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Jun 17, 2023

The Best Hand Sanitizers to Keep in Your Bag for On

By Sara Coughlin Keeping your hands clean is never a bad idea, and—in light of

By Sara Coughlin

Keeping your hands clean is never a bad idea, and—in light of recent public health news,—you might be wondering about the best hand sanitizers for sale right now.

Last week, the Biden administration declared the monkeypox outbreak a national emergency. And the country continues to see COVID-19 cases spike and COVID-19 variants emerge in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that these illnesses are primarily spread through skin-to-skin and face-to-face contact, respectively, practicing good hand hygiene can be a valuable preventative measure, and using high-quality hand wash and hand sanitizer is part of that. (In fact, the WHO has stated that the same precautions taken against COVID-19 can help people avoid monkeypox transmission.)

As SELF has previously reported, the CDC recommends using a hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 60% (the most common active ingredients to look for are isopropyl alcohol and ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol). That minimum level of alcohol will effectively kill many types of germs that might be on your hands. And, for full disinfecting, you should rub the product all over your hands until it's dried. If your hands are visibly dirty with grime or grease, you’re better off washing your hands with good old hand soap and water—use hand sanitizer if you don't have any other option or if your hands aren't heavily soiled.

Following these guidelines can help you clean your hands in a pinch and potentially avoid coming into contact with illnesses. Read on to find our top picks for the best hand sanitizers of all forms, from gels to lotions to sprays, from major retailers like Amazon, Target, and more—all readily available to order online now.

All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Winner of 2021's Healthy Beauty Award for best hand sanitizer, the Touchland Power Mist comes in several refreshing fragrances—with zero alcohol smell. Plus it's simultaneously quick-absorbing and hydrating, so your skin feels neither tacky nor dry.

The foam consistency of this Purell sanitizer helps it rub in easily, and its added moisturizers (vitamin E and B3) keep dry hands happy. Plus the pump bottle is a convenient thing to keep at home.

As its name would suggest, Purell's Advanced Hand Sanitizer contains a higher percentage of alcohol than standard hand sanitizer gels—85%, to be exact. That makes it feel thinner, but it's still plenty effective.

Available in a variety of quantities and both standard and travel sizes through Amazon, Germ-X's top-rated sanitizer is a great choice for a straightforward product that’ll clean your hands in 15 seconds flat.

Formulated with a lovely bergamot-citrus scent and without controversial ingredients, like sulfates and parabens, Megababe's best-selling Squeaky Clean hand sanitizer kills 99.9% of germs without smelling overly clinical.

By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.

By Sara Coughlin

By Malia Griggs

For a dye-free, sprayable option, check out this highly rated sanitizer from Dr. Bronner's. With just four ingredients (ethyl alcohol, water, lavender oil, and glycerin for hydration), this is a super simple formula that only takes a couple of spritzes to work.

This unscented moisturizing hand sanitizer cleans and hydrates in one fell swoop thanks to its added ingredients of vitamin E and glycerin. While it soothes and quenches thirsty skin, it’ll never leave your hands feeling greasy.

Purell's hand sanitizer wipes are actually alcohol-free, so they’ll feel less drying than regular sanitizers. Plus the wipes themselves are nice and soft for an ultra-gentle application.

By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.

By Sara Coughlin

By Malia Griggs

From dermatologist-approved skin-care brand Is Clinical comes this essential oil-infused hand sanitizer that smells downright dreamy. Between the notes of rosemary leaf oil and honeysuckle flower extract, you might forget you’re applying sanitizer and not a lightweight fragrance.

The alcohol in this gentle hand sanitizer spray is actually derived from organic sugarcane, and its FDA-registered formula comes in four botanical scents, including bergamot and eucalyptus. They smell luxurious but aren't overpowering.

With an invigorating plant-derived grapefruit scent and a cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested formulation, this hand sanitizer from the Honest Company goes on smooth and leaves hands feeling clean—with zero residue.

By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.

By Sara Coughlin

By Malia Griggs

Yes, cult-favorite brand Aesop has a hand sanitizer, which is just as luxe as the rest of the brand's offerings. It has a delightfully light floral scent and a non-stripping feel, which is great for hands that are prone to dryness.

Stock up on Dove's highly moisturizing hand sanitizer, which contains the recommended amount of alcohol to sufficiently kill germs and a bevy of hydrating ingredients to keep skin feeling nourished for up to eight hours.

This fragrance-free sanitizer from Babyganics is about as gentle as it gets, making it a fantastic choice for anyone with babies (obviously) or sensitive skin, for that matter.

By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.

By Sara Coughlin

By Malia Griggs

You’ll detect zero alcohol smell with this spray-on sanitizer from Mrs. Meyer's, especially in the brand's beloved, refreshing basil scent.

EvolveTogether, the maker of one of our favorite KN95 masks, also sells a refillable, zero-waste hand sanitizer. It contains hydrating ingredients like glycerin and aloe vera and smells wonderfully citrusy.

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.