Best Non-Toxic Hand Soap Brands: 11 Safest Picks for Healthy Hands

I bet your parents said "wash your hands" more times than you could count as a kid. Back then, we didn't think much about clean hands—but adulthood made sure we got the message loud and clear. Yet most people overlook a crucial detail: choosing non-toxic hand soap for their daily routine.

Hand washing might seem like a harmless daily habit, but if you're using conventional hand soap, you might unknowingly be exposing yourself to skin irritation and unwanted chemical buildup. A quick glance at your typical hand soap's ingredient list reveals a concerning mix of irritants, allergens, potential carcinogens, and endocrine disruptors. Parabens, harsh surfactants, synthetic preservatives, and phthalates are just a few of the problematic ingredients commonly found in mainstream products.

These toxins can lead to irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, or even hormone disruption with repeated exposure over time.

Protecting your family's health and well-being can start with something as simple as switching to a natural hand soap that cleanses effectively without compromising safety.

Ready to make the switch? In this comprehensive guide, I've carefully curated the best non-toxic hand soaps for a gentle yet effective hygiene routine. You'll discover options that are fragrance-free, beautifully scented with natural ingredients, deeply moisturizing, and even safe for sensitive, eczema-prone, or baby skin.

Why Choose Non Toxic Hand Soaps?

The relationship between frequent hand washing and skin health is more complex than many people realize. Research shows that healthcare workers, who wash their hands significantly more often than the general population, are 3.5 times more likely to develop adverse skin reactions compared to non-healthcare workers. While this statistic specifically relates to occupational exposure, it highlights the potential risks associated with frequent use of harsh cleansing products.

The problems with conventional hand soaps stem from several key factors:

• Aggressive Cleansing Agents Strip Natural Protection

Conventional bar soaps and liquid hand soaps don't just remove dirt and germs—they also strip away beneficial bacteria and healthy fatty compounds that form your skin's natural protective barrier. Over time, this aggressive cleansing weakens your skin's defense system, leading to a cascade of problems including dryness, redness, irritation, itching, cracking, and even bleeding.

• Compromised Skin Increases Infection Risk

When your skin barrier becomes damaged, you're not just dealing with discomfort—you're also facing increased health risks. As dermatologist Kristina Liu explains, cracks and breaks in the skin can actually increase the risk of superficial infections. Your skin acts as your body's first line of defense against germs, and when that outermost layer gets damaged, harmful bacteria can more easily penetrate into deeper tissues.

• Toxic Ingredients Pose Long-Term Health Concerns

Beyond immediate skin irritation, many conventional hand soaps contain harsh chemicals that could trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals or potentially cause hormone disruption with long-term use. The FDA banned 19 chemicals , including triclosan and triclocarban, from consumer antibacterial soaps in 2016 due to safety concerns and lack of proven effectiveness over regular soap and water.

The Natural Alternative: Gentle Yet Effective Cleansing

Non-toxic hand soaps offer a better approach to hand hygiene. Unlike their conventional counterparts, natural hand soaps use gentle, plant-based cleansing agents that effectively remove dirt and germs while preserving your skin's natural oils and protective barrier. These organic formulations work with your skin's biology rather than against it, keeping your hands clean, soft, and healthy.

The benefits of making this switch extend far beyond your personal health—they also contribute to environmental protection and ethical consumption practices.

Ready to discover which non toxic hand soaps deserve a place in your home? Let's explore our carefully vetted top picks.

The Best Non Toxic Hand Soap Brands

We've organized our recommendations into two categories to help you find the perfect match for your needs and budget:

“Best”

Primally Pure | Shop Here*

Branch Basics | Shop Here*

Dr. Bronner’s | Shop Here*

Kosmatology | Shop Here*

Earth Mama | Shop Here*

“Better”

Everyone | Shop Here*

Puracy | Shop Here*

Aleavia | Shop Here*

Blueland | Shop Here*

Follain | Shop Here*

Babo Botanicals | Shop Here*

How Do We Choose the Best Natural Hand Soap Brands?

We select non toxic hand soaps that are free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates (SLS/SLES), synthetic fragrances, triclosan, and other nasty ingredients. Our criteria for choosing the best foaming hand soaps include:

• No harsh ingredients

• Naturally derived formulas

• Fragrance-free or naturally scented hand soap (never artificial "parfum")

• Transparent ingredient labeling and no greenwashing

"Best" vs "Better

• Best Non-Toxic Hand Soaps: These are the safest picks, meeting the strictest non toxic standards (EWG Verified™, MADE SAFE®, etc.) and made entirely from plant-based ingredients.

• Better Non-Toxic Hand Soaps: These are generally safe but may fall short in one or two areas—like lacking official non toxic certifications, containing mild synthetic preservatives, or featuring a naturally derived but vaguely labeled fragrance.

What are the Best Non Toxic Hand Soaps?

Primally Pure Hand Soap (Cool Citrus Breeze) Our Top Pick*

Use the code Orbasics to save 10% on your Primally Pure order!

Best for: Luxury, non-toxic hand soap experience

Certifications: N/A

Wildcrafted Ingredients:

• Aloe Vera Juice

• Organic Coconut Oil

• Tangerine Essential Oil

Price: $46.40 for 6.8 oz

Refills: No

Why We Like It:

Your hands deserve nothing but the finest care, and Primally Pure Hand Soap delivers exactly that—transforming every hand washing into a luxurious spa-like experience. I was a bit surprised by the price at first, but to be fair, this organic hand soap uses highest quality organic oils and ingredients, and truly delivers a luxurious experience.

It comes in a gorgeous, recyclable metal pump that adds a touch of elegance to any bathroom. And who needs artificial fragrances? This hand soap offers a refreshing citrus aroma crafted entirely from natural ingredients. Its infusion of pure plant botanicals keeps your hands clean, smooth, and smelling great! The rich, creamy lather provides excellent coverage while the nourishing ingredients work to maintain your skin's natural moisture balance. This makes it an excellent choice for those who wash their hands frequently but want to avoid the dryness typically associated with regular soap use.

Shop Primally Pure here*

Dr. Bronner’s Organic Sugar Soap

Best for: Scented hand soap

Certifications: EWG Verified™, USDA Organic, Fair for Life, Leaping Bunny, Certified Vegan

Organic Ingredients:

• Organic Coconut Oil

• Organic Sucrose

• Organic White Grape Juice

Price: $20.99 for 24 oz

Refills: Yes

Why We Like It:

Looking for a natural hand soap that ticks all the boxes? Dr. Bronner's organic sugar soap is vegan, cruelty-free, ethically-made, sustainably-sourced, non-toxic, and packaged in a 100% post-consumer recycled bottle. A complete win for your body and the environment!

I've been using this non-toxic hand soap for the past few years and I couldn't recommend it more highly. You only need a small amount to get a creamy lather that gently cleanses your skin, leaving your hands silky soft. You can choose between four refreshing, natural scents that smell divine—or a completely unscented option, if you'd like to keep things pure and simple. Having used this non-toxic hand soap consistently for several years, I can confidently recommend it for its outstanding performance and value!

Shop Dr. Bronner's here*

Branch Basics* Gel Hand Soap (Fragrance-Free)

Best for: Sensitive skin

Certifications: EWG Verified™, MADE SAFE®, Leaping Bunny

Natural Ingredients:

• Chamomile

• Aloe Vera

• Meadowfoam Oil

Price: $45.00 for 16 oz

Refills: Yes

Why We Like It:

For individuals seeking the gentlest possible hand soap, Branch Basics concentrated formula represents the gold standard in sensitive skin care. Backed by two of the most trusted non-toxic certifications, this fragrance free hand soap is free from potential irritants, allergens, and harsh ingredients—giving you peace of mind. It's also free of essential oils and crafted with natural cleansing agents that hydrate your skin while cleaning off the dirt.

While it may seem pricey, keep in mind that you can dilute this concentrated hand soap, reducing how often you need to repurchase. The concentrated nature also means less packaging waste and a smaller environmental footprint per use.

Shop Branch Basics here*

Kosmatology Foaming Hand Soap (Lavender Eucalyptus)*

Best for: Foaming hand soap

Certifications: MADE SAFE®, Leaping Bunny, and PETA Certified Vegan

Natural Ingredients:

• Olive Oil

• Coconut Oil

• Lavender Oil

Price: $9.99 for 8.5 oz

Refills: Yes

Why We Like It:

Kosmatology foaming hand soap is a fantastic option for both kids and adults. Infused with organic essential oils, including lavender, it offers a relaxing, natural aroma without any artificial additives. This gorgeously scented hand soap also produces a satisfying, luxurious lather your little ones will love. And best of all, it won't leave hands feeling weirdly soapy or coated like other liquid hand soaps do.

Plus, you can buy a 34 oz refill pouch to reuse your foaming pump!

Shop Kosmatology here*

Earth Mama Organic Foaming Hand Soap*

Best for: Newborns and up

Certifications: Leaping Bunny, Plastic Neutral, Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth, Seal of Acceptance™ by the National Eczema Association

Organic Ingredients:

• Calendula Flower Extract

• Organic Olive Oil

• Shea Butter

Price: $9.50 for 6.27 oz

Refills: Yes

Why We Like It:

This is the best non toxic hand soap for your baby's delicate skin. Earth Mama's Baby Wash is so gentle and safe that it's even used in hospital NICUs. The castile-based, fragrance-free formula is crafted with soothing herbs and organic oils specifically chosen for their skin-calming properties. Calendula flower extract provides natural anti-inflammatory benefits, while organic olive oil and shea butter help maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier. Most importantly, the formula is completely free of unnecessary chemicals, artificial fragrances, dyes, and other potentially irritating ingredients.

You can also use it as shampoo and body soap, but keep in mind it's not a "no-tear" formula. The National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance™ further validates this product's suitability for sensitive, eczema-prone skin, making it an excellent choice for families dealing with skin sensitivities.

Shop Earth Mama here*

What Are the "Better" Natural Hand Soaps?

Everyone Hand Soap (Lavender + Coconut)*

Best for: Budget-friendly hand soap

Certifications: EWG Verified™, B Corp, Leaping Bunny

Toxin Free Ingredients:

• Coconut-derived Cleansers

• Chamomilla Flower Extract

• Calendula Flower Extract

Price: $25.98 for 32 oz

Refills: Yes

Why We Like It:

Taking care of your hands doesn't have to cost a fortune. Everyone, for example, offers the most affordable non toxic soap you can find. The brand even offers 128-ounce refill jugs for just $40.99—hard to find a better deal! Despite its budget-friendly price, this natural hand soap is packed with high-quality botanical extracts that gently cleanse your hands. It comes in a variety of scents, though I highly recommend the Lavender + Coconut. It smells divine and transports you to a tropical spa!

Why Better? While it's EWG Verified™, this hand soap uses Phenoxyethanol. Though this ingredient is considered safe for most skin types, it may cause irritation for highly sensitive users.

Shop Everyone here*

Puracy Natural Hand Soap (Lavender & Vanilla)*

Best for: Dry hands

Certifications: PETA Certified Vegan & Cruelty Free

Plant-based Ingredients:

• Coconut-derived Cleansers

• Vegetable Glycerin

• Aloe Vera

Price: $29.99 for 48 oz

Refills: Yes

Why We Like It:

This non toxic foaming hand soap is a complete game-changer for dry, cracked hands as its carefully crafted with skin-loving organic oils and prebiotics. I love at how this gentle, plant-based soap melts away grime with ease while keeping your hands soft and hydrated. Perfect for anyone who’s constantly washing their hands but doesn’t want dry skin. And if you struggle with cracked hands, you’ll love how this gentle soap soothes your skin with regular use!

Why Better? This hand soap contains Sodium Benzoate, which is generally safe. However, under high heat or direct sunlight, this preservative may produce benzene—a chemical linked to blood cancers.

Shop Puracy here*

Aleavia Microbiome-Friendly Hand Wash (Citrus & Sea Kelp)*

Best for: Moisturizing & Microbiome-Friendly Formula

Certifications: N/A

Toxin Free Ingredients:

• Dead Sea Salt

• Shea Butter

• Lemongrass Oil

Price: $12.99 for 8 oz

Refills: No

Why We Like It:

The concept of a microbiome-friendly hand soap initially sounds almost too good to be true, but it makes perfect scientific sense when you understand the approach. Traditional harsh hand soaps operate on a "scorched earth" principle, stripping away both harmful and beneficial bacteria indiscriminately. Aleavia's innovative natural hand soap breaks this destructive cycle by taking a more nuanced approach to hand hygiene.

The nourishing ingredients, including luxurious shea butter and mineral-rich Dead Sea salt, work together to restore your skin's natural moisture balance while the lemongrass essential oil provides a fresh, invigorating scent. The result is hands that feel clean, balanced, and naturally protected rather than stripped and vulnerable.

Why Better? This hand soap contains organic ingredients, but lacks official certification.

Shop Aleavia here*

Blueland Foaming Hand Soap (Refillable Kit)*

Best for: Zero waste hand soap

Certifications: EPA Safer Choice, B Corp, Leaping Bunny, Cradle to Cradle, Climate Neutral

Non Toxic Ingredients:

• Citric Acid

• Sodium Carbonate

• Sodium Coco-sulfate

Price: $21.99 (Includes one refillable glass bottle and 4 tablets)

Refills: Yes

Why We Like It:

It’s easy to see why so many people are obsessed with Blueland’s plastic-free tablets. Simply drop a tablet into warm water, and it transforms into a gentle, non-toxic hand soap. These tablets barely need any storage space and you can choose between multiple scent choices, like Iris Agave and Lavender Eucalyptus. No need to buy refill pouches or plastic dispensers every time you run out of hand soap—these tablets come in compostable paper packaging!

Why Better? These tablets list 'fragrance' as an ingredient, without clearly saying what's in it. That said, Blueland states that their scents are free from phthalates, allergens, and Prop 65-listed substances.

Shop Blueland here*

Follain “Everything Soap” (Lemongrass)*

Best for: Multipurpose hand soap

Certifications: N/A

Natural Ingredients:

• Coconut Oil

• Jojoba Oil

• Olive Oil

Price: $24.00 for 16 oz

Refills: Yes

Why We Like It:

If you'd like to simplify your routine, Follain's Everything Soap makes it easy. This all-in-one liquid soap works well as a body wash, hand soap, and even as a gentle pet shampoo—yes, really! Since it's made from saponified coconut, olive, and jojoba oils, this liquid soap is safe for your furry friend and your skin, leaving both incredibly soft and clean.

Why Better? This hand soap is made from natural ingredients, but doesn't hold any third-party seal.

Shop Follain here*

Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Hand Soap (Fragrance-Free)*

Best for: Eczema-prone skin

Certifications: B Corp, Leaping Bunny, PETA Cruelty Free

Organic Ingredients:

• Aloe Vera

• Argan Oil

• Shea Butter

Price: $9.50 for 8 oz

Refills: No

Why We Like It:

Struggling to find a hand soap that's gentle enough for your eczema-prone skin? I discovered this natural hand soap a few months ago at my friend's house. Her toddler has eczema and this has been the only hand soap that doesn't irritate or dry their skin. Packed with nourishing, organic ingredients, you can feel confident it will not only cleanse but also moisturize and soothe your skin. The fragrance-free formulation eliminates one of the most common triggers for sensitive skin reactions, making it suitable for individuals with multiple chemical sensitivities, allergies, or compromised skin barriers. The gentle nature of this soap makes it appropriate for daily use without fear of exacerbating existing skin conditions.

Why Better? This hand soap features organic ingredients but doesn't carry an official organic label.

Shop Babo Botanicals here*

Key Benefits of Switching to a Natural Hand Soap

Making the transition to non-toxic hand soaps delivers both immediate and long-term advantages for your health and the environment. Here's why I love using natural hand soaps!

Health benefits

• Gentler on skin: Natural formulations cleanse without stripping away essential oils, reducing the risk of dryness and irritation

• Better for sensitive skin: Free from common allergens and harsh chemicals that can trigger reactions

• Supports healthy skin microbiome: Preserves beneficial bacteria that help maintain skin health and natural protection

• Reduces chemical exposure: Eliminates daily contact with potentially harmful synthetic ingredients

Environmental benefits

• Biodegradable formulas: Natural ingredients break down safely in waterways without polluting aquatic ecosystems

• Cruelty-free production: Most natural brands avoid animal testing and use ethical manufacturing practices

• Sustainable packaging: Many eco-conscious brands use recyclable or refillable containers to reduce waste

• Responsible sourcing: Organic and fair-trade ingredients support sustainable agriculture and ethical labor practices

What Makes a Hand Soap “Non-Toxic”?

Want to be sure your liquid or gel hand soap is truly toxin free? Understanding how to identify genuinely non-toxic hand soap requires knowing what to look for—and what to avoid. Here's an easy checklist to spot a genuinely non toxic option:

• Natural fragrance or no fragrance: Natural hand soaps do not have synthetic fragrances, so you won't find the word "fragrance" or "parfum" among their ingredients. Instead, non toxic brands use organic essential oils for scent or offer unscented versions.

• Recognizable Natural Ingredients: Organic hand soaps often contain a short list of plant-based ingredients, like organic coconut oil, olive oil, and cocoa butter—safe ingredients you can actually pronounce!

• No harsh chemicals: Natural brands deliberately avoid common irritants, allergens, and potentially toxic substances found in conventional hand soaps. This includes steering clear of sulfates, parabens, triclosan, phthalates, and synthetic preservatives that can cause both immediate skin reactions and potential long-term health concerns.

• Third-Party Certifications: Look for products that have earned certifications from respected organizations like EWG Verified™, MADE SAFE®, or USDA Organic. These certifications require rigorous testing and verification processes that provide additional assurance of safety and quality.

Wondering which common ingredients aren't safe? Discover the must-avoid toxins below!

Harmful Ingredients To Avoid in Hand Soaps

When choosing a hand soap, steer clear of those that contain these toxins:

• Parabens - These synthetic preservatives are endocrine disruptors, which means they may disrupt your hormones' normal function. Even worse, parabens have been linked to breast cancer.

• Triclosan & triclocarban - Antibacterial soaps may contain these endocrine disruptors—yet they’re no more effective than plain soap. In 2016, the FDA banned antibacterial agents in hand soaps due to safety concerns. They may trigger allergies and increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.

• Harsh surfactants (SLS/SLES) - Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are strong detergents that strip away your skin's natural oils, leading to irritation and dryness. Additionally, SLS may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a probable carcinogen.

• Isothiazolinone preservatives - Like Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone. These irritants are linked to contact dermatitis and contact allergies.

• Phthalates - These endocrine disruptors are usually hidden in your hand soap's "fragrance". They've been linked to reproductive birth defects and fertility issues.

• Formaldehyde releasers - Preservatives such as DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, and imidazolidinyl urea gradually release small amounts of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

• Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats) - Ingredients like dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride can cause skin irritation and reproductive toxicity.

• PEGs (polyethylene glycols) - These ingredients may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a substance linked to multiple kinds of cancer.

For greater confidence in your cleaning products, seek out products backed by third-party certifications.

Certifications to Look For in Natural Hand Soaps

If your hand soap holds any of these certifications, you can rest assured it's a non toxic choice:

• EWG Verified™: Ensures your product is free from chemicals of concern.

• MADE SAFE®: Certifies that your product is free from more than 6,000 toxins.

• ECOCERT / COSMOS: Verifies that your hand soap is made with natural or organic ingredients.

• USDA Organic: Certifies that your foaming hand soap contains organic ingredients.

Key Takeaways

Making the switch to non-toxic hand soaps represents a simple yet impactful step toward protecting your family's health and supporting environmental sustainability. The evidence is clear that conventional hand soaps can cause both immediate skin problems and potential long-term health concerns through exposure to harsh chemicals and synthetic additives.

• Conventional hand soaps contain harsh cleansing agents that strip away your skin's natural oils, leading to irritation, superficial infections, and dryness.

• Their toxic additives (like parabens, methylisothiazolinone, and triclosan) could also trigger allergies or even disrupt your hormones in the long run.

• Non toxic hand soaps, in contrast, are made with safe, plant-based ingredients that gently cleanse your skin without exposing you (or the planet) to harmful chemicals.

• Biodegradable formulations and ethical manufacturing practices protect both environmental and human health

• Look for products with transparent ingredient lists featuring recognizable, plant-based components

• Seek out third-party certifications from trusted organizations like EWG Verified™, MADE SAFE®, or USDA Organic

FAQ

What is the healthiest non-toxic hand soap?

Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Soap stands out as the healthiest option, made with organic oils like coconut, olive, and hemp oils through traditional saponification. Castille soaps are considered the gold standard because they contain only vegetable oils with no synthetic detergents, preservatives, or harsh chemicals. Other top choices include Primally Pure and Branch Basics.

What is the least toxic soap?

The least toxic soaps are unscented castile soaps with minimal ingredients. Natural bar soaps made through saponification are inherently less toxic than liquid synthetic detergents because they avoid harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate and synthetic preservatives

Is there formaldehyde in hand soap?

Yes, formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs) are found in many commercial hand soaps as antibacterial agents and shelf-life extenders. Studies show that over 50% of personal care products used by women contain these chemicals. However, truly natural and organic soaps like castile soap are formaldehyde-free, making ingredient label checking essential for avoiding this known carcinogen.

Are non-toxic hand soaps as effective at cleaning?

Yes, non-toxic soaps are equally effective for cleaning - studies demonstrate that natural soap compounds are as effective as synthetic detergents for removing bacteria and dirt. Research shows that plain soap performs just as well as antibacterial soap for pathogen removal, and castile soaps effectively clean while being gentler on skin than harsh chemical alternatives.