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16 Hand Sanitisers (With Over 60% Alcohol) Keeping The Bacteria At Bay
From This Works to Neighbourhood Botanicals, these are the hand sanitisers that actually work.
In a time where washing our hands and using hand sanitiser has never been more important, these are the beauty brands stepping up to meet demand. Combining beauty expertise with a bacteria-banishing level of over 60% alcohol, these hand sanitisers smell better, and work a whole lot more effectively, than the dusty bottle of vodka in the cupboard.
'Covid 19 is what they call an "enveloped" virus, which means that it is coated in a fatty layer – hence why washing your hands in hot soapy water to break down those lipids works so well and why alcohol-based sanitisers, able to dissolve fats, are a good second best,' says ELLE's Katy Young.
Health experts including the NHS, Public Health England and World Health Organisation all recommend that an alcohol-based cleanser needs at least 60% alcohol content. Which is why our round up only includes formulas that meet the grade.
The best bit? The brands behind the hand sanitisers aren't just helping our personal hygiene, they're donating products and financial support to the Covid-19 frontline workers who need it most during this challenging time.
Read on for the ELLE edit of hand sanitisers that are in stock and actually work...
Did sanitising just become chic? This gel sanitiser is housed in a handy (pun fully intended) silicon case with a clip on attachment, meaning no more panicked rummaging at the bottom of your bag trying to remember if you packed one or not.
Forget the nose hair-dissolving potent vodka-esque smell of regular hand sanitisers, Susanne Kaufmann's handbag-friendly spray smells more like a luxury spa than a sticky bar. A super lightweight spray rather than your typical gel, this this refreshing arnica-infused formula is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Add to that a seriously soothing herbal scent and you'll be making excuses to spritz this classy hand sanitiser.
A moisturising anti-bacterial gel, ThisWorks' formula contains 70% alcohol and kills 99.9% of bacteria. Putting their money where their mouth is, ThisWorks donated the first 1000 hand sanitisers produced to Beauty Banks charity to be distributed to key workers.
'There are of course alcohol-free versions available, but the research into their effectiveness isn't convincing,' says ELLE's Katy Young. That's why you can't go wrong opting for this stalwart in the realm of hand sanitisers. This quick drying gel gets the job done and is great for kids and sensitive types, despite its high 70% alcohol content.
If a hand sanitiser that fits in your bag, doesn't feel sticky and smells like a fresh slice of juicy watermelon rather than pure vodka is what you're after then look no further than Let's Sanitise. With a sanitiser 'wardrobe' of six scents including peach, lavender and aloe vera, and a 75% alcohol formula proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria, it's the best smelling anti bac in the business. Even better, with every bottle sold, Let’s Sanitise will donate another one to community organisations, care homes, schools and charities.
Molton Brown Orange & Bergamot Hand Sanitiser Gel, 100ml
Formulated with a whopping 64.7% alcohol, Molton Brown's pastel-coloured mini hand sanitiser gels kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses so you can rest easy knowing your hands are seriously clean even when you're out and about. The best bit? The zingy orange and bergamot scent smells equal parts squeaky clean and like your last trip to the Amalfi coast.
Did you ever see a hand sanitiser so chic? Urban Apothecary have transformed the ugly plastic bottle hidden at the bottom of your handbag into a minimalist monochrome bottle more than worthy of a place next to your sink. A punchy 70% alcohol formula blitzes any bacteria whilst glycerin moisturises dry hands and a delicate floral scent masks any harsh booziness.
There's something immediately appealing about a hand sanitiser called 'Dew Of Dawn'. Maybe it's the promise of hydration, or the hopeful sentiment of a new day, whatever it is HAAN's smart hand sanitiser pod is firmly on our stocking filler wish list. Containing over 400 sprays, this satisfyingly ergonomic capsule kills 99.9% of germs whilst aloe vera soothes over-washed dry hands.
This natural hand sanitiser formulation consists of 70% alcohol alongside a sensorially satisfying blend of eucalyptus, honeysuckle, and tea tree. It also comes in a 250ml refillable bottle for those extra-keen sanitisers.
An essential for manicurists everywhere, Margaret Dabbs' hand sanitiser has become a go-to for everyone during Covid-19. Formulated with 65% alcohol, this bacteria busting gel is scented with water lily for a soothing fragrance that smells a little better than raw ethanol...
When the hand sanitiser shortage first began, Pai jumped into action to transform their factories into anti-bacterial gel producing machines. For every purchase of Acton Spirit, Pai will donate a second product to an NHS frontline worker, care home, homeless charity or beauty bank.
A single bottle of Purdy & Figg's hand sanitiser provides 300 uses of its 70% alcohol formula that's clinically proven to kill bacteria. An essential oil blend of sweet orange, pink grapefruit and niaouli adds an elements of indulgence to the practical situation.
Spritz Tony Moly's hand sanitiser spray on palms and let the 61.5% alcohol formula effectively banish bacteria.
Providing essential hand sanitiser gel and financial aid are BeYou who have committed to donating all profits from sales of their 70% alcohol medical-grade formula.
Keep your hands bacteria-free and soft as you like with Connock London's Kukui oil infused hand sanitiser that boasts 60% alcohol. Connock London has also committed to donating one of their hand sanitisers to Beauty Banks for every one sold.
Stock up on hand sanitiser for the whole family with ESPA's bergamot and jasmine-infused hand sanitiser. Quick drying with a 100% natural fragrance and a 60% alcohol content, this no rinse hand cleanser does the job.
George Driver was the former Senior Beauty Editor - Digital at ELLE UK.
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