Parenting
Sticky fingers, messy meals, playgrounds
Tested on Real Hands
99.9%
of germs removed from human hands in clinical testing*
0
water, wipes, or rinsing required
100%
plant-based; safe for every skin type.
*Tested on human volunteers by Microbe Investigations AG, Switzerland. ASTM E1174 hand-wash protocol — the same standard used to test hospital-grade hand soaps.
CLEAN HANDS ANYWHERE
NOWATA™ Soap
30 Day
Satisfaction
Guarantee
Free
Shipping
Ships Within
2 Days of
Ordering
NOWATA physically lifts and clumps away dirt, oils, and germs from your skin — no water, wipes, or rinsing needed. From playground grime to trail sap to camp grease.
Clinically Proven
Patent Pending Technology
In independent lab testing, NOWATA removed over 99.9% of virus particles from skin — including residues that sanitizers leave behind.
*Independent third-party testing by Microbe Investigations AG, Switzerland. ASTM E1174 modified protocol.
Sanitizer kills some germs on the surface — but it doesn't clean. Dirt, grease, food residue, and sticky grime stay right where they are.
NOWATA's clumping technology physically binds to everything on your skin — dirt, oils, bacteria, and virus particles — then lifts it all off in one step. No water, no wipes, no sticky alcohol film.
Clean hands you can see and feel — not just "sanitized" grime.
100% plant-based, biodegradable. Tough on dirt, gentle on skin.
- Tapioca Starch: Binds to dirt and lifts it off skin without scrubbing
- Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate: Coconut-derived cleanser that lathers without water
- Gluconolactone & Calcium Gluconate: pH-balanced conditioners that prevent dryness
- Ethyl Macadamiate: Nourishes skin instead of stripping it
Coconut Milk Powder
Calcium Gluconate
Ethyl Macadamiate
Tapioca Starch
2+ Gallons Saved
Per use — no running water needed.
100% Biodegradable
Breaks down naturally.
No Harsh Chemicals
Safe for waterways and soil.
Pairs Well With
NOWATA™ Silicone Refillable Bottle with Brush 1.35 FL OZ / 40 ml
$5.99
NOWATA™ Dry Shampoo - Waterless Hair Refresh
$21.99
Super Saver Bundle: 2.5 oz Soap (Lav + Unsc) + Shampoo + Travel Bottle
$58.99
NOWATA™ Rinse-Free Soap Sampler (3 Pack) – Unscented Waterless, Plant-Based Hand Soap
$9.99
Tested on Real Hands
99.9%
of germs removed from human hands in clinical testing*
0
water, wipes, or rinsing required
100%
plant-based; safe for every skin type.
*Tested on human volunteers by Microbe Investigations AG, Switzerland. ASTM E1174 hand-wash protocol — the same standard used to test hospital-grade hand soaps.
SEE THE CLUMPING ACTION IN ACTION
Unlike sanitizers that leave dirt on hands, NOWATA physically removes contaminants with no water needed!
1
APPLY & SPREAD
Apply a small amount to dry hands and spread around for 15–20 seconds like regular soap.
2
WATCH IT CLUMP
Our patent-pending formula immediately begins binding to dirt and contaminants, pulling them away from skin.
3
RUB OFF & GO
Gently rub hands together as the formula turns into biodegradable bits that fall away, leaving hands truly clean.
WHY NOWATA WORKS BETTER
Physically removes dirt & grime
Lab-tested >99.9% bacterial removal*
Removes hard-to-kill viral particles*
Visible proof it worked
Made with food-grade ingredients
Alcohol-free & non-drying
100% Plant-based & Biodegradable
No water or rinsing required
*Based on laboratory testing using a modified ASTM E1174 test, NOWATA physically removed over 99.9% of bacteria (E.coli) and virus particles (Murine Norovirus, a human norovirus surrogate) from skin. Results do not imply disease prevention. For hand cleansing only.
**Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective against many germs, but not against harder-to-kill ones like Norovirus or C. diff spores.
Perfect For
Whatever your lifestyle, NOWATA™ fits seamlessly into your routine
Travel
Airports, hotels, on-the-go
Outdoor Adventures
Dirt, sunscreen, bug spray
Festivals & Theme Parks
Funnel cake fingers, face paint, ride handles
Lab Backed Performance
In Swiss lab testing on real human hands, NOWATA physically removed ≥99.9% of virus and bacteria —without water.*
What They Found
99.94%
Germ Removal
Physically lifts and removes germs from skin, not just neutralizes them.*
100+
Gallons Saved
Per tube, compared to traditional hand washing.
Tested on real human hands in a certified lab.
3.21 log reduction achieved.
Physical removal, not just kill rate.
*Based on laboratory testing using a modified ASTM E1174 protocol. NOWATA physically removed over 99.94% of bacteria (E. coli) and viral surrogate (Murine Norovirus) from human volunteers’ hands. Results do not imply disease prevention. For hand cleaning only.
See The Difference
Slide to reveal how NOWATA™ transforms messy hands into clean hands without water
AFTER
BEFORE
Why NOWATA Exists
To solve the problem of cleaning hands without water safely and effectively.
No Water Required
Traditional soap depends on running water. NOWATA works anywhere no sink needed.
No Harsh Chemical
Unlike alcohol-heavy sanitizers, NOWATA avoids harsh chemicals that damage skin.
Germs Removal
Doctor-developed formula that physically removes 99.9% of germs.
AS SEEN IN
The media can't stop talking about the soap that doesn't need water—and moms can't stop using it.
Click to unmute and watch the full WFSB 3 feature.
"A mom-made invention that's solving a sticky problem."
– WFSB 3 News
"Cleans without water. Grows from garage startup to mom essential."
– The Boston Globe
"Invented by a Connecticut couple—this soap might change everything about clean."
– Hartford Courant
"Born in New England. Built for every messy moment."
– The Westerly Sun
Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
A
Very interesting way to clean hands on the go. Great for everyday activities, at the park, in nature, and also on beach outings (remove the sunscreen or sand). It feels like eraser shavings, which is kind of satisfying but it's very messy when you brush it all off, so try to do it outdoors when possible. I tend to use it in the car which creates a lot of mess. I feel very clean after using it so I would recommend it with the expectation of clean hands and messy floors.
B
Love this stuff! My really picky teenage daughter tried it and she begged me to buy her one go school. Really cool way this sanitizer works. Not sticky at all
K
Leaves your hands feeling clean! No need for water and a towel.
A
Great for outdoor use, but definitely not for indoors. I took this to a weekend long adult hockey veteran tournament in MN figuring it'd be great being around all that sweatiness lol. While sitting in the stands, without thinking, I used it like I do normal hand sanitizer, rubbing it on my palms and back of hand....big mistake. Do not put on the back of your hands. Took forever to get it off and that's when I remembered all the videos I saw had people only rubbing it on their palms only....makes sense now why that was. The bits made a mess all around the space I was sitting at in the bleachers and that was embarrassing. I will say though the backs my hands felt really soft once I got all the bits off. Lesson learned though. Stick to using outdoor only and only use on palms and between fingers. I'll stick to using this at the beach and outdoor events. I liked the soft lavender scent and I read the lab report so I feel this product does a really good job at giving me peace of mind at having clean hands. This is definitely great for food festivals, theme parks, and anywhere you plan on going between activities and eating frequently. When I'm indoors for an entire outing, I'll stick to hand sanitizer and washing hands in the restrooms.
K
Amazing customer service. I really wanted it for a trip and they went out of their way to communicate and to meet my need. The product is so easy to use. A very smooth feel that leaves you feeling so clean and refreshed. Well worth the peace of mind and no doctor visits or lost vacation time. Thank you, Nowata!
S
I used the Nowata soap on a 3-week trip out of the country, and it worked great. It is portable, and I felt really protected from nasty germs the whole time I was away. I keep it in my purse and in my car and use it often. I like the soft, clean feel on my hands after you rub all the dirt off with this product. I highly recommend over any other product on the market.
L
Hand sanitizer can sting with hand abrasions or cuts and leaves my hands feeling dry. Nowata is different in that my hands feel smooth and not dry.
A
Love how soft and moisturized my hands were after using this product !
H
My hands feel clean after using this product. I also like the neutral smell. Thanks for great product.
R
This product is very different and innovative and I am happy to have it. It takes a long time to rub in for an on-the-move 7 year old. It also makes a little bit of a mess as the particles rub off your hand. So depending on where you are it may or may not be the best option. Like, outside with no rush, great option. In the car, on the go, kid wanting a snack, not the best option. The lavender scent is nice and not too strong at all. I suspect we will be using this more often as the weather warms and we are outdoors more.
D
We’ve been using it on our trip in Paris, so far in the airports on the way and in the metros it’s been amazing. I love the stuff. It makes your hands feel so soft after using it.
A
I was skeptical at first, but I used it the same day I received it and was instantly impressed! Not only does it clean well, but it makes your hands nice and soft after :)
C
Super impressed with this product!
M
As a travel consultant who is always on the go, this is a game changer. It’s earned a permanent spot in my carryon!
G
I’m such a germaphobe and the thought of noravirus scares me. This has helped tremendously when on the go. My hands feel so soft after and I love how clean they are. No burning sensation like sanitizer and it actually cleans.
S
We are so excited to have this product for lunches! My kiddo always washes his hands before he eats (which he hates)~ he’s stoked to be able to use this instead! And he said it left his hands nice and smooth. Photo for proof!
S
This is an essential part of my gear. It’s a tiny, portable hero in a bottle. No more Alpaca-licked hands when snacking. And the tiny scrubbie bottle…YES, YES, YES!
P
This is the best and easiest way to clean hands when you reach the top of a mountain and have a wonderful lunch with your family!! Smells great too!
C
I've never seen anything like this soap before. I love the idea of having a waterless soap. My family enjoys hiking, and sometimes we can’t access a bathroom to wash our hands. This soap will be great for situations like that. After using the soap, my hands feel incredibly soft and moisturized.
A
The product works almost exactly as promised. I do use more than a pea sized amount to really get both sides of my hands thoroughly cleaned to where I feel like I don't have to go wash my hands in a sink and feel totally moisturized at the same time. That said my only complaint due to needing to use more than recommended is the price. Its sadly just too high to considering buying more. With the high prices of everything right now, it just wont fit in the budget unless I got a huge discount for future purchases. Thank you
Thank you for the honest feedback - we really appreciate it, and we're so glad the product works for you!
Great news: We now offer a 5 FL OZ size which is considerably cheaper per ounce - much better value if you're using a bit more product per application!
Even better: Since you've already tried NOWATA and like it, our subscription offers 20% off + free shipping. You can pause or cancel anytime - no commitment.
On pricing: You're right that we're not cheap. The honest truth is we're a small startup and don't have the benefit of economies of scale yet. As more people discover NOWATA and we grow, our pricing will certainly come down. We're working toward that!
We'd love another chance to earn your business - the 5oz subscription combo is our best value right now.
Thanks again for trying us and for the thoughtful review!
S
I love having this in my purse. For instance, I went to the grocery store and they were out of cart wipes. I finished my shopping and went to my car and washed my hands. I felt so much better knowing my hands were free of whatever may have been left on the cart. I’m not a paranoid person but germs and bacteria are real and if I can avoid them I’m going to!
B
Love the soap. Wish it came in smaller container for travel.would be nice to have one you can just slip in your pocket.
FAQ
RINSE-FREE SOAP
DRY SHAMPOO
SUBSCRIPTION
SHIPPING & RETURNS
SCIENCE & SAFETY
Still have questions? We're happy to help! Please email us at support@nowataclean.com and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
RINSE-FREE SOAP
How does NOWATA soap actually clean without water?
Apply the gel to your hands and rub for 30-45 seconds. Our patent-pending formula bonds with dirt, oils, and germs - then forms visible clumps that trap everything inside. Brush them off and you're done. No water. No towel. No residue. You can literally see the dirt leaving your skin.
Does it really work as well as soap and water?
Yes. NOWATA was independently lab-tested by Microbe Investigations AG in Switzerland using a modified ASTM E1174 protocol - the same standard used to evaluate traditional handwashing. Results: >99.9% removal of E. coli and norovirus surrogate. That's equivalent to soap-and-water performance, without a sink.
Is it safe for kids?
NOWATA was invented by two scientist-parents - Dr. Ruslan Maidans (DDS) and Dr. Yalda Shahriari (PhD, biomedical engineering) - specifically because they needed something safe for their own children. The formula is plant-based, alcohol-free, non-toxic, and fragrance-free in the Unscented option. No harsh chemicals. No bitter taste. No skin irritation.
What about norovirus? Hand sanitizer doesn't work on that.
Correct - alcohol-based sanitizers are not effective against norovirus because it's a non-enveloped virus. NOWATA physically removes pathogens through its clumping mechanism rather than relying on chemical kill. Our lab testing confirmed >99.9% removal of a norovirus surrogate using the ASTM E1174 method.
Is this just another hand sanitizer?
No. NOWATA is rinse-free soap - a completely different category. Hand sanitizer uses alcohol to chemically kill some germs but leaves all the dirt, oils, and dead microbes on your skin. NOWATA physically lifts and removes everything. The visible clumps are proof it's working. Sanitizer evaporates and you hope it worked. With NOWATA, you know.
What's in it? What are the ingredients?
NOWATA is made from plant-based, non-toxic ingredients. It's alcohol-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free. The formula was developed over three years by our co-founders with five independent chemists. Full ingredient list is available on each product page.
How many uses do I get per bottle?
The 2.5 oz bottle provides approximately 100+ uses. That's roughly the equivalent of 500+ disposable wipes - in one compact bottle.
What scents are available?
Two options - Lavender and Unscented. The Unscented version is ideal for sensitive skin, use around children, or situations where fragrance-free is preferred (food handling, healthcare, etc.).
Can I use it on visibly dirty hands?
Absolutely - that's where NOWATA outperforms everything else. Sanitizer is designed for clean-looking hands in controlled environments. NOWATA was built for real-world dirt: playgrounds, trails, campsites, car rides, gardening, job sites. The dirtier your hands, the more visible the clumps.
Is it TSA-friendly for travel?
The 2.5 oz bottle is under the 3.4 oz TSA liquid limit, so it goes right in your carry-on. For checked bags, any size works. The Silicone Refillable Bottle (1.35 oz) is also an option for ultra-light packing.
What are those visible clumps?
The clumps are the proof. As you rub, our patent-pending formula bonds with dirt, oils, and microbes on your skin - then encapsulates everything into soft, visible clumps. You brush them off, and what was on your hands is now gone. That's real removal, not invisible guessing.
Will NOWATA affect my nail polish?
Yes - because NOWATA is designed to lift away oils and residue, it can also affect nail polish. If you have a fresh manicure, we recommend avoiding contact with polished nails or using NOWATA on palms only.
DRY SHAMPOO
How is NOWATA Dry Shampoo different from other dry shampoos?
NOWATA Dry Shampoo is a pump spray, not an aerosol - no harsh propellants, no chemical smell. It uses plant-based ingredients like arrowroot powder, rice powder, and natural clays to absorb oil and add volume without leaving chalky residue or weighing your hair down.
Do I need water to use it?
No. Pump 2-3 sprays onto your roots, massage in with your fingertips, and style as usual. That's it. No sink, no rinse, no towel.
Will it leave white residue in my hair?
NOWATA Dry Shampoo comes in Light and Dark formulas specifically to match your hair tone. Choose the one that matches, and it blends in without visible residue.
What's in the dry shampoo formula?
Plant-based ingredients including arrowroot powder, rice powder, and natural clays. No aerosol. No parabens. No sulfates. No alcohol.
Is it TSA-friendly?
Yes. The 1.06 oz (30g) bottle is well under TSA limits and fits easily in a carry-on, gym bag, or daypack.
Does the lab testing for the soap apply to the dry shampoo too?
No. Our ASTM E1174 lab testing (>99.9% removal of E. coli and norovirus surrogate) was conducted on the NOWATA rinse-free soap formulation only. The dry shampoo is a separate product designed for oil absorption and hair refreshing.
SUBSCRIPTION
How does subscription work?
Your subscription renews by itself based on the plan you picked. For example, if you chose monthly, we’ll charge you each month and send your products to you—no need to reorder!
Can I pause or cancel my subscription?
Absolutely — life changes, plans shift, and sometimes your soap schedule should too.
You can pause or cancel your subscription anytime, no questions asked (well… maybe just “are you sure?” 😉).
Here are four easy ways to do it:
Customer Portal:
Log in anytime at nowataclean.com/account/login to manage, pause, or cancel your subscription directly.
Magic Link (No Password Needed):
Visit nowataclean.com/a/subscriptions/login and enter your email. We’ll instantly send you a secure link to manage or cancel your subscription—no password required.
From Any Subscription Email:
Every email we send (like your order confirmation or renewal reminder) includes a “Manage Subscription” link. Just click, confirm, and you’re done.
Email the Humans:
Prefer the personal touch? Email us at support@nowataclean.com with “Cancel My Subscription” in the subject line, and we’ll take care of it for you—no judgment, promise.
Can I add products to my subscription?
Of course. You can add products to your subscription in the customer portal. Just click on the Edit button in the products card and edit, remove or add products to your subscription.
SHIPPING & RETURNS
How long does shipping take?
Most orders ship within 1-3 business days. Economy delivery within the US typically arrives in 3-7 business days after shipment. You'll receive a tracking number by email once your order ships.
Do you offer free shipping?
Free shipping is available on orders $45+. Bundles typically qualify.
What's your return policy?
We want you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. If for any reason you're not happy, we offer a full money-back guarantee. Please review full terms here:
https://nowataclean.com/policies/refund-policy
How do I start a return?
Just email us at support@nowataclean.com with your order details, and we’ll help you.
What if my product is damaged or defective?
If your product arrives broken or doesn’t work, please tell us right away so we can replace it or give you a refund.
SCIENCE & SAFETY
Who invented NOWATA?
Dr. Ruslan Maidans (DDS) and Dr. Yalda Shahriari (PhD, biomedical engineering, University of Rhode Island). They developed NOWATA over three years with five independent chemists after facing a hygiene dilemma with their own young children - contaminated water in one hand, chemical-laden sanitizer in the other. Neither was acceptable. So they built something better.
Is it patented?
NOWATA's clumping mechanism is patent-pending. The technology - which bonds with contaminants, forms visible clumps, and enables physical removal - is proprietary and unlike anything else on the market.
Where was it tested?
Independently tested by Microbe Investigations AG in Zurich, Switzerland. Test reports LS25-01642 and LS25-02076, using a modified ASTM E1174 protocol - the standard used to evaluate traditional handwashing efficacy.
Is it safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. NOWATA is plant-based, alcohol-free, and free of parabens and sulfates. The Unscented formula is ideal for sensitive skin, eczema-prone skin, and use on children. No alcohol means no drying, cracking, or irritation - common complaints with hand sanitizer.
Is it biodegradable?
Yes. NOWATA is made from readily biodegradable, plant-based ingredients. It's safe for use outdoors and leaves no environmental trace - making it compatible with Leave No Trace principles.