With foaming hand soaps, you can easily wash your hands and save some water. As a bonus, they often come in scented variants. If you feel like switching your bar soap with liquid foaming hand soap, you've come to the right place!
In this article, we've included a buying guide with comments from a dermatologist, Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz! She also shares more of her insights in our tips and FAQ section. But before that, let's take a look at mybest's 10 recommended foaming hand soaps.
Quick List - Top Hand Soaps
Safeguard
A Gentle Hand Soap That Effectively Removes Dirt and Bacteria
BETADINE
Foams Up to Clean the Skin While Keeping It Moisturized
Cleene
Dual-Pack Foaming Soap With Strawberry and Lavender Scents
Bath & Body Works
A Nourishing, Cruelty-Free Hand Soap With a Sweet Scent
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Handwashing has become an important part of our routines. There are various soaps out there, but foaming hand soaps have some benefits that other soaps don't offer. Let's find out some of these below.
Foaming hand soap is derived from liquid soap. The reason why it produces foam is that it is diluted liquid soap dispensed from a special container. It won't produce a foamy lather without the dispenser. Most brands sell reusable dispensers you can refill with any liquid soap of your choice.
Unlike bar soap that you need to hold with your hands to get the foam and has probably been used by strangers, foaming hand soap is dispensed from the bottle, which is safer and more hygienic. This is especially important during these times when practicing good personal hygiene can lessen the chance of transmitting diseases.
Foaming soaps are basically aerosolized liquid soaps dispensed through a special pump that mixes the liquid soap with air.
Myth: Some people say foaming soaps are harsh and irritating.
Fact: Foaming ability does not correlate to irritancy potential. Check the ingredients it contains instead! Newer formulations of foaming soaps now even contain moisturizing ingredients too.
This type of soap is also environment-friendly and affordable. Since it's a diluted liquid form, you use less soap whenever you wash your hands. It has a thinner consistency than bar soap, which in turn, is less likely to clog your drainage. Research shows that consumers use 9.7% less water when washing with foaming hand soap.
Also, if you have a foaming soap dispenser, it's easy to dilute liquid soap and water, which can help you save money. Most of all, it doesn't require maintenance, unlike soap bars that leave grime and residue in the holes of the soap dish.
Foam soaps are great as they tend to be generally cost-effective as they require the use of less water, since you need not build up the lather as much.
Before you add to your cart and proceed to checkout, it is worth knowing what your foaming hand soap contains, to know whether they are safe and are actually effective in cleaning your hands.
As the pandemic has shaped our habits, frequent handwashing has become part of the new normal. Of course, it's one of the first things you do once you get home from work, the grocery, or anywhere outside. So, choosing a foaming hand soap with antibacterial agents can help fight off germs, viruses, and bacteria.
Some of the most common ones are Benzalkonium chloride and triclosan. Benzalkonium chloride is used to prevent the growth of bacteria and helps get rid of dirt and oils since it has a foaming ability.
On the other hand, triclosan is a chemical ingredient with antiseptic powers. However, experts have warned the public against using products that contain this compound since it could pose health risks in the long run. In particular, it could disrupt hormone production when used regularly.
Handwashing with plain soap works by suspending microorganisms (given the soap's surfactant activity) and mechanically removing the microorganisms by rinsing with water.
There are so-called antimicrobial soaps that combine the physical removal of microorganisms, plus an antiseptic agent that kills microorganisms (e.g., alcohol, hexachlorophene, triclosan). This has the added benefit of 'sustained activity' on the skin, which reduces the number of microbes even after handwashing.
Contrary to popular belief, biodegradable surfactants aren't extremely harmful to the environment. These compounds are the most common ingredients used in soaps, shampoos, and conditioners since they can dissolve fats and oils while staying water-soluble. They also create a foamy lather when applied to the hands to get rid of dirt and grime.
Surfactants in soaps are commonly labeled sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Find products that have sodium laureth sulfate as this is less irritating to the skin. Both have cleaning powers, but SLES is often included in skin and hair products because it's much safer than the former.
Surfactants are molecules that have a water-loving (hydrophilic) head and an oil-loving (lipophilic) tail. Given its double nature, these surfactants can form micelles with the water-loving head outside and the oil-loving tails inside. Grime and lipids on the skin attract the oil-loving tails, and these get trapped into the micelles, which can then be washed off.
Regularly washing your hands and using rubbing alcohol can make your skin dry and flaky. Thus, when purchasing foaming hand soap, you should also look for moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, plant oils, and glycerin.
Aloe vera makes for an excellent moisturizer that gives your hands a soothing feeling. Best of all, this ingredient has wound healing properties as well. Glycerin is a common hydrating ingredient that's safe and affordable; hence, it's used in most cosmetic products.
Frequent handwashing can be taxing to our hands and drying for our skin. To alleviate that, choosing a hand soap with moisturizing ingredients is recommended.
Aloe vera has been marketed for its many benefits, from wound healing to anti-inflammatory properties. But the most evidence backing up the claims of aloe vera is for its hydrating benefits. If your hands are really dry, though, glycerin is a better choice. It's a great, non-fuss humectant that 100% delivers!
Other brands also use natural moisturizers derived from vegetable oils, such as coconut oil, which effectively hydrates dry skin. Additionally, shea butter, which is often used in lotions and creams, provides smoothness and softness to your hands. Cocoa butter locks in moisture and also maintains your skin's elasticity.
Coconut oil has been used for years as a moisturizer, particularly a fave in tropical countries like the Philippines. Shea butter and cocoa butter are great occlusives that effectively seal in moisture and block water from evaporating. These 'natural' moisturizers make good options.
A fair warning, though! Natural does not necessarily mean safer. The truth of the matter is the source of an ingredient hardly says anything about its safety.
Although the antibacterial and cleansing benefits of foaming hand soap are the most important considerations, getting one with a nice scent can motivate your kids to wash their hands regularly. Some brands offer refreshing, mild, and fruity scents like lemon or strawberry, which help neutralize odors, especially if you had seafood for lunch or dinner.
There are also foaming hand soaps that have calming scents derived from essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and green tea. However, you might want to steer away from fragrances if you have sensitive skin. In addition, make sure to check the full list of ingredients to see if there are irritants that could potentially cause a reaction to your skin.
Rarely will you find unscented foaming hand soaps with the dispenser in the Philippine market. If you prefer to use soap without any fragrances, you can purchase unscented liquid soap, mix it with water, and pour it inside a foaming soap dispenser. This way, you can prevent skin irritation and save some money in the long run.
Fragrance adds a sensorial experience to handwashing. The choice of a fragrance is definitely one that should suit your personal preferences!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Benefits | Scent | Cleaning Ingredients | Moisturizing Ingredients | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Safeguard Foaming Hand Soap|Pure White | ![]() | A Gentle Hand Soap That Effectively Removes Dirt and Bacteria | Antibacterial, Deep Cleansing | Fragrance Not Specified | Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine | Cocamidopropyl Betaine | 450 mL | |
2 | BETADINE Natural Defense Foaming Hand Wash |Tea Tree | ![]() | Foams Up to Clean the Skin While Keeping It Moisturized | Antibacterial, Moisturizing | Tea Tree | Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine: | Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) | 225 mL | |
3 | Cleene Antibacterial Foaming Hand Soap |Luscious Strawberry and Calming Lavender | ![]() | Dual-Pack Foaming Soap With Strawberry and Lavender Scents | Antibacterial, Moisturizing | Strawberry and Lavender | Benzalkonium Chloride | Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Aloe Leaf Extract | 259 mL Each | |
4 | Bath & Body Works Gentle Foaming Hand Soap|Happy Easter - Sweet Bunny Berry | ![]() | A Nourishing, Cruelty-Free Hand Soap With a Sweet Scent | Nourishing | Sweet Bunny Berry (Floral and Fruity) | Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract | 259 mL | |
5 | Bioré U Foaming Hand Wash | ![]() | A Moisturizing Foaming Soap Featuring an Easy-to-Push Pump | Antibacterial, Moisturizing, Skin-Friendly pH | Mild Floral / Fruity Scent | Isopropylmethylphenol | Glycerin | 250 mL | |
6 | Orange and Peach Foaming Handwash for Kids | ![]() | A Travel-Friendly and Fruit-Scented Foam Hand Wash for Your Kids | Antibacterial, Moisturizing | Fruity | Tea Tree Oil | Jojoba Oil, Chamomile | 80 mL | |
7 | Attitude Little Leaves Foaming Hand Soap|Watermelon & Coco | ![]() | A Hypoallergenic Foaming Hand Soap That's Specially Formulated for Kids | Hypoallergenic, EWG VERIFIED | Watermelon and Coconut | Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Coco-Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside | Vegetable Glycerin, Glyceryl Oleate | 295 mL | |
8 | SUDS Sustainable Pods Lavender Handwash Pods - Package | ![]() | Offers a Pod Form for an Environmentally-Friendly Foaming Hand Soap | Antibacterial, Environmentally-Friendly | Lavender | Lauryldimethylamine Oxide, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, AG+, Phenoxyethanol | Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol | 1.25 L | |
9 | J.R. Watkins Foaming Hand Soap| Ocean Breeze | ![]() | Made With Plant-Based Ingredients to Gently and Effectively Clean Your Hands | Moisturizing, Nourishing, Free From Harsh Chemicals | Ocean Breeze (Clean, Crisp) | Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate Capryl/Caprylyl Glucoside | Glycerin, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Avena sativa (Oat) meal extract Tocopherols (Vitamin E) | 266 mL | |
10 | Ready Soap, Go! No-Rinse Foaming Soap |Cherry Blossom | ![]() | A No-Rinse Foaming Hand Soap You Can Use On the Go | Antibacterial, No-Rinse | Cherry Blossom | unknown | Glycerin, Prunus Avium (Sweet Cherry) Seed Oil, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Meal Extract, Vitamin E, Vitamin D2 | 60 mL |
If you want a mild yet effective hand soap that removes impurities and germs, Safeguard's foaming hand soap is your best choice! One of its key advantages is that it eliminates 99.9% of germs while maintaining ongoing skin protection, even post-wash. This is due to its Infinishield technology, which shields you from illness and odor-causing microbes for up to 24 hours.
In addition to its effectiveness, it's skin-friendly, so you can use it repeatedly without causing skin dryness. Plus, its pleasant fragrance leaves your hands smelling fresh. As such, Safeguard has earned the trust of both families and professionals for keeping their hands clean and nourished.
Key Benefits | Antibacterial, Deep Cleansing |
---|---|
Scent | Fragrance Not Specified |
Cleaning Ingredients | Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
Net Weight | 450 mL |
Make hand washing fun with this Betadine soap, available in the tea tree variant! With just a pump, it creates lots of foam to cover your hands well for a thorough cleaning. It removes 99.99% of germs in just one wash, protecting against unwanted illnesses. Its formula is also free from chemicals such as SLS, parabens, triclosan, and formaldehyde.
Moreover, this hand wash is dermatologist-tested with a skin-friendly formula that maintains your skin's pH balance and moisture. Enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E for added benefits, it suits even dry and sensitive skin. As such, reviewers commend its effective yet gentle cleansing.
Key Benefits | Antibacterial, Moisturizing |
---|---|
Scent | Tea Tree |
Cleaning Ingredients | Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine: |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) |
Net Weight | 225 mL |
Cleene's foaming hand soap comes in a fantastic pack featuring two scent variants. The strawberry variant delivers a delightful hand-washing experience with its sweet, airy scent. Moreover, the lavender one provides a soothing aroma for a calming hand-washing ritual.
Both variants include ingredients with antibacterial and moisturizing properties. Benzalkonium chloride fights germs and bacteria, while vitamin E and aloe vera extract preserve your skin's natural moisture. As such, users appreciate this soap for keeping their hands clean, soft, and nourished, along with its fragrances.
Key Benefits | Antibacterial, Moisturizing |
---|---|
Scent | Strawberry and Lavender |
Cleaning Ingredients | Benzalkonium Chloride |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Aloe Leaf Extract |
Net Weight | 259 mL Each |
This Bath & Body Works foaming hand soap is a limited edition product. It is thoughtfully crafted to offer a gentle and effective cleansing experience, leaving your hands feeling soft and nourished. The fragrance is described as a floral and fruity blend reminiscent of an Easter basket surprise. It includes notes of plum, raspberry, and rose petals, which create a refreshing experience with every use.
Many reviews noted its sweet, sugary, and distinct fragrance from typical food scents. Formulated with vitamin E, shea extract, and aloe, this soap also produces a nourishing lather and effectively washes away dirt and grime. Furthermore, it proudly bears the label of being cruelty-free, guaranteeing that no animals were subjected to harm during its production or testing!
Key Benefits | Nourishing |
---|---|
Scent | Sweet Bunny Berry (Floral and Fruity) |
Cleaning Ingredients | Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract |
Net Weight | 259 mL |
Key Benefits | Antibacterial, Moisturizing, Skin-Friendly pH |
---|---|
Scent | Mild Floral / Fruity Scent |
Cleaning Ingredients | Isopropylmethylphenol |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Glycerin |
Net Weight | 250 mL |
Here's a must-have for parents promoting good hand hygiene for their kids at home, school, or on the go. Orange and Peach's foaming hand soap is formulated for children, giving them a fun hand-washing experience while getting rid of dirt and grime. It comes in a spill-proof bottle, perfect for storage in your kid's bag or your purse.
Additionally, this kid-friendly hand wash is enriched with gentle plant extracts. These include soothing chamomile, moisturizing jojoba oil, and antibacterial tea tree extract. It also has a fruity scent that kids will love, as confirmed by customers. Check it out for a mild and delightfully scented foaming soap for your children!
Key Benefits | Antibacterial, Moisturizing |
---|---|
Scent | Fruity |
Cleaning Ingredients | Tea Tree Oil |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Jojoba Oil, Chamomile |
Net Weight | 80 mL |
Add fun to your children's hand washing with this foaming hand soap! This product can encourage your kids to wash their hands before meals, after playtime, and after they've used the bathroom. It lathers up with foamy bubbles that have the scent of coconut and watermelon, which users love.
Moreover, it effectively combats germs while leaving your children's hands feeling silky smooth. Free from harmful ingredients, your family can use it daily without causing skin dryness. Furthermore, it's EWG Verified and made with natural, hypoallergenic ingredients, ensuring it's safe for your children.
Key Benefits | Hypoallergenic, EWG VERIFIED |
---|---|
Scent | Watermelon and Coconut |
Cleaning Ingredients | Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Coco-Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Vegetable Glycerin, Glyceryl Oleate |
Net Weight | 295 mL |
If you're searching for a sustainable hand-washing solution, SUDS Sustainable Pods has you covered! These pods are water-soluble, making them an eco-conscious choice. To create 250 milliliters of hand wash, simply drop one pod and add water into the foam dispenser bottle.
The package includes five lavender-scented pods, equivalent to 1.25 liters of hand wash, and a reusable foam soap dispenser bottle. Users also appreciate the luxurious foamy lather and the relaxing scent. With this product, achieving clean hands and contributing to a clean planet is a breeze!
Key Benefits | Antibacterial, Environmentally-Friendly |
---|---|
Scent | Lavender |
Cleaning Ingredients | Lauryldimethylamine Oxide, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, AG+, Phenoxyethanol |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol |
Net Weight | 1.25 L |
Key Benefits | Moisturizing, Nourishing, Free From Harsh Chemicals |
---|---|
Scent | Ocean Breeze (Clean, Crisp) |
Cleaning Ingredients | Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate Capryl/Caprylyl Glucoside |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Glycerin, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Avena sativa (Oat) meal extract Tocopherols (Vitamin E) |
Net Weight | 266 mL |
Key Benefits | Antibacterial, No-Rinse |
---|---|
Scent | Cherry Blossom |
Cleaning Ingredients | unknown |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Glycerin, Prunus Avium (Sweet Cherry) Seed Oil, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Meal Extract, Vitamin E, Vitamin D2 |
Net Weight | 60 mL |
Below, Dr. Katrina answers some of the most asked questions about foaming hand soaps and she also shares some of her tips to get those hands extra squeaky clean. Read on!
I say, to each his own! If you want to have a personalized soap for use, then go ahead. Just make sure you wash your hands properly.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that it is important to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds (sing the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice) and make sure to wash it off with clean water.
The thing is, majority of hand soaps already have fragrance incorporated into them. And while fragrances are not as bad as marketing makes them appear to be, irritancy from fragrance is dose-dependent. Meaning too much of something may not turn out too well!
As we prioritize personal hygiene, regular hand washing is an essential daily routine. If you're looking for alternatives, check out these articles featuring various soaps, sanitizers, and related products.
Re-editor: Samantha Tidalgo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Safeguard|Foaming Hand Soap|Pure White
No. 2: BETADINE|Natural Defense Foaming Hand Wash |Tea Tree
No. 3: Cleene| Antibacterial Foaming Hand Soap |Luscious Strawberry and Calming Lavender
No. 4: Bath & Body Works|Gentle Foaming Hand Soap|Happy Easter - Sweet Bunny Berry
No. 5: Bioré|U Foaming Hand Wash
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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