You're in a hurry and don't have time to wash your hands with soap and water, so you reach for the body wash. But is it safe to use as a hand soap?
It's not always easy to find time for a full-blown hand-washing session, but that doesn't mean you can skip the soap.
In fact, using body wash as hand soap can be dangerous because you might not be getting rid of all the dirt and bacteria.
However, you can use body wash as a handwash, although it may be less effective when it comes to killing germs.
Can You Use Body Wash As Hand Soap
Yes, you can use body wash as hand soap. The body wash is meant to clean all of your body, including your hands, so it will work just fine as hand soap. Body wash kill germs too.
However, it's important to make sure that you choose a body wash that is pH-balanced and gentle enough for your hands.
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to choose a body wash that is specifically labeled as being gentle on dry skin. The best option is to use an all-in-one hand and body wash.
We have done the research and found the best one for you:
Aveda Rosemary Mint Hand/Body Wash
Take care of your skin and practice self-care at the same time with Aveda Rosemary Mint Hand/Body Wash. This luxurious body wash is certified organic and enriched with rosemary and peppermint extracts, so it will awaken your senses while you cleanse your body. You don't have to worry about over-drying or irritating your skin either; its gentle cleansing allows you to shower as often as you need without having to worry about any discomfort.
5 Benefits of Using Body Wash As Hand Soap
Here are five reasons why body wash be used as a hand soap is a good idea:
Cost Effective
One of the biggest benefits of using body wash as hand soap is its cost-effectiveness. Body washes tend to be cheaper than hand soaps, and you get more for your money since they come in larger bottles.
You can save yourself a few dollars by simply switching out your regular hand soap for a body wash.
Variety of Fragrances
If you’re looking to switch up your scent game, then going with a body wash is definitely the way to go.
Most body washes come in a variety of fragrances, from fruity to floral, so you’re sure to find one that suits you perfectly. On top of that, some brands offer seasonal scents perfect for any season or occasion!
Hydrating Effects
While most commercially available hand soaps contain harsh chemicals and detergents that can dry out skin, body washes contain soothing ingredients such as aloe vera and glycerin, which help hydrate the skin while cleansing it at the same time.
This makes them especially beneficial during cold winter months when our hands may feel extra dry due to colder temperatures outside.
Gentle on Sensitive Skin
Many people struggle with sensitive skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, which can be exacerbated by harsh chemicals found in regular hand soaps.
Fortunately, many body washes are specifically formulated for sensitive skin and are free from harsh detergents like sulfates that could potentially irritate the skin further.
Environmentally Friendly
Not only is using a body wash instead of regular bar soap better for your skin, but it can also be better for the environment too.
Look for eco-friendly brands that use natural ingredients such as plant-based oils, which are biodegradable and won’t harm aquatic life if they make their way into our water systems when washed off our bodies after use.
5 Drawbacks of Using Body Wash As Hand Soap
Here are five drawbacks of using body wash as a hand soap that you should consider before making the switch.
Smell
Body washes come in all kinds of scents these days. But the truth is, most of them don't smell quite right when used as hand soap.
Since hands are so close to your face, having a strong scent isn't always ideal—especially if you're trying to avoid being noticed by that cute person who works on the second floor.
And if you're using an unscented body wash as hand soap, you probably won't notice any improvement in smell over regular soap.
Cost
While it's true that buying a bottle of body wash is cheaper than buying several bars of soap, there's a reason for that — each bar of soap lasts longer.
When you use body wash as hand soap, it will run out faster than regular bar soaps would because more product is required for each washing session.
This means that if you're looking for long-term savings, it's best to stick with traditional bars instead of switching over to liquid washes.
Mess
Liquid soaps can be messy — especially when they're used as hand soap.
If your bathroom has limited counter space, there won't be enough room for both the pump and a cup or bowl underneath it to catch any drips or spills.
Plus, liquid soaps tend to leave behind residue on counters and sinks, which can be harder to clean up than bar soaps.
Residue
Speaking of residue, body washes often contain additional oils and fragrances, which can lead to an uncomfortable feeling after washing your hands with them.
Even though these ingredients may make the product smell nice in the shower or bathtub, they can leave an unpleasant film on your skin once they've been washed off — something nobody wants!
Skin Irritation
For those with sensitive skin or allergies, using body wash as liquid soap can cause irritation due to its higher pH level compared to regular soap or even some other types of liquid-based cleansers like dishwashing detergent or laundry detergent.
This can lead to redness and itching—two things no one wants while they're trying their best not to get sick.
To prevent this discomfort from happening in the first place, it's a best practice to only use products specifically designed for personal hygiene, like lathering soaps or gentle facial cleansers instead of body washes when washing your hands frequently throughout the day.
FAQs
Here are some additional FAQs that can help you to further understand if you can use body wash as hand soap:
Can you use body wash on your hands?
Yes, you can use body wash on your hands. In fact, a lot of people do because it's often more convenient than using soap.
Soap is great for getting dirt and oils off of your skin, but it can be a little harsh and drying. The body wash is usually gentler on the skin and still does a good job of cleaning your hands.
Can you use any soap as hand soap?
You can use any soap as hand soap, but it's not recommended. Soaps that are meant for hands have a lower pH than other soaps, which is necessary to prevent oily skin from becoming too dry or irritated. However, body soap is something different.
Additionally, hand soaps often contain additional ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, or aloe vera that help to moisturize the skin.
Can you use soap instead of body wash?
Soap is just a type of body wash (however, shower gel is different). It's made with oils and fats, and lye, whereas body washes are made with detergents.
Some people prefer to use soap because they find that it's gentler on their skin, while others prefer to use body wash because they find it more cleansing. It's really up to personal preference.
Conclusion
All in all, whether or not you choose to use body wash as hand soap really depends on your situation and needs at the moment.
Keep in mind that while it may not be as effective in removing bacteria from your hands, it's still better than nothing.
And remember that no matter which type of cleanser you choose, always make sure to follow proper hygiene techniques, such as washing your hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing them off so that germs don't spread around your home or workplace.
