Best Hand Sanitizers

Updated February 2019
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Purell
Advanced Hand Sanitizer Gel, Pack of 2, 67.6 oz. each
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Bottom Line

Effective sanitizing action, generous portion, and trusted brand make these large pump bottles an excellent choice.

Pros

Top brand in hand sanitizers. Alcohol-based gel formula works quickly and absorbs into skin quickly. 2 large pump bottles - 4 liters - ideal for refilling smaller bottles or using in areas with lots of people, such as classrooms.

Cons

Fairly strong alcohol smell. Alcohol formula can be drying to the skin.

Babyganics
Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer, Pack of 3, 8.45 oz. each
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Bottom Line

User-friendly pump bottles and alcohol-free formula make this a good choice for sensitive skin.

Pros

Formulated for youngsters; doesn't contain fragrance, dyes, or alcohol; tested by pediatricians and dermatologists. Includes 3 pump bottles that are easy for little hands to operate.

Cons

Consistency is on the watery side, so takes a while to dry.

Best Bang for the Buck
Germ-X
Original Hand Sanitizer, Pack of 4, 30 oz. each
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Bottom Line

The one to choose if budget is your top concern. 4 convenient pump bottles for a low price.

Pros

Affordable and effective. 4 (30 oz.) pump bottles. Alcohol-based gel kills germs quickly. Formulated with vitamin E. Refreshing scent.

Cons

Can be drying, especially for dry or sensitive skin. Some complaints of broken or half-empty bottles upon arrival.

Purell
Instant Hand Sanitizing Foam, Pack of 3, 1.5 oz. each
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Bottom Line

Good, but pricier, alternative if you prefer a foam over gel.

Pros

Foam consistency absorbs quickly. Handy pump dispensers in portable-size bottles. Doesn't dry out skin because it doesn't contain alcohol. No dyes or fragrance. Trusted brand name.

Cons

Pricey, considering the bottles are so small. Can feel a little sticky when dry.

CleanWell
Natural Foaming Hand Sanitizer, Pack of 3, 8 oz. each
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Bottom Line

Natural hand sanitizer with gentle ingredients if you want to avoid harsh chemicals.

Pros

Safe for kids and people with sensitivities because it doesn't contain alcohol or harsh ingredients. 3 (8 oz.) bottles with well-made pump dispensers. Not tested on animals.

Cons

Thyme scent can be strong to some. More watery than foamy. May not be as effective as traditional sanitizers.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

21 Models Considered
5 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
202 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
The team that worked on this review
  • Bronwyn
    Bronwyn
    Editor
  • Jennifer
    Jennifer
    Writer
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
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Purell

Advanced Hand Sanitizer Gel, Pack of 2, 67.6 oz. each

Purell

Advanced Hand Sanitizer Gel, Pack of 2, 67.6 oz. each

Effective sanitizing action, generous portion, and trusted brand make these large pump bottles an excellent choice.

$32
×

Babyganics

Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer, Pack of 3, 8.45 oz. each

Babyganics

Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer, Pack of 3, 8.45 oz. each

User-friendly pump bottles and alcohol-free formula make this a good choice for sensitive skin.

$17
×

Germ-X

Original Hand Sanitizer, Pack of 4, 30 oz. each

Germ-X

Original Hand Sanitizer, Pack of 4, 30 oz. each

The one to choose if budget is your top concern. 4 convenient pump bottles for a low price.

$19
×

Purell

Instant Hand Sanitizing Foam, Pack of 3, 1.5 oz. each

Purell

Instant Hand Sanitizing Foam, Pack of 3, 1.5 oz. each

Good, but pricier, alternative if you prefer a foam over gel.

$11
×

CleanWell

Natural Foaming Hand Sanitizer, Pack of 3, 8 oz. each

CleanWell

Natural Foaming Hand Sanitizer, Pack of 3, 8 oz. each

Natural hand sanitizer with gentle ingredients if you want to avoid harsh chemicals.

$19

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