Raise your hands if you’ve been hoarding hand sanitizers during the pandemic! Hand sanitizer sales have skyrocketed, and CNBC reported that some supermarkets even had to limit the number of bottles per shopper.

But hand sanitizers aren’t the best way to fight germs. “Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs,” says the Center of Disease Control (CDC).

Hand sanitizers don’t work on dirty hands

Studies show that hand sanitizers and gel cleansers only work if your hands aren’t soiled or greasy. They’re good for hospitals where workers already have generally clean hands, and just want an extra step of disinfection. But in everyday situations, your hands can get oily, dusty, or sticky. That thin layer of dirt prevents hand sanitizers from working well.

So, rule of thumb (or shall we say, rule of hand): Wash with soap, especially after eating, playing outdoors, or touching any object that is handled by several people. Use hand sanitizers only as a backup.

Use hand sanitizer properly

Squirt a generous amount of product on one palm, and rub all over your hands, and then rub your hands together, for at least 30 seconds. Yes, you need to rub. Just smoothing it all over your hands for a few seconds won’t work. Wait for hands to completely dry and for the product to absorb before touching anything else.

Alcohol also starts becoming less effective when it’s exposed to air, so keep those caps and lids tightly shut!

Don’t buy alcohol-free hand sanitizers

If you can’t use soap, then hand sanitizers are better than nothing. However, The CDC says you need one that has at least 60% alcohol.

Some hand sanitizers use benzalkonium chloride instead of alcohol as the active ingredient. These don’t work on all kinds of viruses and bacteria, or only slow down their growth instead of killing them.

Not all products are labelled “alcohol-free”. So, read the label. If benzalkonium chloride is listed as the active ingredient, then buy something else.

Check the expiry date

Hand sanitizers expire after two or three years. “The active ingredients are only guaranteed effective until the expiration date,’ Dr. Andrew Alexis, who heads New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital department of dermatology.

Like all products, though, that shelf life is significantly shortened if the product is left in extremely hot or moist conditions (like inside your car, locker or gym bag).

Best Hand Sanitizers in Singapore

1. DS Skin Clinic All-Day Hand Sanitizer

New DS Skin Clinic All-Day Hand Sanitiser Launched in Singapore - NXT

Just recently, DS Skin Clinic and its international group of clinics have launched the DS Skin Clinic All-Day Hand Sanitizer. Formulated by top dermatologists, this sanitiser can immediately kill 99.99% of most household germs and viruses – including SARS-COV-2. Not just that it is also, super moisturising and gentle on the skin that it would not cause any rashes and irritations! In addition, it is long-lasting and remains effective for 24 hours from the application!

Price: S$15.00( per 45ml bottle)

Where to Buy: DS Skin Clinic Singapore

2. Dettol Hand Sanitizer

Dettol Hand Sanitizers are one of the most popular brands now, during this period of the pandemic. It is a well-renowned and trusted brand that has been used widely, not only by Singaporeans but by people all over the world. This product is said to be effective in killing up to 99.9% of germs and bacteria on your hands. It does not only remove germs but also dirt and oil residues on your hands. Not only that, it has a refreshing scent that also feels cool when applied to your skin.

Price: $3.30

Where to buy: FairPrice Singapore

3. Lifebuoy Hand Sanitizer

It says “Total 10” on the bottle because this hand sanitizer is infused with immunity-boosting ingredients that fight germs for up to 10 hours. It is also one of the first hand sanitizers in the world that helps boost one’s immunity. This formula dries up in less than 30 seconds as you apply it onto your hands. What’s better is, when applied, you do not feel a sticky residue on your hands

Price: $2.65

Where to buy: Watsons Singapore

4. Bath & Body Works Pocketbac Hand Sanitizer

It’s difficult to find a hand sanitizer that smells great and kills 99.9% of germs at the same time, but we’re here to tell you that there is one and it is the Bath & Body Works Pocketbac Hand Sanitizer. This collection comes in a variety of scents including Japanese cherry, Limoncello, coconut, Hibiscus and many more. Why we love it is because they have mild scents that are not too overpowering.

Price: $15.00 for 3

Where to buy: Shopee Singapore

5. Virushield Sanitizer Disinfectant

This hand sanitizer has one of the highest Ethanol content at 75% which is absolutely more than enough in killing germs and viruses. When you rub or spray it on your hands, it is proven to kill any virus or germs in less than 30 seconds. Ultimately, if you are looking for a hand sanitizer that is powerful, has high concentration of Ethanol and kills germs rapidly, then this is one you should get.

Price: $14.90

Where to buy: Tangs Singapore

6. Sureclean Foamy Hand Sanitizer

Sureclean has a range of hand sanitizers along with disinfectants and they are both products that are safe to be used by children and are also used by a number of preschools in Singapore. This is a special product that does not contain any alcohol in but is proven to be effective in killing 99.99% of germs ( against all coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2 from COVID-19 ! ). In addition to that, each spray can protect and shield you from germs for up to 3 hours at a time.

Price: 50ML packaging at S$38.70 per bundle of 3, and in 180ML packaging at $68.70 per bundle of 3.

Where to buy: Babynatureco.com

7. Purell Hand Sanitizer Gel

Most of the hospitals around the world use the Purell Hand Sanitizer Gel. According to research done, Purell is a brand that is very much preferred in hospitals and is also preferred by healthcare workers. This hand sanitizer formula contains 70% of Ethyl alcohol that kills 99.99% of the germs that causes illness. Not only that, but this hand sanitizer is also suitable to be used for those who have dry hands as it is infused with moisturising properties.

Price: $14.00

Where to buy: FairPrice Singapore

8. Innisfree Hand Sanitizer

Innisfree is one of the leading Korean brands in the market and if you want a hand sanitizer that cares for your skin as well as kill the germs, then this is definitely the one for you. This hand sanitizer uses a formula that contains about 60% of ethanol that can effectively kill germs without the use of water. Not only that, but Innisfree’s hand sanitizers are also infused with Jeju scents like gardenia or aloe vera and it does leave sticky residues after using.

Price: $5.00

Where to buy: Innisfree

9. Pharma C Alcohol Wipes

These alcohol wipes measure around 5.5 by 7 inches and it is saturated with 70% of isopropyl alcohol and purified water solution. When you wipe your hands with these wipes, your hands are free from germs and bacteria. However, if you have extremely dry hands, this may not be the best product to use as these wipes can excessively dry your skin out.

Price: $24.43

Where to buy: Amazon