I'm a huge fan of many of the toiletries from The Body Shop and have spent a small fortune on their products over the years. Several years ago I discovered their Hemp range, which is intended for very dry skin and my experience with using their hand and feet products has been simply first class. Consequently, during a visit to one of their stores a few weeks ago I was delighted to discover a new product within the range, namely Hemp Moisturising Hand Wash and this review discusses my experience with using the product.

~~ APPEARANCE OF THE PRODUCT ~~

Whilst many of the products within The Body Shop can be described as vibrant and eye-catching, the Hemp range is more subtle and all of the products within the range seem to blend in with one another. I initially believed the bottle of hand wash to be lotion when I spotted it on the shelf and it was only on closer inspection that I learned that it is a hydrating soap-free hand cleanser designed for those with very dry skin. We are provided with 250 ml of wash in a narrow transparent plastic bottle with the label displaying a combination of calming green tones together with an image of a hemp leaf, which belongs to the cannabis plant.

~~ WHY DID I CHOOSE THIS PRODUCT? ~~

Unfortunately, during the colder months I experience significant problems with my hands where the skin on my knuckles will often split and subsequently, bleed. A diagnosis from my GP many years ago revealed that I suffer with stress eczema and I was prescribed steroid creams, but due to the fact that a side effect is thinning of the skin over a period of time, I made the decision to look for an alternative method. Thankfully, the condition isn't as problematic as it was several years ago, but I still have to take very good care of my hands, as when the skin splits my hands will itch like mad and become extremely sore.

I own and use a huge variety of skincare products, which I will alternate dependent upon the condition of my hands and/or the weather, as central heating will often exacerbate the problem. The Body Shop's Hemp range was the starting point for me when I discovered their Hand Protector several years ago and miraculously, only a few uses seemed to calm my condition. All of the Hemp products are specifically designed for those with very dry skin and contain hemp seed oil, which has outstanding moisturising properties. My experience with the other products within this range is extremely favourable so I felt certain that a purchase of the Hand Wash would deliver similar high quality results.

~~ USING THE HANDWASH ~~

The bottle offers an easy to operate pump dispenser and one press will release a sufficient amount of product for one hand wash. The consistency of the white coloured hand wash is exactly what I expected and that is of a body lotion and it offers a fairly strong hemp aroma. I'm not going to attempt to describe the fragrance, as I wouldn't know where to start, as it is unique with nothing else smelling similar. Whilst I cannot describe it as gorgeous I would say that it is pleasant, but the main purpose of this product as far as I am concerned is its' benefits as opposed to the aroma.

Only a small amount is needed to create a good lather and the wash is easily rinsed away without leaving any residue. I had imagined the product to leave a slight film on my skin, particularly as both the foot and hand cream are extremely intensive and as a result, are a little on the greasy side, but in a positive way. A very delicate aroma of hemp is left on my skin, but I cannot state this is offensive and my hands are left feeling wonderfully soft, smooth and thoroughly moisturised. As a test to fully assess the benefits of this hand wash I omitted to use hand cream for a trial period of one week and I am unable to report of any dryness, tightness or cracking of my skin. Consequently, this hand wash is of a high quality and certainly delivers what it promises.

My husband whose hands can be described as normal other than the fact that he occasionally suffers with contact eczema, has informed me that he has found the product to be highly beneficial and reports of his hands feeling, soft and silky smooth. The only grumble I have with the hand wash is that the dispensing unit will not enable me to use the last few drops from the bottle, so it's a case of removing the unit and tipping the bottle upside down. I cannot recommend The Body Shop Hemp Moisturising Hand Wash highly enough and as a result, it receives 5 stars from me.

~~ INGREDIENTS AND OTHER INFORMATION ~~

I do not normally believe in copying lists of ingredients into my reviews, but in the case of this hand wash I feel it appropriate. I would advise that in addition to the Community Faire Trade hemp seed oil it contains Brazil nut oil, honey and soya oil; all of which are Community Fair Trade. The wash is soap and alcohol free and is therefore, very gentle on the skin. The bottle should be used within 12 months of opening and is recyclable once empty.

~~ PRICE AND AVAILABILITY ~~

Hemp Moisturising Hand Wash is available in a 250 ml bottle and can be purchased online or in any Body Shop store for £5.

I hope you found my review useful and would thank you for reading.