Hand sanitizers come in handy, especially when there is no access to a sink, water, and soap. Practicing good hand hygiene is one of the simple yet very effective ways to avoid getting infected by diseases.
Hand sanitizers are a dime a dozen these days. It can be overwhelming to choose from so many brands currently available. But don't worry, we've prepared a guide below on how to choose the best hand sanitizer to keep your hands germ-free and squeaky clean. We've also included our recommended sanitizers and a few links to other hand-pampering products. Read on to find out!
Quick List - Top Hand Sanitizers
Green Cross
A No-Sting Sanitizer That Is Specially Formulated for Kids
Kleentect
An Innovative Sanitizing Spray That Can Be Used on Your Skin and Surfaces
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
For more information, read through our buying guide below.
For more information, read through our buying guide below.
Per the recommendation of CDC, a hand sanitizer should at least have an alcohol content between 60-95% for it to effectively kill bacteria and reduce the growth of germs. Sanitizers with a lower alcohol concentration may simply reduce the growth of germs instead of killing them directly.
It must also be noted that the amount you put on your hands also matters. When using hand sanitizer, you must cover all the surfaces of your hands in order to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Indeed, the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is to use hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol-based sanitizers typically contain alcohol in the form of ethanol or isopropanol.
The ingredients used in a sanitizer indicate its effectivity and whether it's safe or not to use. Below, we specify what to look for in a hand sanitizer.
While they effectively kill germs, alcohol-based sanitizers can sometimes disrupt the skin’s natural pH level and cause irritation to sensitive skin. Thus, a non-alcohol sanitizer is a recommended alternative in such cases. The CDC, however, warns that alcohol-free sanitizers may not be as effective as their alcohol-based counterparts in killing germs.
Did you know that there are alcohol-free sanitizers? Alcohol-free sanitizers typically contain substances with disinfectant properties like benzalkonium chloride or antimicrobial properties like triclosan.
High content of alcohol or frequent application can cause flare-ups, drying, and irritated skin. Sanitizers that contain emollients will protect your skin from getting dehydrated. Thus, choose sanitizers that include skin-friendly ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, glycerin, dimethicone, and many more.
Our heightened efforts for hand hygiene have undeniably resulted in increased rates of hand dermatitis ranging from dryness to full-blown chronic hand eczema. Choosing a hand sanitizer with moisturizing ingredients helps reduce this risk. Good ingredients include emollients like glycerin that moisturize the skin and help restore the skin barrier.
Known to have antibacterial properties, triclosan is often used in detergents, deodorants, and other personal care products. However, the FDA banned the use of Triclosan in antibacterial hand and body products in 2016 due to its toxic nature.
Exposure to triclosan has been associated with health risks, so read the labels of hand sanitizers carefully to make sure that triclosan is not in the list of ingredients.
Triclosan has typically been incorporated as one of the ingredients in alcohol-free sanitizers as well as in anti-bacterial soaps. However, given that there are so many available choices, it's best to avoid this particular ingredient as it has been identified as one of the possible irritants by the American Contact Dermatitis Society.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alcohol Content | Amount | Type | Fragrance | Moisturizing Effect | Triclosan-Free | |||||
1 | Human Nature Natural Spray Sanitizer | ![]() | Eliminate Germs With All-Natural Ingredients | 60% | 50 mL, 200 mL, 1000 mL | Spray | Cool Burst, Citrus Burst, Zesty Pomelo, and Spring Fresh | |||
2 | Green Cross Gentle Protect No-Sting Sanitizer | ![]() | A No-Sting Sanitizer That Is Specially Formulated for Kids | None | 250 mL x 2 | Gel | Aloe | |||
3 | AlcoPlus Advance Antibacterial Sanitizer | ![]() | Easy-Spray Sanitizer for People Who Are Always on the Go | 70% | 40 mL | Spray | Aloe | |||
4 | Kleentect Skin Sanitizing Spray | ![]() | An Innovative Sanitizing Spray That Can Be Used on Your Skin and Surfaces | 75% | 100 mL | Spray | Green Tea | |||
5 | Cradle Home Natural Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer | ![]() | Alcohol-Free Sanitizer That Is Safe To Use on Newborns | None | 50 mL | Spray | Peppermint | |||
6 | AVANT Alcogel Hand Sanitizer | ![]() | Anti-Bacterial Alcogel Infused With Vitamin E | 69.90% | 500 mL | Gel | Refreshing Scent | |||
7 | Wonderhome Hypo Hydrating Hand Sanitizer | ![]() | Safely Protect Yourself From Germs With This Plant-Based Sanitizer | Not Specified | 50 mL | Spray | None | |||
8 | Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Refreshing Aloe | ![]() | A Refreshing Sanitizing Gel From an Internationally-Recognized Brand | 70% | 30 mL x 3 | Gel | Refreshing Scent | |||
9 | ArtNaturals Unscented Hand Sanitizer With Natural Elements + Cleaning Formula | ![]() | Protect Your Hands From Germs With This Fragrance-Free Sanitizer | 62.50% | 236 mL | Gel | None | |||
10 | Dear Body Body Luxuries Sweet Vanilla Hand Sanitizer | ![]() | Feel Protected and Luxurious With This Vanilla-Scent Hand Gel | 62% | 29 mL | Gel | Sweet Vanilla |
Human Nature is known for its affordable, effective, and safe natural productsーand their sanitizers are no exception! With 60% alcohol from sugarcane-derived ethyl, this all-natural hand sanitizer meets CDC standards and kills up to 99.99% of germs. It also has skin-nourishing ingredients, such as aloe extract to keep the skin moisturized.
Alcohol Content | 60% |
---|---|
Amount | 50 mL, 200 mL, 1000 mL |
Type | Spray |
Fragrance | Cool Burst, Citrus Burst, Zesty Pomelo, and Spring Fresh |
Moisturizing Effect | |
Triclosan-Free |
This hand sanitizer is not only effective but also gentle on the skin, preventing irritation and dryness. Enriched with aloe vera extract, it soothes and moisturizes, earning high ratings for its mild fragrance and gentle formulation. Aside from using this hand sanitizer on kids, it's also a great pick for those with sensitive skin as it's hypoallergenic.
Alcohol Content | None |
---|---|
Amount | 250 mL x 2 |
Type | Gel |
Fragrance | Aloe |
Moisturizing Effect | |
Triclosan-Free |
The AlcoPlus Advance Antibacterial Sanitizer is your go-to for on-the-go protection! This pocket-sized spray bottle, complete with a handy hook for your belt loop or bag, delivers 5 hours of defense against germs, thanks to its potent 70% ethyl alcohol content.
It's not just a germ-fighter; it's a skin-soother too! Enriched with a triple-action moisturizer featuring aloe vera, vitamin E, and glycerin, it nourishes and leaves your skin smooth. Customers love its quality, pleasant scent, and convenient packaging, making it a top choice, even for those with sensitive skin who appreciate its hypoallergenic formula.
Alcohol Content | 70% |
---|---|
Amount | 40 mL |
Type | Spray |
Fragrance | Aloe |
Moisturizing Effect | |
Triclosan-Free |
Alcohol Content | 75% |
---|---|
Amount | 100 mL |
Type | Spray |
Fragrance | Green Tea |
Moisturizing Effect | |
Triclosan-Free |
Babies need extra care and protection, which is why it is important to find a product that is specially designed for them. Specially crafted for the tiniest members of your family, this sanitizer is not only certified non-toxic but also edible, ensuring the utmost safety even for newborns.
Harnessing the power of natural ingredients like honeysuckle extracts, renowned for their antibacterial properties, this sanitizer goes beyond just protection. It's infused with glycerin that keeps delicate baby skin moisturized and happy. Furthermore, the refreshing peppermint scent adds a delightful touch that both parents and little ones love.
Alcohol Content | None |
---|---|
Amount | 50 mL |
Type | Spray |
Fragrance | Peppermint |
Moisturizing Effect | |
Triclosan-Free |
Alcohol Content | 69.90% |
---|---|
Amount | 500 mL |
Type | Gel |
Fragrance | Refreshing Scent |
Moisturizing Effect | |
Triclosan-Free |
Alcohol Content | Not Specified |
---|---|
Amount | 50 mL |
Type | Spray |
Fragrance | None |
Moisturizing Effect | |
Triclosan-Free |
Purell is one of the leading brands of instant hand sanitizers in the USA - and is now a popular choice amongst Filipino consumers. This product contains 70% alcohol and has a 99.9% effectiveness rate in killing germs. A squirt of this hand sanitizer has two times more sanitizing effect compared to other brands.
It is FDA-approved, and ECOLOGO certified, which means that it has gone through rigorous scientific testing and meets environmental performance standards. Despite its high alcohol content, this hand sanitizer has been developed for frequent use since it contains ingredients such as glycerin that maintain or improve the skin’s condition.
Alcohol Content | 70% |
---|---|
Amount | 30 mL x 3 |
Type | Gel |
Fragrance | Refreshing Scent |
Moisturizing Effect | |
Triclosan-Free |
ArtNaturals Unscented Hand Sanitizer is infused with jojoba oil, aloe vera, and glycerin, leaving you with silky smooth skin, even with regular use! Plus, due to its gentle formulation, people with sensitive skin find this product a great buy as it is fragrance-free and uses natural ingredients.
Alcohol Content | 62.50% |
---|---|
Amount | 236 mL |
Type | Gel |
Fragrance | None |
Moisturizing Effect | |
Triclosan-Free |
It's infused with ethyl alcohol and cleansing beads that effectively cleanse the skin. The lasting formula and delightful scent persist for up to 4 hours, making it a top choice for many. Plus, its convenient 29 ml size and adjustable holder make it effortlessly portable, ensuring cleanliness is always within arm's reach.
Alcohol Content | 62% |
---|---|
Amount | 29 mL |
Type | Gel |
Fragrance | Sweet Vanilla |
Moisturizing Effect | |
Triclosan-Free |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz.
A small amount on the palm of one hand that is sufficient enough to cover all surfaces of the hands and fingers while rubbing hands with the sanitizer should be used.
If you have an open wound, better to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Hand sanitizers are not an alternative to hand washing. Remember, washing hands with soap and water is still preferable as it reduces the amounts of all types of germs and chemicals on hands. If soap and water are not available, then you can opt to use a hand sanitizer with a final concentration of at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Hand hygiene is a key in the prevention of disease transmission. With that, hand sanitizers do come in handy given their convenience, especially in situations with a lack of water and time alongside their proven efficacy in lowering the microbial load.
However, for the hand sanitizer to remain effective, it should be used on hands that are free from soil, dirt, blood, or lubrication.
Sometimes, handwashing or using a sanitizer will just not cut it. Have a look at some of our recommendations below to make sure that your body is protected from within.
Author: I. Honda
Re-editor: M. Florendo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Human Nature|Natural Spray Sanitizer
No. 2: Green Cross|Gentle Protect No-Sting Sanitizer
No. 3: AlcoPlus|Advance Antibacterial Sanitizer
No. 4: Kleentect|Skin Sanitizing Spray
No. 5: Cradle Home|Natural Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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