Breaking Down Our Healthy Gel Hand Soap Ingredients

According to experts, the average person washes their hands 5-10 times a day. Our  Gel Hand Soap was expertly crafted for sensitive skin, and it promotes the health of your skin -- the largest organ of the body! 

Making the ideal hand soap is not just about mixing ingredients; it's a blend of art and science! Our hand soap journey began like all our Branch Basics products—with strict ingredient rules for safety. We prioritize human health in every product we create, thoroughly vetting each ingredient in our formulas.

Here, we'll give you a dive deep into the formulation of our Gel Hand Soap. Our track record speaks for itself: if it's safe for the most sensitive, it's safe for everyone!

Starting The Journey

We knew we wanted the end product to be a luxurious gel hand soap that was:

• fragrance-free
• full of nourishing ingredients that moisturize and soothe your hands
• that same gel-like consistency and silky experience other hand soaps deliver

Over six months, we sifted through numerous iterations to find the ultimate formula that embodied both human-health and effectiveness. 

We also went through countless trials and tests with our internal team and third parties to ensure that this product delivered the experience we wanted, and that each ingredient played its unique role in cleansing, soothing, and nurturing your hands.  

The result: a plant and mineral based hand soap that's nourishing, hydrating, rejuvenating and luxurious… just to name a few of the attributes! It took some time, but our end result is exactly what we were looking for. 

We believe in being 100% transparent with our customers. When it comes to the products we use every day, we are advocates of knowing exactly what ingredients are inside.

So that being said, let's take a closer look at the ingredients in our healthy gel hand soap.

Our Healthy Hand Soap Ingredients 

Here's a breakdown of our Gel Hand Soap ingredients. 

Purified Water:

Simple as that!

EWG rating: 1 

Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside

A gentle cleanser derived from natural sources like coconut oil and glucose. It helps remove dirt and oils from your hands without harshness.

EWG rating: 2

Decyl Glucoside

A mild cleanser that is compatible with all skin types and gentle enough to be used in pet and baby products and on delicate fruits and vegetables. It's plant-derived and biodegradable. 

EWG rating: 2

Glycerin

Glycerin attracts moisture to your skin, helping to keep your hands hydrated and soft. It can promote wound healing and helps prevent skin irritation during washing.

EWG rating: 1-2

Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate

A natural preservative, radish root ferment filtrate is derived from radishes and helps keep your hand soap fresh. No need for harsh synthetic preservatives! It also has moisturizing properties and is used in skin and hair care to help nourish the skin, scalp and hair. 

EWG rating: 1

Aspartic Acid

Aspartic Acid is an amino acid that's not only safe but also beneficial for your skin with hydrating properties that help soothe and strengthen the skin's environmental defenses. It helps maintain a balanced pH in the soap, ensuring it's gentle on your skin barrier.

EWG rating: 1

Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate

An emulsifier that helps blend oil and water-based ingredients, ensuring a consistent texture in your soap. This is where the silky smoothness comes from. 

EWG rating: 1

Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate

Another emulsifier! Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate works alongside Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate to create a smooth and even-textured hand soap formula that effectively cleanses without leaving residue.

EWG rating: 1

Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract

This extract comes from aspen bark and serves as a natural conditioner for your skin. It's packed with antioxidants, helping to soothe and protect your hands.

EWG rating: 4-8

Sodium Phytate

Derived from rice bran, this ingredient helps prevent the soap's ingredients from breaking down prematurely and contributes to the soap's overall stability. It also helps moisturize the skin, improve skin elasticity and normalizes oily skin. 

EWG rating: 1

Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice

You've probably heard about the wonders of aloe vera. This ingredient, extracted from aloe vera leaves, is known for its soothing and hydrating properties and helps repair mildly damaged skin. Aloe decreases inflammation and includes antioxidants such as beta-carotene, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.

EWG rating: 1-3

Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract

Chamomile extract from chamomile flowers offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, and it’s gentle natural cleanses without stripping your hands.

EWG rating: 2

Limnanthes Alba / Meadowfoam Seed Oil

Meadowfoam oil is a standout ingredient! Brimming with fatty acids, it not only seals in moisture but also boasts skin-restoring properties, working wonders to promote hands that are soft, supple, and rejuvenated. It also has a unique velvety feel that helps to thicken the texture of the hand soap. 

EWG rating: 1

Tocopherol

Hello, vitamin E! Tocopherol is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your skin from the damaging effects of free radicals. It also contributes to the overall longevity of the hand soap.

EWG rating: 1-2

What’s NOT Included

As with all Branch Basics products, we purposefully exclude any potentially harmful ingredients. Our hand soap is made without: 

• Fragrance: Fragrances can be harmful to human health due to the inclusion of undisclosed chemicals that trigger allergies, respiratory issues, and skin irritations. Fragrances are one of the most frequently cited substances in personal and cosmetic care products that cause eczema reactions. That’s a big no from us! We’re committed to fragrance-free, always.
• Synthetic Preservatives: Synthetic preservatives, while intended to extend shelf life, can paradoxically be harmful to human health, as certain ones have been linked to skin sensitivities and allergic reactions.
• Endocrine Disruptors: Endocrine disruptors are harmful to human health as they interfere with hormonal function and lead to various health issues.
• Alcohols: Alcohols can strip away natural oils and lead to skin dryness and irritation.
• Ethoxylates: Ethoxylates contribute to skin irritation and environmental concerns.
• Parabens: Parabens have been associated with hormone disruption and skin sensitization.
• Phthalates: Phthalates have been linked to hormonal disruption and various adverse health effects, including potential impacts on the reproductive system.

Our Commitment To You 

In conclusion, creating our healthy hand soap extends far beyond the mere goal of washing your hands; it represents a process of consciously choosing ingredients that prioritize your health!

Our commitment to delivering products that you can trust are safe AND effective is unwavering. Human health is and always will be our first priority.

Each ingredient in our Gel Hand Soap serves a crucial purpose in crafting your experience. When using our hand soap, your skin not only comes out clean but also nourished, refreshed, and safeguarded.

Transparency

As always, transparency stands as a cornerstone of our company's values. We recognize that educated consumers make empowering product choices – and you know we love to educate!

We are committed to providing you with the comprehensive information regarding all of our products, including our hand soap. We want you to have complete confidence in the product you’re bringing into your home and trusting around your family. 

So go ahead and lather up! You're giving your hands the care they deserve and you can clean without compromising your health.