The way we go about our daily lives has drastically changed in the past few months. What used to be routine—grabbing our keys, wallet, and phone before heading out—now includes an essential item: a face mask. Along with that, hand washing has become a frequent ritual, and social distancing is now part of our daily vocabulary. In addition to these shifts, hand sanitizer has become an indispensable companion when we leave the house, especially when soap and water are unavailable. Whether you’re running errands, picking up groceries, or getting takeout, hand sanitizer is a must-have to protect yourself and others from germs.
But how do you ensure you’re using the right hand sanitizer? To be effective in killing germs, the CDC recommends using a hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 60%. This high concentration of alcohol ensures the sanitizer can destroy harmful bacteria and viruses. However, this potent ingredient comes with a downside: it can be drying on the skin and tends to leave behind a strong, sometimes overpowering, scent.
The Search for a Better Hand Sanitizer
For those who find the typical hand sanitizer smell unpleasant or the alcohol too harsh on their skin, there are alternatives that provide a more pleasant experience. Some brands have added essential oils, like lavender or eucalyptus, to neutralize the strong alcohol odor. These additions can make your hand sanitizer smell more refreshing and less like you’ve just doused your hands in rubbing alcohol.
Additionally, some sanitizers now include moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and even marula oil. These ingredients help balance out the drying effects of alcohol, leaving your hands feeling softer and less irritated. So, if you’re looking for a more enjoyable hand sanitizer, it’s worth checking the label for these key ingredients.
Aloe vera is a common ingredient known for its soothing and hydrating properties, while vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that nourishes the skin. Marula oil, a rich, non-greasy oil packed with antioxidants, helps lock in moisture, making your hands feel smoother after use. These additions won’t make the alcohol content disappear (it still needs to be high to be effective), but they do provide some relief from the dry, tight feeling that often follows the application of standard hand sanitizers.
The Right Way to Use Hand Sanitizer
To make sure hand sanitizer is effective, it’s important to use it properly. The CDC recommends using enough sanitizer to cover your entire hand—about the size of a quarter. Rub it into your hands and between your fingers until the product has evaporated. It’s essential to let it dry on its own, as this ensures the alcohol has time to do its job.
However, as much as hand sanitizer has become a staple in our daily routines, it’s still not a replacement for good old-fashioned hand washing. When you have access to soap and water, those should be your go-to options. Hand washing with soap for at least 20 seconds is far more effective at removing dirt, germs, and viruses than hand sanitizer alone. That said, in situations where you can’t wash your hands—like when you’re out and about or after touching surfaces in public spaces—hand sanitizer is your best alternative.
Balancing Health and Skin Care
Although hand sanitizer is effective at keeping germs at bay, it can wreak havoc on your skin if used too frequently. To prevent your hands from getting too dry or cracked, it’s a good idea to follow up with a hand lotion after using sanitizer. Look for a moisturizing hand cream that contains nourishing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or coconut oil. This will help lock in moisture and keep your hands feeling soft even after multiple uses of sanitizer throughout the day.
It’s important to be aware that even the best hand sanitizers with moisturizing properties won’t fully prevent dryness, so be proactive in taking care of your skin. Regularly applying hand cream, especially after using sanitizer, will help maintain the health of your skin.
Making the Right Choice for You
With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the right hand sanitizer that works for your skin type and scent preferences. If you’re sensitive to strong smells, opt for products with essential oils or natural fragrances. If hydration is your main concern, seek out formulas enriched with aloe vera, vitamin E, or marula oil.
And while hand sanitizers have become a daily necessity, it’s important to remember that no product is a cure-all. They’re most effective when used in combination with other healthy habits, such as wearing masks in crowded spaces, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands whenever possible. It’s all part of the larger effort to protect ourselves and others from illness and to stop the spread of germs.
As we adjust to this new normal, hand sanitizers will continue to be part of our daily lives, but the right choice can make all the difference. Whether you’re trying to find one with a more pleasant scent, soothing ingredients, or simply one that gets the job done, there’s a hand sanitizer out there for everyone. So, next time you’re shopping for one, take a moment to check the label—and make sure it’s the right one for you.
What’s your go-to hand sanitizer? Are there any brands or ingredients that you swear by? Let us know in the comments below!
