10 Best Hand Sanitizers in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed By Chemical Engineer

Gaurav Verma is a teacher and researcher in the chemical engineering department of Panjab University, India. He works on various aspects of chemical engineering like solvent matter interface. 

CDC says that soap and water remove all types of germs from hands whereas sanitizer kills them. Sanitizers work fast in killing the germs but certain germs can only be removed by soap and water. Norovirus, cryptosporidium, clostridioides difficile, and heavy metals like lead and pesticides are some of the examples where sanitizer is not effective. 

As we are adjusting to a new normal because of COVID-19, many of our habits have changed and for some, sanitizing is one of them. Today, we value sanitizing more than ever. Do not confuse cleaning and sanitizing, sanitizing is a part of cleaning and it kills germs, reduces the growth of viruses, fungi, and harmful bacteria. Washing on the other hand removes the germs.

Washing with soap and water is more effective but when they are not accessible, hand sanitizers must be used as it can also prevent you from getting infected with COVID-19. 

Hand sanitizers are flooded in the market so it can be a little overwhelming to choose. We have researched about the products and have also considered the reviews. Have a look at our top 10 products. 

While buying hand sanitizer, there are some things that you should keep in mind: the expiry date, type of sanitizer, nutrients, and suitability towards the skin. We have mentioned some points to make you clear before you step into the shop. This article has been medically reviewed by a chemical engineer, Dr. Gaurav Verma, so keep reading!

Commonly there are two types of hand sanitizers in India that are, alcohol-based and alcohol-free. Although to some extent, they both work similarly, one can compare the speed they have to react to the virus.

Alcohol-based sanitizers mainly contain two active ingredients - alcohol or isopropanol- that are both known to kill germs and bacteria. Some of the health organizations are of the view that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are efficient and fast in killing viruses. 

Many health organizations like WHO recommend sanitizers with 60%-95% alcohol content as they effectively kill bacterias and germs; however, alcohol-based sanitizers are highly flammable and must be used with extra precautions. 

Children below the age of 6 should use under the surveillance of parents. If consumed, it can lead to acute alcohol poisoning in children and adults. Overuse can also take away oils present in your skin and end up leaving you with dry skin or itchiness.

Alcohol-free sanitizers are water-based products made from Benzalkonium Chloride. Benzalkonium is a colorless liquid that is used for oil antiseptic. Alcohol-free sanitizers have less than 0.1% concentrations of Benzalkonium. Although many organizations recommend alcohol-based hand sanitizers, some believe that alcohol-free sanitizers provide the same level of protection.

They are non-flammable and relatively non-toxic. They don't cause dryness to the skin and cause less harm if consumed. But, they haven't gained real traction in the market, and many researchers believe that they are slow to react to the virus.

Triclosan is an ingredient added to some products like soaps, toothpaste, and some cosmetics to prevent bacterial contamination. According to the FDA, high doses of triclosan can decrease the levels of some thyroid hormones. Also, Some studies suggest that exposure to triclosan might affect fetal development, asthma, and fertility negatively. They are not even capable of dealing with the common cold; hence they should be avoided.

There is another substance called methanol, it is a type of alcohol made from natural gas. Methanol is also used to make clothing and as a chemical agent in pharmaceuticals and agrichemicals. However, FDA has warned against methanol in sanitizers as it can lead to nausea, headaches, blindness, and even coma. 

Most of us are not usually in the habit of checking the manufacturing date before buying the product. This is very important for your safety because if the sanitizer is expired then it is 90% less effective. 

Typically, the industry has maintained the limit for the validation of a sanitizer and if it has an expiration date it means that the ingredients present in the product are active. An expired sanitizer will not harm you but it will not be as effective. Generally, the expiration date is 2-3 years for an authentic product.

Ever heard of hand eczema? It is a medical condition that makes the skin rough with blisters that can cause itching and bleeding. It can happen when the skin is overexposed to chemicals, harsh soaps, or raw fruits/vegetables. Alcohol-based sanitizers can cause the skin to become rough also called hand dermatitis. 

So, people with sensitive skin can experience such things more often than others. You can look for moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, vitamin E, or Ayurvedic sanitizers. 

Both of them are equally effective but have a different texture. The researchers have observed that liquid sanitizers kill disease-causing bacteria in 15 seconds, whereas gel hand sanitizers take 30 seconds. Gel-based are more friendly to the skin than liquid-based. 

Gel-based can spread evenly and gives full protection to your hands. Although not all liquid-based sanitizers come with the spray version, those with this facility have a scattered approach and can be wasteful. Gel-based can take a little longer to dry. Hence, they both have their points but work the same way. 

If you have that dry and rough skin and you are struggling to get that moisture, we have some more options for you. Check out our top 10 body moisturizing creams.

Our hands do a lot for us and we are very much dependent on them but we can help them by maintaining proper hygiene. One must maintain the habit of sanitizing the hands, there are a plethora of hand sanitizers available on amazon or flipkart and we've made it a little simpler for you to choose one of them. Always remember, using a sanitizer is an effective way of killing the germs but is secondary to washing. 

Author: Nikhil Deora