By Jennifer McKee
All hand sanitizers are not created equal. Whether you love sweets scents, are looking for a hospital-grade formula, love pretty bottles for your countertop or prefer a pocket-sized dispenser, you’ll want to check out these sanitizers.
Meli Hands
Your hands will really feel the love when you give them a beautiful bottle of Meli Hands sanitizer. The goal of its founders is to deliver an aesthetically pleasing bottle filled with an aromatic, moisturizing product that promotes health. Its signature line comes in gorgeous blue bottles; the coconut is so intoxicating, it’s hard to put down. For the holidays, the pine-scented Christmas tree and icy peppermint scents are delightful.
Noshinku
The beautifully crafted Noshinku literally fits in the palm of your hand. It’s not much thicker than a credit card, but contains more than 300 spritzes. But best of all is Noshinku’s incredible scent—it’s made from organic ingredients such as sugar cane-based alcohol, rosehip seed, jojoba and Italian bergamia oil. You’ll be obsessed with smelling your hands.
Elyptol
Elyptol harnesses the healing power of eucalyptus oil and naturally-sourced pure ethanol in an eco-friendly hand sanitizer. It results in a fresh, botanical scent and a product so effective it’s been used in hospitals. Here’s another way to feel good about your purchase: When you buy two 16-ounce gels, you’re helping to support Australia’s native koalas through Wild Ark.
Eczema Honey Hand Sanitizer
Even though Eczema Honey is 70 percent ethyl alcohol, it’s mild and non-drying, and has a pleasant, unobtrusive scent. The brand puts an emphasis on quality ingredients known for their revitalizing and skin-friendly properties. Don’t worry about regular use—your hands will continue to feel soft, supple and healthy.
Au Natural Skinfood Defend Moisturizing Gel Sanitizer
Another fragrance we have a hard time tearing ourselves away from is Au Natural Skinfood’s refreshing scent. Its gel sanitizer is a must-carry, and you can conveniently stick it in your pocket or your purse. The main active ingredient is New Zealand Active 16+ Manuka Honey, a natural humectant and an antibacterial super antioxidant, rich in amino and essential fatty acids. Combine that with aloe, and you’ve got a silky gel that goes on smoothly.
Sanikind
Tote your sanitizer with you everywhere you go with the supremely portable Sanikind, which eliminates single-use plastics with a personal spray mister made from 100 percent recycled ocean-bound plastic. Even the refill bottle is made from recycled aluminum, making it fully sustainable. The mister comes in five colors and clips onto any keychain or zipper.
HandiGuru
You’ll never have to fumble for your hand sanitizer again, thanks to HandiGuru’s wristband. The lightweight, refillable wristband (which comes in a variety of colors, including a glow-in-the-dark version) is perfect for those who are on the go and don’t want to think twice about their protection. In addition to hand sanitizer, HandiGuru can be filled with suntan lotion, sunscreen bug repellant and more.
Ballsy’s Plague Slayer
A bold—never boring—brand for the guys, Ballsy’s Plague Slayer is packaged in a fun warrior bottle and is made with pharmaceutical grade ethyl alcohol, combined with aloe, to kill off germs in a hurry. The fragrance-free sanitizer is FDA approved. 25 percent of all profits are donated to Direct Relief, which supports health-care workers.
Guru Nanda
Made with 100 percent pure lavender essential and coconut oils, it’s no wonder Guru Nanda produces such unforgettable scents; they come in true lavender, spearmint, lemon and grapefruit. Naturally made and ethically sourced, these sanitizers nourish and moisturize your skin, while also keeping it healthy—they contain 70 percent alcohol. In addition to being used as a hand sanitizer, Guru Nanda can double as a surface spray and an air freshener.
