During these weird and uncharted times, it seems there’s a new update, recommendation, or protocol every time you check your phone. The one piece of advice that’s remained constant however, is the importance of washing your hands for at least 20 seconds. While in the grand scheme of all COVID-19 related things, hand-washing is a small and seemingly effortless defense, it is wildly effective in helping stop the spread of this virus and thankfully one practice that just stays constant when everything about the way we live is changing on a daily basis. 

For that very reason, we’re rounding up our top picks for soaps that A) kill germs and B) won’t strip all the moisture from your hands. While our favorites already span price range and scent profile, we have to say, there isn’t a soap we wouldn’t wanna get our hands on right about now. Check out our hydration-rich faves below, and let’s continue to give good ole soap the 15 minutes of fame it’s always deserved.

Trader Joe’s Botanical Bounty

If there’s one thing Team Chill wholeheartedly adores, it’s Trader Joes. Prior to us transitioning to a WFH schedule, daily trips to our local TJ’s (which is thankfully a 10 minute walk from our office) became a lunch-time ritual. While we’re doing our best to self-isolate at the moment, and Trader Joe’s runs are dwindling, this was one item I was sure to pick up before hunkering down at home. At only $2.99, it is incredibly well priced (but no surprise there, thank you TJ’s), has a light floral scent that isn’t old-lady like or overwhelming. Finally,  it naturally-derived ingredients such as coconut oil, aloe vera leaf extract, chamomile extract, and botanicals like linseed and lavender oil to leave hands hydrated and soft.

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day

Just as the bottle reads, this soap is “tough on dirt and grime” and “gentle on your home”, which I completely agree with. If nothing else, Coronavirus has pushed me to explore more recipes and at-home cooking techniques — who knew this is what needed to happen for me to finally purchase an electric mixer? And with all this cooking, my hands have become painfully dry trying to thoroughly wash off food bits and bobs. Luckily, Meyer’s hand soaps are formulated with olive oil and aloe vera to help condition dry hands and while still being harsh against the grease you’re washing off. Oh, and I personally think the scents are far more elevated than most bargain soaps. (If you really love them, like me, they also sell candles that are perfect to freshen up your kitchen + bathroom!)

Method Foaming

Another well-priced and widely available favorite! While I admit, I could be far more particular about my favorite soaps, at times like this when people are creating stockpiles to last for months and ignoring everything they have ever learned about sharing, getting the necessities that are available take precedence over pickiness. With method being available everywhere from Target to Amazon to pharmacies and even local bodegas, it’s just a great soap that’s easy to get. Not to mention, it comes in a large variety of scents, has bulk refills you can buy, a biodegradable formula and ingredients include aloe and vitamin E to nourish hands. All hail method foaming hand wash!

Malin and Goetz Hand + Body Wash

And now, a round of applause for this amino-acid based hand and body wash. Though it rings in at a higher price point than our other picks, I think this is still at a reasonable price for the quality and feel. I have loved all Malin and Goetz products for a while for their clean design, fresh scents, and effective formulas and this hand and body wash is no different. While a lot of people are skeptical about duo products, myself included, I have no fear about using this wash on my whole body. It’s gentle and delicate enough for sensitive skin, doesn’t leave any residue, and leaves your skin feeling clean and hydrated.

Aesop Resurrection

We don’t want to say we saved the best for last, but if splurging on a hand soap is a part of your quarantine plan, I can’t recommend this one enough. The aroma is citrusy, woodsy, and reads more like a perfume or candle than just a simple soap, while your skin is left feeling clean and refreshed. It’s formulated with Mandarin Rind, Rosemary Leaf and Cedar Atlas, all of which help repair the look and feel of skin. Not to mention, the bottle is chic enough to spruce up any bathroom, and at 17oz, it will last you months.

If your hands are persistently dry and you can’t seem to find a soap gentle enough, you might need a little extra love.

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Feature Image via Vanessa Granda