Buyer’s Guide: Natural Hand Sanitisers

Not all hand sanitisers are created equal. Some are labelled ‘natural’ when the ingredients list reveals the contents are anything but. Some contain unnecessary ingredients that cause more harm than good. And some couldn’t effectively kill germs even if you poured the entire contents of the bottle onto your hands. 

So, how do you sort the high performers from the duds, and the genuinely natural from the potentially harmful? 

Here’s our guide to natural hand sanitisers, so you can make the best choice for you and your family.

Why choose natural?

Your skin is your largest organ, absorbing anything you put on it. And with natural hand sanitisers just as efficient at banishing germs as conventional ones, slathering yourself with toxic ingredients doesn’t really make sense. 

Conventional hand sanitises can potentially be laced with unnecessary, possibly harmful ingredients along with artificial colours and fragrances. Ingredients like Triclosan are not essential for killing bacteria, with more natural antibacterial options such as sugar cane ethanol and essential oils like lavender and tea tree an effective and natural alternative that won’t wreak havoc with your endocrine or immune system. 

Should you choose an alcohol-based sanitiser?

Experts say hand sanitisers need to contain 60 - 80% alcohol to be most effective. Any less and the efficacy is compromised, having little to no result in killing harmful bacteria. So why not more? Sanitiser needs a certain amount of water to make it effective, allowing for the solution to disperse when applied rather than evaporate.  

Our guide to the best natural hand sanitisers

Saba Organics, Rose & Kakadu Plum Spray

Using pure plant based ingredients that are Australian Certified Organic, Saba Organics’ hand sanitiser sprays are free from any toxic nasties making them one of the ‘cleanest’ options available. They use 70%+ sugar cane alcohol to efficiently kill germs, blending it with aloe vera leaf juice to help keep hands moisturised, and select nourishing botanicals chosen by a team of experts to ensure your hands not only get a good clean but a healthy dose of beneficial vitamins and antioxidants as well.

Sukin Skincare, Green Tea & Mint Antibacterial Hand Saniter

As one of Australia’s favourite natural skincare brands, Sukin knows how to mix a product your skin will love. Their delightfully fresh Green Tea & Mint Antibacterial hand sanitisers are the perfect combination of germ-killing wheat alcohol (70% to be exact) and nourishing ingredients like aloe vera for a quick clean that’s as effective as it is pleasant. 

Envirocare, Ready2Go Hand Sanitiser

With its divine citrus scent, EnviroCare Ready2Go Citrus Based sanitiser is a blissful alcohol free option. While this gel sanitiser is effective at killing 99% of bacteria, experts warn that alcohol free options are often not as effective as alcohol based solutions. 

Dr Bronner’s, Organic Peppermint Hand Sanitiser

With 62% organic fair trade ethyl alcohol, this nourishing hand sanitiser is an effective and natural way to banish germs. Dr Bronner’s blends the germ-killing agent with a trio of simple ingredients: pure water, organic glycerin to help keep hands moisturised, and organic fair trade peppermint oil for a fresh scent you’ll be happy to spritz on your hands. 

Aloe Vera, Aloe Hand Sanitiser

Made with Certified Organic bio ethanol and Australian-grown aloe vera, this fast and effective spray will help keep germs at bay without the sticky mess. Using essential oils for a naturally antibacterial blend and calming scent, keeping your hands clean while on the go will feel like a trip to the spa. 

Article by Sarah Vercoe

Sarah is a freelance writer and award-winning photographer with a special interest in health, travel, and fitness. Based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, she can be found hiking the trails of Noosa National Park, or, more likely, chasing after her one year old daughter, Illyana.