Who would’ve thought that 2020 would be the year that surgical masks become the fashion accessory du jour and hand sanitisers the most sought-after item by the world? Indeed, the latter has become a standard, necessary staple to fend off unwanted bacteria and germs in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The health authorities of Singapore have repeatedly advised that keeping good personal hygiene and washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water are good enough to kill germs and viruses – even the kind that SARS-CoV-2 belongs to, as the combination of physical flushing and soap detergent can break the structure of viruses.
This practice is even more crucial than ever now, as it can limit spread through contact transmission to others and even ourselves because we will inadvertently touch vulnerable open areas such as our eyes, nose or mouth even while wearing a mask.
Don’t believe us? Dr. Coni Liu, dermatologist at DS Skin Clinic, says that we now touch our faces more than ever – up to 23 times per hour! Just imagine the risk you’re exposing yourself to…
The best way to keep our hands free from germs and viruses is by washing our hands with soap and water. But for times when you’re out and about, and don’t have a hand wash and wash basin within reach, hand sanitisers are the next best option. Ahead, we round up 20 of the best moisturising germ-busting liquids that you can get your hands (pun intended) on now (that are not from Bath & Body Works).
Related: 15 hand washes that kill germs, smell great, and won’t dry out your hands easily
20 good and moisturising hand sanitisers to buy now
DS Skin Clinic All-Day Hand Sanitizer (All-Day Protection!)
Developed by dermatologists, this formula contains 75% ethyl alcohol and 0.1% benzalkonium chloride, which has been independently tested to be highly effective and fast-acting in killing 99.99% of most household germs and viruses.
On top of that, the DS Skin Clinic All-Day Hand Sanitizer offers round-the-clock protection after the initial application, thanks to a skin-friendly, waterproof polymer film that forms over the skin upon evaporation of the alcohol. This means that you don’t have to re-apply frequently for a period of 24 hours after the first use.
DS Skin Clinic All-Day Hand Sanitizer retails for S$15 at all DS Skin Clinic outlets. There’s also a 10-bottle bundle retailing for S$99 online at the DS Skin Clinic e-store.
Sureclean Sanihands Foamy Sanitizer (Safe for children)
Also tested by an independent lab to eliminate up to 99.99% disease-causing germs, this alcohol-free liquid is gentle to the skin and leaves hands feeling softer and smelling nice after each use. Its fast-foaming formula makes it ideal for children to use.
Sureclean Sanihands Foamy Sanitizer comes only in bundles of three at S$38.70 (50ml) and S$68.70 (180ml) and is available for purchase on Lazada.
Lifebuoy Hand Sanitizer Total 10 (Special Edition!)
You’re probably no stranger to this alcohol-based formula, having seen it in major supermarkets and pharmacies island-wide. Not only does it thwart off bacteria and virus, it also contains glycerine which leaves your skin feeling moisturised.
This month, Lifebuoy is collaborating with the most iconic local card game, The Singapore Dream, to celebrate our country’s 55th birthday. You can get your hands on limited-edition designs featuring our front-line workers and popular landmarks.
The special-edition Lifebuoy Hand Sanitizer Total 10 retails at S$3.90 at all 7-Eleven stores and Fairprice outlets, as well as on Lazada, Redmart, and Watsons from mid-July onwards.
Handmade Heroes No-No-Nasties Sanitiser
Made with just sugar cane-derived ethyl alcohol, water, glycerine, orange, and eucalyptus oil, this formula is gentler on skin and doesn’t have an overpowering scent, so there’s none of that tacky feeling you get from conventional sanitisers.
Plus, it comes in a handy spritz bottle so you can spray this over your hands, and high-touch areas such as door knobs, lift buttons, baby chairs, and more.
Handmade Heroes No-No-Nasties Sanitiser retails for S$8.90 here.
Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash
For a chic way to stay clean and safe, look no further than this Aesop rinse-free formula. The alcohol-based gel effectively kills bacteria upon contact, and comes infused with moisturising agents and a fresh, citrusy scent to ensure hands are clean but not stripped.
Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash retails for S$13 at all Aesop stores and online at TANGS.
Hysses Lemongrass Hand Sanitiser
You’d probably know that lemongrass works great to uplift and energise the senses, but did you know that it contains anti-fungal and antiviral benefits to keep your skin protected as well?
This formula by local brand Hysses has packaged the super ingredient into one convenient spritz bottle, with soothing cucumber juice to hydrate hands.
Hysses Lemongrass Hand Sanitiser retails for S$14.90 (65ml) and S$59.90 (300ml) at all Hysses stores and on Lazada. There’s a discount between 10% and 25% ongoing on Lazada at the time of writing.
Bioré Sanitising Wipes (Non-Alcohol)
Ideal for those who prefer wipes, this gentle on-the-go pack contains zero alcohol so you know it’s safe to use around the kids even as a mouth wipe. Just make sure to seal the pack tightly after use to prevent sheets from drying out.
Bioré Sanitising Wipes (Non-Alcohol) retails for S$2.50 at Watsons.
Tonymoly Aloe Chok Chok Hand Gel
It has 62% ethanol in the formula to take down germs and viruses, while containing aloe vera leaf water to give dehydrated hands the “chok chok” feel (that’s Korean for moist) without any stickiness.
Tonymoly Aloe Chok Chok Hand Gel retails for S$5.90 at Watsons.
Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Organic Hand Sanitizer (Best-smelling)
This simple formula may only come with organic ethyl alcohol, water, organic peppermint oil, and organic glycerine but is just as effective, and even safe on children. It also doubles as a deodorant and air freshener – just spray twice or more into the air to enjoy the minty-fresh aroma. No wonder it’s one of the most sought-after hand sanitizers in the market!
Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Organic Hand Sanitizer retails for S$.790 at Watsons.
Oasis:Skin Purifying Hand Sanitiser
Produced by local brand Oasis:Skin, this formula is made from plant-based alcohol that is free from phthalates and glycols, and provides extra moisturising benefits with a nourishing blend of aloe vera and essential oils.
Oasis:Skin Purifying Hand Sanitiser retails for S$8.50 (30ml), S$11.50 (40ml) and S$22 (80ml) on the Oasis:Skin website.
Betadine Natural Defense Hand Sanitizer
This alcohol-based gel formula is also enriched with manuka honey for its antibacterial benefits, so that your hands are left protected and nourished. As a bonus, it also has a honey fragrance!
Betadine Natural Defense Hand Sanitizer retails for S$3.20 at Watsons.
Kundal Pure & Safe Sanitizer Spray
This lightweight water-textured formula features a blend of green tea, aloe, and calendula extracts to help keep skin moisturised.
Kundal Pure & Safe Sanitizer Spray retails for S$3.90 at Guardian.
Cath Kidston Hand Sanitiser – White Clover & Matcha Tea (Cutest Packaging)
This cruelty-free, vegan-friendly formula is as moisturising as it is protective, thanks to glycerine and vitamin E. Plus, it keeps hands smelling fresh with a lovely white clover-matcha scent. Also, can we just have a second to appreciate the cute, cheerful packaging!? Exactly what we need to uplift our spirits just a little while playing our part in fighting the pandemic!
Cath Kidston Hand Sanitiser – White Clover & Matcha Tea retails for S5.90 at Watsons.
Cloversoft 99.99% Germs Bgone Hand Sanitiser
This fragrance-free gel formula offers effective cleaning with pure isopropyl alcohol, which the brand claims to be less drying on hands.
Cloversoft 99.99% Germs Bgone Hand Sanitiser retails for S$2.95 at Unity and selected supermarkets as well as on Amazon and Cloversoft.
Ollie The Oil Company Hand Sanitizer Spray
This ethyl alcohol-based liquid comes with a refreshingly minty, citrusy scent that promises to uplift the senses while keeping bacteria at bay. It also uses a blend of tea tree, sweet orange, and peppermint essential oils for their antibacterial, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties.
Ollie The Oil Company Hand Sanitizer Spray retails for S$8 on Lazada.
Kirei Kirei Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizer
If you like the Kirei Kirei foaming hand wash, then you’ll equally enjoy this hand sanitiser that provides effective antibacterial protection and moisturising benefits on the go to keep hands hygienic and protected.
Kirei Kirei Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizer retails for S$2.55 at Watsons.
Botanica Culture 100% Natural Hand Sanitizer
Alcohol-based hand sanitisers may not be for everyone, as they may dry out certain skin or trigger skin allergies. For those who prefer a formula that’s gentler to skin, reach for this 100% natural hand sanitiser that contains antimicrobial and cleansing properties from an essential oil blend of tea tree, lavender, sweet orange, lemongrass, and eucalyptus.
Its essential oil blend offers long-lasting germ protection without stripping away your skin’s natural oils.
Botanica Culture 100% Natural Hand Sanitizer retails for S$12 on Lazada.
Twinkle Clean 3 in 1 Hand & Body Sanitizer
This alcohol-free hand and body sanitiser contains a cocktail of eight antibacterial natural essential oils, including organic grapeseed, moringa, and geranium, to help eliminate germs and bacteria without leaving your hands dry.
Also in its special concoction are organic camellia japonica seed oil from Japan which serves as a shield against damaging UV rays and pollutants in the air, and whitewood oil from Indonesia that has insect-repelling properties – sounds perfect for those trips to the park!
Twinkle Clean 3 in 1 Hand & Body Sanitizer retails for S$19.90 at TANGS and on the official Twinkle website.
G.Sol Disinfectant Spray
This antibacterial formula is certified non-toxic and non-irritating by the Korea Testing & Research Institute, and can purportedly be used on reusable masks to renew their virus-filtering abilities.
G.Sol Disinfectant Spray retails for S$29.90 (for a six-pack bundle) on Shopee.
Biocair Anti-Bacterial Disinfectant Pocket Spray (Child-friendly)
This pH-neutral, non-toxic formula effectively eliminates common household bacteria and germs, and is also safe for use on children.
Biocair Anti-Bacterial Disinfectant Pocket Spray retails for S$15.80 at Watsons.
Tips: How to clean hands with a hand sanitiser
1. Try your best to remove all visible organic matter such as dirt from your hands. Note that hand sanitisers aren’t very effective when your hands are visibly dirty or greasy
2. Apply approximately an amount of hand sanitiser equivalent to a 20-cent coin size to one of your palms
3. Rub both hands together, making sure that the sanitiser covers every part of your hands and fingers
4. Keep rubbing until you can’t feel any trace of sanitiser anymore
