The 5 Best Hand Sanitizers

Not all hand sanitizer is created equally, so it's important to seek out the best. It's a good idea to keep some in your vehicle, in your bag, at home and for re-stocking, and to bring along with you when you travel, as well. For all of these situations and beyond, we've compiled a list of high quality hand sanitizers. Here are the 5 best.

Mountain Falls Advanced Hand Sanitizer

For the best hand sanitizer, this moisturizing, advanced formula is highly effective at killing dangerous germs.

Best Overall

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Number one on this list for two main reasons: first, this is an incredibly effective hand sanitizer. Mountain Falls Advanced Hand Sanitizer kills 99.99% of germs yet won’t completely strip your hands. This sanitizer contains vitamin E and other moisturizers that will keep the skin of your hands feeling soft and moisturized.

And the other reason this is top on the list? The size of the container. You’ll be able to re-fill travel-size containers with this, or keep sanitizer in your bathroom, vehicle, gym bag, or whoever else you so choose. Bonus: you’ll still have plenty leftover to keep on hand to refill again and again. This makes it a less-waste option, as well as an economical one.

Pros:

2 pack, 67.59 fl oz pump bottle.
Cost-effective, long-lasting bottle with a pump that is durable.

Cons:

Brief alcohol scent upon application.
As is the case with most gel type hand sanitizers, your skin will be a bit sticky as the gel dries. This disappears after it is completely dry, however.

Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Naturals

Effective with Just One Pump

Just one single pump of this hand sanitizer and you'll be on your way to having virtually germ-free hands.

Runner-Up

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Fun fact: just one squirt of this advanced formula hand sanitizer is as effective as two squirts of other national brands. What does this mean, exactly? Well, ounce-for-ounce, you’ll find that this hand sanitizer outperforms others, making the bottles last longer and making it more effective at killing germs with less sanitizer. You’ll experience hands that don’t dry out as quickly, as well, as this formula is made without harsh or unnecessary ingredients.

Comes in a package of 2 12 fl oz pump bottles, an ideal size for your bathroom.

Pros:

Naturally derived alcohol.
Formula is free from paragons and phthalates.
EcoLogo and USDA Certified biobased product
Low odor/low scent

Cons:

With frequent use, this will dry out more sensitive hands.

Purell Hand Sanitizing Wipes

Wipe it Away

For the best in hand sanitizing wipes, these effective and refreshing Purell sanitizer wipes are an excellent product.

Best Sanitizing Wipes

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Sometimes, you just need a wipe when gel or cream won’t suffice. These Purell Hand Sanitizing Wipes come in a pack of 6 40-count canisters. The wipes themselves are gentle and soft on your hands, yet they’ll pack a punch when it comes to really getting the mess off your skin. And if you’re no stranger to an empty bottle of hand sanitizer due to a lid that wouldn’t close properly, these canisters remain securely closed, don’t easily tip over, and keep unintended messes at bay. Each wipe is proven to kill 99.99% of germs.

Pros:

Dermatologist tested.
Moisturizing wipes; not a messy gel.
Paraben-free, alcohol-free formula.

Cons:

This is a scented product.

Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Variety Pack

Sanitizer on the Go

For your gym bag, carry-on, purse, or even clipping to your keychain, this mini hand sanitizer is the ideal size and is incredibly effective at killing germs.

Best Travel Sanitizer

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These little mini 1 fl oz, totally portable variety pack of hand sanitizer are a convenient option for killing 99.99% of germs when washing hands just isn’t an option. Made from naturally renewable alcohol and without harsh preservatives, dye, triclosan, parabens, or phthalates. This hand sanitizer is made from 93% biobased content and keeps your hands virtually germ-free without completely damaging the skin of your hands, either.

This little mini 1 fl oz bottle has a gel wrap that attaches easily to key chains, gym bags, or diaper bags, which makes it a super easy and convenient on-the-go hand sanitizer.

Pros:

Pack of 8 mini bottles
Convenient yet durable flip cap

Cons:

Hand sanitizer is not scent-free, which can be a bit intense for some with sensitivities.

Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer

Hand Sanitizer for Sensitive Skin

For small or sensitive hands, a more gentle (but still effective) hand sanitizer is key. This one by Babyganics is the best on the market.

Best Sanitizer for Kids

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Not just for young hands, this scent-free, alcohol-free, ultra-gentle foaming hand sanitizer is a really great choice for more delicate hands. Made without harsh ingredients, this hand sanitizer is a plant derived formula and yet remains effective at killing 99.9% of germs in 15 seconds. The bottles are also an ideal size at 2.4 ounces, making it a great little on-the-go hand sanitizer for grocery store trips, doctor’s office visits, or playground diaper changes.

You never know when you might find yourself in contact with some icky germs you need off your kiddos hands, stat. The foaming action of this sanitizer makes it fun for little ones to use, too, which means they might not actually balk at using it.

Pros:

Free of paragons, sulfates, phthalates, artificial fragrances, or dyes.
Comes in a six pack.
Moisturizing for sensitive skin

Cons:

Lid attachment clip isn’t the strongest; be aware of possible leaking and keep in an upright position (such as a standing pocket in your diaper bag).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to keep hand sanitizer with you at all times?

If you’re hearing a lot about hand sanitizer these days, you aren’t alone. And if you haven’t been someone who typically carries it with you, you might be wondering…is it really necessary? The answer lies somewhere in the gray area because there isn’t really a straight answer for every situation or person.

Yes, there are certainly times where hand sanitizer is a necessity. If you have a compromised immune system, carrying hand sanitizer with you is certainly a necessity. And during the particularly bad part of flu season? It’s absolutely great to keep on hand. But other than these certain situations, it’s not a necessary item. In fact, over-use of products and a restrictive lifestyle that keep us away from germs can actually weaken our immune response. It’s healthy for us to build up a bit of resistance. Moreover, it’s more effective to simply wash your hands properly.

So of course, there are certainly times when it’s unnecessary to use hand sanitizer. However, because there are those times when hand sanitizer is absolutely necessary, it’s a good idea to keep a stock of hand sanitizer around. You never know.

What should you look for in hand sanitizer?

First, you’ll want to make sure that your hand sanitizer is actually effective. All of the hand sanitizers on this list are at least effective at killing 99% of germs, which is great for those times when you simply can’t wash your hands properly.

Other pros you’ll want to keep an eye out for: moisturizing properties such as vitamin E or aloe, and even alcohol-free sanitizer. If you’re sensitive to smells, keep an eye out for scent-free sanitizers. Scent-free sanitizers are typically found in children’s sanitizer, as scent-free formulas are often gentle enough for little ones. A secure lid is also a pretty big deal…no one likes finding an empty bottle with the contents all over their bag.