Nine Hand Sanitizers That Are Still in Stock

Self hygiene has never been a more critical topic. COVID-19 has sent the world into a stockpiling tailspin, and customers are constantly looking to both online retailers and brick and mortar stores alike for toilet paper, disinfectant cleaning supplies, soaps, and hand sanitizer.

Hand sanitizer has long been known as a simple go-to for cleaning the bulk of harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that lead to the spread of illnesses. And while the CDC recommends hand washing with soap and water as the preferred method of reducing risk, if soap and water aren't available, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol is the next best thing.

The most popular hand sanitizers on the market, such as Purell, were quickly swiped from shelves the moment the pandemic in the U.S. became "real." In response to the growing need for more options, many health, wellness, and beauty brands, and even a few distilleries, have quickly pivoted to develop or market their own hand sanitizers. And while it's great to think outside the box, not all hand sanitizers are created equal.

"If it is not possible to use soap and water, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol can reduce the risk of getting sick or transmitting sickness to others," says Dr. Lucky Sekhon, fertility specialist and board certified OBGYN in New York City. "Sanitizers with lower concentrations of alcohol may not successfully eradicate all types of bacteria and germs, and may be more bacteriostatic (reduce growth) than bactericidal (killing bacteria)."

So, what's worth it? We've rounded up a list of the best hand sanitizers on the market, so you can stay healthy and safe during this unprecedented time.

"The newer generation of hand sanitizers combine the antibacterial alcohol content with plant-based components to counteract dryness and irritation," notes Dr. Sekhon. "Plant-based, cruelty-free hand sanitizers, such as Vegamour's hand sanitizer spray, include moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera along with 75 percent isopropyl alcohol."

Shop Now: Vegamour Hand Sanitizer Spray, $16, vegamour.com.

This non-toxic hand sanitizer not only smells like a beautiful blend of essential oils, but it also features a potent mix of organic ingredients that fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. It consists of 63 percent grape alcohol, immune-boosting essential oils, healing aloe vera, and soothing vegetable glycerin to keep your hands from drying out.

Shop Now: Primally Pure Hand Sanitizer, $12, primallypure.com.

You can choose from a grapefruit scent or an unscented hand sanitizer when purchasing from this brand. The moisturizing, alcohol-based hand sanitizer consists of 65 percent ethyl alcohol, water hyaluronic acid for moisture, and grapefruit essential oil if you choose the scented kind.

Shop Now: by Humankind Hand Sanitizer, $20, byhumankind.com.

This new fragrance-free hand sanitizer features 65 percent USP ethyl alcohol content and sugarcane-derived squalane, which provides moisture to the skin so your hands stay soft and sanitized.

Shop Now: Pipette Hand Sanitizer, $5, pipettebaby.com.

Jao Brand refers to their hand sanitizer as "your portable sink." For when soap and water are not an option, this multipurpose refresher is a great option for killing germs and freshening hands. It's made with 65 percent ethyl alcohol and a blend of antiseptic essential oils, including lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, geranium, and sage.

Shop Now: Jao Refresher, $10, jaobrand.com.

Dr. Sekhon also recommends the Saie Hand Sanitizer, which combines 62 percent alcohol with vitamin E and glycerin. The brand is offering free shipping for orders over $30, with the hand sanitizer included in all orders.

Shop Now: Saie Hand Sanitizer, free with any order, saiehello.com.

Here's a plant-based sanitizer that helps reduce disease-causing germs. The quick-drying spray formula is made with hydrating aloe vera gel and antibacterial tea tree oil, which ensures your hands get clean and stay moisturized.

Shop Now: 100 Percent Pure Hand Sanitizer Spray, $5, 100percentpure.com.

When Megababe says their hand sanitizer is "squeaky clean," they're not just referring to the fact that it meets the CDC's recommendation of alcohol content. The vegan formula uses plant-based alcohol along with nourishing botanicals like marula oil, sweet almond oil and aloe for clean, soft hands. It's free of fillers like PEGs, EDTA, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.

Shop Now: Megababe Squeaky Clean Hand Sanitizer, $6, megababebeauty.com.

This hand sanitizer, a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol topical solution gel, includes vitamin E and conditioners to help maintain condition of the skin. And here's what makes this a feel-good purchase: To date, ZOYA has supplied over 200 businesses, several police and emergency dispatch departments, nurses groups, and nursing home with this critical supply.

Shop Now: ZOYA Hand Sanitizer, starting from $3, zoya.com.