Handwashing Habits Tripled With the Pandemic—And These Are the 9 Best Hand Soaps for Everyday Use

Even months after the global pandemic hit and focus first shifted to handwashing habits, those routines are still going strong. In fact, people are washing their hands now more than ever before.

A new Canadian survey gathered data from 1,000 respondents and found the frequency of handwashing is at a major increase, with most people going from washing their hands from 3 to 4 times a day before the pandemic to 11 to 14 times a day now. The survey also found people are spending more time washing their hands: 90 percent are hitting the recommended 20 seconds. And, maybe not surprisingly, women are washing their hands more than men.

If you want to keep your hands moisturized and clean, simply switch up the soaps you’re using. Some of the best hand soaps are loaded with soothing essential oils and nourishing ingredients that will keep your skin soft no matter how many times you’re scrubbing away. Instead of buying individual-size hand soaps, get yourself a reusable soap dispenser (I highly recommend this sturdy glass and brass dispenser). Then, fill it up with the best refillable hand soaps.

1. Puracy Natural Gel Hand Soap, $21

It’s hard to find a hand soap that smells better than this lavender and vanilla version. Aside from keeping your hands clean, it also naturally moisturizes and softens your skin with vitamin E and aloe vera.

Shop now:Puracy Natural Gel Hand Soap, $21

2. EO Hand Soap, $42

This hand soap refill is pricey, but you get an entire gallon—aka enough hand soap to last you a while. It cleans and moisturizes with organic ingredients, and has pure essential oils that help you find your calm while washing your hands.

Shop now:EO Hand Soap, $42

3. Cleancult Liquid Hand Soap Refill, $9

This clean hand soap—which is made from natural, gentle, and non-toxic ingredients—comes in zero-waste packaging. It also contains moisturizing coconut oil, olive oil, vitamin E, and essential oils.

Shop now:Cleancult Liquid Hand Soap Refill, $9

4. Simplehuman Cucumber Moisturizing Liquid Hand Soap, $8

The crisp cucumber scent of this hand soap will instantly perk you up, and the formula is biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and free of parabens, DEAs, and sulfates. Really, it’s everything you could ever want.

Shop now:Simplehuman Cucumber Moisturizing Liquid Hand Soap, $8

5. Method Gel Hand Soap Pink Grapefruit, $6

This energizing pink grape fruit hand soap is triclosan-free, biodegradable, and will leave your hands equally soft and clean thanks to the vitamin E and aloe.

Shop now:Method Gel Hand Soap Pink Grapefruit, $6

Ginger Lily Farms Botanicals All-Purpose Hand Soap, $20

This hand soap contains pure fruit extracts of apple and pear, is made with natural exfoliants and antioxidants, and is cruelty-free, paraben-free, and PETA-certified.

Shop now:Ginger Lily Farms Botanicals All-Purpose Hand Soap, $20

Everspring Liquid Hand Soap Refill, $5

Aside from being non-toxic, paraben-free, and cruelty-free, this foaming hand soap also has an invigorating lemon and mint scent that will turn your bathroom into a spa.

Shop now:Everspring Liquid Hand Soap Refill, $5

ECOS Hand Soap Refill, $7

This hypoallergenic hand soap contains vitamin E and antioxidants to leave your hands moisturized and smooth. It also has a mood-lifting lemongrass scent.

Shop now:ECOS Hand Soap Refill, $7

MyKirei By Kao Hand Soap Refill with Yuzu & Rice Water, $16

This hand soap is Well+Good beauty editor-approved! It’s infused with rice water and vitamin-C rich Japanese yuzu extract, which is known for moisturizing your skin. The fresh citrus fragrance from the fruit is lovely.

Shop now:MyKirei By Kao Hand Soap Refill with Yuzu & Rice Water, $16