We created NOWATA because we couldn't find a vegan hand soap that actually worked without water—so we made one ourselves.
As a dentist and a biomedical engineer raising young children, we spent two years in development asking one question: why should families choose between clean hands and a clean conscience? Traditional vegan soaps still waste gallons of water. Sanitizers kill germs but leave residue behind. We knew there had to be a better way.
Our solution: a 100% plant-based, cruelty-free formula that physically removes 99.9%* of germs through clumping technology we developed and tested in Swiss laboratories. No water. No rinse. No wipe. No compromise.
What makes NOWATA different:
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We remove germs—we don't just kill them and leave them on your skin
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We tested our formula on our own children before sharing it with yours
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Every use saves 2 gallons of water and breaks down naturally
This page shows you exactly why plant-based, zero-waste cleaning isn't just the future—it's available now at NowataClean.com.
Quick Answers
Plant-Based Hand Soap
What it is: Hand soap made from botanical ingredients—coconut oil, olive oil, plant-derived cleansers—instead of animal fats, petroleum chemicals, or synthetic detergents.
Why it matters: Plant-based formulas are biodegradable, gentler on skin, and free from animal-derived ingredients like tallow, lanolin, and animal-sourced stearic acid.
What we learned developing NOWATA: "Plant-based" isn't regulated. Any company can claim it. Look for third-party verification and transparent ingredient lists.
Key ingredients to avoid:
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Triclosan (FDA banned 2016)
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Parabens
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Sulfates (SLS/SLES)
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Synthetic fragrances
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Phosphates
The overlooked problem: Traditional plant-based soaps still require 1.5-2 gallons of water per use. That's why we created a rinse-free, plant-based formula that works without water.
Bottom line: Plant-based is a good start—but effectiveness, safety, and water impact matter more than labels. We tested NOWATA on our own children before bringing it to market. That's our standard.
Top 5 Takeaways
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Plant-based isn't enough. Traditional vegan soaps need 1.5-2 gallons of water per use. NOWATA works with zero water. One tube saves 160-200 gallons.
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Removing germs beats killing them. The FDA banned 19 "antibacterial" ingredients in 2016—they don't work better than plain soap. NOWATA physically removes 99.9%* of germs. No chemical residue left behind.
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We built this for our family first. Two years of development. Tested on ourselves, then our kids. We trusted it on our own children before sharing it with yours.
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Certifications matter more than labels. "Plant-based" and "natural" aren't regulated. Look for Leaping Bunny, Vegan Society Trademark, and transparent ingredient lists.
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Clean hands shouldn't cost the planet. Zero water. No harsh chemicals. readily biodegradable. That's what cruelty-free, zero-waste actually looks like.
Why Vegan Hand Soap Matters More Than Ever
Consumers are paying closer attention to what goes on their skin—and what goes down the drain. Traditional hand soaps often contain animal-derived ingredients, are tested on animals, or rely on synthetic chemicals that persist in waterways. Vegan hand soap eliminates these concerns while delivering effective cleansing.
But here's what most shoppers don't realize: even plant-based soaps typically require 1.5 to 2 gallons of running water per wash. That's not truly zero waste. We built NOWATA to solve this gap—a vegan formula that works without water, combining ethical sourcing with genuine environmental impact.
What Sets NOWATA Apart from Other Vegan Hand Soaps
Most vegan soaps clean the same way conventional soaps do—they need water to rinse away dirt and germs. Sanitizers skip the water but kill germs in place, leaving residue on your skin.
NOWATA works differently. Our proprietary clumping technology binds to dirt, oil, and germ particles. You rub until clumps form, then simply brush them away. The germs leave with the clumps—physically removed, not chemically killed.
Key differentiators:
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100% plant-based and vegan-certified ingredients
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Cruelty-free—never tested on animals
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Swiss laboratory verified to remove 99.9%* of germs (ASTM E1174 protocol)
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Zero water required—saves 2 gallons per use
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Readily biodegradable formula breaks down naturally
The Science Behind Plant-Based Germ Removal
We didn't just want to create another vegan soap. We wanted to create something that actually worked better.
Our backgrounds in dentistry and biomedical engineering gave us the foundation. Two years of formulation and Swiss lab testing gave us the proof. NOWATA physically removes over 99.9%* of bacteria (E. coli) and viruses (Murine Norovirus) from skin—without alcohol, parabens, phosphates, or harsh chemicals.
This matters because removal is fundamentally different from killing. When sanitizers kill germs, those dead particles remain on your hands. When NOWATA removes germs, they're gone entirely.
Cruelty-Free Clean You Can Trust
Every NOWATA product is certified cruelty-free and vegan. We never test on animals, and our ingredient sourcing follows strict ethical guidelines.
But cruelty-free extends beyond animal welfare. We believe it also means being kind to the planet and gentle on sensitive skin. Our formula is safe enough for toddlers and tough enough for trail grime—because we tested it on our own family first.
Zero Waste Starts with Zero Water
The average American uses over 500 gallons of water annually just washing their hands. NOWATA eliminates that.
Environmental impact per bottle:
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80-100 uses per tube
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160-200 gallons of water saved per bottle
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Readily biodegradable—no microplastics, no synthetic residue
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Made in the USA with responsible manufacturing
Choosing NOWATA isn't just a personal care decision. It's a daily choice that adds up to meaningful environmental change.
How to Use NOWATA Vegan Hand Soap
Getting clean without water takes just three steps:
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Apply a small drop to dry hands
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Rub thoroughly until visible clumps form
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Brush off the clumps—dirt and germs go with them
No sink. No rinse. No towel. Clean hands anywhere you need them.
Buy the Best Vegan Hand Soap Online at NowataClean.com
NOWATA ships directly to your door from our Connecticut headquarters. Every order includes our 30-day satisfaction guarantee—if you're not completely happy, we'll make it right.
When you order from NowataClean.com, you get:
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Doctor-developed, Swiss lab-tested formula
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Fast shipping across the United States
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Responsive customer support from our team
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The confidence of buying directly from the source
Founder’s Quote

"As doctors, we knew that killing germs wasn't enough—we needed to remove them entirely. As parents, we refused to put anything on our children's hands that we hadn't tested on our own first. NOWATA exists because our family demanded both."
—Dr. Ruslan Maidans (DDS) & Dr. Yalda Shahriari (PhD), NOWATA Founders
Essential Resources Section — NOWATA Brand Voice Applied
Do Your Homework: 7 Trusted Resources for Choosing Plant-Based Hand Soap
We get it—you want to make the right choice for your family and the planet. But between greenwashed labels and confusing claims, how do you know what's actually safe, ethical, and effective?
Good news: you don't have to guess. We've gathered seven authoritative resources from government agencies, nonprofit watchdogs, and certification bodies to help you cut through the noise. Because when it comes to what goes on your hands (and your kids' hands), the facts matter.
1. Find out what "soap" actually means under federal law
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — Frequently Asked Questions on Soap
Here's something most people don't realize: the word "natural" isn't regulated, and "plant-based" doesn't automatically mean safe. The FDA breaks down how soaps are classified and what protections actually exist. Worth reading before you trust any label.
Learn more: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/frequently-asked-questions-soap
2. Understand how effective hand hygiene really works
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Hand Hygiene Guidelines
The CDC wrote the book on clean hands—literally. Their evidence-based guidelines explain when soap beats sanitizer, proper technique, and what actually removes germs from skin. Spoiler: it's not just about killing them.
Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/index.html
3. Verify cruelty-free claims with the certification that matters
Cruelty Free International — Leaping Bunny Programme
Not all "cruelty-free" labels are created equal. Leaping Bunny is the global gold standard—the only certification that audits the entire supply chain, from raw ingredients to finished product. If you care about animal welfare, this is the logo to look for.
Learn more: https://crueltyfreeinternational.org/leaping-bunny-programme/what-leaping-bunny.
4. Check ingredient safety before it touches your family's skin
Environmental Working Group (EWG) — Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Wondering what's really in that bottle? EWG's database rates over 130,000 products using data from 60 toxicity sources. Just type in a product or ingredient to see potential concerns—no chemistry degree required.
Learn more: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
5. See the real impact of saving water—one wash at a time
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — WaterSense Statistics and Facts
The average American uses 82 gallons of water daily. Every rinse-free hand wash saves up to two gallons—and the EPA's data shows why that matters for your community and beyond. Small choices, big impact.
Learn more: https://www.epa.gov/watersense/statistics-and-facts
6. Confirm vegan certification from the people who invented the word
The Vegan Society — Vegan Trademark
The Vegan Society literally coined the term "vegan" back in 1944. Their trademark—found on over 70,000 products worldwide—guarantees no animal ingredients or testing at any stage. When you see it, you know it's the real deal.
Learn more: https://www.vegansociety.com/the-vegan-trademark
7. Know what consumer protections actually exist
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) — Soap Business Guidance
The CPSC oversees soap safety and labeling in the United States. Understanding what's required by law—and what isn't—helps you spot the gaps that certifications and third-party testing fill.
Learn more: https://www.cpsc.gov/Business--Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Soap
Why we put this list together
As parents and doctors, we believe you deserve straight answers—not marketing spin. These resources helped us develop NOWATA, and they can help you make informed choices for your family, too.
Because of clean hands and a clean conscience? That starts with knowing what you're buying.
Supporting Statistics
Why We Built NOWATA: The Science Behind Our Formula
We didn't just read the research—we lived the problem. As a dentist and biomedical engineer raising young children, we saw firsthand how hard it was to keep little hands clean without harsh chemicals or wasted water.
Here's the federal data that guided our two-year development process.
Hand Hygiene Works. The CDC Proves It.
The CDC calls proper handwashing "the single most important practice in the reduction of the transmission of infection."
The impact is measurable:
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23-40% reduction in diarrheal illness
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16-21% reduction in respiratory infections like colds
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29-57% reduction in school absenteeism from GI illness
The problem we saw: These results require soap and water. But playgrounds, hiking trails, and car rides don't have sinks.
Our solution: Effective hand hygiene that works anywhere—no water required.
Source: CDC — Handwashing Facts https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
Water Waste Adds Up. We Did the Math.
Federal data on household water use stopped us cold.
The numbers:
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82 gallons — Average water used per person, per day (EPA)
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80-100 gallons — USGS estimate for indoor home use
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48-64 gallons — What our family of four was using just for handwashing daily
We tracked our own household usage during development. The waste was staggering.
NOWATA's impact:
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2 gallons saved per use
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160-200 gallons conserved per tube
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Zero water required for effective germ removal
Sources:
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USGS — Water Q&A: How Much Water Do I Use at Home Each Day? https://www.usgs.gov/water-science-school/science/water-qa-how-much-water-do-i-use-home-each-day
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EPA — WaterSense Statistics and Facts https://www.epa.gov/watersense/statistics-and-facts
"Antibacterial" Was a Marketing Myth. The FDA Proved It.
In 2016, the FDA banned 19 active ingredients from consumer antibacterial soaps—including triclosan and triclocarban.
Why? Manufacturers couldn't prove these chemicals were:
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Safe for long-term daily use
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More effective than plain soap and water
The FDA's own words:
"No data demonstrates that over-the-counter antibacterial soaps are better at preventing illness than washing with plain soap and water."
What this meant for us as parents: We'd been putting these chemicals on our children's hands for years—for nothing.
How it shaped NOWATA:
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No triclosan
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No alcohol
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No parabens
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No harsh chemicals
Instead, we developed clumping technology that physically removes germs rather than killing them and leaving residue behind.
We tested ourselves first. Then our kids. Only after we trusted it for our own family did we pursue Swiss lab verification.
The result: 99.9%* germ removal, verified by ASTM E1174 protocols.
Source: FDA — Skip the Antibacterial Soap; Use Plain Soap and Water https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/skip-antibacterial-soap-use-plain-soap-and-water
Final Thoughts & Opinion
Our Take: Why Vegan Hand Soap Is Just the Beginning
Two years of development. Countless formulations. Swiss lab testing. Thousands of uses in our own family.
Here's what we've come to believe about the future of hand hygiene.
The Honest Truth About "Vegan" Labels
Let's be direct: slapping "vegan" on a label doesn't automatically make a product better.
We've seen the market. Many vegan soaps still:
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Require gallons of water per use
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Contain ingredients we wouldn't put on our own kids
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Prioritize marketing over actual effectiveness
Being vegan is necessary—but it's not sufficient.
What actually matters:
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Is it effective?
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Is it safe for daily use?
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Does it work when and where families need it?
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Does it respect the planet beyond skipping animal ingredients?
That's the standard we held ourselves to. That's what NOWATA represents.
What We Learned as Parents and Scientists
Developing NOWATA changed how we think about personal care entirely.
As scientists:
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Physical germ removal outperforms chemical killing
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Lab verification matters—claims without testing are just marketing
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The simplest formulations often work best
As parents:
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Convenience determines whether products actually get used
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Kids don't care about ingredient lists, but their bodies do
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Environmental responsibility starts with the choices we make
As founders:
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The industry has room for genuine innovation
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Consumers want products without compromises
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Building for your own family changes everything
Our Opinion: The Future Isn't Plant-Based—It's Water-Free
Here's our honest perspective:
The sustainable personal care conversation is stuck. We debate vegan versus non-vegan, natural versus synthetic, organic versus conventional.
These distinctions miss the bigger picture.
Water is the overlooked crisis.
Every traditional soap—vegan or not—requires 1.5 to 2 gallons per use. In a world facing water scarcity, that's not sustainable. Period.
The next generation of personal care must:
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Eliminate animal ingredients
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Eliminate water dependency
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Work in water-scarce environments
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Serve communities where clean water isn't guaranteed
NOWATA isn't just our answer to "best vegan hand soap." It's our answer to a harder question:
How do we keep families healthy without depleting the resources they'll need tomorrow?
Why We're Sharing This
We could have kept NOWATA as a family solution. We almost did.
Then we watched our kids use it:
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Saw how easy clean hands became
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Knew exactly what was (and wasn't) on their skin
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Tracked the water, we were no longer wasting
This needed to be bigger than our household.
Every parent deserves:
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Effective, safe, convenient hand hygiene
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Choices that protect kids and the planet
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Products that deliver on their promises
That's why we built NOWATA. That's why we share our research openly. That's why we back every bottle with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
The Bottom Line
Choosing plant-based, cruelty-free, zero-waste hand soap is a good start.
But don't stop at labels. Ask harder questions:
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Does it actually remove germs effectively?
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What happens to ingredients after they leave your hands?
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How much water does it require?
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Would the people selling it use it on their own children?
We asked ourselves those questions every day for two years.
NOWATA is our answer.
We built it for us first. Now we're sharing it with you.
Next Steps
Ready to Make the Switch? Start Here.
You've done the research. You understand why plant-based, cruelty-free, and water-free matters.
Here's your path forward.
Step 1: Try NOWATA Risk-Free
30-day satisfaction guarantee. If it doesn't meet your expectations, we'll make it right.
How to order:
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Visit NowataClean.com
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Select your size or bundle
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Complete checkout
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Receive your order in 3-5 business days
→ Shop Now at NowataClean.com
Step 2: Master the 3-Step Technique
NOWATA works differently. Learn it in 30 seconds.
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Apply — Small drop on dry hands
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Rub — Massage until clumps form
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Brush off — Wipe away clumps with dirt and germs
No water. No rinse. No towel. Done.
Pro tip: Keep tubes at home, in your car, and in your bag.
Step 3: Verify Our Claims
Don't take our word for it. Check the sources.
Federal data we referenced:
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CDC Handwashing Facts → cdc.gov/clean-hands
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EPA WaterSense Statistics → epa.gov/watersense
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FDA Antibacterial Ruling → fda.gov/consumers
Our certifications:
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Swiss lab tested (ASTM E1174)
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100% plant-based
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Cruelty-free and vegan
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Made in the USA
Step 4: Join the Community
Follow @nowataclean on all platforms.
What you'll find:
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Product demos and tips
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Behind-the-scenes founder content
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Customer stories
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Exclusive promotions
Share your experience using #NOWATA.
Step 5: Talk to Us Directly
We're real people. We answer every inquiry personally.
No bots. No runaround.
Step 6: Share With Someone Who Needs This
Know someone who'd benefit?
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Forward this page
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Give a tube to a new parent
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Recommendation in parenting groups
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Leave a review after purchase
Still Not Sure?
Start here:
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Read our reviews
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Watch our demos
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Order one tube—30-day guarantee, zero risk
Worst case: Return it, lose nothing.
Best case: Find the solution you've been searching for.
Your family deserves clean hands without compromise.
→ Get Started at NowataClean.com
FAQ Section — Condensed & Scannable Format
FAQ on "Plant-Based Hand Soap"
Q: What ingredients should I avoid in plant-based hand soap?
A: We compiled this list during research. These ingredients will never touch our children's skin.
Ingredients we exclude from NOWATA:
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Triclosan/Triclocarban — FDA banned in 2016. Linked to hormone disruption. We unknowingly used these on our kids for years.
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Parabens — Endocrine disruption concerns. Eliminated immediately after reviewing research.
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Sulfates (SLS/SLES) — Made our daughter's hands red and irritated during testing.
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Synthetic fragrances — "Fragrance" can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals. We wanted full transparency.
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High-concentration alcohol — Dried out our hands with repeated use during prototype testing.
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Phosphates — Harm aquatic ecosystems. As Connecticut residents near Long Island Sound, this mattered personally.
Our rule: If we can't explain an ingredient to our kids in simple terms, it doesn't belong in the formula.
NOWATA's ingredient list is short, pronounceable, and fully transparent.
Q: Is plant-based hand soap better for the environment?
A: Yes—but not for the reasons most people think.
Plant-based advantages:
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Readily Biodegradable ingredients break down naturally
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No petroleum chemicals
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Cruelty-free production
What nobody talks about: Water consumption.
We tracked our own household usage. Our family of four used 48-64 gallons daily just for handwashing.
Traditional soap—plant-based or not—requires 1.5-2 gallons per wash.
That's the hidden environmental crisis.
NOWATA's impact:
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Zero water required
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2 gallons saved per use
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160-200 gallons conserved per tube
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Readily biodegradable
Real result: Our water bill dropped noticeably in the first month.
True sustainability means examining the complete picture—not just ingredients, but what the product requires to work.
Q: Is plant-based hand soap safe for children and sensitive skin?
A: This wasn't just a product question. It was personal.
Our reality:
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Daughter has eczema
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Son puts everything in his mouth
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We needed a formula safe for both
Our testing process:
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Tested on ourselves first — Every prototype for weeks before touching our kids
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Watched for reactions — Dryness, irritation, sensitivity
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Tested with our children — Stinging on cuts? Overwhelming scent? Skin reactions?
What we formulated out:
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Harsh chemicals that sting scrapes
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Strong fragrances (kids' noses are sensitive)
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Alcohol that dries small hands
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Anything worrisome if accidentally ingested
Key learning: "Plant-based" doesn't automatically mean "kid-safe." Some botanicals trigger allergies. Some essential oils irritate sensitive skin.
The result: A formula our kids actually like using—which matters more than parents realize.
The best hand hygiene product is the one children will use consistently.
Ready to Buy the Best Vegan Hand Soap Online?
Experience plant-based, cruelty-free, zero-waste cleaning that actually works—no water, no compromise, no harsh chemicals. Visit NowataClean.com today and discover why thousands of families are making the switch to NOWATA.
→ Shop Now at NowataClean.com
*Based on laboratory testing using a modified ASTM E1174 test, NOWATA physically removed over 99.9% of virus (Murine Norovirus, a human norovirus surrogate) and bacteria (E.Coli) particles from skin. Results do not imply disease prevention. For hand cleansing only.
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