Let’s be real. If you’re over 30 and still have a bottle of Dettol, Lifebuoy, or (worse) that sad, crusty hotel souvenir soap sitting in your bathroom, we need to talk. And that talk is pretty much one word: upgrade.
You may not realise it, but your bathroom says more about you than your outfit ever will. And no one’s impressed by a home that smells like a hospital (or doesn’t have a nice smell at all). Your hand soap should match your vibe. Plus, when people walk out of your loo and say, “bro your soap smells incredible”, wouldn’t you smirk and feel good?
So, I have rounded up the best handwashes worth investing in—not just for how they look perched on your counter, but for how they feel, lather, and linger long after the door’s been shut.
Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash
Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand WashAmazon
Aesop’s amber apothecary bottle is the international symbol for “this guy has taste.” Whether you’re in a hotel in Paris or a gallery in Tokyo, chances are this is what you’ll find by the sink. With a blend of rosemary, lavender, and mandarin rind, this hydrating soap makes your hands feel like they just returned from a spa retreat. (Bonus points if you pair it with the matching hand balm.)
Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka Body and Hand Wash
Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka Body and Hand WashJo Malone
With warm myrrh and smooth tonka bean, this is what a Bond villain would use if he had impeccable grooming habits. The lather is rich, the scent lingers just long enough, and the black bottle is just gorgeous. Keep it in the guest bathroom and watch people text you later asking what soap that was.
Byredo Suede Hand Wash
Byredo Suede Hand WashLTK
Byredo’s Suede is soft masculine power —bergamot, lily of the valley, and pear all playing nice, while amber and plum keep it grounded. The scent is understated but captivating. Add the hand lotion if you’re feeling extra (you should be). Your bathroom shelf will thank you.
Le Labo Hinoki Hand Soap
Le Labo Hinoki Hand SoapLe Labo
Le Labo doesn’t just make candles and cult perfumes—they do soap too. And of course it smells like an onsen nestled deep in a Japanese cypress forest. Hinoki wood, pine, earth—it’s minimal, meditative, and masculine. The gel texture is thick, the packaging is no-nonsense, and the scent lingers for a really long time.
Diptyque Philosykos Hand & Body Gel
Diptyque Philosykos Hand & Body GelDiptyque
Diptyque doesn’t do basic. And Philosykos is as if someone put an entire fig tree in a bottle. Think green leaves, milky sap, peppery wood, and Parisian hotel nostalgia. This one’s earthy, intellectual, and a little eccentric—like your friend who vacations in Puglia and makes their own sourdough.
Ouai Hand Wash
Ouai Hand WashOuai
Softening, exfoliating, and lightly floral, Ouai’s handwash smells like spring. Jojoba esters, castor oil, rose hip, avocado—it’s practically skincare in soap form. The bottle’s minimalist, the texture’s creamy, and it actually leaves your hands softer.
L’Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Hands & Body Wash
L’Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Hands & Body WashL’Occitane
This one’s all about comfort. The shea butter does the job beautifully. Keep it by the sink during dry winters, or year-round if you hate the tight, stripped feeling most soaps leave behind.
Nappa Dori Hand Wash
Nappa Dori Hand WashNappa Dori
Let’s hear it for our favourite local brand! Nappa Dori’s handwash looks good, smells elegant, and is packed with natural ingredients like aloe vera and licorice. No sulfates, no parabens, no artificial stuff. Just thoughtful design and quiet luxury. A smart pick for someone who wants substance and style (and something homegrown).
