COVID-19 has made us all more aware of the germs our hands could be coming into contact with on a daily basis. Having a hand sanitizer wipe can quickly and easily clean hands and surfaces that may be carrying germs. Whether you’re concerned about the spread of coronavirus or the common cold, hand sanitizer wipes can keep you healthy.
While using too much strong antibacterial cleanser can harm hands, wipes can moisturize hands with the aid of aloe or other oils, like The Honest Company Sanitizing Alcohol Wipes, which are made without fragrance, parabens or other harsh chemicals.
What to know before you buy hand sanitizer wipes
Effectiveness
The alcohol content in a hand sanitizing wipe can be directly linked to its effectiveness, with higher percentages of alcohol killing the most bacteria. Alcohol is great for killing bacteria on surfaces but can irritate skin over time, especially for those who use hand sanitizer frequently or have sensitive skin.
Packaging
It’s easy to find bulk packs of hand sanitizing wipes online and in stores. Wipes can be sold in resealable packages with 50 wipes each or in boxes with individually wrapped wipes. Buying individually wrapped wipes can make it easy to keep in a bag or pack in a kid’s lunch box. Larger resealable packages can be kept in a diaper bag or in the car.
Hand sanitizer wipes features
Moisturizing
Alcohol is a drying agent which can dry out and irritate skin, especially those with sensitive skin. To solve this pain point, some hand sanitizer wipes now contain fewer chemicals like chlorine and parabens and are made with aloe or other essential oils to improve skin health.
Scent
One of the most unappealing aspects of hand sanitizer, in general, is the overwhelming smell of rubbing alcohol that follows. While hand sanitizing wipes can still have this scent, brands are now trying to make the scent less offensive by offering unscented wipes, floral-scented wipes or more natural wipes that smell like essential oils. There’s no real indication that opting for a different scent of wipe will lessen its effectiveness, so it’s a matter of personal preference.
Wipe material
Hand sanitizing wipes can come in different thicknesses or quality of wipe cloth. Some thinner wipes almost feel like wet paper and can be flimsy and rough on skin. This kind of wipe may be available in higher quantities because they can be packed tighter, or they can be easier to bring in individually wrapped packages on the go. They might also be better for quick surface cleanups. Other wipes are thicker and more cloth-like, with a softer and more durable texture. These are better for bigger cleanups or to use on hands.
Hand sanitizer wipes cost
A pack of hand sanitizer wipes can run anywhere from $5-$15, depending on the effectiveness, added moisturizer or cloth quality. Hand sanitizer wipes often come in bulk packages which can decrease the amount you’re paying per wipe. Bulk packages of wipes can be as inexpensive as $0.07 per wipe.
Hand sanitizer wipes FAQ
Are hand sanitizer wipes safe to use on or around babies?
A. Babies are extremely sensitive to the harsh chemicals in hand sanitizing wipes. Using hand sanitizing wipes with alcohol on baby hands or toys can actually lead to alcohol poisoning. There are wipes made specifically for babies or young children but because they don’t contain alcohol, they can be less effective.
Do hand sanitizer wipes expire?
A. Because hand sanitizer wipes are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, they’re required to have some kind of expiration date. However, it’s not clear if wipes past their expiration date will be as effective. Expiration dates are typically 2-3 years past the purchase date.
Which hand sanitizer wipes should I get?
Best of the best hand sanitizer wipes
The Honest Company Sanitizing Alcohol Wipes: available at Amazon
Our take: A bulk pack of wipes from a trusted brand that is tough on bacteria but soft on skin with no harmful additives.
What we like: Wipes contain 65% plant-derived alcohol, making them very effective at killing bacteria, but they also contain aloe which protects hands against dryness. Comes in a bulk set of three packs to keep in a purse or in the car. These are best for use on skin versus disinfecting surfaces.
What we dislike: Wipes have a very strong alcohol smell which can be off-putting to some, but it dissipates after drying.
Best bang for your buck hand sanitizer wipes
Care Touch Hand Sanitizing Wipes: available at Amazon
Our take: Individually packaged wipes that can easily fit in bags and pockets with effective germ-killing power.
What we like: Wipes come in small packets that are easy to open and keep wipes moist until opened. Users say the wipes are balanced, not too dry and not too moist. Only a mild alcohol smell. You get 110 wipes in total.
What we dislike: The wipes dry quite quickly as soon as they’re opened, making them best for hands or small cleanups.
Honorable mention hand sanitizer wipes
Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes: available at Amazon
Our take: Popular brand-name wipes with an appealing scent that are trusted to kill germs on hands and surfaces.
What we like: A thick durable sanitizing cloth available in a fresh floral scent. Unlike other hand sanitizing wipes, these are great for surfaces because of their larger size and long-lasting moisture. Wipes contain aloe to improve hand softness.
What we dislike: Resealable package is not as effective at keeping wipes moist over time like individually wrapped wipes.
Daisy Kelly is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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