Wearing face masks and slathering on hand sanitizer are ways of life now. And probably will be for a long time. When the pandemic hit, many fashion brands started making fashion-forward masks. And numerous beauty brands began manufacturing hand sanitizers to donate and to sell. But not all of them are created equal.
The alcohol in the handy gels and sprays is notorious for drying out the skin on our hands. Thankfully, there’s now a wealth of options out there that also contain moisturizing ingredients. We’re talking hyaluronic acid, aloe, squalane and various essential oils.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hand sanitizers should contain at least 60 percent alcohol. (Stay away from any product using methanol because of its toxic effects.) If the skin on your hands is super sensitive, go with an unscented version. If you want a fragrant pick-me-up, there are tons of fresh-scented takes. Lavender, citrus and even jasmine tea are all on the table.
Ready to stock up? See the slideshow above for the best hand sanitizers that kill germs while nourishing your hands.
Hand Sanitizers
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Biossance
Squalane Hand Sanitizer, $10 at Biossance
There’s a lot to love about this hand sanitizer. Not only will it kill germs and bacteria thanks to its 70 percent ethyl alcohol formula, sustainable sugarcane-derived squalane and vegan glycerin replenish skin’s moisture barrier for truly hydrated hands. It’s fragrance-free for all you sensitive folks out there and even comes in a recyclable bottle made from sustainable sugarcane.
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Herbivore Botanicals
Hand Hero 75% Alcohol Hand Purifying Gel in Pink Grapefruit, $12 at Herbivore Botanicals
Boasting 75 percent alcohol, Herbivore Botanicals’ hand sanitizer comes in two delightful (but not overpowering) scents: Pink Grapefruit and Lavender. Both contain hyaluronic acid and aloe vera so your hands will feel hydrated and soothed no matter how many times you reapply throughout the day.
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Megababe
Squeaky Clean Hand Sanitizer, $6 at Megababe
Megababe’s mega popular vegan formula has 62 percent plant-based alcohol to kill germs. But it doesn’t have PEGs, EDTA, parabens, phthalates or sulfates. There’s also marula oil, sweet almond oil and aloe to keep hands moisturized and super soft. And its citrus scent courtesy of orange and bergamot oil is just the icing on the cake.
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Touchland
Power Mist Aloe Vera, $12 at Touchland
With hydration helper aloe vera and a blend of essential oils, this nonsticky pick leaves your hands soft, germ-free and smelling fantastic. Don’t be deceived by the sleek packaging — you’ll get over 500 spritzes so it’ll last a while. It’s also TSA-friendly so whenever you feel safe to start traveling again, this handy sanitizer will be your new BFF.
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Honest
Hand Sanitizer Spray Free & Clear, $2.95 at Honest
This plant-based sanitizer kills 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria. Honest’s moisturizing take features naturally-derived glycerin and aloe plus it’s dermatologist-tested. It dries super fast without leaving a sticky mess behind.
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Skylar
Sun Shower Hand Sanitizer Gel, $12 at Skylar
If you’re a witch hazel fan, you’re going to love this hand sanitizer. In addition to the popular soothing ingredient, it contains 62 percent alcohol to kill germs and bacteria. And the Sun Shower scent includes uplifting notes of jasmine tea and lemon leaves.
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Biosilk
Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer, $11.99 at Biosilk
This 92 percent natural formula contains 77 percent ethyl alcohol and kills 99.9 percent of germs. There’s also organically grown aloe vera to soothe and moisturize your hands every time you use it.
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Farmacy
Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer Gel, $6 at Farmacy
You can make a real difference by buying this fast-acting gel boasting 70 percent ethanol alcohol. That’s because 100 percent of profits will go to food banks and organizations working to end hunger and reduce food waste. As if that wasn’t enough reason to pick up a couple of bottles, the fragrance-free formula is infused with aloe and grapefruit for hydrated and nourished hands.
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NUDESTIX
Antibacterial Hand Gel, $9.50 at NUDESTIX
NUDESTIX’s hand gel comes in two different sizes along with a convenient pack designed to hang off a key chain. Containing 62 percent ethanol alcohol, it also includes glycerin, castor seed oil, vitamin E and green tea extract to hydrate hands and protect them from drying out with repeated use.
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Bare Republic
Bare Hands Hand Sanitizer Spray, $5.99 at Bare Republic
Bare Republic’s plant-based spray relies on 62 percent ethyl alcohol to keep hands germ-free. While a blend of aloe, glycerin, calendula extract and chamomile extract soothes skin. And you won’t find any parabens, dyes or synthetic fragrance.
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Physicians Formula
Rosé Take the Germs Away Hand Sanitizer, $2.99 at Physicians Formula
The brand’s quick-drying hand sanitizer gets rid of germs and bacteria with 80 percent ethyl alcohol. But it’s also kind to your hands. Enriched with naturally-derived tea tree oil, aloe vera and moisturizers, your hands will be hydrated and happy.
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Hempz
Triple Moisture Moisturizing Herbal Hand Sanitizer, $19.99 at Hempz
Complete with 63 percent ethanol alcohol, this gel also features 100 percent pure hemp seed oil and coconut oil to protect skin and lock in moisture. Throw in apple extract to slow the signs of aging along with avocado extract to up your antioxidant level (not to mention a pleasing grapefruit and peach scent) and you can see why this pick is so popular.
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100% Pure
Hand Sanitizer Spray, $5 at 100% Pure
Your hands will feel clean and silky soft after using this spray. It’s all thanks to the 62 percent ethyl alcohol formula that also contains aloe vera gel and tea tree oil.
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CHI
Natural Gardens Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer, $17.86 at CHI
Naturally-grown aloe vera and 77 percent ethyl alcohol make this pick effective yet gentle on hands. Free of sulfates, parabens, gluten, silicone, triclosan and preservatives, the 92 percent natural formula also has glycerin to ensure hydrated hands.
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Neat
Mandarin Orange Hand Sanitizing Gel, $5.99 at Neat
Who doesn’t love citrus this time of year? Neat’s new gel is infused with fresh mandarin orange and citrus extract for a delectable scent. The 62 percent ethyl alcohol and aloe vera gel formula leaves hands soft, hydrated and germ-free. Pretty neat.
