Did you know 58% of people worldwide wash their hands at least five times a day? The increase in hygiene value is attributable to the pandemic.
Increasing demands for handwashing stations have spiked the demand for hand wash. One common complaint about handwashing is excessive hand dryness. However, you can avoid this adversity by buying hand soap with quality ingredients.
Not all hand washes have a drying effect. It depends on hand soap ingredients. With thousands of brands in the market, how do you settle on the best hand soap to buy?
Keep reading to learn more about choosing a suitable hand soap.
Ingredients to Look For in a Hand Soap
Hand soaps are an essential part of the modern bathroom. With so many out there to choose from, how do you know which hand soap is right for you?
Here are key ingredients to look for.
Olive Oil
Olive oil has been used as a beauty ingredient for centuries. It is extracted from olives, the fruit of the olive tree. This popular fruit is available all over the globe, including Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
Extra virgin olive oil is the oil of choice for soap manufacturers. It contains a high level of oleic acid which reduces wrinkles and fine lines of the skin.
It also treats acne and other skin infections like pimples. The benefits of using olive oil in soap making are numerous.
Olive oil is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids. It is easily absorbed by the skin and does not leave a greasy residue. For that reason, people with dry skin can benefit from using olive oil, just like those with oily skin.
A soap recipe with olive oil will leave the skin feeling soft and moisturized. Why? Because olive oil contains vitamin E.
Vitamin E keeps the skin from drying out. It penetrates the skin so easily and helps to retain moisture. Consequently, having olive oil in your soap will help you cut down on the amount of lotion you use on your hands.
Goat’s Milk
There are many benefits to using goat's milk in soap. Among them is the presence of lactic acid, which prevents dryness. As a result, it also helps to soften the skin and reduce acne breakouts.
The high-fat content of goat's milk soap nourishes your skin.
Other benefits include:
- Anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated skin
- Antibacterial properties which fight off infections and germs
- Vitamin A and E to nourish your skin
- Protein content which promotes healthy hair growth
Pure Placid soaps contain goat milk, olive oil, and essential oils. Therefore, it is ideal for your skin nourishment.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are all-natural, highly concentrated fragrances found in plants. They are functional in skincare and household cleaning products.
Using essential oil in hand washes or soaps protects your hands from infections. Different essential oils have different qualities. Accordingly, when put together for a hand wash, you get something far better than any individual essential oil.
Lavender essential oil is very popular. It is commonly used for relaxation, stress, and anxiety relief. Additionally, when it is mixed with frankincense, it can help to balance your hormone levels and boost your mood.
Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties that are effective against many types of bacteria and Peppermint essential oil treats anxiety and headaches.
Essential oils have been used for centuries to treat various illnesses. They can be mixed with water to make medicinal solutions. They are used for aromatherapy.
You can inhale their scent. This is often much more pleasant than what you find at your local drug store.
Some essential oils are good for cleaning. They kill germs and get rid of odors and stains.
Ingredients to Avoid in a Hand Soap
Avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals is harder than it seems. You can’t just avoid the cosmetics aisle at the grocery store. Chemicals permeate our surroundings, and even the foods we eat contain them.
The average American is exposed to hundreds of different chemicals daily; Many of which are not adequately tested for safety. For that reason you need to be proactive to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals.
Additionally, some people may also be allergic to some ingredients used to make soaps.
Here are harmful ingredients to avoid in a hand wash.
Parabens
Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in many cosmetic products. The most common paraben is methylparaben. It is a synthetic compound used to prevent the growth of microorganisms.
The use of parabens in cosmetics was first reported in the 1920s. Since then, they have been widely used by consumers and formulators.
Their widespread use has led to the assumption that they are safe to use. Recent research links parabens to cancer, especially breast cancer. Furthermore, it also increases the risk of allergies in children.
It is prudent to avoid paraben in skincare products. Paraben is easily absorbed through the skin and gets into the bloodstream. It stays there for years and can cause harm to your body's metabolism.
A safer alternative is using hand wash with aloe vera, tea tree oil, or citric acid.
Ethoxylated Ingredients
The two common chemicals in hand washes are propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol. These chemicals cause irritation, cancer, and organ toxicity. The Skin-Deep database rates propylene glycol as a 7 out of 10.
Polyethylene glycol scores a 4 out of 10 in terms of safety.
These ingredients are harmful to health and also pollute the environment. Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) revealed that Ethoxylated elements (EOs) pollute water bodies in India.
The CSE report said that EOs are usually found in detergents and released into rivers and lakes as wastewater.
Isothiazolinine Preservatives
Isothiazolinine preservatives are used in many household and industrial products. The risks of ISA/MIT exposure have been under debate. They are linked to health complications and long-term organ damage, for instance.
These preservatives are found in some hand wash, thus exposing individuals to prolonged skin contact.
Isothiazolinone preservatives are used in a wide range of household products. This includes personal care products, household cleaners, and industrial applications.
Exposure to isothiazolinone preservatives may cause allergic reactions in some people. Research links isothiazolinone exposure to asthma symptoms, dermatitis, and hives.
Factors to Consider When Buying Hand Soap
Shopping for hand soap can be overwhelming since there are a variety of products out there.
The key is knowing what to look for when buying hand soap. Consider these factors when buying hand wash:
Availability
You want to buy a product that is readily available. With increasing e-commerce in modern society, there should be the option of buying hand soap online.
It's easier to work with an easily accessible brand. It saves you the burden of long wait times and inconsistencies in supply. Thanks to the internet, the burden of retail proximity has been alleviated.
Organic Ingredients
Organic ingredients in your hand soap will help to keep your skin soft and healthy. It explains why they’re worth the additional cost. Look for ingredients like essential oils, olive oil, goat milk, aloe vera, coconut oil, and almonds.
- Coconut oil is known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties
- Aloe vera soothes irritated skin and moisturizes it at the same time
- Essential oils make your hand soap smell good without adding harsh chemicals
- Olive oil makes your skin soft and smooth
- Goat milk helps to heal dry skin
- Almonds have a high content of vitamin E, which is great for the skin
The benefits of natural ingredients are beyond the single points mentioned above. Each natural ingredient nourishes your skin and pampers it with no harsh side effects. Organic soaps fight germs and reduce the occurrence of acne.
Some hand wash can strip your skin of its natural oils. For this reason they can make your hands drier and itchy. Artificial ingredients can be harsher on your skin. They can also cause a host of other problems.
Exposure to chemicals like formaldehyde can be health threatening. It is known to cause cancer. Parabens, ethoxylated ingredients, and Isothiazolinine preservatives are harmful artificial ingredients.
Pure Placid soaps are organic, with numerous natural ingredients like olive oil and goat milk. Our goal is to offer safe and valuable products that safely remove germs with no adverse effects.
Price
The cost of hand wash is not huge to the average consumer. Comparing hand soap prices and quality allows you to save some coins and work with the best product.
Compare the price with the quality of the product. Is it a well-known brand? Does it have a pleasant fragrance? Does it leave your hands feeling clean and fresh?
If you can answer yes to these questions, you have found yourself a quality product at an affordable rate.
Remember, you get what you pay for. A low-priced hand soap may imply low-quality ingredients. Buy a product that accords you value.
Nevertheless it is better to pay extra few dollars for a high-quality product than a few dollars for low-quality risky hand soaps.
Packaging
The packaging matters. Depending on where you will be using the hand soap, sometimes you will need a pocket fit product.
Are you looking for a travel hand wash, home, or bathroom hand soap? If you are buying hand wash for your home, the packaging can be a large container. However, hand soap should be portable.
Consider the dispensing method; you want to avoid waste when ensuring convenience. Whether it's a home use or travel hand wash, you want an appealing package. Choose a packaging that matches your class and style.
A hand soap provider that goes the extra mile to offer neat and unique packaging is customer-oriented. Remember, packaging should not be your primary factor of consideration. A brand may have the perfect packaging with lethal products.
The packaging should be well aligned with quality ingredients and admirable fragrances.
Fragrances
Fragrances are a necessity for many women. They are not just an expensive way to cover up body odor; They are so much more than that. Fragrances make us feel good.
They affect our moods, and they can even influence our behavior. You can feel more confident, attractive, and capable with the right one. Also, it can be a tool for self-expression or even boost your mood.
Choose a hand soap that matches your personality and taste.
Look at the ingredients list on the packaging. If you see that the fragrance is an ingredient, then your product does have a fragrance.
Where possible, smell it before you buy it. You should always do this when buying perfumes, hand soaps, colognes, lotions, and body sprays.
Your body reacts to scents more than you might think. Consumers who prefer to use scented hand wash purchase it over unscented products. The fragrance is a key factor for consumers when buying hand wash.
The most popular fragrances are floral, fruity, and warm. Floral is the most preferred scent globally. If you prefer specific scents, it's essential to review a hand wash's fragrance.
Non-appealing fragrances can discourage you from using a product.
Buy Quality Hand Soap Today
Buying hand soap does not have to be a nightmare. You don't have to go through the stress of allergic reactions due to low-quality hand soaps. Use the above tips to choose a hand soap that is gentle on your skin.
Pure Placid offers a wide range of quality hand soap options. We prioritize customer needs, comfort, and safety in manufacturing our products. Our products are available online, making it convenient to order from any location in the US.
Visit our website or contact us today to enquire about the various hand soap options available.