21 good hand sanitisers that aren’t drying to the hands – including child-safe options!

To fend off unwanted bacteria and germs in light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, hand sanitisers have become a standard, necessary staple in our beauty rotation overnight, and probably the most sought-after item by the world this year.

The health authorities of Singapore have repeatedly advised that washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, on top of observing good personal hygiene, is good enough to kill germs and viruses.

Yes, that’s includes the kind that SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 disease, belongs to, as the combination of physical flushing and soap detergent can break the structure of the virus.

The washing of hands is even more crucial than ever now, as the practice can limit spread through contact transmission to others and even ourselves because we will inadvertently touch vulnerable open areas such as our eyes, nose or mouth even while wearing a mask. In fact, Dr. Coni Liu, dermatologist at DS Skin Clinic, says that we touch our faces now more than ever – up to 23 times in an hour!

But for times when you don’t have a hand wash and wash basin close by, hand sanitisers are your best bet when you’re out and about. Ahead, we pick 21 of the best moisturising germ-busting liquids that you can get your hands (pun intended) on now.

The 21 good and moisturising hand sanitisers to buy now

Porcelain Skin Protecting Sanitizer

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This plant-based, alcohol-free sanitiser offers antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory benefits without without stripping the skin of its natural moisture, courtesy of its clinically proven combination of natural and medical-grade ingredients such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, and hypochlorous acid water (HOCL).

Porcelain Skin Protecting Sanitizer retails for S$20 on the Porcelain e-store.

DS Skin Clinic All-Day Hand Sanitizer

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Formulated by dermatologists, this new hand sanitiser contains 75% ethyl alcohol and 0.1% benzalkonium chloride, which has been independently tested to be highly effective in killing 99.99% of most household germs and viruses.

Additionally, the DS Skin Clinic All-Day Hand Sanitizer offers round-the-clock protection after the initial
application. A skin-friendly, waterproof polymer film that forms over the skin upon evaporation of the alcohol allows for less frequent application for a period of 24 hours after the first use.

DS Skin Clinic All-Day Hand Sanitizer retails for S$15 at all DS Skin Clinic outlets. There’s also a 10-bottle bundle retailing for S$99 online at the DS Skin Clinic e-store.

Bioré Sanitising Wipes (Non-Alcohol)

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Prefer wipes because they’re less messy? Then try this gentle on-the-go pack which contains zero alcohol, so you know it’s safe to use around the kids even as a mouth wipe. Just remember to seal the pack tightly after use to prevent sheets from drying out.

Bioré Sanitising Wipes (Non-Alcohol) retails for S$2.50 at Watsons.

Lifebuoy Hand Sanitizer Total 10

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You’ve probably seen this alcohol-based formula around in major supermarkets and pharmacies island-wide. Not only does it quash bacteria and virus, it also contains glycerine which leaves your hands feeling moisturised.

This month, it’s been given a new wardrobe to celebrate our country’s 55th birthday. Lifebuoy is collaborating with the most iconic local card game, The Singapore Dream to release a range of limited-edition designs featuring our front-line workers and popular landmarks.

The special-edition Lifebuoy Hand Sanitizer Total 10 retails at S$3.90 at all 7-Eleven stores and Fairprice outlets, as well as on Lazada, Redmart, and Watsons.

Hysses Lemongrass Hand Sanitiser

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You’re probably familiar with the uplifting and energising benefits of lemongrass, but did you know that it contains anti-fungal and antiviral properties to keep your skin protected as well?

Local brand Hysses has conveniently bottled the super ingredient into this spritzing liquid, with soothing cucumber juice added to hydrate hands.

Hysses Lemongrass Hand Sanitiser retails for S$14.90 (65ml) and S$59.90 (300ml) at all Hysses stores and on Lazada. There’s a discount between 10% and 25% ongoing on Lazada at the time of writing.

Kirei Kirei Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizer

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If you like the popular Kirei Kirei foaming hand wash, then we’re sure you’ll equally enjoy this hand sanitiser that provides effective antibacterial protection and moisturising benefits to keep hands hygienic and protected.

Kirei Kirei Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizer retails for S$2.55 at Watsons.

Handmade Heroes No-No-Nasties Sanitiser

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Made with just sugar cane-derived ethyl alcohol, water, glycerine, orange, and eucalyptus oil, this formula is gentler on skin and doesn’t give you any of that tacky feeling you’d get from conventional sanitisers. Those who prefer hand sanitisers without an overpowering scent will also appreciate this mildly scent liquid.

Plus, it comes in a handy spritz bottle so you can spray this over your hands, and high-touch areas such as door knobs, lift buttons, tables baby chairs, and more.

Handmade Heroes No-No-Nasties Sanitiser retails for S$8.90 here.

Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash

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If you want a chic way to stay clean and safe, add this Aesop rinse-free formula to your shopping list. The alcohol-based gel effectively kills bacteria upon contact, and also comes with moisturising agents and a fresh, citrusy scent to ensure hands are clean but not stripped.

Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash retails for S$13 at all Aesop stores and online at TANGS.

Biocair Anti-Bacterial Disinfectant Pocket Spray

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Effectively eliminating common household bacteria and germs, this pH-neutral, non-toxic formula is also safe for use on children.

Biocair Anti-Bacterial Disinfectant Pocket Spray retails for S$15.80 at Watsons.

Tony Moly Aloe Chok Chok Hand Gel

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It has 62% ethanol in the formula to take down germs and viruses, and aloe vera leaf water to keep dehydrated hands moisturised without any stickiness.

Tony Moly Aloe Chok Chok Hand Gel retails for S$5.90 at Watsons.

Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Organic Hand Sanitizer

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This simple formula may only consist of organic ethyl alcohol, water, organic peppermint oil, and organic glycerine but it is just as effective, and even safe on children.

Not only that, it also doubles as a deodorant and air freshener – just spray twice or more into the air to enjoy the minty-fresh aroma.

Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Organic Hand Sanitizer retails for S$.790 at Watsons.

Oasis:Skin Purifying Hand Sanitiser

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Local brand Oasis:Skin made this hand sanitiser from plant-based alcohol that is free from phthalates and glycols. It also provides extra moisturising benefits with a nourishing blend of aloe vera and essential oils.

Oasis:Skin Purifying Hand Sanitiser retails for S$8.50 (30ml), S$11.50 (40ml) and S$22 (80ml) here.

Kundal Pure & Safe Sanitizer Spray

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This lightweight water-textured formula comprises green tea, aloe, and calendula extracts to help keep skin moisturised.

Kundal Pure & Safe Sanitizer Spray retails for S$3.90 at Guardian.

Sureclean Sanihands Foamy Sanitizer

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Alcohol-based hand sanitisers may not be for everyone, as they may dry out certain skin or trigger skin allergies. You can opt for this alcohol-free liquid, which is tested by an independent lab to eliminate up to 99.99% disease-causing germs while leaving hands feeling softer and smelling nice after each use. Its fast-foaming formula makes it ideal for children to use.

Sureclean Sanihands Foamy Sanitizer comes only in bundles of three at S$38.70 (50ml) and S$68.70 (180ml) and is available for purchase on the Sureclean website and Lazada.

Cath Kidston Hand Sanitiser – White Clover & Matcha Tea

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Thanks to glycerine and vitamin E in the formula, this cruelty-free, vegan-friendly hand sanitiser is as moisturising as it is protective. Apart from the cute, cheerful packaging, we also like that it keeps hands smelling fresh with a lovely white clover-matcha scent!

Cath Kidston Hand Sanitiser – White Clover & Matcha Tea retails for S5.90 at Watsons.

Ollie The Oil Company Hand Sanitizer Spray

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This ethyl alcohol-based liquid uses a blend of tea tree, sweet orange, and peppermint essential oils for their antibacterial, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties. It also comes with a refreshingly minty, citrusy scent that promises to uplift the senses while keeping bacteria at bay.

Ollie The Oil Company Hand Sanitizer Spray retails for S$8 on Lazada.

G.Sol Disinfectant Spray

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Certified non-toxic and non-irritating by the Korea Testing & Research Institute, this antibacterial formula can purportedly be used on reusable masks to renew their virus-filtering abilities.

G.Sol Disinfectant Spray retails for S$5.90 at Watsons.

Botanica Culture 100% Natural Hand Sanitizer

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This 100% natural, gentle-on-skin hand sanitiser contains antimicrobial and cleansing properties from an essential oil mixture of tea tree, lavender, sweet orange, lemongrass, and eucalyptus. Its essential oil blend offers long-lasting germ protection without stripping away your skin’s natural oils.

Botanica Culture 100% Natural Hand Sanitizer retails for S$12 on Lazada.

Betadine Natural Defense Hand Sanitizer

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This alcohol-based gel formula is enriched with manuka honey for its antibacterial benefits, so that your hands are left protected and also nourished.

Betadine Natural Defense Hand Sanitizer retails for S$3.20 at Watsons.

Twinkle Clean 3 in 1 Hand & Body Sanitizer

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This alcohol-free formula contains a concoction of eight antibacterial natural essential oils, including organic grapeseed, moringa, and geranium, to help thwart off germs and bacteria without leaving your hands dehydrated.

You’ll also find organic camellia japonica seed oil from Japan which serves as a shield against damaging UV rays and pollutants in the air, and whitewood oil from Indonesia that has insect-repelling properties.

Twinkle Clean 3 in 1 Hand & Body Sanitizer retails for S$19.90 at TANGS and on the official Twinkle website.

Cloversoft 99.99% Germs Bgone Hand Sanitiser

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This fragrance-free gel offers effective cleaning with pure isopropyl alcohol, which the brand claims to be less drying on hands.

Cloversoft 99.99% Germs Bgone Hand Sanitiser retails for S$2.95 at Unity and selected supermarkets as well as on Amazon and Redmart.