Branch Basics Gel Hand Soap (Fragrance Free)

Important note on hand soaps

For hand soap, I’m looking for something that rinses clean, is transparent about what’s inside, and doesn’t rely on “extras” to feel effective. I want a simple cleanser base that does the job without leaving my hands dry, coated, or reacting after frequent use.

What I avoid in hand soaps

In this category, I avoid undisclosed or toxic fragrance blends, parabens, SLS/SLES, cocamidopropyl betaine (a common trigger for irritation), methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MIT/MCI), ethoxylated ingredients like PEGs, polysorbate 20, and antimicrobial additives like benzalkonium chloride (a type of quat). These are often used to create more foam, extend shelf life, or make soap smell “stronger,” but they’re not necessary for clean hands and can be more irritating for sensitive skin.

Product description

Branch Basics Gel Hand Soap is a fragrance-free gel hand soap made with plant-derived cleansers (glucosides) and skin-supporting ingredients like aloe, chamomile, and meadowfoam seed oil. It’s designed to clean well with a gentle feel, without relying on heavy fragrance systems or the preservative and surfactant categories I avoid.

This is one of my go-to options when I want a truly fragrance-free hand soap that still feels effective and comfortable for everyday use.

Certifications

• EWG VERIFIED™
• MADE SAFE Certified
• Leaping Bunny Certified

What I like

I like that it’s genuinely fragrance free, which makes it a solid option for sensitive households.

The cleanser base is built around glucosides instead of harsher surfactants, so it feels like an “all day, every day” soap that doesn’t leave my hands feeling stripped.

The certifications make it easier to trust the ingredient screening without having to guess.

Things to keep in mind

If you’re used to very high-foam hand soaps, this one may feel different, but it still cleans well.