I’m usually a pretty solid gift-giver. I can easily pick the best beauty gift set off a shelf, find the finest fragrance to wrap in a bow, and spend way too much on a luxury wellness gift (frequency generator, anyone?). But there are always those people who either have literally everything under the sun, or are so far removed from you (think: boyfriend’s mom’s second cousin) that picking a thoughtful yet not redundant gift feels like an Olympic sport. For those people, I default to my favorite present of ‘em all: luxury hand soap.
A high-end hand soap from brands like Loewe, Grown Alchemist, and Homecort (I can and will reveal more brands below) has all the makings of a five-star present. It’s a little luxury: something you wouldn’t necessarily buy yourself, but will find tremendous joy in using. It’s practical: we’re washing our hands more frequently in the winter. It's the perfect price point (all my picks are under $50). And, perhaps most importantly, it’s definitely not going to collect dust in a corner because who isn’t going to crack a fancy hand soap open the second they get home.
That being said, there are so many options and scents on the market. Some coincide with matching fragrances and deodorants (a bundle is always a hit if you’re looking for a more substantial gift), while others are one-scent-wonders. I personally don’t think you can go wrong with an earthy or citrus-scented kitchen hand soap—they’re consistently refreshing after doing the dishes—but there are also plenty of gourmands, florals, and ouds to choose from. For my full list of favorite luxury hand washes, read ahead.
The Best Luxury Hand Soaps
I’ll be honest: I was a Loewe Tomato Leaves hater when it first reached viral status. But after having the soap by my kitchen sink for the past four months, I’ve fully bought into the hype. It’s the most refreshing flavor profile, works up into a gorgeous lather, and leaves my hands super soft.
Beauty Director Hannah Baxter calls this guy her all-time favorite. And candidly, I’m not surprised. Every item in Courtney Cox’s line is impeccably crafted with fine fragrance notes, creating home scents that smell like they could be bottled into a $500 perfume.
Love the classic Moroccanoil scent? You’re in luck. It’s been bottled into this very under-the-radar hand soap that is equally (if not more) fragrant than the cult-favorite hair oil.
Fresh and green is the name of the game with this D.S. & Durga scent. This brand still has that if-you-know-you-know Cool Girl vibe, so I recommend scooping this up for your impeccably chic friend or aunt.
I originally got hooked on this brand after testing out thelaundry detergent (it’s so good, trust me), but let me just say: I was sleeping on the hand soap. This is a very balanced blend of bergamot, orange blossom, and cedar—infusing a bit of summer into these very cold days.
As someone who deals with incredibly dry, constantly cracking hands and cuticles during the colder months, I seriously appreciate the thoughtful blend of hydrating ingredients that comprise this formula. Silk proteins reduce moisture loss, while chamomile oil soothes and strengthens irritated skin.
This scent is a crowd pleaser. Meghan Markle, Sofia Richie, and countless other celebs have openly stated it’s their go-to fragrance, and take it from me—the hand soap smells just as yummy as the eau de parfum. Someone is going to be very lucky to unwrap this gift.
If anyone out there is looking for something to gift me: I’ll take 10 of these, please and thanks. I grew up with this hand soap stocked in every bathroom (and the matching diffuser in every room), so it carries some serious nostalgia. It smells warm, cozy, and sophisticated—what more could I want?
Worried about a hand soap that fights with your perfume? This guy is for you. This fresh scent was designed to smell like the perfume version of white paper (it’s straightforward in a very sexy way).
I keep this in my bathroom 24/7 because it makes my hands feel extra extra clean. Exfoliating beads suspended in the citrus-smelling hand soap gently remove dead skin cells, leaving soft, smooth skin behind.
All Le Labo products have a very chic French pharmacy vibe to them, and this Hinoki Hand Soap is certainly no exception. This particular scent, however, draws inspiration from the Buddhist temples of Mount Koya in Japan, which are believed to possess a mystical essence.
If the feeling of snuggling by a fireplace could be bottled and turned into a scent, Suede is it. This blend is woody and aromatic, with a creamy consistency that makes hand washing a relaxing ritual.
People who love Aesop really love Aesop, so I have the utmost faith that this has the potential to be the MVP present. Bonus: it’s incredibly innovative. You don’t need water to activate it, so just pump, rub your hands together, and go. Clean and moisturized hands, incoming.
I know, I know: Oribe is a hair brand. But! Hear me out! Their body care line is a 10 out of 10. My favorite is this guy—it has the same intoxicatingly delicious scent as the OG shampoo and conditioner. Plus, you get a little hand cream you can toss in your bag for hydration on the go.
I’m a Flamingo Estate groupie. This hand soap proves just why. The bottle is chic. The formula is nourishing (thank you, avocado and olive oil). And, the foaming texture is a skin-soothing dream.
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