Before the turn of 2020, most people would not give hand sanitizer two thoughts. But now times have changed. While washing hands with soap and water is the best way to prevent the spread of Covid-19, hand sanitizer can prove to be really convenient when you’re out and about and cannot access a sink, running water, or soap.
As a result, the demand for hand sanitizer has exploded over the past few months with many companies jumping in to help meet the demand by producing hand sanitizer of their own. However, with so many brands of hand sanitizer flooding the market, it can be difficult to choose a product that is ideal for your needs.
To help your decision-making a lot easier, we have made a list of the best hand sanitizers that will help keep your hands bacteria-free without damaging your skin. But first, let’s look at what you need to look for in a to narrow down your options.
What to Look for When Buying Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer comes in either liquid or gel formats. Depending on your personal preference, you could choose any of them. However, you should understand that not all hand sanitizers are equal. They are categorized into two types; alcohol-free and alcohol-based sanitizer.
Alcohol-free sanitizer includes antiseptic such as benzalkonium chloride or antimicrobial agents. It is capable of killing microorganisms and usually has a bit of balsam to leave your skin soft and moisturized.
Alcohol-based sanitizers have about 60 to 95% of alcohol content, usually in the form of ethanol, isopropanol, and propanol. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have recommended that people use alcohol-based sanitizer because it is highly effective in killing the pathogens and microbes responsible for Covid-19.
Make sure you inspect the ingredients before buying a of hand sanitizer. Canada recently recalled about 50 brands because they contained substances not permitted for use in the country.
However, while hand sanitizer will kill germs on your hands, it will not clean them. That’s where soap and water come in. If your hands are dirty or greasy, hand sanitizer will do very little in disinfecting your hands.
Also, the hand sanitizer you have is as effective is as you use it. Make sure you apply enough amount on the palm of your hand to cover the surface of both hands. Rub it into your hands and fingertips until your skin is completely dry.
Let’s take a look at some of the best hand sanitizer brands you’ll find in the market.
1. Herbal Glo
Herbal Glo ultra-clean hand sanitizer is an alcohol-based product fused with such as aloe vera gel and tea tree oil that leaves the skin feeling moisturized and supple. It has an alcohol concentration of 80% for the best disinfectant results with added lemongrass extracts to help your hands feel fresh after.
2. Touchland Power Mist
This product uses a smart spray system designed to evenly distribute hand sanitizing gel onto your hands so that no spots are left unsanitized. It costs around $14 and comes in eight different scent varieties such as citrus, watermelon, and vanilla cinnamon.
3. Purell
Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer is a classic sanitizer whose manufacturer has considerable experience in the industry. The gel does not leave a sticky residue on hands and is designed to make them soft and moisturized. With an alcohol concentration of 70%, it’s one of the best hand sanitizers at a convenient price of just $3.50.
4. Suave Hand Sanitizer
Suave hand sanitizer spray has sold in the thousands since its 2020 debut in the market. Its sales record can perhaps serve as testimony to the product’s efficiency. It has an ethyl alcohol concentration of 65% and for around $30, you can get a set of six 296ml bottles.
It has no added scent or fragrance, therefore, you won’t have to worry too much about smelling like sanitizer after using it.
5. PreventMD Hand Sanitizer Pouch
PreventMD has come up with a rather unique product that you probably have not come across yet; a sanitizer pouch. The package is designed to fit easily into bags, glove boxes, and pockets making it uber travel-friendly. The company’s sanitizer is made from 65% ethyl alcohol and its pouch has a capacity of carrying 236ml worth of sanitizing liquid.
6. Skindom
Skindom hand sanitizer gel is one of the products specifically made for people with sensitive skin. It’s made from copper tripeptide, aloe vera extract, and sodium hyaluronate among other skin-hydrating agents.
7. Regalia Hand Sanitizing Gel
This bottle comes with almost 4 liters of hand sanitizer, meaning it can’t fit in your pocket or bag as most products would. However, if you would like to stock up on hand sanitizer instead of having to buy one every now and then especially in a market with a fluctuating supply, then this product should be ideal for you.
What you need to do is get a travel-sized refillable hand sanitizer bottle and you will have a considerable supply of hand sanitizer to last you a while. The gel itself is made from alcohol with 70% concentration and can kill any microorganisms on your hands.
Hand Hygiene Is Important in Saving Lives
You should keep in mind that most hand sanitizers have expiration dates, especially those that have alcohol content. So it’s highly imperative that you use and store the product well because of alcohol’s tendency to evaporate fast. Leaving your sanitizer open to the elements might hamper its ability to fight bacteria or any other disease-causing germs.
Despite , hand sanitizer can be dangerous. Because of its alcoholic content, alcohol-based sanitizer is flammable and should be kept away from all sources of ignition. It should also be kept away from children who might ingest the liquid.
Any of the above products will help you maintain good hand hygiene which is a big step in curbing the spread of the virus and saving your life, as well as those of others.