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In the time of COVID-19, staying vigilant in protecting ourselves and others is essential to reduce the spread of the virus. Carrying around one of the best hand sanitizer formulas, along with wearing a mask and washing your hands often, is an optimal way to keep germs at bay while navigating the recent spikes across the country.
“The reason why hand sanitizer is recommended for hand hygiene is because alcohol-based hand rubs, in general, attack or reduce the presence of a variety of pathogens, including certain viruses that are similar in some ways to the novel coronavirus,” explains Ogbonnaya Omenka, a public health expert and assistant professor at Butler University. “Part of the appeal of hand sanitizer is that it lends itself to more compliance in terms of maintaining hand hygiene, compared to soap and water, simply because it requires less efforts and steps. Think of hand sanitizer as an able sidekick to handwashing with soap and water.” When choosing a hand sanitizer, it’s essential to adhere to the FDA guidelines and ensure it contains at least 60% alcohol. “Anything less might end up only inhibiting the growth of the pathogens, as opposed to destroying them,” explains Omenka. When applying it, add an adequate amount to the palm of one hand, then rub both hands together until they are dry, while making sure to reach all hand surfaces, he instructs.
As far as how much to use, it’s difficult to say in these unprecedented times. “Because we’re dealing with a pandemic due to a virus that we’re still learning more about, there is really no standard for how much hand sanitizer is considered too much,” explains Omenka. “The main concern often associated with sustained use of alcohol-based hand rubs is drying of hands. However, that may pale in comparison to the possible result of not maintaining enough hand hygiene during this COVID-19 crisis. So, frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizer is highly recommended.”
To stay safe on the go, here are the best hand sanitizer formulas to carry with you at all times. (And if you need a moisturizer after, we’ve got recommendations for those too.)
The innovative skin-care brand’s all-business hand sanitizer is formulated with 80% alcohol to reduce bacteria, and is housed in an easy spray-top bottle for tote-it-anywhere ease. What’s more: With every purchase, iS Clinical is donating a bottle to hospitals in need.
Offering a welcome dose of calming and comforting lavender, Dr. Bronner’s elixir is formulated simply with organic ethyl alcohol, water, organic lavender oil, and organic glycerin. And it’s not just for hands; mist it into the air and on public surfaces as well.
Made of 72% organic corn alcohol, Bathing Culture’s High Spirits sanitizer boasts a unique, earthy scent designed to transport you to the redwood tree canopies of Northern California. One dollar of each purchase is donated to DigDeep, an organization that brings clean, running water to American families.
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