A FINAL WARNING

Coronavirus and hygiene: Top 10 best hand sanitizers to use

By zoeysky // 2021-08-31

Social distancing and handwashing are key to preventing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). But if you're traveling and don't have access to running water and soap, you can keep your hands clean using alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Detailed below are 10 of the best options if you're looking for hand sanitizer for your bag, car, or home use.

Handwashing and hand sanitizers

Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the best way to slow the spread of the coronavirus. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you don't have access to clean water and soap. Hand sanitizers are also a great option if you're traveling. These products contain ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol or both to kill bacteria and viruses. Alcohols help eliminate germs by "denaturing the protective outer proteins of microbes and dissolving their membranes." According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), hand sanitizers for consumer use should contain at least 60 percent alcohol to be effective. When buying hand sanitizer, check if the packaging has a Drug Fact label listing all active ingredients. Always make sure you're dispersing the exact amount recommended according to the instructions. If you have skin or smell sensitivity, choose a fragrance-free hand sanitizer. Check the ingredient list for potential skin irritants like methanol and silicone. Buy a large bottle for your car or for your home and get a smaller bottle that you can stash in your purse or office desk.

Top 10 best hand sanitizers for regular use

The products in the list below cost $30 or less, meet the required 60 percent alcohol guideline and contain ingredients like aloe vera to help moisturize your hands. Some of the hand sanitizers are scented, but there are fragrance-free options too. Earth Mama Organics Lavender Hand Sanitizer Spray – Best overall ($19.99) This product contains 80 percent and uses lavender as its denaturant compared to potentially toxic chemicals like denatonium benzoate, methanol, 1-propanol, propylene glycol and silicone. It's also travel-sized so you can keep it in your pocket or bag while running errands. Everyday Humans Hand Sanitizer Spray – Runner up ($25.50) This hand sanitizer contains moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, green tea and safflower seed oil. It also comes in a handy spritz bottle. This proudly American-made hand sanitizer come in a pack of three bottles, with a pleasant black tea scent. Finally, it’s made with 65 percent ethyl alcohol. H2One Calming Lavender Hand Sanitizer Gel – Gentle on skin and grease-free ($11.99) This 75 percent ethyl alcohol gel also moisturizes your hands while killing germs. It's made with essential oils and aloe vera, minus the greasy residue from other hand sanitizers. Bluelene's Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer – Hydrating ($4.99) Dr. Kan Cao, a scientist, human aging expert and professor at the University of Maryland, founded Bluelene, a science-driven skincare line. This hand sanitizer kills 99 percent of all germs and is made with a 70% percent alcohol formula that keeps your skin hydrated with ingredients like aloe vera, methylene blue and vitamin C. Chemical Guys EightyAID Hand Sanitizer Alcohol Antiseptic – Large bottle ($9.15) This 80 percent alcohol topical solution comes in a 16-ounce spray bottle. Get this if you want something that's simple and gets the job done. It smells like ethyl alcohol and is great for keeping in your car or by the doorway so you can sanitize packages and keep your hands clean after a delivery. It doesn't have added fragrance, making it a great choice if you prefer unscented products. J.R. Watkins Hand Sanitizer – Best scent ($3.49) This hand sanitizer is available in pleasant scents like lemon, peppermint and sandalwood. It also contains 70 percent ethyl alcohol and aloe that helps your skin stay moisturized. As a bonus, all J.R. Watkins products are cruelty-free, paraben-free, silicon-free and sulfate-free. OLIKA Hydrating Hand Sanitizer – Portable clip-on ($29.94) This hand sanitizer has a 65 percent ethyl alcohol solution with an efficacy of 99.9 percent when it comes to getting rid of germs. Since it comes with a clip, it's the perfect choice for a purse, bag, belt loop, or keychain so you can keep you hands clean the whole day. It's made with pure essential oils and moisturizing aloe vera. The handy packaging is also refillable, reusable and recyclable. Get the fragrance-free version if you prefer hand sanitizer without any strong smells. Care Touch Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizing Wipes – Best wipes ($15.86) Get this product if you prefer wipes over a hand sanitizer spray. It contains benzalkonium chloride instead of alcohol as the active ingredient. Studies show that alcohol-free hand sanitizer is just as effective as alcohol-based versions, so don't worry about germs while using this hand sanitizer. (Related: SHTF sanitation and hygiene: 7 Things to disinfect regularly.) PlaneAire Hands Hand Sanitizer – Best option for travel ($6.99) This handy product eliminates 99.99 percent of germs and contains 70 percent ethyl alcohol. Store this portable hand sanitizer spray in your purse, pocket, or glove compartment. It contains hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin and plant-based oils. Sani Stix – Leak-proof ($14.99) Sani Stix is a 71.5 percent ethyl alcohol product that's individually packed in handy single-use packs that won't leak like a bottle. Proudly U.S.-made, this product has a non-drying formula and 71.5 percent ethyl alcohol that gets rid of 99 percent of germs. To apply, grab the easy-tear tab on the top and put it on your hands. Practice social distancing and keep your hands clean with an alcohol-based sanitizer to prevent infections. Sources include: WLWT.com CNET.com

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