I’ve always been avid about applying hand cream as I’m prone to dry hands and cuticles, so don’t know why it only occurred to me recently that my hand wash could impact the skin here too. Sulphates - the foaming agent in any soapy product - can cause dryness and irritation, so I try to avoid it as much as possible. You’d be surprised how many ‘natural’ or sensitive skin products contain sulphates, though I’m told that normal, healthy skin often isn’t affected by them. I’ve gradually switched over to sulphate-free hand washes in recent months and gathered them up from around the house to share with you (no we don’t have 5 bathrooms, sadly, and one of these bottles is now empty).
I’d happily recommend all of the above - and although most cost a little more than your average soap, I think preserving my hands is worth the money. They’re one of the first areas to show signs of ageing after all. Knowing the skin-kind box is ticked, I’m guessing that (like me) you’ll choose based on packaging and scent. I like the look of the Sukin bottle most, but the scent of the Deep Steep is my favourite - and it also comes in pretty packaging.
The Sukin and Mandara Spa both have quite gentle botanical and honeymilk scents (good for kitchens), while Deep Steep and Mughetto Tiare have stronger, more lingering fragrances of Brown Sugar & Vanilla and Lily of the Valley. Dr Bronners is Lemongrass Lime but available in lots more varieties; my personal favourite is the Mint. I mainly use Dr Bronners for washing makeup brushes, but it’s also great for the kitchen, where I prefer clean, subtle smells… I don’t want perfumed hands when I’m handling food or eating.
I bought the Deep Steep (£7.65) and Dr Bronners (£7.29) from Feel Unique, Mandara Spa Honeymilk Dream (£2.50 on offer) from Sainsburys and Mughetto Tiare (£3.99) from TK Maxx. The Sukin Cleansing Hand Wash (£8.10) is available from Look Fantastic.
Do you suffer from dry hands? If you’re continually washing them like me, it may be worth giving one of these a go. I’ll share my hand cream favourites soon!
