The focus on green chemicals in the cleaning industry doesn’t stop at those that are used to clean surfaces — a number of manufacturers are making hand soaps that are certified green. These soaps are often biodegradable, made with biobased products, and therefore have less impact when washed down the drain than harsher, traditional antibacterial soaps. Also, product packaging, from the box to the bag, is often made from recycled products and can be recycled.

Third-party green certifications from organizations such as Green Seal and Ecologo signify that the soaps perform just as well as others. Green soaps are required in any building pursuing a LEED-EBOM certification, as well as in healthcare and educational facilities.