Last Updated: December 29, 2022

11 best hand sanitizers for killing germs.

WRITTEN BY Grove Collaborative • 17 min read

We have always looked to hand sanitizers for killing germs, but during the past year, hand sanitizers have become a must-have item in every household for when you’re away from home and can’t get to a sink to wash up. There has been argument around what types of hand sanitizers are best to use and how much alcohol should be in a useful hand sanitizer. The CDC has stated that hand sanitizers with 60% or more alcohol should be able to keep viruses from spreading, including the coronavirus.


Check out our list of the best hand sanitizers for killing germs, including this member-favorite Grove Co. Hydrating Hand Sanitizer that comes in a handy travel bottle and is available in two lovely scents that won’t make you sick like some other hand sanitizers that are packed with alcohol. Find your preffered pick for helping keep you safe and from getting sick.


This list of products was determined by ratings and reviews from Grove members.

1. Grove Co. Hand Sanitizer - Hydrating

product image

A large hand sanitizer proven to effectively kill 99.9% of common germs in 30 seconds* while moisturizing.

  • KILLS 99.9% OF GERMS IN 30 SECONDS*
    Our fast-absorbing hand sanitizer works to kill common and virus-causing germs within 30 seconds of contact. In addition to antibacterial and antifungal properties, the gel formula also contains 62% …

(2258)
7.5 Oz
$9.49
Shop Now

2. Grove Co. Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray - Kills 99.9% of Germs (Travel Size)

product image

A travel size hand sanitizer spray proven to effectively kill 99.9% of common germs in 30 seconds* while moisturizing.

  • KILLS 99.9% OF GERMS IN 30 SECONDS*
    Our sanitizer spray works to kill common and virus-causing germs within 30 seconds of contact. In addition to antibacterial and antifungal properties, the gel formula also contains 62% …

(1283)
2 Oz
$4.49
Shop Now

3. Grove Co. Hydrating Hand Sanitizer- Kills 99.9% of Germs (Travel Size)

product image

A travel size hand sanitizer proven to effectively kill 99.9% of common germs in 30 seconds* while moisturizing.

  • KILLS 99.9% OF GERMS IN 30 SECONDS*
    Our travel size sanitizer works to kill common and virus-causing germs within 30 seconds of contact. In addition to antibacterial and antifungal properties, the gel formula also contains 62% …

(1055)
2 Oz
$3.95
Shop Now

4. Alpine Provisions Hand Sanitizer

product image

It's a jungle out there. So, when you're out and about on your next adventure, stay safe and healthy with Alpine Provisions Hand Sanitizer. Unlike other hand sanitizers that can leave your skin feeling dry, Alpine Provisions uses a special blend of essential oils and aloe vera that not only smells incredible, but also has amazing softening …

(7)
2.4 Oz
$9.99
Shop Now

5. Mrs. Meyer's Hand Sanitizer

product image

Get peace of mind even when you’re nowhere near somewhere to wash your hands. This Mrs. Meyer's Hand Sanitizer is phthalate-free, methanol-free, paraben-free, made in the US, and Leaping Bunny–certified. Plus, it comes in an easy-to-carry, travel-sized bottle, complete with a push-spray top and lid for hand sanitizing on the go.

Are you …

(310)
2 Oz
$4.49
Shop Now

6. Curie Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Trio

product image
A Trio of Seriously Moisturizing Hand Sanitizers A clean gel hand sanitizer that moisturizes your hands while killing germs. The formula feels more like a skincare product than a hand sanitizer and will leave your hands feeling silky smooth.

What ingredients make this hand sanitizer special?

This hand sanitizer is formulated with …

(14)
3 x Hydrating Hand Sanitizer - 2 OZ
$19.99
Shop Now

7. Grove Co. Hand Sanitizing Wipes - Kills 99.9% of Germs

product image

Hand sanitizing wipes made with alcohol and aloe to clean hands without overdrying them, proven to be 99.9% effective against most common germs.

  • 99.9% EFFECTIVE AGAINST MOST COMMON GERMS*
    Our Hand Sanitizing Wipes keep hands clean and free from germs when there’s no soap or water around. Infused with 65% alcohol, they are proven to kill 99.9% …

(135)
30 wipes
$5.49
Shop Now

8. Dr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitizer Spray

product image

Pop the top, spray, and stop germs dead in their tracks with this Dr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitizer Spray. Using a simple formula, this natural lavender hand sanitizer spray helps keep dirt and germs away without adding any harsh chemicals to your skin. It’s USDA organic, fair trade, biodegradable, paraben-free, triclosan-free, sulfate-free, …

(143)
2 Oz
$5.49
Shop Now

9. Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer

product image

Did you know you can protect baby’s tiny hands from germs just like you would anyone else’s in your family? This Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer is dermatologist tested to kill 99.9% of common germs without using phthalates, artificial dyes, parabens, or sulfates. Plus, its easy-to-use pump dispenser makes cleaning up hands …

(44)
8.4 oz
$7.49
Shop Now

10. Babyganics Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizing Wipes

product image

We’ve really got to give Babyganics a hand when it comes to these awesome Babyganics Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizing Wipes. Packaged in a 20-count travel bundle and packed with big, germ-killing power, these hand sanitizing wipes help kill up to 99% of common germs without using alcohol. Plus, they’re gentle enough for your baby’s skin.

Want to …

(43)
20 Count
$5.99
Shop Now

11. Grove Co. Kids Hydrating Hand Sanitizer- Kills 99.9% of Germs - Kid-Friendly Natural Scents

product image
A hydrating hand sanitizer in kid-friendly plant-derived scents proven to effectively kill 99.9% of common germs in 30 seconds* while moisturizing.

  • Kills 99.9% of germs in 30 seconds*
    Our kids hands sanitizer works to kill common and virus-causing germs within 30 seconds of contact. In addition to antibacterial and antifungal properties, the …
(93)
2 oz
$4.49
Shop Now

FAQs

Does hand sanitizer expire?

Generally speaking, yes, hand sanitizer does expire. Hand sanitizer spray or gel can last up to three years from its manufacturing date. You’ll want to keep an eye on the date on your bottle to make sure to replace it when needed. (These days, most of us go through hand sanitizer super quickly and a bottle usually won’t last us even a year, but this info is still good to keep in the back of your mind.)


The interesting part about hand sanitizer expiring is that even when it gets old and reaches its expiration date, it still may be okay to use. Why is that? Well, because it’s made with alcohol, which may still have some effectiveness even after your hand sanitizer has expired. Although, even though it may not work great, it still may be better than using nothing at all if you’re in a bind.


Does hand sanitizer kill viruses?

Hand sanitizer goes to work fast to kill germs on your hands, and the CDC says any hand sanitizer with 60% or more alcohol in it should inactivate viruses, including coronavirus, if it’s used correctly. Remember properly washing hands with soap and water is always the best thing to do if you’re looking to kill germs and keep viruses from spreading. Only use hand sanitizer wipes or hand sanitizer sprays and gels when washing your hands isn’t an option.


Here’s how to use hand sanitizer — whether it's from a hand sanitizer dispenser or a bottle:


  • Cover your hands in sanitizer in all areas
  • Rub the hand sanitizer in until your hands are dry again
  • Even when you’ve used hand sanitizer, to be your very safest, don’t touch your face until you can wash your hands

Can you make your own hand sanitizer?

Although you technically can make your own hand sanitizer because you’d only need a few hand sanitizer ingredients, you shouldn’t. The FDA advises not to make your own hand sanitizer at home because if it’s made incorrectly there can be serious consequences such as hand burns. Plus, if it’s ineffective, that defeats the whole purpose of using it and leaves you vulnerable to germs and viruses.


You should always wash your hands with soap and water whenever possible to stop the spread of germs and viruses, but, when that’s not an option, hand sanitizer is the next best thing. We’ve put together a list above of the best germ-killing hand sanitizers so you can pick your favorite for on-the-go hand cleaning. Choose from a wide variety of great options, including Grove originals like the Grove Co. Hand Sanitizer - Hydrating.


What is Grove Collaborative?

At Grove, we take the guesswork out of which products are good for you and your home. Every product meets strict standards for being nontoxic, effective, sustainable, and cruelty-free. Once you find products you love, we ship to your home on a flexible, monthly schedule.


If you're ready to make the transition to natural cleaning, beauty, and household products, shop Grove Collaborative's natural products for the eco-friendly tools to tackle the job.

Notice to California Consumers: For your opt-out options, see: Do Not Sell My Personal Information