I tested all the supermarket liquid soaps – the winner is a brilliant Molton Brown dupe that costs over 25 times less

THE cost-of-living crisis has seen us palm off even basic items from our shopping lists, with supermarkets reporting that sales of liquid handwash have fallen by 23 per cent since July.

But skin cleansing products don’t need to cost a fortune as most big stores have more affordable, own-brand options on the shelves next to their luxury buys.

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Laura Stott tried a selection of budget liquid soaps and gave her verdict – allocating each one a rating out of five.

Lacura Moisture

 500ml, 0.75p, Aldi

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A STEAL at well under a pound for a big 500ml bottle, this will keep your mitts clean for multiple washes.

Despite the low price, it has added almond milk for softening and moisturising, plus antibacterial properties.

 It didn’t make my dry skin feel too tight and it also has a lovely, creamy consistency. The only drawback is its fiddly dispenser top.

But the problem is easily solved by decanting the soap into a pump-action container.

Verdict: 5/5

Lime And Patchouli

 500ml, £1.29, Lidl

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THIS is a classic discounter ‘dupe’, remarkably alike in both packaging and branding to a very famous, and far more expensive, handwash.

But, at a fraction of the cost, this lime green liquid soap from Lidl still looks smart with its silver pump and lathers up well under running water.

You can feel posh but not part with too many pennies. And with a fresh, citrus aroma, this one is perfect for popping in the downstairs loo when you are expecting visitors.

Verdict: 3/5

Extracts Aloe Vera

 95p, 500ml, Tesco

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TESCO’S own brand, green, antibacterial liquid soap brags that it can kill up to 99.9 per cent of bacteria – so it is good for budget germ-busting.

It is fairly gentle on the skin thanks to the inclusion of naturally soothing aloe vera extracts, and it claims to help shift stubborn odours.

 Not especially luxurious, and you do need a big blob for a lather, but an economical choice for the kitchen.

Verdict: 3/5

Cussons Orange Blossom And Lemon Drops

500ml, 95p, B&M

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I WASN’T sure about the rather alarming colour of this soap – and the synthetic fragrance was also fairly strong.

It created a decent lather without leaving my skin dry. But I felt like I needed a good squirt of moisturiser after using it. The pump also dispensed too much each time.

It does the job and kids will love the fun labelling. However, despite its enticing price tag, I doubt I would buy it again.

Verdict: 2/5

Cien Milk And Honey

500ml, 65p, Lidl

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A NO-FRILLS handwash that does what it promises and will clean palms perfectly.

It contains milk and honey extracts which are kind to skin and, although I did find it a little drying, you can’t quibble when it’s so cost-effective.

 A brilliant option for a family bathroom or if you know you get through a lot of soap.

Bonus marks for its well-designed pump, which avoids waste by being easy to use without squirting too much.

Verdict: 4/5

Raspberry And Pomegranate

 250ml, 85p, Boots

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THE funky pink colour of this Boots own brand liquid soap really appealed to me.

It is bold, fun and looked stylish next to the taps with its black pump lid.

This handwash has a strong, fruity fragrance, which I don’t always like. But it left my skin – and the bathroom – smelling lovely and lathered up beautifully without being too harsh.

While it comes in a slightly smaller bottle than some, its compact design means it looks great sitting at the sink.

Verdict: 3/5

Sensitive

 300ml, £1, M&S

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THERE’S slightly less product in this offering from Marks & Spencer, so it may not be the ideal choice for family bathrooms.

But if you’ve got sensitive, dry or reactive skin and find that other soaps cause irritation – especially when washing hands frequently in winter – this is a good option that doesn’t cost the earth.

Dermatologist-tested and fragrance free, it limits the ingredients that can aggravate so is great for delicate hands.

Verdict: 3/5

Astonish Protect And Care Peony Blossom

 600ml, £1, Morrisons

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SUPER value at 600ml for a quid, this would be a great choice for families who need a big bottle of soap to keep those grubby hands sparkling.

The pretty pastel pink also looks good in any bathroom. And it is super-hygienic, with antibacterial ingredients to zap 99.9 per cent of germs and shift dirt without stripping the skin.

 Does everything you need for a great price, and the bottle’s design stands up to scrutiny too.

Verdict: 4/5