We all know that washing our hands is the best way to avoid getting sick from germs. It’s important to scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to get rid of dirt and germs. Plus, soap can break down most viruses’ outer layer, making them less dangerous.
However, sometimes soap and water aren’t around, so hand sanitizer is a good alternative. But with so many hand sanitizers out there, it can be tricky to find the best one for kids.
Our Top Picks
1.Babyganics Foaming Pump Hand Sanitizer
⭐Best Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer For Kids
Did you know that Babyganics hand sanitizer is a great choice for those who don’t like scented products? This sanitizer has no off-putting chemical or alcohol smells, making it perfect for anyone who wants a more pleasant experience.
Another great thing about this sanitizer is that it doesn’t clog up the nozzle like some other sanitizers can. The liquid pumps evenly from the bottle; just one pump is enough to coat a child’s hands. You won’t have to break the bank to keep your hands clean!
What sets Babyganics apart from other sanitizers is that it doesn’t use alcohol. Instead, it relies on plant-based ingredients that are gentle on the skin but still effective in fighting bacteria. This means the sanitizer is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and dyes, so even babies with extra-sensitive skin can benefit from it.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a hand sanitizer that’s gentle on your skin and free of unpleasant scents, Babyganics is definitely worth a try!
Pros
- Moisturizes your child’s hands.
- Free from harsh chemicals.
- Efficient foaming pump bottle.
Cons
- Has a slight tacky feeling.
2. Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Gel
⭐Best Hand Sanitizer For School
Looking for a great hand sanitizer for your six-year-old or older? Look no further than Purell! This hand sanitizer comes in a shatter-proof bottle perfect for kids on the go. Toss it in your child’s backpack, and you won’t have to worry about it getting damaged throughout the day.
The flip-top bottle is also great because it lowers the chances of losing the cap, and the packaging is cute without being too childish. It’s the perfect size to fit a backpack without being too small and easily lost. Plus, the essential oils infused in the sanitizer will leave your kid’s skin smelling good.
This sanitizer gel dries quickly and won’t leave your child’s hands in sticky residue. And if you’re worried about the safety of hand sanitizers for kids or the quality of the ingredients, you can rest easy knowing that this hand sanitizer is made in the USA.
In conclusion, if you want a hand sanitizer that’s convenient, safe, and effective for your child, Purell is definitely worth checking out!
Pros
- Reusable jelly wraps, which is an environmentally-friendly choice.
- Preferred by healthcare professionals.
Cons
- Alcohol in the sanitizer may be drying for those with sensitive skin.
3. Germ-X Original Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer Gel
⭐Best Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer For Kids
Germ-X Original hand sanitizing gel has just enough alcohol to be effective, making it less likely than other high-alcohol gels to dry out sensitive skin. This “kind to skin” element also benefits from adding vitamin E and other moisturizers to leave hands soft after use.
The gel is much like other hand sanitizer gels in texture and feel. So, beware, the gel might slide off your child’s hands if they’re not careful. That’s not a big deal, but something to be aware of if your kids will be using it unsupervised.
In the same way that the texture is standard, so is the smell. There isn’t a strong perfumed scent coming from this one, only that vague whiff of an alcohol-type smell we have all become familiar with.
Pros
- Infused with vitamin E.
- Non-drying formulation.
Cons
- room for improvement in the packaging.
4. Sun Bum Hand Sanitizer
⭐Best Vegan Hand Sanitizer For Kids
We came across a hand sanitizer specifically designed for the youngest users, but still contains alcohol. This is a significant distinction because most hand sanitizers for small children are alcohol-free. While that might sound appealing, those products won’t protect your little ones as effectively as Baby Bum, which meets the CDC guidelines for hand sanitizers.
This spray is not only effective, but it’s also certified vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologically tested. So, you can rest assured that it’s safe for your kids and no animals were harmed in making this product.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a hand sanitizer that’s safe and effective for your little ones, Baby Bum is definitely worth considering. It’s formulated to meet CDC guidelines and vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologically tested.
Pros
- Dermatologist approved.
- Dries quickly without leaving any sticky residue.
Cons
- Looks like a toddler product, so your older kids might not want to take it to school with them.
5. Steris Alcare Plus Foaming Hand Rub
⭐Best Foaming Hand Sanitizer For Kids
Steris foaming hand rub is a highly popular hand sanitizer used in hospital settings, and now it’s also available for personal use. The foaming formula is designed for frequent and professional use, ensuring its effectiveness.
The bottle features a nozzle top similar to hair mousse bottles, and the foam is dispensed by simply turning the bottle upside down and pressing down on the nozzle. While it’s not difficult to use, younger children might struggle with the process.
One of the benefits of this product is that it absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue. The foaming formula also prevents the sanitizer from sliding off your hands, which can be an issue with some gel hand sanitizers.
If you’re looking for a high-quality hand sanitizer trusted by hospitals and medical professionals, Steris foaming hand rub is an excellent option. Its foaming formula and easy absorption make it a reliable choice for personal use.
Pros
- Meets FDA standards as a surgical scrub.
- Non-sticky.
Cons
Creamy texture can result in overuse by some kids.
Types of Hand Sanitizers for Kids
Hey there! When it comes to hand sanitizers for kids, there are different types available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. However, what’s more important than the type you choose is using the right technique to apply it. So, let’s talk about the four options you have when it comes to hand sanitizers.
Spray
Spray hand sanitizers can be easier for an adult to apply to the hands of a child, but it can be difficult to see where the spray has been applied. You risk not using enough to be effective.
Gel
You might have noticed that gel sanitizer forms a small pool on your child’s hand when you pump it out. This makes it easy to keep track of how much you’ve applied. Plus, this type of sanitizer is pretty popular and also budget-friendly.
Foam
Foaming hand sanitizer is less likely to slide off of the hands than gel sanitizer, meaning most of the sanitizer you squirt onto your hands will stay there. But, because of the ingredients used to make the alcohol foam, it tends to be more expensive.
Wipes
Hand sanitizer wipes are pretty handy when cleaning a child’s hands. However, studies have indicated that wipes may not be as effective as other types of hand sanitizers for kids.
Is it safe for kids to use hand sanitizers?
When it comes to getting rid of germs, regular soap is more effective than hand sanitizers. Hand sanitizers don’t impact the virus’s outer layer as much. However, when soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol is the next best option. It’s safe for kids to use as long as they don’t have a specific illness or condition that prevents them from using it.
But the American Association Of Poison Control Centers has reported increased cases of accidental hand sanitizer ingestion. So until a child is old enough to use it safely, parents should keep hand sanitizers out of reach and supervise their use.
If you’re worried about accidental ingestion, check the bottle label to see if the hand sanitizer has been “denatured.” This means an ingredient has been added to make the sanitizer taste bitter, making it less likely to be swallowed. It’s also important to check which type of alcohol is used in the hand sanitizer.
Isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) can be more toxic than ethyl alcohol (ethanol) if swallowed. Additionally, some hand sanitizers may contain methanol, which can be harmful if ingested or used repeatedly on the skin. So, it’s best to avoid this ingredient whenever possible.
What Age Can a Child Use Hand Sanitizer?
Some medical professionals hold conflicting opinions on whether hand sanitizers are safe to use on babies or not. It’s advisable to seek advice from your pediatrician on whether using hand sanitizers on your baby is safe since they are familiar with your child’s medical history. Alternatively, you could avoid using hand sanitizers altogether and opt for frequent handwashing instead.
However, until children are old enough to use hand sanitizers responsibly, they should only use them under adult supervision. It’s important to dispense the hand sanitizer yourself and monitor its application until you are confident your child will not.
- Lick their hands before the hand sanitizer dries.
- Ingest or drink the hand sanitizer.
- Use the hand sanitizer in places other than their hands.
- Share their hand sanitizer with others.
Hand Sanitizer FAQS
How often should kids use hand sanitizer?
Kids should use hand sanitizer as often as necessary, especially when soap and water are unavailable.
Can hand sanitizer be harmful to kids with allergies?
Hand sanitizer can be harmful to kids with allergies if it contains any allergenic ingredients. It’s important to check the label and consult a doctor for any concerns.