The best hand soap has the power to transport you to another place. One whiff of the right fragrance and you're in a sophisticated New York hotel suite or a breezy beach bungalow (mentally, at least). Even better if you sync up the scent with the rest of the space as a way to amplify the experience. For instance, "If your sanctuary is woodsy and decorated with rich colors, go with a fragrance that has cedar, sandalwood and green leaves," says Jim Reding, CEO of Aroma Retail, which creates scents for hotels across the United States.
Looking to elevate your kitchen or bath, or perhaps channel a once-in-a-lifetime stay at the likes of The Ritz-Carlton or Waldorf Astoria? Below, you'll find a mix of invigorating, moisturizing formulas to fit any budget, whether you're in the market little bit of affordable luxury or a genuinely soapy splurge. Want more tips and picks for making your home smell like a high-end hotel or feel like a spa? Right this way...
This energizing hand soap from Attitude features notes of orange blossom and eucalyptus that work together to awaken the senses. The combination of citrus and herbs reminds us of the highly coveted (and very pricey) Aesop Resurrection Hand Wash, found in luxe hotels like the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan.
The Super Leaves formula is enriched with minerals and vitamins for added moisture retention. Plus, it's vegan, cruelty-free and has a seal of approval from the Environmental Working Group.
For something a little more polished, consider this plant-based hand soap from Method. The gel formula has notes of vetiver and amber for a slightly woodsy but not overly smoky smell that has been compared to Le Labo's (much pricier) Santal 33.
The sleek aluminum pump is reusable and looks like it belongs in an upscale hotel or a high-rise studio in Chicago or New York City. And if you go the refill route, you're looking at only $2.50 a bottle moving forward — not bad for a little touch of luxury!
Caldrea's hand soaps have long been a staple in my home for their refreshing fragrances, moisturizing formulas and beautiful labels.
My go-to fragrance, especially come warmer months, is Pear Blossom Agave — a soft but uplifting blend of melon and citrus that reminds me of a chic resort in Mexico or the Southwest.
I tried this hand soap at a friend's house and fell in love with it immediately. The fragrance has hints of cedarwood, black pepper, green tea and kale for a nuanced scent that strikes the perfect balance between soothing and uplifting.
The packaging is polished but minimalist — great for sophisticated or casual settings. It's definitely a splurge, but the vegan gel formula goes far and leaves my hands feeling ultra-moisturized. I am not kidding when I say I cannot stop sniffing (inhaling?) them after using this!
If I could capture the essence of this scent in one word, it would be relaxation. This calming French lavender fragrance would be right at home at a fancy bed and breakfast in the south of France.
The soothing, sulfate-free formula is made with organic chamomile and calendula, among other botanicals, that aim to truly nourish your skin. Consider incorporating a diffuser with lavender essential oil to amplify the lavish experience!
As a longtime home editor, I've tried a lot of Mrs. Meyer's fragrances. I have a few favorites that I swap out to keep things fresh, but none of them resonate in terms of scent and versatility quite like Lemon Verbena. The fragrance is herbal and zesty, like I imagine a hand soap might smell in a beautiful villa in Tuscany.
The lightweight, effective formula is enriched with olive oil and aloe vera that leave hands supple and hydrated. If I didn't know better, I'd think it was very high-end. Display the bottle with pride or, if the busy label is ruining the vibe, transfer the soap to a sleeker reusable container to keep visitors guessing.
Further products are a boutique-hotel staple (I look forward to using them when I stay at NoMo Soho in downtown New York, for example). This hand soap is formulated with bergamot and olive oils, along with exotic grasses — according to the brand, all biodegradable — for a light formula that tells your senses it's time to unwind.
The bottle is generously sized, and I like the rustic packaging. It would look equally at home in an industrial setting or a modern farmhouse.
Compagnie de Provence hand soaps have captured the hearts of Yahoo editors for their luxurious, moisturizing formulas and unique fragrance blends. The brand's White Tea and Black Tea scents are formulated with, yes, notes of tea (and for the latter, a bolder hint of blackberry). The result is a soft but refreshing aroma that toes the line between sweet and sophisticated.
These hand soaps are used in several high-end restaurants around the country, such as Coqodaq and Cote. (According to Aroma Retail's website, white tea is also a common scent found (sniffed?) in big hotel chains like Melrose, M Resort and Hilton.)
Compagnie de Provence's gel formulas work up into a foamy lather and leave your hands soft and silky. If this scent isn't your cup of tea, pun intended, I'm also a big fan of Mediterranean Sea, which makes me feel like I'm at a luxury resort on the coast of Greece.
Like the splurgy Youth to the People hand soap, this is one of my favorites for impressing guests. The inspiration is Le Labo's cult favorite Hinoki, which is reminiscent of Japan's Hinoki forests. It contains notes of cypress and cedarwood, with musk at the base. It reminds me of a forest, yes, but it's more vibrant and lush!
My brother and sister-in-law stayed with me recently and were so captivated by this fragrance that they went home and bought it. Don't have a fancy bottle to replenish? The brand also offers a sleek dispenser.
If you're up for a road trip, consider cruising down Preston Lane's Doheny Drive, which will take you on a sensory journey. It's layered with notes of grapefruit, mandarin and fresh-cut rose — according to the brand, it'll make you feel like you're at "a hillside bungalow, nestled amidst the rolling hills of the West Coast."
The rich formula is infused with apple and active water from kiwi for added moisture. The bottle looks like something we'd expect to find at an upscale hotel, whether boutique or beachside, in Los Angeles. Preston Lane also offers a set of its hand wash and lotion, as well as dish soap and other kitchen essentials, for greater effect.
If you really want that five-star hotel experience, it doesn't get more classic than this hand soap from The Ritz-Carlton. It strikes a delicate balance between feminine and masculine — a ripe, refreshing mix of bergamot, jasmine and ylang-ylang. The creamy liquid soap glides over hands, leaving them feeling supple and clean.
We can just picture ourselves using this while gazing out at Central Park. There's also a matching candle for playing up the high-roller experience!
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