What is hand washing paste?
Hand washing paste, also called abrasive soap, is a specially developed paste-like hand cleanser that removes stubborn dirt particularly thoroughly. Unlike normal soap or liquid hand wash, it contains fine abrasive particles that mechanically loosen dirt and effectively dissolve even oil, grease or colored residues. Hand washing paste combines surfactants with abrasive particles and often replenishing care components to achieve an effective yet skin-friendly cleaning result.
These pastes are particularly in demand in environments where hands regularly come into contact with heavy soiling, where simple soaps reach their limits.
Industrial soap | with wood flour | abrasoft hand cleaner
Content: 500 Milliliter
Industrial soap | 2,000 ml | with corn cob meal | CWS Abrasiva Standard
Content: 8 Bottle(s)
Hand washing paste | powerful hand cleaning for heavy soiling
In workshops, on construction sites or in industry, ordinary soaps are often not sufficient. Anyone who works with oil, grease, soot or paint needs a solution that cleans thoroughly while remaining gentle on the skin. Hand washing paste, also known as industrial soap, has been specially developed for such requirements. Highly effective against dirt and at the same time gentle on the skin.
Who needs hand washing paste?
Hand washing paste is suitable wherever hands are regularly heavily soiled:
Workshops & garages: oil, grease, lubricants, tar and similar residues
Industry & production: metal dust, machine oil, casting or lubricant residues
Construction sites & trades: cement, paints, sealants, adhesive residues
Agriculture & horticulture: soil, plant protection products, organic residues
Art & painting: paint, varnish or resin.
In all these areas, thorough but gentle hand cleaning is important, as frequent washing can otherwise lead to skin irritation, dryness or damage to the skin barrier.
Differences compared to conventional soap
In direct comparison to conventional soap, hand washing paste is:
more intensive in cleaning: due to the abrasive particles, it loosens dirt mechanically, not only through surfactants.
more effective with heavy soiling: oils, grease, paint or soot are difficult to remove with normal soap.
more skin-friendly in application: modern pastes contain care substances and have a mild pH value that protects the skin.
more practical with coarse dirt: it replaces or supplements classic soap when simple cleaning is not sufficient.
You should pay attention to these ingredients
Abrasive agents
The quality of the abrasive components largely determines the cleaning effect. Biodegradable abrasive agents are recommended, such as:
- wood flour
- nutshell granules
- corn cob granulate
These are environmentally friendly and gentle on the skin. Synthetic abrasives or microplastics should be avoided whenever possible.
Skin-care additives
Substances such as glycerin, jojoba oil or allantoin care for the skin and prevent dryness. This is particularly important with daily use.
pH value and fragrance
A skin-neutral pH value (approx. 5.5) is particularly important. For sensitive skin types, fragrance-free variants or dermatologically tested products are available.
Differences and advantages of corn cob meal and wood flour as abrasive agents
A central feature of a hand washing paste is the abrasive particles that mechanically loosen dirt. In the past, fine sand was traditionally used, but today organic alternatives are predominantly used:
Hand washing pastes with corn cob meal
Obtained from ground corn cobs and acts as a mild, natural abrasive. It effectively removes heavy soiling without excessively irritating the skin. Since it comes from renewable raw materials, it is biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
Advantage: particularly gentle on the skin and environmentally compatible.
Hand washing pastes with wood flour
Consists of fine wood particles, usually from softwood. It provides good cleaning performance for oily, greasy residues and is also biodegradable. Wood flour is considered a classic, mild abrasive component; the abrasive effect is intensive but gentle.
Advantage: traditionally proven, very good for coarse contamination.
Both abrasive agents are significantly more skin-friendly than sand or microplastic particles and protect both skin and environment.
How to use hand washing paste correctly
1. Use dry hands: apply a small amount (about the size of a walnut) to dry hands.
2. Rub thoroughly: rub in for approx. 30–60 seconds, especially in finger grooves and under the nails.
3. Add a little water: emulsify with a small amount of water to activate the cleaning effect.
4. Rinse: wash off thoroughly with clear water.
5. Care: a suitable hand cream prevents skin irritation and dryness.
Packaging forms | The right packaging for every application
- Tube (100–500 ml): ideal for mobile use or individual workstations
- Dispenser cartridge (1–2 l): hygienic, refillable, space-saving
- Bucket (3–5 l): for larger teams or workshops
- Canister (10 l and more): economical for high consumption volumes
The combination with a suitable dispenser system increases comfort and hygiene in the working environment.
Sustainability & skin protection: modern hand cleaning with responsibility
Sustainable hand washing paste means:
- no microplastics
- use of biodegradable raw materials
- skin-friendly formulations
- recyclable packaging
Modern products combine high cleaning performance with ecological responsibility. An ideal combination for forward-looking companies
FAQ | Frequently asked questions about hand washing paste
What is the difference between hand washing paste and industrial soap?
Both terms are often used synonymously. Hand washing paste usually refers to the creamy or pasty form, while “industrial soap” can also include liquid soaps.
Is hand washing paste harmful to the skin?
High-quality products with a skin-neutral pH formula and care additives are well tolerated, even with frequent use.
Can I also use hand washing paste at home?
Yes. Especially if you regularly carry out manual or creative work and need to remove heavy soiling.
How should I store hand washing paste correctly?
Store in a cool, dry place protected from direct sunlight. Sealed containers usually have a shelf life of several years.
Is hand washing paste biodegradable?
Products with natural abrasive agents (e.g. wood flour) are generally environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s information.
Buy hand washing paste online at affordable prices
In the Swiss online shop at heroshygiene.ch you will find a carefully selected range of hand washing pastes for a wide variety of applications:
✅ Products with natural abrasive agents
✅ Variants for sensitive skin types
✅ Soap pastes for intensive industrial soiling
✅ Cartridge systems for professional wash stations
Our hand washing pastes are manufactured according to the highest quality standards, are high-performance, environmentally friendly and pleasant to use. Order conveniently online and benefit from professional advice from our trained staff, attractive prices and fast delivery times within Switzerland.