Finder Green Fave: Happy Human Foaming Handwash
This antibacterial handwash offers a gentle clean and helps the planet with a reusable bottle and recyclable packaging.
Go to any supermarket or chemist and you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to soaps, handwash and hand sanitiser.
But if you're environmentally aware, the amount of packaging could weigh on your mind. Even when it's recyclable, most of the bottles you use still cost energy to be processed and repurposed. They're also usually plastic.
What's great is that you can now find handwash and soap that fits with a waste-free or low-waste lifestyle, including this foaming handwash from Happy Human that we recently got to try out.
What makes Happy Human green?
Happy Human's mission is to cut down on single-use plastic waste with products that are reusable, refillable and recyclable.
It sells bundles, subscriptions and individual refills if you already have containers.
The foaming handwash is cruelty-free and vegan, pH-balanced and safe for babies and pets. All the ingredients in the handwash tablets are on the EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients List, with 5 of the 9 ingredients also naturally derived.
Every order Happy Human ships is carbon neutral and comes in 100% recyclable packaging. The wrappers for each tablet are also compostable.
We tried it and loved it
We were given a Happy Human bundle to try out after I interviewed the company's founder, Vinnie Ong for Finder's Going Green series.
I started using the foaming handwash about 2 months ago and really like the way it feels. It's also very simple to start using: just put the tablet in the dispenser, fill it up to the mark with warm water and let the tablet dissolve.
One thing I did learn the hard way though: if you put the dispenser's lid on too soon, it will trap air and cause hissing and fizzing while the tablet's still dissolving – kind of like when you shake a fizzy drink too much before opening it. So be patient (it usually took 10-20 minutes for my tablets to dissolve).
Actually using the handwash is great. It feels soft on my hands, doesn't dry them out and the scent is very neutral.
I don't have the right conditions to compost the tablets wrappers, but there are details on the packaging and Happy Human's website that tell you about it.
Where can I get it?
You can buy the Happy Human Foaming Handwash kit on its website for $25.90 plus shipping (which is free for orders over $40).
If you've bought other handwash and want to reuse the container, you can get Happy Human Foaming Handwash refill packs from $12 for 3 tablets. Just make sure the container you have includes a foaming mechanism in it – you can usually tell by checking if there is a wider neck and air chamber in the lid part of your container.
Finder Green Fave is a regular column that highlights our favourite sustainable, eco-friendly, ethical and cruelty-free products. Looking for more information about eco-friendly choices? Check out Finder Green .
