Comparing Hand Cleansers

Washing your hands with soap and water is best say the experts—it’s the friction of rubbing hands together that works. But a sink isn’t always available, so what about those on-the-go hand sanitizers teachers and parents love so well? See how our product panel and your peers rated the most popular antibacterial cleansers.

$2.29

$5.00

$1.79

$5.00

$2.19

$0.90

Clean but antiseptic

Zesty grapefruit scent that lasted through next washing

Light and lemony

Way too strong, but you could tell whether your kid washed her hands or just rinsed!

Redolent of rubbing alcohol

Fresh and familiar

Refreshing and wet, so it feels like you’re getting your hands clean

Moisturizing power nice because typical antibacterial gels are so drying

Refreshing, but is it really getting my hands clean?

Soft and squishy, makes you want to wash your hands

Check kids’ hands for cuts—the alcohol in the gel might burn!

Like it’s getting the job done

Portable, but you  need a place to toss used wipes

Convenient to carry

Easy to store, but nozzle is hard to aim, and pump broke after a few sprays

Convenient if there’s a water source nearby

Can take it anywhere

Gotta have a sink and towel handy

“Smells a little bit like cleaner”

“Feels medicine-y, like it’s working”

“Oooh, I like this one”

(Giggle) “Smells like sour grapes”

“Nice to know you’re ‘lotioning’ and cleaning at the same time”

“Soap and water is the best!”