Eco-Friendly Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizers are handy for all sorts of situations and are very much here to stay. Of course, washing your hands with soap and water removes bacteria and germs, but sometimes you may find yourself in a sticky situation and only have hand sanitizer. 

Ultimately, it is better to use hand sanitizer than not use anything to disinfect your hands (Source: CDC). 

In this article, I unveil the top picks that combine cleanliness and sustainability. From clean and organic ingredients to recyclable packaging, I’ve curated the best options for a greener and cleaner on-the-go hand hygiene routine. Let’s get stuck into it. 

What Makes Hand Sanitizers Eco-Friendly?

Hand sanitizers can be considered eco-friendly when they have biodegradable ingredients, sustainable packaging, reduce water usage, are ethically sourced and produced, and have ingredients that have been derived from natural sources (Source: Kutol). 

They’re like little eco-warriors, fighting germs while being kind to the environment. Go, eco-friendly sanitizers!

Hand Sanitizer Ingredients to Avoid

It’s important to make informed choices when it comes to hand sanitizer ingredients. Here are some substances to avoid when selecting an eco-friendly hand sanitizer:

Phthalates

These chemicals have been linked to potential health risks. Look for phthalate-free sanitizers for a safer option.

Parabens

These preservatives are known to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, so they are best avoided for those with sensitive skin (Source: Puracy). 

Synthetic Fragrance

Synthetic fragrances may contain undisclosed chemicals and can be irritating to the skin. Opt for unscented or naturally scented sanitizers to avoid any issues.

Triclosan

This antibacterial agent is not only potentially harmful to the environment as it becomes a Persistent Organic Pollutant when it degrades, but also contributes to antibiotic resistance (Carey and McNamara, 2014).

Other ingredients to avoid 

You may also want to avoid hydrogen peroxide and benzalkonium chloride as these chemicals can stain clothes (Source: A Clean Bee).

Eco-Friendly Hand Sanitizer Brands

ATTITUDE Living Hand Sanitizer Spray

Crafted with care, this hand sanitizer guarantees cleanliness, freshness, and protection for your hands when you’re on the move. 

Its unique formula, enriched with the goodness of nature, delivers an exceptional cleansing experience while simultaneously nourishing and moisturizing your skin. 

With three enticing scents to choose from – orange, lemon, and olive leaves – it adds a delightful aroma to your sanitizing routine.

Attitude Living places great importance on using natural and sustainable ingredients, ensuring their hand sanitizer remains free from harsh chemicals like triclosan and parabens. 

Dermatologically tested, it suits all skin types, including sensitive skin, providing peace of mind to every user. 

This hand sanitizer is proudly certified cruelty-free, vegan, and devoid of artificial fragrances, reflecting the brand’s commitment to ethical and environmentally-friendly practices.

Pros:

• Certified vegan.
• Free from artificial fragrances.
• Kind to sensitive skin.
• Recyclable and refillable spray bottle.
• The ingredients are not harmful to aquatic life.

Cons:

• Some customers did not enjoy the orange scent as they found it too overpowering. 
• Some customers found the consistency to be quite watery. 

Specs:

• Size: 3.38 fl oz / 100ml 
• Scent: Choose from lemon, orange or olive
• Certifications: EWG Verified, Vegan, Dermatologically tested, Health Canada approved
• Active ingredient: Ethyl alcohol

Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer

This product from Dr. Bronner ticks all the boxes for me. I love products with short ingredient lists, both in list length and word length, as it means they are usually made up of less artificial or synthetic ingredients. 

Dr. Bronner’s organic hand sanitizer uses a simple formula of organic ethyl alcohol, water, organic glycerin (sourced from organic soy), and organic lavender or peppermint oil (depending on your chosen scent). 

Dr. Bronner’s ethos of fair trade extends to working with its suppliers in India, where they work with the peppermint farmers to implement climate-friendly, regenerative, and organic practices to help build healthy soils, reduce erosion, and sequester carbon.

Customer reviews reveal that this hand sanitizer is one of the best available in the market, owing to its clean and simple ingredients, fair price point, ease of use, and applicability. 

Pros:

• Clean, simple, and straightforward ingredients. 
• No nasty artificial or synthetic ingredients. 
• Certified vegan, cruelty-free, fairtrade, and organic. 
• Dr. Bronner works with its suppliers to implement sustainable farming methods. 
• Fair price point. 

Cons:

• Not clear what the container is made from, it appears that there is a plastic top, so this may not be suitable for those who want to reduce their plastic consumption. 

Specs:

• Size: 2 fl oz / 59ml
• Scent: Lavender or peppermint
• Certifications: Certified Vegan, Not Tested on Animals, Fair for Life Fairtrade, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Verified 
• Active ingredient: Ethyl alcohol

EO Hand Sanitizer Gel

EO has been making high-quality cosmetic products since 1995, crafted with love and without parabens, phthalates, or any synthetic fragrances. 

The ingredients are organic, with a soothing lavender essential oil that helps to soothe and sanitize skin (due to its presence of antimicrobials), while the jojoba oil nourishes and moisturizes the skin. 

EO’s mild and effective hand sanitizer scores highly amongst customers due to its divine lavender scent, which reduces the smell of its active ingredient – alcohol. 

Pros:

• Organic ingredients.
• Delightful scent of lavender.
• Use of jojoba oil has moisturizing properties. 
• Packaging is made out of recycled plastic. 
• Made in the USA. 

Cons:

• Some customers found that the pump didn’t work as intended. 

Specs:

• Size: 8 fl oz 
• Scent: Lavender
• Certifications: Made in the USA, vegan, B Corp, Cruelty-Free, 100% Recycled bottle
• Active ingredient: Ethyl alcohol

PAUME Moisturizing Antibacterial Hand Gel

No products found.

This delightful little bottle contains a fragrant hand sanitizer, exuding a rich bouquet of floral and fruity notes that will tantalize your senses. 

Manufactured in Canada, this product is paraben-free, phthalate-free, silicone-free, and sulfate-free. Its exceptional blend of plant-based emollients, including Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel, and Hydresia G2, sets this hand gel apart. 

These ingredients provide deep hydration, nourishment, and healing properties for the skin. 

Aloe vera nurtures your skin and forms a protective barrier, while witch hazel is a natural astringent that cleanses and promotes skin healing. Hydresia G2, derived from safflower oil, delivers long-lasting hydration, ensuring your hands remain moisturized and soft. 

Customers love the effectiveness and convenience of this hand gel. They appreciate the plant-powered hydration that prevents dryness and the reassurance of killing 99.9% of germs. 

This product stands out with its thoughtfully selected ingredients, delightful scent, and commitment to quality.

Pros:

• Plant-powered hydration for moisturized hands.
• Ideal for those with dry, chapped hands and sensitive skin.
• Signature blend of essential oils provides a delightful scent.
• Manufactured in Canada with a commitment to quality and safety.
• Paraben-free, phthalate-free, silicone-free, and sulfate-free formula.

Cons:

• Limited information on the sustainability and sourcing practices of the ingredients used, uncertain whether ingredients are organic. 

Specs:

• Size: 3 oz
• Scent: woodsy, citrus, herbaceous 
• Certifications: Made in Canada
• Active ingredient: Ethyl alcohol

Province and Apothecary Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer

This plant-powered hand sanitizer will surely pack a punch in defeating any harmful bacteria due to its 70% alcohol concentration. 

Infused with the soothing essence of Lavender Oil, this sanitizer not only purifies but also calms and nourishes dry, cracked skin, leaving it deeply hydrated. 

The inclusion of Aloe Juice, a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins, further protects and moisturizes your skin.

With its uplifting scent, featuring hints of mint and lavender, this sanitizer is sure to be an irresistible sensory experience. 

Customers are head over heels for this sanitizer. Even those with fragrance sensitivities rave about its mint-lavender scent, which is non-irritating. 

Beyond hand hygiene, they’ve discovered its versatility, using it as a quick spray deodorant for a mid-day freshness boost at the office. 

Pros:

• Plant-powered ingredients and effective cleaning. 
• Contains 70% Ethyl Alcohol to destroy harmful bacteria.
• Lavender oil soothes and hydrates dry, cracked skin.
• Aloe Juice provides antioxidants and vitamins to protect and hydrate the skin.
• Uplifting and energizing scent with refreshing cooling qualities.
• Versatile use as a hand sanitizer, quick spray deodorant, or room deodorizer.

Cons:

• Limited information on the sustainability of the product.

Specs:

• Size: 30ml
• Scent: Mint, lavender
• Certifications: N/A
• Active ingredient: Ethyl alcohol

Plaine Products Hand Sanitizer

Plaine Products hand sanitizer eliminates single-use plastics with its eco-friendly aluminum bottles. Choose from larger 16 oz or travel-sized 2 oz versions, there’s a bottle for everyone! 

It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny certified, with a closed-loop production system that encourages customers to return and refill their bottles. 

Plaine Products is also a certified B Corporation, which meets rigorous third-party social and environmental sustainability standards. 

I also appreciated the use of non-GMO ingredients and essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. Plus, It’s free of toxins, triclosan, and palm oil. 

Pros:

• Made in the USA (including the aluminum bottle!)
• Free from palm oil, PEG, PG, Parabens, Sulfates, Dyes, Synthetic Fragrances, GMOs and petrochemicals. 
• Hypoallergenic formulation. 
• Returnable aluminum can provide for endless recycling.
• Ships in plastic free in packaging made from recycled content

Cons:

• I genuinely could not find any cons to this product. It is fantastic! 

Specs:

• Size: 2.5 oz / 16 oz
• Scent: Peppermint
• Certifications: Leaping Bunny Certified, B Corp, Made in the USA, Palm Oil Free.
• Active ingredient: Ethyl alcohol

Public Goods Hand Sanitizer

Elevate your personal hand hygiene routine with this plant-powered hand sanitizer from Public Goods. 

This hand sanitizer doesn’t use harsh chemicals like triclosan or benzalkonium chloride, which helps ensure a safe and gentle experience. 

This hand sanitizer contains soothing aloe vera gel, which helps keep your skin soft and moisturized. 

Customers praised this quick-drying gel, saying it wasn’t sticky and had a lovely scent that wasn’t too overpowering. 

Pros:

• It’s travel-friendly and fits perfectly
• Contains aloe vera that helps to moisturize and soften hands.
• Free from harsh chemicals like triclosan and benzalkonium chloride.
• Free from animal testing
• Paraben-free.

Cons:

• Contains tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine which whilst rated an A on EWG, a study suggests it could cause allergic contact dermatitis. 
• Sustainability credentials are not explicitly clear on the website.
• Comes in a plastic bottle and no refillable options.  

Specs:

• Size: 2 oz
• Scent: Aloe vera
• Certifications: Not Tested on Animals, paraben-free.
• Active ingredient: Ethyl alcohol

What to Look for in Eco-Friendly Hand Sanitizer

When searching for eco-friendly hand sanitizers, keep an eye out for a few key things:

Where It’s Manufactured

Opt for locally produced sanitizers whenever possible to reduce transportation emissions. 

Transparent Ingredients

Choose brands that openly disclose their ingredients. Transparency is key to making informed choices and ensuring you get a safe and eco-friendly product.

Natural Ingredients

Look for hand sanitizers made with natural and ideally organic ingredients like essential oils or plant extracts. Nature knows best when it comes to keeping our hands clean and fresh.

Ingredient Sourcing

Check if the ingredients are responsibly sourced and preferably derived from renewable resources. 

Cruelty-Free

Look for the leaping bunny logo or “cruelty-free” label to ensure no furry friends were harmed in the production process. 

Product Packaging Materials

Seek out sanitizers packaged in recyclable or biodegradable materials. Bonus if you can find a refillable product. 

Conclusion

When it comes to hand sanitizers, making eco-friendly choices is not only beneficial for the environment but also for your well-being. 

By making these conscious choices, you’re contributing to a greener and more sustainable world while keeping your hands clean and healthy. High five to that!