Keep Germs Away with the Best Hand Sanitizers
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Purell Hand Sanitizer -
EO Essential Oil Products Organic Lavender Hand Sanitizer -
Germ-X Original Hand Sanitizer -
Dial Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer -
Buyer's Guide
Hand sanitizers have grown to become an essential part of everyday living in the home, at school, in the workplace, and even when you’re taking care of shopping at the supermarket. Using these products can greatly reduce your odds of getting sick or spreading illness thanks to their ability to kill the germs and bacteria on hands at first contact. We’ve chosen the following best hand sanitizers in 2022 because they quickly eliminate up to 99.9 percent of the germs and bacteria you come into contact with throughout the day. They’re all formulated with minimal to no alcohol content which prevent skin from over-drying and each one is gentle enough for use on even sensitive skin types.
Comparing the Best Hand Sanitizers for 2022
Purell Hand Sanitizer - Best Hand Sanitizer Overall
Purell hand sanitizers can be found everywhere from bathrooms, offices, building entrances, and hospitals. It's formulated with sufficient ethyl alcohol content to kill germs and bacteria, but it won’t leave your hands feeling sticky, dried out, or saturated with strong fragrances. Purell claims an effectiveness of killing up to 99.9 percent of the germs picked up on your hands throughout the day. We recommend going with the handy dispenser so you can pump out as much as you need. Regardless, it's available in a variety of sizes, and you can keep this hand sanitizer on hand where you need it most from your workplace to the glove box in your car.
EO Essential Oil Products Organic Lavender Hand Sanitizer - Runner Up
Formulated with natural Jojoba oils, Eo Essential Oil Products Organic Lavender Hand Sanitizer leaves hands feeling moisturized while it works to wipe out 99.9 percent of germs. This pick features vegetable glycerin which works to naturally hydrate your skin so hands never feel dried out. Unlike other hand sanitizers which can leave a synthetic smell behind, this pick is infused with the invigorating scent of organic lavender to soothe and refresh the senses. Available in a variety of forms including spray, gel, and wipes, this pick is ideal for individuals looking for a natural hand sanitizing option.
Germ-X Original Hand Sanitizer - Honorable Mention
If you need a simple and effective hand sanitizer handy, Germ-X should do the job nicely. This pick has been clinically proven to efficiently wipe out 99.9 percent of germs in as few as 15 seconds. The bottle features a large pump which you can use to dispense the preferred amount of sanitizer and it can also be refilled to cut down on waste. The small bottle is easy to take with you on the go meaning you won’t ever have to worry about keeping your hands fresh and clean. Use this sanitizer whenever and wherever to keep your hands clean or wipe down surfaces notorious for germs like shopping cart handles or door knobs.
Dial Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer - Consider
Dial offers you a classic go-to product for killing 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria lurking around in your everyday life. Formulated to be gentle on even sensitive or allergy-prone skin, this hand sanitizer is still effective enough to cleanse and refresh your hands with every use. This pick is also available in a variety of fresh scents to invigorate your senses versus the harsh chemical scents of lesser hand sanitizers. The bottle is designed with a handy pump so you can dispense however much you need and the bottle can be refilled if desired.
Buyer's Guide
Although soap and water are considered the standard for washing your hands, hand sanitizers are the next best thing. The corona outbreak has made washing of hands very important but it is not all the time you have access to soap and water. Hand sanitizers have become a shield against Covid-19, as well as germs in general.
Making a purchase can be quite overwhelming as there are a lot of products to choose from. This is why we have created a buying guide to help narrow your search for the best hand sanitizers!
What Are The Types Of Hand Sanitizers?
Alcohol-based
An alcohol-based sanitizer contains about 60% to 95% of alcohol in ethanol or isopropanol form. This concentration denatures proteins and effectively neutralizes most microorganisms. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers serve well as medical disinfectants.
Alcohol-free
This uses antiseptics or antimicrobial agents to kill germs. The action of both antiseptics and antimicrobial agents is immediate and persistent. Alcohol-free hand sanitizers are safe for kids.
They can be in four different forms:
Gel-based hand sanitizers
These include a gelling agent that circulates evenly. Gel sanitizers provide the most complete coverage to the skin because they dispense easily and remain in your palm till you rub your hands.
Foam-based sanitizers
These provide for effective germ defense by offering more drip-free doses. They last longer and are budget-saving.
Hand sanitizer sprays
These are hand sanitizers in spray bottles. Spray sanitizers are somewhat wasteful as the dose may miss your hands or go into the air.
Hand sanitizer wipes
Wipes offer both chemical and mechanical means of germ removal. They are effective but they have to be discarded, adding to the land waste.
What Should You Consider When Buying A Hand Sanitizer?
Alcohol Concentration
Medical experts have proved that hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol concentration are more efficient at keeping your hands germ-free. Alcohol hand sanitizers containing between 60-95% ethanol kill more germs than lower alcohol concentrations or no alcohol at all. Alcohol-free hand sanitizers may not be capable of killing a variety of bacteria, fungi, viruses and microbes. The sanitizers may also limit microbial growth rather than killing them completely. By knowing the alcohol percentage, you will be able to determine the hand sanitizer that is best for you.
Expiry Date
Hand sanitizers usually take about three years after the manufacturing date before expiring. In alcohol-based sanitizers, expiration means the alcohol starts to dissolve or slowly evaporate and the concentration drops below 60%. It makes hand sanitizers less effective in killing germs. It is important to look out for information given on the product label.
Ingredients
This is an important factor as the wrong set of ingredients can cause inflammation on your skin. Different types of hand sanitizers are available so it is advised you take good note of the product information before making a purchase. This is especially essential for people with sensitive skin. A hand sanitizer with a pure formulation that will not contain damaging ingredients should be selected.
Storage
Before buying a hand sanitizer, it is advisable to know where it will be placed. For instance, a house with kids should not have an alcohol-based sanitizer lying around. Not only are alcohol-based sanitizers hazardous if taken into the body, but they are also flammable. Both alcohol-based and alcohol-free hand sanitizers should be stored in a cool place. A hand sanitizer’s product label should contain storage instructions that should be followed.
Purpose
The type of hand sanitizer best used in a hospital or public place is gel-based. This is because it spreads evenly without escaping into the air. Spray hand sanitizers can be used in homes or personal offices. In the long run, it comes down to your preferred choice of hand sanitizer.
Price
The price of hand sanitizers usually depends on the quantity and manufacturer of the product. Alcohol-free sanitizers generally cost less than alcohol-based sanitizers. Large bottles of hand sanitizers last longer thereby saving you money. Spray hand sanitizers can spill while in use, so are not advisable for budget-saving. On the other hand, you get more doses out of foam and gel hand sanitizers as they lack the tendency to spill.
How Should Hand Sanitizers Be Used?
Hand sanitizers are most effective when used correctly. Their effectiveness depends on how much you use, proper procedure, and consistency. These easy steps can be followed:
- Remove dirt or debris from your hands.
- Place a good amount of hand sanitizer in the palm of one hand.
- Rub your two hands together, on fingertips and in-between the fingers.
- Continue rubbing your hands until your skin is dry.
What Are The Benefits Of Hand Sanitizers?
Cleanliness
Hand sanitizers ensure a more germ-free environment and a less likely chance for the coronavirus to survive. When used properly, they can eliminate 99.9% of germs.
Handy
Hand sanitizers can be easily carried around. A sink cannot be found everywhere, as well as soap and water. A hand sanitizer can fit into your little purse or even a pocket. They are very portable.
Softer hands
Alcohol-free hand sanitizers can improve the texture of your hand when used consistently. This is because they contain emollients that soften the skin to give nice, moisturized-looking hands.
Time-saving
Using a hand sanitizer is as quick as 30 seconds. Unlike soap and water, it saves you time.
Quick action
The effect of good hand sanitizers are immediate and kill germs effectively.
FAQs
Q: Can hand sanitizers replace handwashing?
A: No. Hand sanitizers are an addition to hand washing and not a replacement. They are best effective when your hands are not extremely dirty.
Q: Can I make my hand sanitizer myself?
A: Making your hand sanitizer is not advised. Not only is storing large volumes of alcohol hazardous, but you can also end up with the wrong type of ingredient that can cause skin irritation.
Q: Is hand sanitizer effective against Covid-19?
A: Absolutely! But the best way remains to wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol should be used.
