We can all play a role in fighting the coronavirus by adopting one very simple and easy step into our day-to-day lives – washing our hands! Many over-the-counter soaps contain harmful chemicals that can leave your hands irritated, red, and dry, so it’s important to choose a hand soap made of natural ingredients and, of course, one that is cruelty-free. We looked at a handful of the best soaps guaranteed to leave your hands fresh and fancy-free. 

Human hands are remarkable things. They can grasp, hold, and move. They can create something incredible out of nothing. They can comfort loved ones in their time of need. Your hands are one of your greatest assets yet they are also one of the fastest ways of spreading diseases. Did you know that at any given time your hands are teeming with bacteria that can hang around on your hands long enough to spread from person to person? Now, more than ever, there is a strong emphasis on the importance of proper handwashing to protect yourself - and others - from infections. 

Handing It Down From Generation To Generation

The practice of handwashing has been around for centuries. Today, it is well-known that just 30 seconds of handwashing with soap and water (about as long as singing "Happy Birthday" twice), reduces the bacterial count on your hands by up to 99.9% – and that’s news enough for everyone to break out in song. The best way to scrub those germs away is to wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold). Use soap and lather up. Make sure you get the soap in between your fingers, on the backs of hands, and under the nails where germs like to hang out. Rinse and dry well with a clean towel. If soap and water are not available, antibacterial wipes, rubs, or sanitizers can reduce bacterial counts.

Clean Up Your Act

Regular handwashing has become a rule of thumb for everyone from nurses and doctors, to restaurant and grocery store owners, to families across the world. That’s because handwashing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses - from the common cold to more serious infections, such as meningitis, bronchiolitis, the flu, hepatitis A, the coronavirus, and most types of infectious diarrhea. It is important to always wash your hands before eating and cooking, after using the bathroom, after touching animals, before and after visiting or taking care of any sick friends or relatives, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Here's an overview of Top Five Hand Soaps:

1. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Hand Soap Refill, Cruelty-Free and Biodegradable Formula, Basil Scent, 33 oz

Made with plant-derived ingredients and calming essential oils, this liquid hand soap works overtime to wipe out germs while still being extra gentle on your skin. Best of all, it smells great too. After washing, you’ll be followed by the lingering scent of garden-fresh Honeysuckle instead of the harsh smell of alcohol-based sanitizers. This product makes the simple act of washing your hands feel like a pleasure and, best of all, it rings in at an affordable price.

2. Jermee Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer Gel, 70% Alcohol - Kills Germs Without Soap & Water - Crystal Clear Gel, Refreshing Scent, Made in the USA - with Easy to Use Pump, 1 Gallon

Perfect for the home, classroom, or office reception area, this hand sanitizer gel comes in a handy and easy to use pump bottle to prevent wastage and accidental spills. Perfect for frequent use and child-friendly, the mild formula is free of parabens, phthalates, preservatives, and harsh ingredients, so it won’t dry out or irritate your skin.

3. Welmedix No-Rinse Adult Gentle Cleansing Foam – No-Rinse Full Body Personal Cleanser /Foam Formula Better for Washing Than Just Wipes/Great for Caregivers and Loved Ones (3-Pack)

Unlike many other harsh soaps, this gentle cleanser leaves hands fresh and clean without feeling itchy or dry. Its specially balanced formula contains calendula and emollients to moisturize and help maintain the skin's natural pH. The handy pump bottle allows you to control just how much or how little foam you want to use and gives you roughly 300 pumps per bottle.

4. Olivia Care Bath & Body Bar Mandarin Soap | 4 Pack Gift Box | Organic, Vegan & Natural | Contains Olive Oil | Repairs, Hydrates, Moisturizes & Deep Cleans | Good for Sensitive Dry Skin | Made in the USA

Enriched with olive oil and infused with the fruitiness of mandarin this oval-shaped bar available in a four-pack gift box, is the perfect skin moisturizer and produces a rich lather. It’s very gentle and suitable for both young and old. Not only does it kill bacteria, but it also helps in relieving Eczema, Psoriasis, and Acne. This bar is made with 100% natural ingredients and is cruelty-free.

5. Ally Rinse-Free Shampoo and Body Wash with Aloe, 8 Fluid Ounces (Pack of 12)

pH balanced and alcohol-free, this product contains soothing aloe and healing Vitamin E. What makes it so versatile is that it doubles as both a shampoo and a body wash that is suitable for use on your hands. It cleans with no soap bar or water needed. Simply apply it directly to your hands and towel off.