Top 10 Best Hand Sanitisers in the UK 2021

With the currently limited selection of hand sanitisers available to buy both online and in shops, it's important that you know the one you buy is safe to use and powerful enough to kill harmful bacteria. In this guide we're here to help you find a reliable hand sanitiser online!

You've probably heard of gel hand sanitisers, but did you know there are other types that you can buy? Before buying, consider which type best suits your needs. 

Gels are the most commonly used type of hand sanitiser. They're affordable, easy to find and available in small bag-friendly packaging between 50 ml to 250 ml.

The texture should be thick and viscous enough to be evenly spread over your hands. If the consistency is too watery it won't coat your palms properly and will take longer to absorb into your skin. 

Some people find that foam hand sanitisers are easier to apply than gel. Foams have a less runny texture and won't drip, providing a mess-free application. 

However, these types tend to be more expensive than gels. But be aware, a higher price point doesn't necessarily mean that they are more effective. 

Spray hand sanitisers are quick and convenient. A great option for when you're on the go, you can get them in pocket-sized 15 ml packaging. Though you may want to opt for a larger 500 ml bottle if you want your hand sanitiser to last a bit longer. 

Unfortunately, the application is less accurate. You might find that a lot of the spray misses your skin, which isn't ideal for achieving a full and even coverage.

Hand sanitising wet wipes are the easiest to use and can get right into the creases to wipe away nasty germs that other types can sometimes fail to reach. They come in slim packaging that's perfect to fit inside your handbag or briefcase and are generally suitable for kids.

The downside? Each individual wipe will need to be disposed of after use. Not only can this get pretty expensive, but most wet wipes are non-biodegradable making them less environmentally friendly than other types. 

There are lots of ingredients that can be used in hand sanitiser, some more skin-friendly than others. Here are some important ingredients to look for when deciding which one works best for you. 

Alcohol is one of the most common ingredients in hand sanitiser as it's a powerful substance that's great at killing off unwanted germs. Most effective hand sanitisers contain between 60-95% alcohol, most commonly either isopropyl alcohol or ethanol. 

That said, alcohol is known for drying out your skin, which can leave hands feeling coarse or cracked if used frequently. If you have sensitive skin or are buying for young children, we'd recommend looking for an alcohol-free hand sanitiser instead. 

Some alcohol alternatives to look for are benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride and ammonium chloride. These ingredients have strong antibacterial powers, are non-toxic and are gentle on hands.

Fragrances are used to make hand sanitiser products smell nice. However, scented ingredients such as perfumes and essential oils may not be suitable for everyone. 

Fragrances can cause skin sensitivity and allergic reactions in some users. Highly perfumed hand sanitisers may even be problematic for those who suffer from asthma. To avoid any unwanted reactions, seek out fragrance-free options instead. 

If you prefer to avoid products that contain preservatives, we've also included some paraben-free hand sanitisers on our list that you're sure to love.

Hand sanitisers can be harsh on the skin. Luckily there are some products available that contain soothing ingredients to help balance them out. Emollient ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil,  jojoba oil, glycerin, and vitamin E moisturise the skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated after use.

We've searched the internet to find the best hand sanitising products available to buy in the UK. From gels to wipes, we've got something for everyone! 

Regularly cleaning our hands is important to help stop the spread of harmful germs, bacteria and pathogens. But all that hand washing can leave our skin feeling a bit dry. Check out some of these moisturising products to keep you hands feeling soft and hydrated!

With the ability to kill up to 99% of harmful germs and bacteria on your skin, hand sanitisers are a great way to help protect yourself from flus and viruses. After reading our guide, hopefully you have chosen the perfect product to keep your hands fresh and clean! 

Author: Annie Speight