JUMP TO Section Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.- The best hand sanitizer overall
- The best hand sanitizer gel
- The best hand sanitizer spray
- The best hand sanitizer for dry skin
- The best hand sanitizer for travel
- The best hand sanitizing wipes
- What else we recommend
- What we don't recommend
- How we test hand sanitizers
- Why Purell is not included in our guide
- When should you use hand sanitizer?
- How to use hand sanitizer correctly
- Warnings about hand sanitizer safety and deceiving advertising
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- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend using hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol.
- We tested 44 hand sanitizers that meet the CDC guidelines and the US Food & Drug Administration's (FDA) safety standards.
- This article was medically reviewed by Aimee Desrosiers, PA-C, MS, MPH, a practicing infectious diseases physician assistant in Washington, DC.
If you can't wash your hands properly with soap and water, you need an effective hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, according to the CDC. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the humble hand sanitizer became essential to help prevent the spread of the virus when handwashing wasn't an option and continues to be the go-to sanitizing option.
It's likely that the first brand that comes to mind when thinking of hand sanitizers is Purell; as Kleenex did for tissues, Purell's become a popular and incredibly recognizable gold standard. But that popularity created a bit of an inventory problem as Purell hand sanitizer became increasingly difficult to find throughout the pandemic.
Thankfully, Purell is back in stock at most retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc.), making it far easier to find. And as such, it's returned as our pick of the best overall hand sanitizer. But Purell's not alone, and there are several other brands that make gels, sprays, wipes, and other sanitizing products that are worth stocking up on for home, office, or on-the-go use.
To find the best, we tested a total of 44 hand sanitizers and narrowed down our six favorites below. You can read about how we tested each of them at the end of the guide and it's worth pointing out that all of the products featured meet the CDC's standards and FDA's guidelines for effective hand sanitizers.
Additionally, none of the picks contain methanol or 1-proponal, which are toxic to humans and have been found in certain formulas. FAQs on these topics can also be found at the end of the guide.
These are the best hand sanitizers:
- Best overall: Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer
- Best gel: Palmpalm Hand Sanitizer Gel
- Best spray: Bare Hands Hand Sanitizer
- Best for dry skin: Sunytizer Hand Sanitizer
- Best for travel: Touchland Power Mist
- Best sanitizer wipes: Oars + Alps Antibacterial Aloe Wipes
The best hand sanitizer overall
Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer contains 70% ethyl alcohol and is 99.9% effective in killing germs to help protect your hands.
Pros: Contains 70% ethyl alcohol, 99.9% effective in killing germs, contains moisturizing ingredients, light aloe scent, available in a pump bottle
Cons: None
Purell, a leading brand in hand sanitizing products, is used in many hospitals and medical clinics. This Purell gel formulation contains 70% ethyl alcohol as well as aloe, vitamin E, and other moisturizers to prevent excessive drying of the skin on your hands.
The high level of alcohol kills germs quickly and the solution is 99.9% effective in killing contagious microbes. The formula is free of parabens, phthalates, and preservatives that can cause skin irritation. I have sensitive skin and found that it doesn't cause excessive drying or produce any itching or redness after use.
There's a reason Purell has become a household name, and its Advanced Hand Sanitizer is the perfect sanitizing solution whether you're on the go, at the office, or around the house. The pump bottle version of this gel also works well to fill up smaller travel-size bottles and even fits easily into a car's cup holder.
Check price at TargetThe best hand sanitizer gel
Palmpalm Hand Sanitizer Gel meets CDC sanitizing standards for an effective hand sanitizer with 70% ethyl alcohol and is offered as a gel, spray, or wipe in a variety of sizes.
Pros: Contains 70% ethyl alcohol, dries quickly, gentle on hands, non-sticky, available in multiple formats and on multiple sites, reasonably priced, made in the US
Cons: Not available in brick and mortar stores
At 70% ethyl alcohol, Palmpalm Hand Sanitizer Gel meets the CDC requirements for an effective hand sanitizer. Similar to how you'd use Purell, you rub the gel on your hands until they're dry. This took around 20 seconds during my testing and the additional glycerin left my hands feeling soft without any stickiness or irritation. While I often prefer an unscented product, the cucumber melon scent is light and dissipates quickly.
Palmpalm is available in multiple sizes and as a gel, spray, or wipe on the brand's website and Amazon. While safe for use by children, as with any hand-sanitizing product, care should be taken to keep it out of reach to prevent swallowing.
Palmpalm was founded in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic and was first supplied to essential workers. As the pandemic continued and shortages for hand sanitizers grew more apparent, the company expanded to sell products to the public. The company operates and controls its own supply chain so it's able to create and sell its hand sanitizers without going through a separate manufacturer and experiencing bottlenecks in the process.
Check price at Amazon Check price at PalmPalmThe best hand sanitizer spray
Bare Hands Hand Sanitizer meets the required amount of ethyl alcohol needed to kill germs while being gentle on hands. The continuous spray covers hands easily and dries quickly.
Pros: Contains 62% ethyl alcohol, easy-to-use spray mist for complete coverage, dries quickly, gentle on skin, widely available
Cons: Overspray from the product during application may cause discoloration of some non-colorfast fabrics
Bare Hands Hand Sanitizer is available in gel, pump spray, and continuous spray formulas. I tested all three variations and was impressed with the continuous aerosol spray the most.
The formula contains 62% ethyl alcohol to kill bacteria, as well as aloe and glycerin to prevent dry skin. While the gel and pump spray work well, the continuous spray is quicker to use and provides more thorough coverage to hands with less rubbing. I found the spray especially easy to use for my two-year-old grandson, providing an even coating of sanitizer to his hands that dried in around 10 seconds. There is a distinct scent of alcohol but it dissipates quickly.
If the name sounds familiar, it's because Bare Hands is developed by the sunscreen brand Bare Republic. All of its products are dermatologist-tested, paraben-free, and not tested on animals. Products are available online as well as in many drug and grocery store chains.
Check price at Amazon Check price at Bare HandsThe best hand sanitizer for dry skin
Sunytizer Hand Sanitizer with Aloe Vera contains 70% ethyl alcohol to sanitize hands but leaves them so moisturized that you may want to use it instead of hand lotion.
Pros: Contains 70% ethyl alcohol, leaves skin feeling moisturized, paraben and sulfate-free, never tested on animals, made in the US
Cons: Only available in a 15.2 fl. oz. bottle
When I first looked at the bottle of Sunytizer Hand Sanitizer, I wasn't impressed. The label isn't eye-catching and the gel pump packaging is basic — and then I gave it a try.
The 70% ethyl alcohol level takes care of the germs on my hands and the glycerin and aloe formula leaves my hands feeling soft and moisturized. I have dry skin, so constant hand-washing and repeated use of some hand sanitizers have left them feeling rough in the last few months, but Sunytizer has taken care of that.
Sunytizer was developed by a skincare lab in California, which explains the use of hydroxethylcelluose — a thickening agent used in many skincare and personal lubricating products. I found the product to be so soothing that I use it as a balm after washing my hands. The large bottle and pump make it perfect for sitting next to the sink or on a desk, and it's easy-to-use. The gel is not runny, spreads easily, and dries within 20 seconds. My hands were a little sticky when they were still damp, but the stickiness was gone once my hands were dry. The citrus scent is not over-powering and dissipates quickly.
Check price at AmazonThe best hand sanitizer for travel
Touchland Power Mist is sleek, compact, and delivers the sanitizing power you need when traveling or running errands.
Pros: Contains 67% ethyl alcohol, dermatologically tested, conveniently-sized container, eight scents available, moisturizing formula
Cons: Overspray from the alcohol in the product may cause discoloration of some fabrics
The first thing I noticed about Touchland Power Mist was the dispenser. While other hand sanitizers are presented in round spray or pump bottles, or squeezable tubes, Touchland's dispenser is flat and rectangular, like a thicker version of a smartphone. You can even purchase a silicone case with a keyring to loop around your purse, pocket, or backpack.
Containing 67% ethyl alcohol, the hand sanitizer is effective in killing germs. It comes in eight scents — mint, watermelon, forest berry, lavender, citrus, vanilla cinnamon, aloe vera, and neutral. Each scent contains aloe and essential oils that leave hands feeling moisturized and lightly scented. The sanitizer dries in under 10 seconds and the fine mist allows you to easily spray all of the nooks and crannies of your hands. Each container promises 500+ spritzes, but you'll need three or four per application to fully coat your hands.
While a bit more expensive than other hand sanitizers, the convenience and moisturizing qualities make it the best for travel, or more realistically, running errands.
Touchland was created in 2010 in Barcelona and became available stateside in 2017. It was among the first to revamp what hand sanitizers could look like as it distinguished itself from a sea of household brands like Purell. We had positive experiences when we first tested Touchland in 2019, which you can read here.
Check price at Touchland Check price at TargetThe best hand sanitizing wipes
Oars + Alps Hand Sanitizing Wipes provide gentle but effective cleaning with 65% ethyl alcohol and more protection than standard wet wipes.
Pros: Contains 65% ethyl alcohol, fragrance-free, moisturizing, large sheets, quick-drying
Cons: Can dry out if not resealed properly
Disinfecting wipes for hard surfaces have been difficult to find during the pandemic and so have sanitizing hand wipes. Those that are available are usually saturated with 100% alcohol that leaves hands extremely dry and rough, or benzalkonium chloride, an antimicrobial which according to the CDC may have less reliable activity against certain bacteria and viruses than alcohol-based products. Oars + Alps Hand Sanitizing Wipes offer the germ-killing properties of 65% ethyl alcohol combined with aloe in a soothing wipe.
When comparing different brands of wipes, I took into account the size of the wipe and the cost per piece. At this price, Oars + Alps wipes are around 24 cents each and a generous 6 by 8.5 inches that can deliver a substantial amount of product to both hands. They are presented in a resealable pouch that is perfect for a diaper bag, purse, or car. The wipes are fragrance-free and leave your hands dry and moisturized in around 10 seconds.
Oars + Alps is an S.C. Johnson company best known for its natural skincare line that's formulated for on-the-go lifestyles. Most of the items are packaged in stick form, or in this case, as wipes, making them more convenient than tubes or bottles that can burst and cause a mess.
Check price at Oars + AlpsWhat else we recommend
We tested 44 hand sanitizers and picked five to be among the best after analyzing performance. Some of them just missed the cut based on our rankings of performance, ingredients, delivery method, availability, and in the case of wipes, cost per use. While the following were not selected as being among the best, they're all effective hand sanitizers and we'd still recommend them.
What else we considered
Of the hand sanitizers we tested, there were several that we didn't consider to be among the best due to a variety of reasons — limited availability, limited sizes, and more. Here are the ones we tested that didn't make the cut, but would still recommend if you're unable to find anything else.
What we don't recommend
We don't recommend the following hand sanitizers after testing them. All the formulas include at least 60% alcohol so they meet CDC guidelines for an effective sanitizer, but they didn't meet our criteria. They dried out our hands, were not pleasant to use or smell, leaked during shipping, and in one unique case, given a warning by the FDA to remove misleading claims that its sanitizer could cure or prevent COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.
How we test hand sanitizers
Knowing that many legacy brands of hand sanitizers like Purell or Germ-X are low in stock in stores and online, we decided to test those that were more readily available for this update. After assessing availability, I tested 44 hand sanitizers across a wide spectrum of brands, prices, and formulas — including wipes, gels, and sprays.
The methodology
I used a different hand sanitizer at least three times each day for several weeks while on the go and when working at my desk. I took into account how the product was formulated (as a gel, spray, or wipe), how easy it was to use, and how long it took the hand sanitizer to dry on my hands. I also noted how it felt when first applied and how my hands felt after the product dried.
I also researched each product to determine if it met the amount of alcohol for an effective hand sanitizer according to the CDC guidelines and FDA guidance, and made sure that they were not on the recall list of dangerous products (more below). All of this data was noted onto a spreadsheet and carefully analyzed before making the final selections of the best hand sanitizers.
Why Purell is not included in our guide
While shortages and price gouging of legacy hand sanitizer brands like Purell have occurred, we've excluded them from our guide for now until they're more readily available online and in stores.
"We have been producing Purell Hand Sanitizer at more than double pre-pandemic levels since February, however, we recognize that access has been limited for consumers," said Samantha Williams, senior director of corporate communications at GOJO, which produces Purell. "This is because of the urgent need to supply these essential products to hospitals, first responders, and other places where they play a critical public health role."
Williams told us that despite retailers limiting quantities to ensure everyone has equal hand sanitizers, the brand has shipped more products to its retail partners in October than any other month. They've also increased production space to ramp up production efforts over the next six months.
We've seen more bottles of traditional hand sanitizer brands like Purell and Germ-X available online at places like Amazon and Target, but stock is still volatile and prices are often marked up. We don't suggest buying them at higher prices if you can help it, but we understand that personal safety and hand hygiene are more important than ever.
Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Soothing Gel (8 oz) Check price at Target 
Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Refreshing Gel (1 oz) Check price at Amazon 
Purell Hand Sanitizer Pump Bottle (8 oz, 3 Pack) Check price at Amazon 
Purell Travel Size Hand Sanitizer (1 oz, 4 Pack) Check price at Amazon When should you use hand sanitizer?
We consulted Tania Elliott, MD, who specializes in infectious diseases related to allergies and immunology for internal medicine at NYU Langone Health, on how to use hand sanitizer correctly.
Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is best to remove germs and prevent the spread of any virus. But if you're in a situation where you can't easily wash your hands such as traveling, commuting, or running errands, then hand sanitizers are a viable option. Use a sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethanol (sometimes seen as ethyl) or at least 70% isopropyl (or isopropanol) alcohol, though it's important to note that hand sanitizers are not able to kill all types of germs or remove harmful chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals, according to the CDC. Alcohol-free sanitizers that rely on other ingredients are not effective in killing germs like norovirus and coronavirus.
How to use hand sanitizer correctly
More important than using an effective hand sanitizer is to use it correctly. If your hands are dirty, greasy, or heavily soiled, sanitizer alone will not be effective. Elliott suggests wiping your hands off with a paper towel or rinsing with water if that's available before doing a double application of hand sanitizer. This helps it remove most of the grime so the sanitizer can be effective.
Once your hands are visibly clean, use at least a quarter-sized dollop of gel or enough sanitizer spray to completely cover both sides of your hands each time. Rub it in for about 20 seconds paying attention to the areas between fingers and under your nails until your hands are dry — don't wipe it off.
Warnings about hand sanitizer safety and deceiving advertising
The FDA has found that some hand sanitizers sold to consumers contain methanol or 1-propanol. According to the FDA, both ingredients are not acceptable for use in hand sanitizers because of toxicity to humans. They can cause serious side effects when absorbed through the skin and can cause blindness or death when swallowed.
Some hand sanitizers are also being packaged to look like food and drinks and include dyes and flavors, which can deceive shoppers into accidentally ingesting them. Any type of hand sanitizer can be toxic if ingested and we do not advise that anyone ingest hand sanitizer. Keep all hand sanitizers out of the reach of children under the age of six and do not use them on or near the eyes. Read the full list of brands to avoid here.
Mary Marlowe Leverette Freelance Writer Mary Marlowe Leverette is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in home, kitchen, and gardening. As an expert in laundry and home care, her work has appeared on numerous sites. Mary holds a master's degree in Journalism from the University of South Carolina. Go Gamecocks! When she is not writing about products for Business Insider, you can find her entering recipe contests and searching for the best shells on the beach.Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Read more Read lessncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnmJqurcDHaJmeq6RitaK6w2aqmqaZqba7sdGs