill germs on your hands, the Antibacterial Oregano Soap is your one-stop suds shop. Its oregano base boasts natural antibiotic and antiviral properties, which means it can take on both bacteria and viruses living on your skin. Not only that, but used as a body soap, Antibacterial Oregano Soap can soothe skin suffering from excessive dryness, odor and skin irritants. It’s also a non-GMO and vegan-friendly option.
Buy: Aromavita Oregano Oil Soap $10.90
14. Dial Mountain Fresh Antibacterial Bar Soap
SAFE FOR THE WHOLE BODY
If you want to stock up on the best antibacterial soap, then this bar soap from Dial is a great option. Each pack contains three bars of Dial Mountain Fresh Antibacterial Bar Soap, which is ideal for households and offices. With warm water and scrubbing, you can wash away germs and grime while enjoying the accompanying fresh fragrance. Additionally, this scent will also deodorize your hands without leaving them too dry.
Buy: Dial Mountain Fresh Antibacterial Bar Soap $5.59 (orig. $6.99) 20% OFF
15. Mrs. Meyer’s Honeysuckle Day Bar Soap
BEST PLANT-BASED BAR
This Mrs. Meyer’s bar soap contains thoughtful natural ingredients with no phthalates, artificial colors, or formaldehyde. The soap powerfully cleans without leaving behind gunk or stripping your hands of moisture. This bar soap can also be used on your skin in the bath or shower. Additionally, it’s made using plant-based ingredients. This bar comes in the brand’s rainwater scent, and four bars are included.
Buy: Mrs. Meyer’s Honeysuckle Day Bar Soap $13.16 (orig. $15.96) 18% OFF
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SPY connects you with the latest top-rated products in tech, style, grooming, fitness and home essentials. Our expert team of editors and product reviewers have researched and vetted over 100,000+ products to bring you only those worth your money. Our job is to do the research for you so you can spend time enjoying your purchase rather than shopping for it. Most importantly: We never recommend a product or service we wouldn’t buy ourselves.
1. Softsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
The Softsoap antibacterial soap has a range of five great smelling scents and an easy-to-use pump top. The soap is also free of parabens and only uses biodegradable cleaning ingredients, meaning there are no phthalates. This option consists of a pack of six, making it easy to stock up.
Pros: There are five great smelling scents to choose from.
Cons: It’s only good for use on your hands.
Buy: Softsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
2. Dial Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
It’s easy to get a rich lather going with foaming hand soap, and Dial’s antibacterial soap foams and lathers particularly well. Plus, the fresh pear scent will leave your hands smelling great. The pump top is reliable and quickly dispenses soap, without shooting out too much, and the soap washes away quickly and easily.
Pros: Can be used on all skin types.
Cons: In a busy household, this single bottle won’t last long.
Buy: Dial Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
3. Mrs. Meyer's Honeysuckle Day Bar Soap
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
This Mrs. Meyer’s bar soap contains thoughtful natural ingredients with no phthalates, artificial colors or formaldehyde. The soap powerfully cleans without leaving behind gunk or stripping your hands of moisture. This bar soap can also be used on your skin in the bath or shower. Additionally, it’s made using plant-based ingredients. This bar comes in the brand’s rainwater scent, and four bars are included.
Pros: This soap cleans and moisturizes.
Cons: It may become grimy if it’s not stored in a suitable place.
Buy: Mrs. Meyer's Honeysuckle Day Bar Soap
4. Dial Mountain Fresh Antibacterial Bar Soap
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
If you want to stock up on the best antibacterial soap, then this bar soap from Dial is a great option. Each pack contains three bars of Dial Mountain Fresh Antibacterial Bar Soap, which is ideal for households and offices. With warm water and scrubbing, you can wash away germs and grime while enjoying the accompanying fresh fragrance. Additionally, this scent will also deodorize your hands without leaving them too dry.
Pros: The bar’s compact size is great for travel.
Cons: Bars require contact-to-contact sharing.
Buy: Dial Mountain Fresh Antibacterial Bar Soap
5. Antibacterial Oregano Soap
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
If you want a soap that does more than just kill germs on your hands, the Antibacterial Oregano Soap is your one-stop suds shop. Its oregano base boasts natural antibiotic and antiviral properties, which means it can take on both bacteria and viruses living on your skin. Not only that, but used as a body soap, Antibacterial Oregano Soap can soothe skin suffering from excessive dryness, odor and skin irritants.
Pros: It’s a non-GMO and vegan-friendly option.
Cons: The scent may not be to everyone’s taste.
Buy: Antibacterial Oregano Soap
6. DermaKleen Antibacterial Hand Soap
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
This gentle hand soap from DermaKleen is designed to be safe on all skin types. It’s alcohol-free, so it won’t dry out your hands. In addition, it’s safe for kids and babies. The formula includes moisturizing ingredients, like vitamin E, and kills 99% of germs in the process. It is designed for use in hospitals, nursing homes and other medical facilities, so you know it’s powerful against germs.
Pros: It’s safe for both children and babies to use.
Cons: The soap’s consistency is more watery than average.
Buy: DermaKleen Antibacterial Hand Soap
7. Solpri Shield Antifungal Soap Bar
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
If you’re looking for an easy way to fight bacteria and fungi at the same time, you may want to consider the Solpri Shield Antifungal Soap Bar. This bright orange bar includes five different essential oils and features a great-smelling lemongrass scent. Plus, it offers defense against all kinds of other ailments, too, including ringworm, itchy foot and foot odor. You’ll also find this USA-made, versatile bar can be used to soothe irritated skin.
Pros: This multi-action bar cleans and fights fungi, too.
Cons: The bright color may be a little too much for some users.
Buy: Solpri Shield Antifungal Soap Bar
8. First Botany Tea Tree Mint Hand Soap
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
First Botany’s luxury, soft, tea tree mint hand soap is made with 100% natural tea tree and peppermint essential oils to cleanse away dirt and grime on even the hardest working hands. This soap may be plant-based, but it can get the job done with vitamin E and botanical extracts to keep the hands soft and moisturized in addition to clean. This hand soap is ideal for everyone — men, women and children. It’s also cruelty-free and never tested on animals.
Pros: The composition includes natural essential oils which are safe for both adults and children to use.
Cons: Tea tree oil may cause your hands to dry out.
Buy: First Botany Tea Tree Mint Hand Soap
9. Muse Apothecary Aromatic Nourishing Hand Soap
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
This Muse Bath hand soap has a powerful plant-based formula that will clean your hands as well as moisturize so you’ll stay clean and comfortable. This soap quickly produces foam that lathers on your hands in a sweet-smelling aroma as it cleanses and refreshes. It’s made with anti-bacterial aloe, eucalyptus and lavender as well as a whole host of essential oils that are great on sensitive skin. This soap is for all skin types and is made with a completely vegan, plant-based formula that’s effective and cruelty-free.
Pros: It’s okay for use on sensitive skin.
Cons: The scent is comparatively mild.
Buy: Muse Apothecary Aromatic Nourishing Hand Soap
10. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Hand Soap
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
This well-loved, hard-working hand soap from Mrs. Meyer’s is made with essential oils, aloe vera, olive oil and other mindful ingredients that protect you as well as the planet in the cleansing process. The ingredients contain no parabens, phthalates or artificial anything, and the lavender scent is as naturally calming as it is cleansing. None of their products are tested on animals and all feel high-quality and effective on your hands.
Pros: This soap is full of high-quality ingredients.
Cons: This soap does not produce as many suds as other brands.
Buy: Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Hand Soap
11. J.R. Watkins Foaming Hand Soap
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
There’s a lot to love about J.R. Watkins Foaming Hand Soap. The soap instantly begins to foam when it hits your hands, which means users don’t need much soap or water when washing, which helps extend the life of the bottle. J.R. Watkins makes their soap in several scents that customers will love, including Vanilla Fig, White Pine, Neroli and Thyme, and the uber-popular Aloe and Green Tea. Made from plant-based cleaning solutions, J.R. Watkins won’t leave hands feeling dry.
Pros: Several scents to choose from.
Cons: The pump can be difficult to use.
Buy: J.R. Watkins Foaming Hand Soap
12. Solimo Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
Keep all the soap dispensers in your home filled with antibacterial soap by using the Solimo Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap. The large, 56 fl ounce refill has a light moisturizing element that helps keep hands from getting dry. The soap is made without the use of triclosan, phthalate, and parabens and is dermatologist-tested.
Pros: Available in several scents, including Mango and Coconut Water and Pear.
Cons: Solimo must be added to a clear soap dispenser to work. It does not mix well with other soaps.
Buy: Solimo Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
13. Everyone Hand Soap
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
Users with sensitive skin and noses will appreciate the Everyone Hand Soap, which is gentle on all skin types and is only lightly scented with essential oils. The soap is EWG verified, GMO-free, cruelty-free, gluten-free, triclosan-free, and synthetic fragrance-free, which makes it safe for the whole family. Available in many light scents, the soap is hypoallergenic, and dermatologist tested. We also like that the plant-based liquid is packaged in 100% recyclable packaging at a zero-waste site.
Pros: Eco-friendly and hypoallergenic.
Cons: Not the most moisturizing option on our list.
14. Method Gel Hand Soap
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
We’re big fans of Method’s line of gel hand soaps, which come in 10 different scents. However, Pink Grapefruit is far and away our favorite. It has a light and refreshing fragrance that doesn’t come on too strong (citrus and sweet). Instead of alcohol that dries out your skin, Method uses naturally derived plant-based cleansers. This gel hand wash is also free of parabens and cruelty-free. If you’re looking for a great, everyday, antibacterial hand soap to keep on your kitchen or bathroom counter, this is a fantastic option.
Pros: The refreshing fragrance will have you looking forward to washing your hands.
Cons: The alcohol-free composition may be less effective than alcohol-containing ones.
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