Good hand soap?

[kingfisher]

Gentlemen:

I'm looking for a good bar soap for the hands, to be placed next to the bathroom sink. I've used SoftSoap and its equivalents for a very long time but would prefer a bar.

I don't know whether a good bar soap for the hands would be the same as a good bar soap for the shower, or whether there are subtle differences? I've noticed that good shower soaps tend to leave moisturizers/oils on the skin that feel great on the body, but when used to wash just the hands it almost feels like the soap can't be rinsed off. That can be annoying.

So, any suggestions? Or do you think it is best to just get a soap meant for the shower and use it for my hands?

Thanks in advance.

 

[HoratioCaine]

I don't use hand soaps. I prefer Nature's Gate liquid hand cleansers - much nicer than your average Soft Soap. However, in answer to your question, for what it's worth, Trumper sells both body and hand soaps, and the only difference is the size of the bar - the hand soap is smaller. The soap itself is the same. Ditto with Crabtree & Evelyn. Some soaps are specifically designed for cleaning very dirty hands - Lava, for instance - and you wouldn't want to use them on your body. But as a general rule, for "normal" bar soaps, there is basically no difference between what you would use in the shower versus on your hands. Find something you like, in a size that works well for hand use, and enjoy yourself.

 

[redwoolf]

I don't use hand soaps. I prefer Nature's Gate liquid hand cleansers - much nicer than your average Soft Soap. However, in answer to your question, for what it's worth, Trumper sells both body and hand soaps, and the only difference is the size of the bar - the hand soap is smaller. The soap itself is the same. Ditto with Crabtree & Evelyn. Some soaps are specifically designed for cleaning very dirty hands - Lava, for instance - and you wouldn't want to use them on your body. But as a general rule, for "normal" bar soaps, there is basically no difference between what you would use in the shower versus on your hands. Find something you like, in a size that works well for hand use, and enjoy yourself.

agreed. Do check out the L'Occitane bar soaps, though. They are quite moisturizing and wonderfully fragrant.

 

[kingfisher]

Do you want a soap with abrasive ingredients, such as a gardener's or mechanic's bar might have, or just a good, all around hand soap? I'd be happy to send you a couple of samples of what I make. The qualities of sudsing. rinsing, conditioning, etc. depend largely on what oils are used and how much excess oil is left in the soap as a superfat "cushion".

I am not looking for an ultimate cleaning bar like Lava, but rather for just a good everyday hand soap. I'd love to try some samples if you're serious about sending some my way.

 

[rafikz]

For hand soap, mostly Palmolive Naturals Olive and Aloe that I brought from Algeria (I think it USED to be available here, not anymore

Liquid soap: Nivea Liquid Hand Soap

 

[dcrosso]

Take a look at South of France handsoaps available through Vitacost.com. I recentley purchased most of their fragrance variations. It is more expensive then grocery store handsoaps, but the bars are a eight ounce bar. I use in the shower, for a shampoo and as a hand soap. Someone also spoke hightly of the Costco hand soaps.

 

[orchestrion]

A very cheap yet very awesome bar soap is Yardley bar soap. It literally costs a dollar a bar at Dollar General and comes in some nice scents. I have a lavender bar by my sink right now!

 

[Uncle Erik]

Try Kirk's Coco Castille soap. It's reasonably priced (Whole Foods aside) and is a terrific, classic soap.

I tried it out the first time about 20 years ago and still haven't found anything as good for the price. I also use it in the shower.

 

[Deltaboy]

If cost is an issue you will be hard pressed to beat a bar of Yarleys