Hand Sanitizer

There are quite a few different types of hand sanitizer out there. The most common option uses alcohol to kill the germs, so that is usually the main ingredient. The alcohol is typically combined with some type of moisturizer and other ingredients that help to thicken the solution so that it is easier to use. Having the sanitizer slightly thicker than a pure liquid also allows it to remain on the surface of your hands without dripping off while you are rubbing it in for maximum effectiveness.

The best hand sanitizers kill most germs while replacing lost moisture with aloe vera gel, vitamin E and other nourishing ingredients that help keep your skin soft and healthy. A reliable product to consider is Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Refreshing Gel, which requires only one squirt and includes several moisturizers. The larger bottle size helps protect your whole family or office.

If you're after convenience, products such as CVS Health Instant Hand Sanitizer or Pop-arazzi Travel Size Gel Hand Sanitizer make hand hygiene effortless while out and about. These products fit into bags, desk drawers and other small spaces to safeguard you from sickness practically anywhere. 

Soap is an effective way to cleanse your hands. A soap contains surfactants that produce a lather, allowing impurities to be washed away with water. Hand soaps are formulated specifically for hand washing and require water to create a sudsy lather. After you have washed your hands, you must rinse the hand soap away. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that using warm water and hand soap is the most effective way for people to wash their hands.

It's not always convenient to use soap and water to wash your hands. For those occasions, alcohol-based liquid sanitizers can provide a convenient alternative to soap. These products are typically effective at killing a large number of germs when used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Due to the presence of alcohol in their formulas, the liquids evaporate quickly, so there is no need to rinse or dry your hands after use.

To speed up hand sanitizing even more, you can use a hand sanitizer spray. These products typically have formulas similar to liquid alcohol-based hand sanitizers; however, they come in a spritz bottle rather than a squeeze bottle. This allows you to quickly apply the hand sanitizer on the go.

Hand sanitizing wipes are another convenient way to quickly clean your hands. These products are disposable single-use towelettes that are soaked in an antibacterial cleanser. To use one, you simply remove a wipe from the packaging, rub it over your skin and throw it away. Some wipes can be used to clean surfaces and objects as well as hands.

Hand sanitizer is a great option for keeping your hands clean and killing as many germs and other pathogens as possible so that you are less likely to get sick or pass on an illness. To apply hand sanitizer, simply place a small amount onto your hand and then rub your hands together until they feel dry again. Make sure to get the sanitizer on all areas of your hands, including between your fingers, for best results. With most hand sanitizers there is no need to rinse your hands when done, which makes this a great option for cleaning your hands when you cannot wash them with traditional soap.

Hand sanitizer works by exposing the surfaces of your hands to some type of agent that is able to kill bacteria, viruses, and other germs. In most cases, this means a solution made with alcohol since that is able to quickly and effectively kill the vast majority of germs. In addition, alcohol dries out very quickly when exposed to the air, so you do not need any type of towel, which can harbor germs, to dry your hands.

Hand sanitizers usually contain at least 60% alcohol, as this concentration is ideal for quickly destroying harmful bacteria and viruses responsible for most common illnesses. Alcohol in a hand sanitizer evaporates over time, however, and it won't necessarily remain within the 60-to-70% concentration required to prevent sickness. It may take several years for this to occur, but eventually, hand sanitizer does expire, and you shouldn't continue to use it past the manufacturer's expiration date. 

Expiration dates for alcohol-free hand sanitizer also vary. These products contain different antiseptic agents that aren't as volatile as alcohol. They're often gentler on your skin and less likely to dry it out, but they still expire because the antiseptic ingredients can break down over time. To stay healthy throughout cold and flu season, always check the expiration date of your hand sanitizer, follow usage directions correctly and use hand soaps when appropriate. 

Hand sanitizers are one of the most convenient personal hygiene products because of their portability and water-free action. Small bottles of hand sanitizer sprays let you cleanse quickly after shaking hands or prior to eating and are incredibly easy to carry around in a pocket or handbag. However, spilling them on clothes and other fabric items may cause stains. 

Hand sanitizer stains are usually temporary. The wetness from a spill evaporates quickly, but moisturizing agents, such as aloe vera, in the formula can leave a greasy film that laundry detergent should easily remove. Some fabrics may be permanently stained, especially if they're not colorfast. Hand sanitizing wipes help reduce the risk of stains because they offer more control while still being quick and easy to use while traveling or at work.