In the last few months, as the coronavirus has made us all far more aware of how often we should be washing our hands, hand sanitizer has become something of a prized possession. And after months of out-of-stock notifications, retailers have started to catch up to demand. Below, is the top 10 best hand sanitizer for travel that you can buy online right now (some do have order quantity limitations), all of which adhere to the CDC’s guidelines to use an alcohol-based hand rub with more than 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol, in order to effectively kill germs and bacteria.
We’ve included a range of sizes and scents, including sprays, gels, and kid-friendly options, many of which include ingredients meant to keep hands moisturized amid frequent washing and sanitizing, like aloe vera and witch hazel. For now, we’re bringing them with us on grocery runs and walks around the neighbourhood, but they’re the same ones we’ll be tucking away in our suitcases and backpacks once we can begin to think about packing again.
Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Hand Sanitizer
This spray sanitizer, made with 62% ethyl alcohol, has a calming lavender scent and doesn’t use harsh chemicals. Plus, a few spritzes will freshen up your bedroom, office, or car. Due to limited supply, each customer can order a maximum of three hand sanitizer bottles per order for the time being.
Buy now: $5, shop.drbronner.com
Megababe Squeaky Clean Hand Sanitizer
In April, Megababe—known for its deodorant and anti-chafe sticks—started selling hand sanitizer, which promptly sold out. For now, it’s back in stock. Made with 62% ethyl alcohol and essential oils like sweet almond, marula, and geranium oil, it comes in a pocket-size two-ounce container as well as a home- and office-friendly 16-ounce pump container.
Buy now: $6, megababebeauty.com
Biosilk Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer
For those with extra-dry or sensitive skin, Biosilk’s hand sanitizer will do the best job of keeping hands hydrated. The texture is silkier than most gels, with a light, aromatic scent. It’s made with 77% ethyl alcohol and aloe vera extract, and comes in a 12.2-fluid-ounce container, making it ideal to slip in your car for a road trip.
Buy now: $5-$12, biosilk.com
Prim Botanicals Shiny Happy Hands Hand Sanitizer
This eight-ounce bottle is not TSA-friendly, but it will last you a while, which is more of a priority these days anyway. It’s also unscented and made with 70% alcohol and aloe vera leaf extract to keep hands from completely drying out.
Buy now: $29, anthropologie.com
Merci Handy Hand Sanitizer
As a substitute for the generic hand sanitizer you’d normally grab from Hudson News (which is likely sold out online right now), this similar-size Merci Handy sanitizer does the trick and comes in nice-smelling flavours. It’s small—one fluid ounce—and contains 67% alcohol. Order it in scents like Cross the Lime or Flower Power.
Buy now: $4, anthropologie.com
Tony Moly Aloe Chok Chok Hand Sanitizing Gel
Leave it to this K-beauty brand to make one of the most aesthetically pleasing hand sanitizers on the list. It looks more like a tube of lip balm, which also means it’s easy to slip into pockets, purses, or fanny packs. It’s made with 62% alcohol and infused with skin-soothing aloe water and witch hazel.
Buy now: $4, ulta.com
Vegamour Hand Sanitizer Spray Best Hand sanitizer for travel
Sprays tend to be less sticky than gels, as is the case with this citrus lavender-scented spray from Vegamour, made with 75% isopropyl alcohol. Your purchase does some good, too: A portion of each purchase goes to Project Angel Food, which prepares and delivers healthy meals to the families affected by life-threatening illnesses throughout Los Angeles.
Buy now: $6-$16, vegamour.com
100% Pure Hand Sanitizer Spray
Made with only ingredients you recognize (and can pronounce)—ethyl alcohol, aloe vera, glycerin, and tea tree leaf oil—this spray lives up to the brand’s name. Made with 62% alcohol, it comes in a 1.7-ounce spray bottle and has a neutral, clean scent. Unlike most other order limits, this one has to be purchased with a minimum of six at a time.
Buy now: $5, 100percentpure.com
Pipette Baby Hand Sanitizer Best Hand sanitizer for travel
Strong enough for adults but gentle enough for little hands, this hand sanitizer is made with 65% alcohol, squalane (derived from sugarcane and used to lock in moisture), and glycerin. Each eight-ounce bottle lasts for around 80 uses.
Buy now: $5, pipettebaby.com
Orly Hand Sanitizer Spray
You probably know Orly for its nail polish, but during the pandemic, they’ve pivoted to hand sanitizer, using their Los Angeles-based factory to produce this 75%-alcohol spray. (The first batch of 10,000 units were donated to the City of Los Angeles to distribute to the city’s homeless population.) Each order comes with four two-ounce bottles; customers can order up to three sets at a time.
Buy now: $20 for four, orlybeauty.com
