The Best Hand Sanitizers

Hand sanitizers are marketed as a convenient, germ-fighting alternative to soap and water. However, not all hand sanitizers are beneficial and some might even undermine your efforts to reduce disease-causing pathogens on your hands. In any case, washing with soap and clean water for 20 seconds is your best defense against sickness and spreading germs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If soap and water are unavailable, choosing a safe, effective hand sanitizer is the next best thing. (References 1)

Ingredients

Claims about hand sanitizers creating antibiotic-resistant super-bacteria often get associated with hand sanitizers in general, but are actually related specifically to antibacterial soaps and gels listing triclosan as an ingredient. According to the CDC, these claims stem from in vitro studies that indicate certain strains of bacteria might acquire reduced susceptibility to antiseptic agents such as chlorhexidine, quaternary ammonium compounds and triclosan. These reports are inconclusive, according to the CDC, and require further study. (References 2)
In the meantime, choose alcohol-based sanitizers that do not list any of these antiseptics as an ingredient. The best hand sanitizers list alcohol as the active ingredient and, according to the CDC, should have an alcohol concentration of at least 60 percent. The CDC reports that alcohol-based hand sanitizers act quickly and help reduce the number of germs on your skin. (Ref 1)

Labels

Even alcohol-based hand sanitizers lose their effectiveness if used improperly. For best results, read the label and use according to directions. Allow your hands to dry naturally. Wiping your hands dry can remove the sanitizer's active agents and recontaminate your skin. Pay attention to other label warnings, as well, to ensure that hand sanitizers are used responsibly. The Maryland Poison Center recommends that you keep sanitizers out of the reach of children and monitor their use by children, in accordance with the label. In case of accidental or intentional ingestion, seek professional assistance. (References 3)

Proper Use

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are appropriate for fighting germs and preventing the spread of sickness, but are not intended as a cleaning agent. Use hand sanitizers to reduce the presence of bacteria on your skin, but not to clean visibly soiled hands, according to a fact sheet published by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The department recommends using alcohol-based hand sanitizers after sneezing or coughing into hands, after blowing your nose and "before and after contact with a sick person." (References 4)