Since the beginning of the pandemic, hand sanitizer has become a must-have personal wellness item. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) agree that hand washing is a critical means of limiting the spread of COVID, alongside vaccines and masks. 

The best way to clean your hands is to use soap and water to scrub the back, palms, wrists, and each finger of both hands for a minimum of 20 seconds. But what if you’re away from home and don’t have access to a sink? That’s where hand sanitizer comes in. 

Both the CDC and WHO recommend using a hand sanitizer gel, liquids, or wipes when you can’t wash your hands with soap. They’re as easy to use as hand cream and, when applied correctly, can kill up to 99% of illness-causing germs. 

Not sure which is the best hand sanitizer to protect you and your family? We’ve made a list of products that meet the Federal Drug Administration’s (FDA) recommendations, so you know that the item you’re choosing to protect yourself and your family will be effective. Let’s take a look.

1. Uncle Pete's Hand and Surface Sanitizer 4oz

Uncle Pete’s mission is simple — help as many people as possible. Their hand sanitizer is as effective as it is gentle. It’s a moisturizing hand sanitizer with aloe vera gel and vitamin E that contains 70% ethyl alcohol to help protect you and your family against sickness-causing bacteria and germs. 

$4.99

2. Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer 2oz

Purell Hand Sanitizer provides advanced protection against germs while keeping hands soft even after multiple uses. Containing 70% plant-derived ethyl alcohol as its active ingredient, Purell kills 99.99% of germs that may cause illness. It also includes skin-nourishing moisturizers and denaturants to guard against accidental ingestion, protecting your health on multiple fronts.

$2.99

3. Medix Instant Hand Sanitizer 8oz

Medix Hand Sanitizer is a no-rinse, hand cleansing gel with 75% alcohol content that helps defend against MRSA, VRE, and H1N1 viruses and 99.9% of germs in 15 seconds or less. This aloe vera gel hand sanitizer has a hydrating formulation to help nourish and soften your hands, even if you apply it multiple times a day. Stay safe with Medix.

$6.99

4. Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Hand Sanitizer 8oz

Looking for a hydrating hand sanitizer for sensitive skin? Dove Deep Moisture Hand Sanitizer contains 61% ethyl alcohol, making it 99.99% effective against many common germs. It combines moisturizers and emollients to combat dryness for up to eight hours of moisturizing care. Protecting your health and softening your skin — all cruelty-free.

$7.99

5. Honest Lavender Field Hand Sanitizer 2oz

Finally, an effective plant-based, natural hand sanitizer that kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria. Honest’s quick-drying spray formula is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, making it a great hand sanitizer for kids. It contains 62% ethyl alcohol and a combination of naturally derived glycerin, aloe, and lavender essential oil to leave your skin feeling clean and moisturized. 

$4.49

6. Faber Hand Sanitizer 1 Liter

Faber Distilling Co. has turned its gears to producing a WHO-approved hand sanitizer out of its Bucks County, PA, distillery. Faber sanitizer contains 80% ethyl alcohol and is a liquid, not gel, ideal for refilling empty spray bottles of hand sanitizer. It’s simple to use. All you need to do is thoroughly wet your hands with the product and allow them to air-dry without wiping.

$8.99

7. Moxe Citrus Hand Sanitizer 4oz

A hand sanitizer that smells good? You got it. Moxe Hand Sanitizer goes on smoothly and dries quickly, all with a sweet, citrus scent. This moisturizing hand sanitizer gel blend contains 70% ethyl alcohol, aloe vera, and vitamin E to soften and protect your skin. It rubs in clean without any residue, leaving nothing behind but the fresh smell of citrus and moisturized hands.

$6.69

8. Aichun Beauty Rinse Free Hand Sanitizer 1.7oz

Aichun Beauty’s rinse-free hand sanitizer delivers reliable hand sanitation when you can’t get to a sink. This gel contains 75% ethyl alcohol to kill 99% of illness-causing bacteria and viruses. Its moisturizers keep your hands from becoming irritated. This mild formula effectively delivers peace of mind no matter where you may be.

$2.99

9. Hand Spa Hand Sanitizer Citrus Scented 2oz

Hand Spa’s Citrus Hand Sanitizer is a handy solution to keeping your digits clean when soap and water aren’t available. This sanitizer reduces bacteria instantly when applied. Made with 62% ethyl alcohol, vitamin E, and aloe vera oil, it’s gentle on hands while killing 99.9% of germs it comes in contact with. Stay safe anywhere with this convenient pocket-sized sanitizer.

$2.49

10. Dr. Ella Lavender Hand Sanitizer Spray 3.3oz

Need the best hand sanitizer for travel? Sanitize your hands quickly and easily with this sweet-smelling disinfectant spray. Made with 70% alcohol and infused with soothing organic lavender, Dr. Ella’s is a convenient way to keep everyone safe when you’re away from home. It’s the perfect size for your purse, car, or anywhere you may need to clean your hands quickly.

$1.99

FAQ

What is the most effective brand of hand sanitizer?

For retailers to be allowed to sell a brand of hand sanitizer, it needs to meet the minimum requirements set out by the FDA. Liquid, gel, foaming, or hand sanitizer wipes must contain ethyl alcohol (ethanol), isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol), or benzalkonium chloride as their primary active ingredient. They can’t use any methanol. The minimum approved concentration for an alcohol hand sanitizer is 60%.

Check the ingredients on the product you’re looking to purchase. If it doesn’t meet these minimum requirements, it won’t provide adequate protection against disease. 

What hand sanitizer do hospitals use?

The hand sanitizer most used by hospitals is Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer. It has a high concentration of germ-busting ethyl alcohol at 70%, plus glycerin to keep your hands hydrated. It’s also fragrance-free and has no dyes making it an excellent choice for settings with an increased chance of it coming in contact with people with environmental sensitivities.

Which is the best liquid hand sanitizer?

Liquid hand sanitizers contain alcohol, which is notorious for drying out your skin. We recommend a product with moisturizing and hydrating ingredients, especially if skin care is a concern. 

Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Hand Sanitizer covers all the bases with 61% ethanol to sanitize your hands and glycerin, soybean, and Echium plantagineum seed oil to soothe and moisturize your skin for up to 8 hours. 

It might be tempting to add some essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, or tea tree oils to your hand sanitizer to make it smell better. That’s not a good idea because you could decrease the concentration of alcohol, rendering the product ineffective against germs. Your best bet is to buy a product with the scent built-in. Grapefruit and orange essential oils infuse Moxe Citrus Hand Sanitizer with a clean, fresh scent. Another option is Dr. Ella Lavender Sanitizer Spray, an organic hand sanitizer with a pleasant smell of sweet, pure lavender.

Whatever product you choose, take the time to check the ingredient list to ensure it contains a minimum of 60% alcohol content.