These 12 Moisturizing Hand Washes Will Give You the Softest Hands—& They Smell Incredible

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A quality hand soap is always a must, but it becomes even more important during the chillier months. Cold weather can dry out skin more easily, plus it’s sick season. ‘Tis the season to up your hand washing game with a lather that cleanses your skin thoroughly without making your paws feel like sandpaper. That’s why we rounded up the best moisturizing hand washes on the market.

Look out for buzz words, like “moisturizing,” “nourishing,” and “hydrating,” which are often affiliated with certain skincare ingredients. Vitamin E, shea butter, ceramides, honey, aloe, and essential oils on ingredient labels are great signs of a moisturizing hand soap. They also tend to smell incredible, too.

Best Moisturizing Hand Washes at a Glance

• Best Dermatologist-Backed: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar , $7 (was $9)
• Best Luxury: Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash , $46
• Best Fragrance: Moroccanoil Hand Wash, $22
• Best Celebrity-Approved: Homecourt Cece Hand Wash, $34
• Best Drugstore: Softsoap Moisturizing Liquid Hand Soap , $6 (was $11)
• Best Gentle: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash Gentle Foaming Wash , $20
• Best Packaging: Diptyque Softening and Comforting Wash for the Hands, $82

What ingredients are best for a moisturizing hand wash? 

According to Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York City, a truly moisturizing hand wash can cleanse effectively without compromising the skin’s natural barrier. “Look for gentle surfactants that remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils, paired with humectants like glycerin and sodium PCA to lock in hydration,” she explains. Additionally, she says soothing ingredients such as aloe vera and penthenol “calm the skin,” while lipids like squalane, shea butter, and ceramides “reinforce the barrier,” for softer, nourished, and more resilient hands, even if you’re a frequent hand-washer. 

In addition to these ingredients, Dr. Connie Yang, a board-certified dermatologist and Dermstore Medical Advisory Board member, says to look for barrier-supporting ingredients such as “ceramides, allantoin, oat and colloidal oatmeal, and niacinamide.” 

What ingredients should I avoid for a moisturizing hand wash? 

When choosing a formula, the key is to go as gentle as possible. “Hand washes are often harsh and strip the skin of its natural oils,” says Dr. Yang. With that in mind, she recommends avoiding harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate and alcohols (which are often included in hand sanitizers). “Synthetic fragrances and dyes can irritate sensitive skin and worsen dryness,” she adds. 

How do I properly wash my hands?

Dr. Engelman says that proper hand washing is all about thoroughness and technique to protect your skin and your health. “Start by wetting your hands with warm water, then apply a gentle, moisturizing hand wash,” she explains. “Lather well, making sure to cover all surfaces, for at least 20 seconds.” After 20 seconds is up, rinse thoroughly and gently pat dry with a clean towel—try not to scrub your hands with the towel as this can further irritate the skin. After washing your hands, Dr. Engelman says to apply a hand cream “to lock in hydration and support your skin barrier.”

The Best Moisturizing Hand Washes to Use Year-Round

You don’t want to have to leave your toasty home to keep restocking soaps. So, buy multiple bottles of any of the following lathers that’ll gently cleanse your skin without drying it out. Our top moisturizing hand wash picks range from drugstore formulas starting at $6 to ones from fancy brands that might cost you, but are so worth it.

Our mission at StyleCaster is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. This article was sponsored by Bath & Body Works, however, all products were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.