What To Look For When Buying Hand Sanitiser

Hand sanitiser has certainly become a hot commodity in recent times. After all, it’s a great solution for on-the-go hand cleansing and keeping germs at bay.

But with the influx of new formulas hitting the market to meet demand, you’d be excused for being confused when it comes to which one to pick, or what you should even be looking for in the first place.

So the next time you’re shopping for hand sanitiser, keep these top tips in mind.

#1 Check if the product has been properly tested

With many hand sanitisers hitting the shelves at super speed, you’ll want to ensure the one you choose has been extensively tested, preferably in an independent Australian-approved testing facility. For example NatraSan™ Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser (which contains a combination of alcohol and benzalkonium chloride), has been independently tested in an Australian laboratory and is effective against a number of germs and bacteria. It is also dermatologically tested and recommended, meaning it’s safe for sensitive skin use, safeguarding against both germs and skin irritants, such as high alcohol content.

#2 Seek soothing additions

To keep hands soft and smooth, you should also keep an eye out for moisturising ingredients, such as aloe vera and vitamin E, which will help to balance the alcohol effects in the formula. Look out for XtraSan™ 72% Alcohol Antibacterial Instant Hand Sanitiser with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E which utilises both, with the aloe vera providing an instant soothing effect, while vitamin E nourishes and protects the skin.

#3 Look into the manufacturer

It’s never been more important to support Australian businesses, so while you’re checking the label, aim for Australian made and owned, too. The ‘made’ is extra important, as by keeping the manufacturer local, you’ll be supporting not only Australian business, but the jobs it produces for our country. And if it’s tested right here in Australia, you’ll be safeguarded from the potential defectiveness of imported products.

#4 Locate alcohol on the ingredient list

Most of us will check the ingredients of our skin care before buying, and the same goes for hand sanitiser. Alcohol is the main one to look for, and it should be high up on the list. You’ll find it at the first position on the label ingredient list if the product is alcohol-based and contains over 60 per cent. If alcohol is listed at two or three on the ingredient list, it’s only used as a secondary ingredient and will not be the main active responsible for the germ-killing action, as it will contain extra ingredients to do this effectively. Any product that has 60 per cent plus alcohol content will also need to have warning information saying it’s flammable, so it’s a good idea to look out for the actual stated alcohol percentage on the label.

#5 Using a spray vs gel

There are also different sanitiser dispenser methods available on the market. Screw caps or pull-up tops are convenient for bottle refills, however, a spray dispenser is best for on-the-go use. A spray is more controllable and will dispense a non-drip dose, to give great coverage on the hands and peace of mind storage in your bag (no leaks!). Both NatraSan™ and XtraSan™ feature a convenient spray nozzle, so you can take them and use them anywhere.

Did you know there was so much variety in hand sanitisers?

93 Member Comments

perthchick 25 Jul 2020 6:59 PM

70% alcohol content.

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Love bug 2 Jul 2020 3:11 PM

I mainly try to stick with washing my hands tbh because I feel sometimes after using too much hand sanitiser it starts build up and feel really heavy and sticky.

But all this hand washing has been leaving my hands so dry and uncomfortable

Shop A Everyday 1 Jul 2020 11:35 PM

I like a nice smelling spray one now

Beautyguru101 26 Jun 2020 10:35 PM

This is great to know as I my hands just got really dry, flaky and red after using a hand sanitizer.

lianatriesmakeup 26 Jun 2020 6:35 PM

wow I really thought they were all the same!

beautyfun 25 Jun 2020 5:44 PM

A great read to come back to

organicmusic 24 Jun 2020 2:46 AM

I refuse to use the hand santizers in stores they are all cheap and nasty and full of parfums, recently bought a papaya and when I got home I could not work out where the strong horrible parfum smell was coming from and finally realized it was on the papaya! Tried soap did not work so rubbed vinegar on it and let it sit for awhile and finally the smell went. I wish the shop keepers would wear gloves when handling produce but then again it could have been someone else touching it. I also worry about alcohol soaking in the skin into your blood stream, and why are they not researching eucalptus or tea tree?

queenbee15 23 Jun 2020 2:18 PM

You still need to keep the moisture on your hands everytime you wash your hands.

cityglenda 22 Jun 2020 7:14 PM

Currently using heaps of creamy thick hand cream at the moment. It's still not enough with constant washing and then hand sanitisers when out & about,

Jodes71 22 Jun 2020 5:59 PM

I don’t use sanitizer just good old soap and water got me

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aoperez 21 Jun 2020 3:33 PM

Well - who knew we would need to use hand sanitiser so much! Good information worth knowing!

Berylr 18 Jun 2020 10:40 PM

Loved these great tips. So many different ones, but its important that we get protection from the product we use.

misfortune8 17 Jun 2020 6:31 PM

I was lucky - I had a large almost-full pump pack of Aqium when COVID hit. I wash out then refill my purse-sized bottle regularly.

Am1851 15 Jun 2020 7:03 AM

There are too many shonky products out there now and so expensive, even those in the discount stores. I will use what is out in shopping centres, prefer the spray as you don't have to touch the button to pump but anything is better than nothing. I always wash hands thoroughly when I get home, then wipe down handles, handbag handles, phone cover and face, as well as my glasses and case and wallet, basically everything I touch while I have been out. Better to be overcautious than take a chance. Just adding isocol to liquid hand wash adds some protection. My downfall is drying of hands and taking off nail polish on the tips. That's what alcohol does.

Petal 13 Jun 2020 6:39 PM

I've reported jimsmiths's post (dated 13 June) on the "SERIAL SPAM MEMBER ON BH" thread. Do not click on the blue link in their post.

Petal 13 Jun 2020 6:27 PM

I'm happy to keep washing my hands.

isabella.m16 20 Jun 2020 1:22 PM

It just gives you extra protection when using hand sanitiser as well.

Shop A Everyday 12 Jun 2020 4:27 PM

Had to use spray today at Lush which is really good

Dreamy 12 Jun 2020 10:08 AM

2020 has been a crazy year for buying sanitiser. Never knew so much variety that also in sanitisers

Sally10 11 Jun 2020 5:15 PM

Some good tips here.

Lucrecia629 11 Jun 2020 3:42 PM

I usually avoid hand sanitiser because there's no substitute for good proper handwashing. But lately I do both when I've been out of the house - a good wash and follow up with hand sanitiser. Can't be too careful these days.

isabella.m16 20 Jun 2020 1:27 PM

It is so important to not only wash your hands but samtise especially when you are out and about I agree

Trackydacky 10 Jun 2020 5:49 PM

I've never liked hand sanitiser, some of them just about take my breath away they are that strong smelling and I hate the sticky feeling some of them leave and of course the dry hands they cause. I never purchased any for home during the pandemic, just used soap and water a lot. I had to use sanitiser when visiting dad in aged care and before entering businesses and shops and cringe when I see the bottles.

Susmat 9 Jun 2020 9:42 PM

Good tips here, thanks

Ellyloves 9 Jun 2020 9:21 PM

I've just being buying Dettol

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What to look out for when buying hand sanitiser