Being a parent is tough, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is natural for us to worry about the safety and health of our little ones. Of course, this now includes ensuring that they wash their hands regularly and use the best hand sanitisers for kids.
Given that the pandemic has made the use of sanitiser the ‘new normal’ we are all taking personal hygiene more seriously than ever before. This is especially important for children who are naturally very active and can pick up germs as they travel from school to tuition classes and after-school activities.
But the one way to safeguard your child’s wellbeing is to ensure that your kid has access to a bottle of hand sanitiser when on the go.
However, do heed your pediatrician’s advice before giving one to your child. Oftentimes, alcohol or methanol are the main ingredient in hand sanitisers.
It can endanger their lives as they can accidentally consume the product, which could lead to headaches, nausea, seizures or even poisoning. Thus, children aged 5 and under should always be monitored when using hand sanitisers.
When Should We Use Hand Sanitisers?
Thoroughly washing our hands using water and soap is crucial. It lowers the number of germs and bacteria present. This claim was also proved by an Idaho-based teacher Dayna Robertson and behavioural specialist Jaralee Metcalf who together conducted a bread-touching experiment.
First, they touched a piece of bread with unwashed hands. Next, they touched a piece with hands laced with hand sanitiser, then one with hands that had been washed with water and soap, and finally, one wiped on classroom chromebooks (laptops).
The result of the experiment was just as predicted.
- The bread touched by hands that were washed with soap and water had no mold on it.
- The bread touched with hands cleansed by hand sanitiser had some mold on it.
- Meanwhile, the bread that was touched with dirty hands was almost entirely covered in mold.
- Finally, the bread that was wiped on the laptops were extremely moldy and blackened.
It is obvious that using hand sanitisers can not replace traditional soap and water, but at times when your child does not have access to a sink, using a hand sanitiser would reduce their chances of falling ill.
It for sure is a stark improvement compared to letting your little one go about their day with dirty hands, after picking up germs from all sorts of surfaces!
Children are naturally curious and active. They touch everything around them, be it a classroom, playing on the playground, or at sporting activities. Because of this, they can easily become transmitters of disease.
However, the good news is that according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), hand sanitiser is one of the best tools available to avoid getting sick and spreading germs.
How Should I Choose The Most Suitable Hand Sanitiser For My Child?
Some hand sanitisers could be too harsh for children’s skin, be sure to pick a suitable one. It is good to keep these few factors in mind when selecting the best hand sanitiser for your kids:
- Natural ingredients – Some hand sanitisers contain a lot of harsh chemicals that may lead to allergic reactions. Some harmful examples are carcinogens like propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol, or triclosan additive. Read through the ingredient list before buying any hand sanitiser.
- Skin type – Skin ranges from dry to oily. Some hand sanitisers may worsen dry skin, causing skin to be flaky. It is important to choose a hydrating product, especially since children’s skin may be more sensitive to irritation and inflammation. One good way to do so is to look for products that are specially designed for children.
- Alcohol percentage – Studies have found that hand sanitisers with an alcohol concentration of 60-95% are more effective at killing germs than those with lower percentages. While alcohol is indeed the most common, some products formulated specially for children use other cleansing solutions instead of alcohol because children’s skin is usually more sensitive.
- Size – Bigger bottles may be good for placing at your workstation or in the car. Meanwhile, small hand sanitisers are easy to throw in a bag and use while on the go.
6 Best Hand Sanitisers For Kids: Which Is The Best One For Your Child?
Choosing the best product may get overwhelming, we have shortlisted the 6 best hand sanitisers in the market for your reference!
6 Best Hand Sanitisers For Kids
 | Mama’s Choice Baby Moisturizing Hand Gel Most Gentle Hand Sanitiser |  | View Details | Buy from Shopee |
 | Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Gel Best Hand Sanitiser for At Home Use | | View Details | Buy from Lazada |
 | Antivirux Hand Sanitizer For Kids Best Hand Sanitiser for Sensitive Skin | | View Details | Buy from Lazada |
 | Handmade Heroes 100% Natural Sanitiser Most Versatile Hand Sanitiser | | View Details | Buy from Shopee |
 | Dettol Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizer Most Soothing Hand Sanitiser | | View Details | Buy from Shopee |
 | Cloversoft Antibacterial Organic Hand Sanitiser Best Organic Hand Sanitiser | | View Details | Buy from Shopee |
Most Gentle Hand Sanitiser for Kids
Why it’s great
Keeping your child’s hands clean wherever they go is easier and safer than ever with Mama’s Choice Moisturizing Hand Gel. The Mama’s Choice Moisturizing Hand Gel is formulated without alcohol, making it perfect for mamas and babies.
This is one product that is specially designed for children, so mamas won’t have to worry whether it is safe or not.
Infused with fragrant lemon oil and moisturizing aloe vera, this sanitiser effectively kills germs and bacteria without irritating the skin.
The child-friendly, hypoallergenic formula is gentle on the skin and our go-to for on-the-go hand hygiene—thus it’s one of our picks for the best hand sanitisers for kids!
Features that we love:
- Kills germs and bacteria
- Fast-absorbing
- Moisturising
- Refreshing lemon scent
- Formulated specifically for children
- Alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free
Best for At Home Use
Why it’s great
The Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Gel contains ingredients made from natural renewable resources. Being scientifically advanced, this formula outperforms other hand sanitisers ounce for ounce, killing more than 99.99% of most common germs.
This product is great value for money, it comes in a big bottle—perfect for those of us who like to leave one bottle at our work table, or our front door.
True to the brand’s slogan, “nothing is harder on germs or easier on hands," this sanitiser includes a nourishing blend of four skin conditioners, clinically proven to help maintain skin health.
Features that we love:
- Kills 99.99% of most common germs that may cause illness
- Refreshing Gel
- Outperforms other hand sanitizers ounce-for-ounce
- Clinically-proven to maintain skin health
- America’s #1 Instant Hand Sanitizer and made in the USA
Best for Sensitive Skin
Why it’s great
The Antivirux Hand Sanitizer For Kids is highly effective against all germs, bacteria and viruses. What is so special about this brand? It’s homegrown, 100% made in Singapore!
In choosing Antivirux, we not only get one of the best hand sanitisers for kids, but we’re also supporting a local business.
The hand sanitiser feels light on the skin, definitely suitable for the tropical climate. The brand is extra transparent with all the ingredients they use. It is non-toxic, alcohol free and safe for children while still killing 99.999% of microorganisms.
It has even been certified by the Singapore General Hospital to be a Hospital Grade Disinfectant.
Features that we love:
- Kills 99.999% of germs, bacteria and viruses
- Made in Singapore
- Can be used on all kinds of surfaces (hands, lift buttons, keyboards… you name it!)
- Organic
- Lemongrass scent
- Vitamin E
- Advanced Antimicrobial Properties (AAP)
Most Versatile Hand Sanitiser
Why it’s great
The Handmade Heroes 100% Natural Sanitiser is a no nasties sanitiser that makes good hygiene simple with a spritz of it. Made with simple ingredients: ethyl alcohol, glycerin, orange and eucalyptus oil, this is a product that does not contain harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances that are often found in conventional sanitisers.
This alcohol-based sanitiser is effective in killing 99.99% of germs and bacteria while being gentle and leaving no tacky feeling after application.
Why is it the most versatile? It is perfect for using on the go, for hands and even on different surfaces ranging from baby chairs, tables, door knobs and public restrooms.
Features that we love:
- Kills 99.99% of germs
- 100% natural
- Can be used on all surfaces
- Safe for children
- Alcohol based
- No harsh chemicals
Most Soothing Hand Sanitiser
Why it’s great
The Dettol Anti-Bacterial Hand Sanitizer kills 99.99% germs without water. Being a trusty household brand, we know that Dettol’s products are a great hygiene solution for the whole family; rinse free and non-sticky, just throw a little bottle of this hand sanitiser in your bag when you leave for a family trip to the park or zoo, or even for everyday use!
The scent of this hand sanitiser is refreshing and not overbearing, perfect for those of us who do not like products that have strong scents. It is packed with aloe vera, making it soothing on the skin.
Features that we love:
- Kills 99.99% of germs
- On the go protection
- Reputable
- No water needed
- Suitable for the whole family
- Refreshing feeling
Best Organic Hand Sanitiser for Kids
Why it’s great
Be gone germs! The Cloversoft Antibacterial Original Hand Sanitiser similarly kills 99.99% of bacteria and germs. This gel-based product contains no parabens, sulfates, dyes, phthalates and fragrance.
Be cautious when using, it is recommended that adults assist young children in rubbing the hand sanitisers on our hands before on theirs to reduce its concentration.
This product is natural yet effective, with a rather high alcohol percentage of 70%, therefore the suitability of this hand sanitiser would depend on each individual’s compatibility towards alcohol.
Features that we love:
- Kills 99.99% if surface bacteria
- No harsh chemicals
- Safe and non-toxic
- Eco-friendly
- 70% alcohol content
- Travel-sized
Best Hand Sanitisers For Kids: Price Comparison Table
One last important factor to consider before purchasing a product, is of course, its price! We know that life as a parent can be hectic, so to make it easier for you, here’s a simple break down of the best hand sanitisers for kids:
