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Germs and contaminants exist everywhere, from your household goods to your desktop. Hand sanitizers have become increasingly common to reduce the risk of infection and to protect your health from harmful bacteria. Due to high demand during COVID-19, there are many hand sanitizers available in varying forms that contain different ingredients which can seem overwhelming.
To help you choose one, we browsed reviews and research to compile a list of our top 10 favorites. Germ-X sanitizer came in at the number one spot with its strong disinfectant power and moisturizing ingredients. Don't forget to read the buying guide at the end to help you figure out what you need in your preferred hand sanitizer!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
Table of Contents
Hand sanitizer is a familiar product that helps you stay hygienic and keeps harmful germs away. However, many people still wonder about the differences between hand sanitizer and soap or about the right way to use sanitizers.
So what makes hand sanitizer a formidable enemy for stubborn germs? According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, hand sanitizers often contain active ingredients with strong antibacterial properties such as ethanol and deionized and sodium lactate that can kill stubborn germs instead of just washing them away.
Yet, there are some bacteria such as cryptosporidium, salmonella, and norovirus which soap and water can remove but hand sanitizer cannot. Also, when your hands are visibly soiled or greasy, hand sanitizers may not be as effective as hand soaps.
However, unlike hand soaps which require you to wash with water, you can just dispense some sanitizer on your hands and rub for 30 seconds. It's very convenient and can be used anytime, anywhere!
When choosing hand sanitizer, there are some factors you'll want to remember before making a purchase. These include its ingredients, the types of hand sanitizer, the fragrance, and the purpose behind using it.
There are some ingredients that a hand sanitizer needs in order to effectively kill harmful germs while there are others you should be aware of that may pose a risk to your skin's health. As a result, carefully examine the ingredient list to make the best decision and consult a professional if you need further guidance.
Active ingredients such as alcohol and benzethonium chloride decide the antiseptic power of a hand sanitizer. Most products are alcohol-based since alcohol is highly soluble in water, and most germs don't develop a resistance to it.
The type of alcohol and amount used in hand sanitizer is extremely important to pay attention to. Most brands will label the ingredient as "ethanol," "ethyl alcohol," or "isopropyl alcohol" and should come in a concentration ranging from 60 to 95 percent to be considered effective as suggested by the CDC.
Be aware that alcohol may trigger irritation which could lead to major damage to the outer layer of your skin if used too much over time. If this is a concern for you, go with an alcohol-free hand sanitizer with benzalkonium chloride, a more mild ingredient.
Alcohol-free hand sanitizers contain less than 0.1 percent of benzalkonium chloride while the rest of the solution is typically made of water and other skin conditioners. The CDC states that alcohol-free sanitizers might not kill germs as effectively, but it still serves as an alternative for those with sensitive skin.
Because alcohol-based hand sanitizer can dry your skin out, consider a hand sanitizer enriched with humectants, emollients, and moisturizers to prevent your skin from further breaking down.
Humectants "hold" water to attract moisture. Common humectants to look for include glycerin and propylene glycol. Emollients like isopropyl myristate, made from nutmeg and coconut oil, seal the moisture in your skin to make the surface smooth. As for moisturizers, aloe vera, and vitamin E are great additions to help soften the skin.
Some hand sanitizers contain chemicals such as triclosan, phthalates, and parabens which have been researched and studied for their possible health risks you should take note of.
Triclosan is used in sanitizing products because of its strong antiseptic properties. However, studies have associated it with animal hormone disruption and possibly making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. It is still under review and monitored by the FDA; while it may be safe in low doses, you should be aware of its growing concerns.
Parabens and phthalates are preservatives associated with endocrine disruption, cancer, and skin irritation. However, products containing those chemicals can still be safe if used in small amounts. It is best to proceed with caution if these are a concern for you.
Hand sanitizers can be divided into five categories: foam, gel, liquid, spray, or wet wipes. Each type has its own pros and cons, so you should consider them carefully before purchasing.
Gel sanitizer has been around for decades and is, in fact, the most commonly-used type of hand sanitizer. It has a jelly-like consistency that may make it harder to spill when dispensed, so it can be used in classrooms or on the go in the car. With gel, it typically takes 30 seconds to evenly spread and kill bacteria across your hands.
Liquid hand sanitizer is quite similar to gel except for its obvious aspect: its consistency. Unlike gel, it can be runny and make for a messy experience. However, its thin substance makes it quick to spread all over your hands. Really, you can't go wrong with a gel or liquid hand sanitizer; it simply depends on your preference.
A great perk about foam hand sanitizer is that it sticks to your hands throughout the application and does not drip easily, so you don't have to worry about it making a mess at home or work. This is a great option if you use it in a facility that has waxed floors as sanitizer may leave stains if not cleaned properly.
Kids typically love bubbly things as well, so you may get them to use this sanitizer much more easily. Something else to consider is that foam tends to run higher in price because of the ingredients and pump that is used to create the foamy texture. If price isn't a concern for you, you should definitely give a foam hand sanitizer a try!
Spray sanitizers have more watery formulas that are dispersed through a spray pump on the top. It is easy to apply with one press and can be a great way to uniformly disinfect your hands without any worry of it dripping.
One aspect that can't be helped is that it will more than likely disperse in the air, which could seem wasteful; however, it is still a great option that is perfect to travel with if you decide on a pocket-sized bottle.
If your hands are greasy or dirty, unfortunately, gel or foam sanitizers will not be able to clean your hands effectively. As a great alternative, wet wipes can help you remove dirt and kill germs at the same time! Because of its wipe form, these can be used on multiple surfaces and get in the cracks and crevices of most areas.
The one concern is that these are not an environmental-friendly choice since each wipe creates more waste. However, they are still convenient if you travel a lot or need something more heavy-duty for kids with sticky hands. You have zero worries about making an even bigger mess with these.
Since hand sanitizer contains a high percentage of alcohol or other active ingredients, its natural scent tends to be strong. That's why many brands have started to infuse their products with fragrances. However, artificial fragrances may trigger allergic reactions, so if you have sensitive skin, you should definitely skip them.
Instead, you can choose products that are naturally scented with lavender or fruit extracts. You can always opt for unscented products as well.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Germ-X Moisturizing Original Hand Sanitizer|12 pack | $15.32 Mid | Kills Germs in as Little as 15 Seconds | ||
2 | Everyone Coconut & Lemon Hand Sanitizer Spray|6 pack | $17.99 Mid | 62 Percent Ethanol from Non-GMO Sugar Cane and Vegetable Glycerin | ||
3 | Dr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitizer Spray|6 pack | $29.94 High | Organic and Fair Trade Ingredients With an Enticing Lavender Aroma | ||
4 | Avagard D 3M Health Care Sanitizer Hand Gel with Moisturizer | $16.31 Mid | Effective Sanitizer That Meets WHO Guidelines | ||
5 | Suave Hand Sanitizer|6 pack | $26.94 High Mid | Portable, Alcohol-Based, and Simple Spray Hand Sanitizer | ||
6 | Wet Ones 70% Alcohol Hand Sanitizer Wipes|5 pack | $13.56 Mid | Powerful Disinfectant Wipes for Quick Cleanups and Travel | ||
7 | Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Refreshing Gel | $2.99 Low | One Squirt to Stay Hygienic and Eliminate 99.99 Percent of Germs | ||
8 | Babyganics Foaming Hand Sanitizer|3 pack | $19.71 High Mid | An Alcohol-Free, Kid-Friendly Hand Sanitizer | ||
9 | Sun Bum Baby Bum Hand Sanitizer | $3.99 Low Mid | Pediatrician and Dermatologist Tested Hand Sanitizer for Babies and Kids | ||
10 | Artnaturals Scent Free Hand Sanitizer | $6.55 Low Mid | Strong Antibacterial Power With Added Moisturizers |
If you are worried about all the germs lurking around your homes or workplaces, consider Germ X's hand sanitizer. It claims to eliminate bacteria and germs in as little as 15 seconds. The addition of glycerin and vitamin E also helps to keep your hands nourished without a sticky or greasy feeling.
Some buyers say the smell is a bit strong and the consistency is more watery than gel-like, which could pose as a potential mess if children use it. However, many others love and trust this brand and were overall impressed with the quality and amount of product you get for the price.
Made with GMO-free alcohol and pure, organic ingredients such as flower extracts and orange peel oil, this hand sanitizer spray can kill most common germs while giving your hands a soft, comfortable feel afterward. The addition of vegetable glycerin and vitamin E further nourishes and rejuvenates your hands.
The scent of this product left for some mixed opinions. Some reviewers warned that the scent might be strong initially, so if you are sensitive to smell this may not be for you. However, many others loved the fragrance and nourishing effect the hand sanitizer gave them.
Formulated with only four ingredients: fair trade ethyl alcohol, water, organic glycerin, and organic lavender oil, this product is simple and effective. It can disinfect any surface, children's sticky hands, and can even be used as a deodorizer for the air with its refreshing lavender scent.
Some reviews claim that it can leak during delivery, yet there are plenty of others who received their bottles completely full and untouched. On top of that, many love how it doesn't leave a stickiness or film on your hands, and the lavender scent isn't too overpowering.
With an advanced emollient-rich formula, this hand sanitizer can prevent skin breakdown while effectively destroying germs. The gel contains 61 percent ethyl alcohol, so it can kill harmful bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains. It also meets the guidelines of CDC, AORN, and WHO, so you can believe in its efficacy!
There are some customers who claim that while it does seem to get the job done, it leaves a sticky residue on their hands. However, other buyers are satisfied that it doesn't leave their hands dry and has a nice clean scent that isn't too strong.
Suave's hand sanitizer kills 99.9 percent of common germs and bacteria and is bottled in a convenient and portable package. It is suggested to allow the solution to dry completely on your hands for it to be effective. It has no added fragrance and can fit easily in the workplace or on your countertop.
Reviewers were disappointed that the Suave bottles were made of so few ingredients and felt they weren't as effective as stated. You may also have to pump the bottle a few times to get enough sanitizer. Otherwise, most enjoyed that the product has a minimal smell, dries quickly, and can be used on many surfaces.
If you are looking for a more heavy-duty product to eliminate dirt and germs effectively, these are it. Containing 70 percent ethyl alcohol, these wipes have a strong antiseptic power. Furthermore, they are TSA approved in their flat packaging and guarantee to keep your hands soft with aloe vera and vitamin E.
Some customers received their wipes in a count of nine instead of the product's description of ten; however, customer service is quick to resolve this issue. With traveling nowadays, many buyers find these come in handy to pull out on an airplane or car to disinfect their seat, table, and electronics.
As the number one hand sanitizer brand most trusted in hospitals, Purell's formula with 70 percent ethyl alcohol can effectively kill germs lurking around your home or office. The product is infused with glycerin, keeping your hands soft and hydrated. The size is also compact, so you can carry this hand sanitizer around.
Some reviewers mentioned that the manufacturer should improve the dispenser, which was pretty tough to press. On the other hand, many more loved the product for its strong antimicrobial power and that it can easily fit into any space on the counter or in the car.
Want your kids to play around as much as possible, but still worry that germs can affect their health? Don't worry, Babyganics' hand sanitizer can help you! Containing plant-derived ingredients such as citrus fruits, this hand sanitizer contains no alcohol and has been tested by dermatologists to be hypoallergenic.
This hand sanitizer foams thus adding some extra fun. However, reviewers said that the foam felt a bit watered down and the hand sanitizer evaporated slowly unlike other alcohol-based products. On the other hand, reviewers loved that the product didn't dry out their hands and left no noticeable scent.
Normal hand sanitizers often contain ingredients that may not be suitable for the sensitive skin of kids and babies. However, this Baby Bum hand sanitizer has naturally moisturizing ingredients such as monoi coconut oil, aloe vera, and alcohol derived from sugar cane that may be milder for little ones.
If you or your children are sensitive to smell, you'll want to rethink purchasing this one as some buyers say the coconut scent is strong. However, other reviewers who love the smell said that the product performed great on their toddlers' skin and dried quickly without any residue.
This hand sanitizer can kill 99 percent of surface bacteria to give you needed protection all year round. The addition of jojoba oil, vitamin E, and aloe vera nourish your hands, preventing dryness. The product is also scent-free and contains no harsh chemicals, thus suitable for children and those with sensitive skin.
Some reviewers who have used this sanitizer say that the product left an uncomfortable residue on their hands. However, many other users believe the product has great softening and soothing effects after using it.
It is recommended to use a sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent of alcohol to be considered effective. Whether you use a gel, liquid, or foam hand sanitizer, be sure to cover the entire surface of your hands and rub it in thoroughly until it is completely dry. This will ensure the substance is absorbed and is not wasted.
Do keep in mind there are cases when you should absolutely try to find soap and water instead of relying on hand sanitizer, including when your hands are visibly dirty, when you have been in touch with chemicals, or when your hands are greasy from touching oil or raw meat.
Hand sanitizer also has the potential to kill the microbiome or good bacteria living on our bodies. Therefore, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that you should only use hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water.
However, for those who travel, have jobs where you are in contact with multiple people or are in a classroom setting, hand sanitizers are convenient to use in between for basic hygienic care. Be aware that some hand sanitizers can only last for a couple of minutes, so whenever recontamination occurs, make sure to re-apply.
If you are looking for some products that can help you stay hygienic and healthy beyond just your hands, look no further! Check out our other articles by clicking the links below.
No. 1: Germ-X|Moisturizing Original Hand Sanitizer|12 pack
No. 2: Everyone|Coconut & Lemon Hand Sanitizer Spray|6 pack
No. 3: Dr. Bronner's |Organic Hand Sanitizer Spray|6 pack
No. 4: Avagard D|3M Health Care Sanitizer Hand Gel with Moisturizer
No. 5: Suave|Hand Sanitizer|6 pack
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Beauty
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices