Staying germ-free isn’t always easy! In just the first 30 seconds of waking up, you can find us touching night stands, light switches, and phone screens. And all those things carry dust, bacteria, and grime (ugh).
As much as we wish we had faucets in our pockets for constant hand-washing, we often find ourselves in need of a quick fix. Like after pushing the pedestrian crossing button, or breathing on a subway platform, or shaking hands with someone who three seconds later says they’re feeling sick! Been there, too?
So if you want to ease your face-touching, germs-are-everywhere worries, but not sure which products are best for you (and the planet), we’ve got you covered.
P.S. This post does include an affiliate link, so we get a portion of the profits from sales when you order with our link. But we don’t do this lightly! We only recommend products from companies with inspiring missions that we truly trust.
What you need to know about hand sanitizer
While most hand sanitizers are easy to use, not all of them are created equal.
Here’s the issue: some commercial hand sanitizers are full of potentially harmful chemicals.
For example, Triclosan is a chemical that has been linked to hormone disruptions, and it may even cause bacteria to adapt to its antimicrobial properties, which could create more antibiotic-resistant strains. Not good at all.
And most store-bought hand sanitizers are either packaged in plastic bottles or come as disinfectant wipes. So, trying to cut your single-use waste and Purell-ing usually don’t go hand in hand.
Plus, commercial hand sanitizers aren’t exactly the easiest thing to come by right now. Shelves are cleared and stocks are quickly dwindling. But the good news is, alternatives are out there, and if you ask us, they’re even better!
Our go-to natural hand sanitizer: Habitat Botanicals
Our favorite natural hand sanitizer is from Habitat Botanicals, a vegan-friendly, zero-waste minded company dedicated to making skin care toxin-free. And we are so here for it.
While so many brands include hard-to-pronounce chemicals, Habitat Botanicals uses four super simple ingredients: alcohol, aloe vera extract liquid, lemon essential oil, and sweet orange essential oil. Plus, they use glass bottles, and all the materials, including ingredients and packaging, are manufactured and bottled in North America.
Beyond the calming smell, the aloe provides hydration, so you wont get that dry, cracking skin feeling. And it contains at least 70 percent alcohol content, which meets the CDC’s recommendations for what’s needed to kill as many germs as possible. Super important.
We love it so much, so if you want to try it too — take advantage of our special Wholesome Fam deal! When you order a 6 or 12 pack, you’ll get a FREE detergent-based sanitizing soap bar.
Of course, we’re number one fans of scrubbing hands with soap and water. But when you’re in need of a quick clean, this should give you a little extra layer of germ-fighting protection!
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