Updated on Sep. 30, 2024
Scrub your hands clean with these fall hand soaps. They'll fill your kitchen with aromas of apple cider, ginger and, of course, pumpkin.
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Enjoy the benefits of clean, cleansed hands and festive autumn scents with the top fall-scented hand soaps on the market. Whether your favorite fall aroma is chai, pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, maple or even smoky sandalwood, there are basic and luxury brands that know how to kickstart the sweet and spicy season. Plus, some of these top picks come with anti-bacterial, moisturizing and eco-friendly benefits to provide clean, fresh-scented hands all season.
VIA MERCHANT
When the temperatures start to drop, swap out your lemon-scented hand wash for this acorn spice fall hand soap that smells like autumn in a bottle. Oh, and did we mention that Mrs. Meyer’s products are cruelty-free? Not one of their soaps or cleaning products is tested on animals.
VIA MERCHANT
Not all fall hand soap has to smell like a trip to a pumpkin farm (though we do love the pumpkin patch). This sophisticated hand soap from Method combines the earthy scent of vetiver with warm, woodsy tones. Plus the matte black pump is a super stylish addition to your kitchen sink or bathroom vanity.
VIA MERCHANT
Calling all PSL lovers! This limited-edition pumpkin spice soap from William’s Sonoma will remind you of your favorite fall drink. Plus, this hand soap contains natural ingredients like essential oils, aloe and olive oil—which prevent skin irritation. Pair it with a pumpkin spice fall candle for the ultimate autumn aromas.
VIA MERCHANT
Featuring a woody, earthy and smoky aroma, this hand wash from Aesop feels luxurious on skin and gets you in the fall spirit with every pump. Aesop’s hand soap bottles are made from at least 97% recycled plastic and designed to be refilled. Grab one for yourself and as a fall gift for your autumn-obsessed bestie.
VIA MERCHANT
We love a good fall hand soap that takes you right into the holiday season, just in case you don’t use it all before the first frost. This Maine Woods hand soap combines woodsy scents like oak moss and fir that’ll have you feeling like you’re on a gorgeous cool-weather hike. This soap is also a great addition to a fall care package. (As are these cute fall mugs!)
VIA MERCHANT
We can’t say enough good things about Grove Collaborative’s eco-friendly cleaning supplies, and the same goes for their hand soaps. Featured in Grove Co.’s new fall scents collection is this spiced pumpkin fall hand soap. Hydrating and 100% natural, this hand soap smells like what pumpkin spice dreams are made of. It comes with a reusable soap dispenser, so keep the refills coming!
VIA MERCHANT
This fall harvest foaming hand wash screams autumn. Shea butter and aloe vera make it easy on the hands, leaving skin hydrated and soft. With aromas of Frankincense, nutmeg and cinnamon, it’ll last well into winter, too. Plus, the bottle design doubles as fall kitchen decor.
VIA MERCHANT
If you love moisturizing hand soaps and notes of wooded forest and warm spices, look no further. This cedar and cardamom hand soap is free from the bad stuff, like parabens, ammonia and chlorine. Cedar and cardamom essential oils bring this woody soap to life while sunflower seed oil, vitamin E and glycerin hydrate skin.
VIA MERCHANT
What screams fall more than a trip to the apple orchard? Now, you can bring the orchard home with this apple cider soap. Not only does it smell like you’re opening up a bottle of fresh-pressed apple cider, but it’s made without artificial dyes and parabens. You’ll enjoy all-natural ingredients and fresh apple aromas with this fall hand soap.
VIA MERCHANT
This hand wash will quite literally make you want to cozy up in your favorite fall staple: a flannel. I swapped my unscented soap for this flannel foaming hand wash to get in the fall spirit, and I love that the apple aroma isn’t super sweet. Rather, it’s muskier and more crisp than typical apple fall hand soap options. The closest scent comparison is to a light cologne, so if more masculine scents are your thing, this fall hand soap is for you.
Made completely cruelty-free, sulfate-free and vegan, Nest’s Pumpkin Chai Liquid Soap packs all the delicious aroma of a pumpkin spice latte. The soap’s packaging and hue are eye-catching and season-appropriate, and the mixture of spicy masala chai, pumpkin, cardamom, ginger and cinnamon is perfect for bringing out your fall festive spirit.
The luxury scents from London’s premier fragrance maker are always a surefire hit. This fall, try their festive frankincense and allspice hand wash. Housed in a signature luxury hand pump bottle, this vibrant red hand soap leaves hands feeling fresh with a warm, woody, spicy fragrance. This festive scent is a holiday favorite from Molton Brown every year, and it has base notes of frankincense, top notes of balsamic elemi and a rich vetiver base.
Fall scents range from spicy to sweet, calming to musky, adding a festive touch to any space. Popular aromas like cinnamon, clove and chai bring warmth, while vanilla, caramel, pecan, pumpkin and apple evoke the scent of fall treats. For a more intense, woodsy experience, sandalwood or cedar provide deeper, more aromatic options than sweeter or spicier alternatives.
When choosing hand soap, check for harmful chemicals. Many natural, essential oil-based soaps effectively wash away bacteria while being safe and sustainably sourced for family use. In contrast, some scented soaps contain chemicals that may cause irritation or allergic reactions, making natural options safer, especially for households with children.
Dry weather can leave skin, hands and cuticles feeling parched, and some hand soaps only clean without addressing this issue, further drying out the skin. Soaps with added moisturizers like glycerin, aloe and shea butter help keep hands soft and hydrated, especially during chilly months. Look for hand soaps that offer moisturizing and antibacterial properties to maintain clean, nourished skin.
Always check the ingredient list on hand soap for sensitive skin or those prone to irritation. Certain formulas may contain allergens, so opt for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic options to reduce the risk of reactions. Avoid products with harsh chemicals and prioritize soaps specifically labeled for sensitive skin.
Sustainability is essential in today’s market, and many hand soap brands are taking steps to reduce waste. Brands like Tom’s lead the charge with minimal, reusable or recyclable packaging. In some cases, these companies have also created recycling programs to further their commitment to environmental responsibility, helping you choose a good soap for your skin and the planet.
While price matters, it’s worth considering if splurging on seasonal, limited-edition hand soaps with luxurious fall scents is worth it. Higher-end brands may offer premium fragrances or packaging, but budget-friendly options can capture the same seasonal essence. Weigh the value of luxury soaps against more affordable alternatives that also meet your needs.
Lisa Kaminski is a seasoned product tester and commerce writer with years of experience covering trends and shopping content at Taste of Home. Since 2018, she has reviewed top household, holiday and lifestyle products, making her a reliable source for advice on fall-scented hand soaps.
Madi Koetting, a lifestyle expert in shopping and trends at Taste of Home, Family Handyman and Reader’s Digest, has reviewed over 100 products focusing on cleaning gadgets, kitchen appliances and cooking gear. Her expertise makes her a trusted voice for finding the best fall-scented hand soaps.
Alexandra Mantella, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, updated and contributed research to this piece. She has over five years of experience in product testing, research and commerce writing. Previously, she served as a commerce content update editor at Bob Vila.
After reviewing dozens of bargain and luxury hand soaps, we selected 13 top picks for our readers. Each was chosen based on thorough research of ingredients, scent options, cleaning and moisturizing capabilities, skin compatibility and packaging. Some soaps feature long-lasting fragrances, while others focus on eliminating bacteria and moisturizing hands and nails. Though each option offers unique qualities, they all share one feature—capturing the fall spirit with sweet, spicy and woody aromas that linger all day.
Some soaps contain scented ingredients, but that doesn’t mean they’ll irritate or dry out your skin. Opt for scent-free soaps or those with moisturizing agents to kill germs while soothing and softening dry or irritated skin. Williams Sonoma has a great fall-scented option.
Popular fall candle scents include chai, apple, apple cider, cinnamon, pumpkin, pumpkin spice, pecan and sandalwood. Ginger is also a great option, with its deep, spicy aroma evoking classic fall flavors.
Seasonal hand soaps can last two to four years before their scent fades. However, it’s best to use them within the first year to enjoy their scent at its freshest.
