There are plenty of circumstances where you need to wash your hands but are nowhere near a sink or hand soap. If you are on the metro and hold onto the handrail, or at work and have just shaken the hand of that person who has been sneezing all morning, a hand sanitizer can be a perfect solution.
Not only are they convenient to carry but the better products are also very effective. With so many products out there it can be hard to separate the ones that are going to protect you from germs and kill bacteria, and those that aren’t able to live up to their promises. We have created a list of the best hand sanitizer’s to give you a chance of getting through flu season unscathed.
Quick Summary of Hand Sanitizer’s
Reviews
Everyone Hand Sanitizer Spray, Coconut + Lemon, Travel-Size
What do most people want from a hand sanitizer? An effective bacteria-killing formula, and convenience. This neat pack of six gives you both but because they are travel-sized bottles, you can put one in every bag and have a spare or two at-home. The alcohol is derived from non-GMO sugar cane and is said to be 99.99% effective against germs and bacteria. Then, when it has dried, it cleans and softens skin with aloe.
We like that unlike a lot of other brands, you get to choose from three different scents including coconut and lemon, lavender and aloe, or peppermint and citrus. There is only 2 oz in every bottle but since you get six bottles of this effective spray, it should last you a long time. This means you get to use the paraben and cruelty-free formula wherever you go to receive the protection against an illness that we all need from time to time.
- Kills 99.99% of germs and bacteria
- Six convenient spray bottles
- Available in 3 different scents
- Non-GMO derived alcohol
Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer
It isn’t just us adults who need to keep their hands germ-free so when the kids come home from school or you’re picking them up at the gate, make sure they’re not bringing your next cold with them. As you would expect from a child-friendly hand sanitizer, this product is alcohol-free but the benefits don’t stop there.
It is also free-from parabens, artificial fragrances or dyes, sulfates, phthalates, and other nasties that you don’t want on your skin or that of your children. The foaming formula makes it fun for young ones who might otherwise be unwilling to wash their hands but as they rub, they will be eliminating 99.9% of germs. The ingredients are plant-derived and are all non-allergenic making this one of the most popular hand sanitizers for children.
- Kills 99.9% of germs
- Alcohol free
- No parabens, artificial fragrances, dyes, or sulfates
- Fragrance-free
- Takes a bit longer to dry
Germ-X Hand Sanitizing Single Wipes
One of the best ways to ensure your hands get an all-over clean is by using a hand sanitizer wipe. Germ-X is one of the most popular brands and in this 100 pack of individually wrapped wipes, you’re getting enough to last a long time. They can be thrown in the bottom of your bag or kept around the house and each one is antibacterial. The wipes themselves are strong enough to make sure they won’t tear and kill 99.99% of germs. A lot of people find they are kind on skin, possibly because they are alcohol-free which is rare for a hand sanitizing wipe. They are great for after you have handled sticky food or just want to keep your hands clean in general.
- Kills 99.99% of germs
- Alcohol-free
- Antibacterial
- 100 individually wrapped wipes
- Wipes can be a little dry
Hand Sanitizer Alcohol-Free Re-Moisturizing Cream
For anyone who wants a hand sanitizer that is both alcohol-free and moisturizes after it has killed 99.99% of bacteria and germs, then this is a great option. It gives you 4 hours of protection once it is on and comes in a lotion form to make it easy to spread around your hand evenly.
The active ingredient used is Benzalkonium Chloride (BNZ) and kills 99.99% of bacteria. To make sure your hands feel soft after use they have included shea butter and sunflower oil. They are both anti-inflammatory and contain vitamin E that works to protect you from UV rays – no wonder a lot of people use this product as a moisturizer.
- Doesn’t dry your hands out
- Kills 99.99% of germs and bacteria
- Alcohol-free
- Contains plenty of moisturizers
- Can be pricey for some budgets
ArtNaturals Natural Hand Sanitiser Gel
This 4 pack of 220 ml hand sanitizers allows you to get your hands clean in different scents and keep them in different rooms around your house. The gel dries quickly and kills 99% of germs and bacteria. Because they are rich in nutrients, they will moisturize the skin rather than dry it out making them ideal for anyone with sensitive skin. The pump action is easy to use and reliable and every bottle comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Choose from the scent-free bottle, tea tree, lavender, and coconut. Even if you have a small cut on your hand this gentle formula won’t sting which makes the fact that is is free-from SLS, parabens, BAC, synthetic colors, and other nasties unsurprising. Organic and cruelty-free, there is a lot to like about this effective hand sanitizer.
- Kills 99% of germs and bacteria
- Organic
- Cruelty-free
- Includes 4 different scented bottles
- Can be a bit pricey for some people
PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer Soothing Gel
Widely available and probably the product that most people will recognize from our list it offers you good value and an effective hand sanitizer. They’ve marketed this as a hand sanitizer that can be used in the workplace and whilst this is a novel idea, they function just as well at home.
Because the formula is mild it is fine for regular use and contains both Vitamin E and aloe to soothe the skin. It doesn’t dry you out but manages to kill 99.99% of germs and bacteria which seems to be a common theme among the better products. Free-from preservatives, phthalates, and parabens it’s a good formula for the whole family.
- Fine for regular use
- Contains vitamin E and aloe to soothe the skin
- Kills 99.99% of germs
- Can spill easily
Hand Sanitizer Guide
Whether you need something to clean your hands quickly without any mess at home or something to spray on the kid’s hands after school, a hand sanitizer can help keep flu away from your front door. The best products are easy to use, tough on germs but not on the skin but finding one that ticks all these boxes is easier said than done.
When you know what to expect from a reputable brand, it’s easy to get this purchase right which is why we have created the following guide.
What To Look For In A Hand Sanitizer
The Right Size
A lot of this will depend on where you want to use the hand sanitizer as some people need a larger bottle around the home whilst others need something they can throw in their bag. If you are the sort of person who always likes to make sure their hands are clean, buying multiple bottles of a small product is the best way to ensure there is always some around.
Alcohol-Free
This isn’t always easy as hand sanitizers that contain alcohol have been proven to be effective at levels of 62% and above. The downside is that they dry out hands and remove natural moisturizers from your skin. This can result in cracked hands which can be pretty painful. Certain ingredients can help to counter this such as moisturizers but anyone with sensitive skin should opt for an alcohol-free hand sanitizer.
Value
Some products have a similar formula to a lot of the competition yet price themselves a lot higher. However, there is something for every purpose so whether you are a nurse, parent, professional, or anything in between, there is a hand sanitizer that suits your needs and fits your budget.
Effectiveness
A lot of products state how many germs their formula is capable of killing so you shouldn’t have to settle for anything less than 99.99% effectiveness. This gives you the confidence to know your hands have had a thorough clean and keeps them as germ-free as possible.
Non-Dry Formula
After using a hand sanitizer you don’t want to be left with that chalky, dry feeling that so many brands give you. The better products will include moisturizers such as aloe vera, or shea butter so that when you have rubbed it in, the result isn’t cracked skin, it’s silky smooth.
Long-Lasting Protection
Most hand sanitizers will only be effective for so long. The main aim is to kill any bacteria that are already on your hands. However, some brands give you lasting protection but beare careful. Make sure the ingredients that stick around and protect your hands are safe to use.
Do Hand Sanitizers Kill All Germs?
Typically, expect a quality hand sanitizer to kill between 99 and 99.99% of germs. This is as close as you are going to get to eliminate them and the best hand sanitizers work to protect you and your family from a variety of illnesses.
Different Types of Hand Sanitizer
Wipes – After you’ve finished some wings or greasy fast food, a hand sanitizer wipe is often your best option to clean and cleanse your fingers. There is more packaging involved but being able to throw an individually wrapped wipe into your bag and another in your car, then store some at home means you are never far away from a hand sanitizer.
Gels – These are probably the most common and you’ll find them everywhere from the restroom of a hotel to the hallway of a hospital. They are now found in conveniently sized bottles and you don’t need a lot for it to cover a wide area.
Sprays – These tend to last quite a long time but are generally found in smaller bottles. They are good for applying to kids’ hands and easy when you need a hand sanitizer on the go.
Are Hand Sanitizer’s Safe?
Although they all differ in their formula, hand sanitizers are considered to be essential in certain professionals. Some theorists suggest that they can lessen your tolerance to germs but the evidence widely refutes this.
The only way they can be unsafe s if they come into contact with your eye in which case you should follow the product’s safety instructions and since with water. Otherwise, unless you get dry, cracked hands, a hand sanitizer is safe to use.
Hand Sanitizer Vs Soap
There are benefits to both depending on the situation as washing your hands with soap and water is better if they are dirty. However, a hand sanitizer s just as effective when it comes to personal hygiene and both help to kill around 99.99% of germs and bacteria depending on the brand.
In terms of convenience, a hand sanitizer wins every time as you’ll find it hard to obtain soapy and water on the metro.
How Much Alcohol Does Hand Sanitizer Need?
Depending on where you get your information, most experts believe that a hand sanitizer needs to contain around 60-62% alcohol as a minimum for it to be effective at killing germs and bacteria.
Hand sanitizers with less might stop the growth of germs without killing them completely.
Are Hand Sanitizers Suitable For Children?
Because of the alcohol content in certain brands, you should not use any brand on your child. Certain products are tailor-made for young palms such as Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer that does not contain alcohol and kills 99.9% of germs.
It is free from parabens and other unwanted ingredients and is a favorite among many parents because the foaming formula makes t fun for children.
Conclusion
A hand sanitizer might be one of the most important purchases you make, but you’ll never know it. Because it can kill so many germs and bacteria, you will find yourself ridding yourself of potential illness without even realizing it.
Whether the cold months are approaching or you just want to make sure you don’t bring any germs home from work, the best hand sanitizers are great to keep around.
