How To Choose A Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer works by using a high alcohol content to kill the germs most commonly found on your hands. These products are effective at killing those germs that cause most common flus and infections, Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, tells CNN Health. It's a good idea to have a few bottles of hand sanitizer around your home and on the go, but the shelves of options at any given drug store could leave you wondering how to choose a hand sanitizer.

Step 1

Choose a hand sanitizer with at least a 60 percent alcohol content, warns a New York Times article by science and medical journalist Deborah Franklin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concurs that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the most effective at removing germs and bacteria. Hand sanitizers that don't contain alcohol may not be as effective and aren't as heavily recommended by the CDC and other health centers.

Step 2

Look for a hand sanitizer that is dispensed in a foam or cream consistency. Gel-based hand sanitizers can be drying to the hands because the alcohol reduces the natural oil on your hands. Foams and gels contain extra ingredients to replenish moisture so your hands don't feel so dry after frequent use. This is important for professionals who use hand sanitizer on a daily basis, such as those in medical careers, where using hand sanitizers is a fact of life.

Step 3

Avoid hand sanitizers that contain excess color or fragrances. While they may mask the smell of the alcohol and make the sanitizer more pleasant to use, Infection Control Today warns that they are also more likely to cause allergic reaction and nausea in some individuals. Fragrance- and color-free are better choices, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Step 4

Look for a portable version of your favorite hand sanitizer so you can take it with you on the go. Hand sanitizers can be found small enough to fit in your purse or pocket, so you can be sure to use it throughout the day, even in the car or away from home. Pick a hand sanitizer that you know you can use often and properly—the CDC recommends rubbing it on your hands for at least 20 seconds or until the sanitizer dries—otherwise your efforts are for naught.

Step 5

Check your favorite brand of hand sanitizer against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's databases for recalls and consumer warnings. For instance, in 2009 the FDA released a formal warning about Clarcon hand sanitizer, noting that it contained harmful bacteria that could make users ill. The FDA Consumer Reports system can tell you if your hand sanitizer brand is both safe and effective.