We have passed through a tough time when a significant number of motility and morbidity had occurred due to the SARS-COV-2 virus, commonly termed coronavirus, and its further variants. At present we are a little relaxed, but the threat has not gone away yet. As per the medical scientists along with PPE-like face masks etc., proper hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand sanitizer was the best solution to reduce/stop the spread of COVID-19 infection.

Hand sanitizers in the past 2 years turned out to be the hygiene products of utmost importance and we should not forget these. Still, the situation is not up to that mark which permits us to stop taking precautions against COVID-19 and its variants. In some parts of India and abroad COVID is again becoming a threat to human life. Instead, the COVID episode has warned us to be cautious in the future as some other unknown or known viruses, bacteria, or any other microbes may spread and pose a threat to us. Taking precautions is the best preventive action.

Germs are everywhere! They can get onto our hands and items we touch during daily activities and make us sick. Soap and water remove most of the microbes but Hand sanitizers containing alcohol: like Dettol, Algard IP Ultra, and Savlon, etc. kill/inactivate the microbes and save us from infectious diseases, becoming one of the most preferred options in most situations where repeated hand washing and drying is not possible.

There are good quality products available in India which contain alcohol contents for hand disinfection, as per WHO or CDC recommendations. Following are the 7 Best Hand Sanitizers In India 2022-2023:

1. Dettol

When it comes to the best hand sanitizers in India, there’s no doubt that Dettol Sanitizer takes the cake. So, it is commended by the National Integrated Medical Association (NIMA). It’s the best choice when it comes to protecting yourself from Coronavirus.

2. Lifebuoy

Lifebuoy hand sanitizers are enriched with moisturizers and Vitamin E to ensure that your hands remain smooth and germ-free. It comes in gel form and protects against germs and viruses. portable, these sanitizers are popular with office workers and travelers.

3. Algard

Algard IP Ultra is also one of the best choices to keep our hands protected from Microbes. This formulation contains Isopropyl alcohol 75% v/v and other components, which have been recommended by WHO as very effective against the SARS-COV-2 virus, the cause of COVID-19. It protects our hands from microbes including viruses and contains moisturizer which keeps the skin smooth.

4. Himalaya

The Himalaya pure hand sanitizer is made from 70% alcohol and claims to kill 99.9% of germs. There are some ayurvedic properties in this product, which make it unique. And it comes in different sizes and fragrances.

5. Savlon

It is effective at killing bacteria and fungi. Savlon sanitizers are useful to all frontline workers and professionals in the healthcare domain. As a result of their effectiveness in sanitizing hands, they are perfect for everyday use.

6. Dabur

This sanitizer contains 60% alcohol, is non-sticky, and does not need to be rinsed after use. Both surfaces and people can benefit from this sanitizer which offers protection against a wide range of viruses and bacteria. The sanitizer comes in simple, easy-to-use plastic packaging with a flip cap.

7. Purell

This sanitizer contains approx 60% alcohol and is effective. As a result, it ensures complete hand hygiene as it kills 99.99% of germs and protects users from germs and infections.

When to use Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizer

Before and after visiting a friend or loved one in a hospital or nursing home, unless the person is sick with Clostridioides difficile (if so, use soap and water to wash hands).

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains atleast 60% alcohol, and wash with soap and water as soon as you can as Chemical contamination if any can be removed best with soap and water.

DO NOT use hand sanitizer if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy—for example, after gardening, playing outdoors, fishing, or camping. If a handwashing station is available, wash your hands with soap and water instead.

Did you know that it is not only the concentration of alcohol in hand sanitizer which is important rather the quality of alcohol used matters a lot? Some low-quality hand sanitizers give an unacceptable smell and also don’t give proper protection to us.

Conclusion

While purchasing hand sanitizer one should always check the % age of alcohol used in it. It should be between 70-90%. However not at all less than 60%. It should not leave any unacceptable smell and should leave smooth skin after drying. Some of the formulations have been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) which may be helpful in selecting the right product for the protection of our hands from microbes. We should never forget that prevention is better than cure.