Hand sanitisers play an essential role in overall hygiene, especially in today’s unhealthy atmosphere. When we consider ways to protect ourselves against the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious diseases and bacteria, we must implement effective hygiene practices in our day-to-day lives.
When we’re on the move, going to a shopping centre, running off to get take-out, or traveling, we don’t always have access to soap and water, but we can pack a bottle of hand sanitiser in our bags or our vehicles, even at the office desk.
The question then becomes, which hand sanitiser brand is best to use and whether you should choose alcohol-based or alcohol-free sanitiser. People prefer either for different reasons. An alcohol-based sanitizers is reported to have prolonged efficacy, while an alcohol-free sanitiser protects your hands without drying or damaging your skin.
Here are some key differences you may want to consider when deciding which to choose:
Alcohol-based Hand Sanitisers
- Most alcohol-based sanitisers are reported to contain 60-65% alcohol and kill 99.9% of germs.
- An increased percentage of alcohol in your sanitiser means increased protection.
- Pocket-sized alcohol-based sanitisers are available in stores across the country and are convenient for travelling.
- Most alcohol-based sanitisers result in dryness of the skin. This occurs because the alcohol strips away the skin’s natural sebum and lipids.
- There is little to no variance between brands since the formulations don’t differ significantly.
- Alcohol is very effective in killing germs instantly, but it is also reported to evaporate soon. It does not provide prolonged protection from the time of application. Most alcohol-based sanitisers do not offer residual antimicrobial protection.
- Alcohol is highly flammable and poses a fire risk. It should always be stored in a safe environment, away from any heat.
Alcohol-free Foaming Hand Sanitisers
- This type of hand sanitiser has been proven to be kinder to your skin. It contains emollients that are developed as a moisturiser and can be used repetitively without causing harm.
- Alcohol-based sanitisers are generally not effective against spores, whereas alcohol-free foaming hand sanitisers are widely used for their effectiveness on various pathogens.
- Alcohol-free sanitisers are more cost-effective and typically result in more applications per bottle since it uses a foaming mechanism.
- The antimicrobial compounds found in most alcohol-free sanitisers can last for up to four hours after application. It is also suitable for all cultural and religious groups.
- Alcohol-free sanitisers do not need any storage directions.
WHAT IS THE RIGHT KIND OF SANITISER
Both alcohol-free and alcohol-based sanitisers are effective in killing harmful microbes. We recommend that you choose the right product by weighing your needs against your budget and environment, and of course, your personal needs.
For example, for people working from home, at school or a rehab centre, an alcohol-free sanitiser would be ideal since it presents no hazards or risks. However, people working in a healthcare facility may be required to use a strong alcohol-based sanitiser.
Whichever you decide on, there is a wide selection of sanitisers available on the market, ranging from alcohol-based, alcohol-free and gel-based. You can easily find one to suit your pocket. However, if you’re more of an alcohol-free sanitiser fan, we recommend trying the Hygiene Labs range. Their range of alcohol-free sanitisers are trusted and used by major travel brands, including international airlines. Using the latest SiQuat technology
It has a 24 hour protection on the skin with one application, and has a toxicity rating similar to that of Vitamin C.
