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Buying guide

The Best Hand Soaps and Sanitizers

We compared seven hand soaps and sanitizers on owner ratings, expert reviews, and price. The Dial Antibacterial Foaming Hand Soap (B0CN1R1PFB) is the top pick for its balance of effectiveness, gentleness, and value.

Updated

The bottom line

The Dial Antibacterial Foaming Hand Soap (B0CN1R1PFB) is our top pick for its effective antibacterial properties, gentle formula, and good value at $13.46 for a 6-pack. The Touchland Juicy Trio Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray Set (B09YT2H35S) is a close runner-up for its hydrating formula and travel-friendly design, though it is more expensive at $27. For a budget option, the Softsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap (B081FFRGZB) offers good value at $5.07 for a 50 fl oz bottle, though it may become watery over time.

Top pick
Dial Antibacterial Foaming Hand SoapDial Antibacterial Foaming Hand Soap $13.46

Best balance of effectiveness and value

Dial Antibacterial Foaming Hand Soap kills more than 99.99% of bacteria, is dermatologist-tested, and is priced at $13.46 for a 6-pack. Owners rate it 9.6/10 from 3859 ratings. Skip if you prefer a liquid soap.

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Runner-up
Touchland Juicy Trio Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray SetTouchland Juicy Trio Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray Set $27.00

Best for travel and hydration

Touchland Juicy Trio Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray Set has a hydrating formula with aloe vera and essential oils, priced at $27. Owners rate it 9.6/10 from 14238 ratings. Skip if price is a concern.

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Budget pick
Softsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand SoapSoftsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap $5.07

Best value for money

Softsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap is priced at $5.07 for a 50 fl oz bottle and is rated 9.2/10 from 24815 ratings. Skip if you dislike the consistency becoming watery over time.

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The field, ranked

  1. Dial Antibacterial Foaming Hand Soap Best balance of effectiveness, gentleness, and value 9.0/10 $13.46 Amazon
  2. Touchland Juicy Trio Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray Set Best for travel and hydration, but more expensive 8.5/10 $27.00 Amazon
  3. Softsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap Best value for money, but consistency may become watery 8.0/10 $5.07 Amazon
  4. Dial Antibacterial Defense Foaming Hand Soap + Aloe Good effectiveness and gentleness, but more expensive 7.5/10 $16.99 Amazon
  5. Dial Antibacterial Foaming Hand Wash Effective and gentle, but mid-range price 7.0/10 $11.34 Amazon
  6. Softsoap Soothing Clean Hand Soap Refill Good value, but not as effective as top picks 6.5/10 $5.97 Amazon
  7. Littley Infant & Toddler Hand Cleanser Gentle and baby-friendly, but higher price point 5.0/10 $13.59 Amazon

Who should buy which

If you prioritize effectiveness and value, go for the Dial Antibacterial Foaming Hand Soap. If you need a travel-friendly option with a hydrating formula, the Touchland Juicy Trio is your best bet. For those on a budget, the Softsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap offers good value, though be aware of the potential for the consistency to become watery over time.

Also-rans

The Littley Infant & Toddler Hand Cleanser, while gentle and baby-friendly, is priced higher than other sanitizers and did not receive high owner ratings. The Dial Antibacterial Defense Foaming Hand Soap + Aloe and the Dial Antibacterial Foaming Hand Wash are good options but do not offer significant advantages over the top pick to justify their slightly higher prices.

How this was put together

This guide is based on owner ratings (over 60,000 ratings across the set), expert reviews, and price comparisons. No products were tested hands-on. The evidence was thinnest on the Littley Infant & Toddler Hand Cleanser, which had fewer owner ratings and a higher price point.