Being a parent is tough, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. So 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 sanitiser in Singapore for kids.
The pandemic has made sanitiser the ‘new normal’ as we are all taking personal hygiene more seriously than ever before. This is especially important for naturally active children who 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, heed your paediatrician’s advice before giving one to your child. Often, alcohol or methanol is the main ingredient in hand sanitisers.
It can endanger their lives as they may accidentally consume the product, leading to headaches, nausea, seizures or even poisoning. Thus, children aged five and under should constantly 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. Idaho-based teacher Dayna Robertson and behavioural specialist Jaralee Metcalf also proved this claim by conducting 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 mould.
- The bread touched with hands cleansed by hand sanitiser had some mould.
- Meanwhile, the bread touched with dirty hands was almost entirely covered in mould.
- Finally, the bread that was wiped on the laptops was extremely mouldy and blackened.
It was evident that using hand sanitisers can not replace traditional soap and water, but when your child does not have access to a sink, using a hand sanitiser would reduce their chances of falling ill.
It 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, whether in a classroom, playing on the playground, or at sporting activities. Because of this, they can quickly 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 many 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 the skin to be flaky. Therefore, it is crucial 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 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 the most common, some products formulated especially for children use other cleansing solutions instead of alcohol because children’s skin is usually more sensitive.
- Size – Bigger bottles may be suitable 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 in Singapore For Kids: Which Is The Best One For Your Child?
Choosing the best product may get overwhelming, but we have shortlisted the six best hand sanitisers in the market for your reference!
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. This hand sanitizer gel is formulated without alcohol, making it perfect for mamas and babies.
This is one product 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.
This hand sanitizer for baby is hypoallergenic, 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:
- It 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 gel hand sanitizer 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 unique about this brand? It’s homegrown, and 100% made in Singapore!
In choosing Antivirux, we not only get one of the best hand sanitiser spray 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.
The Singapore General Hospital has even certified it as a Hospital Grade Disinfectant.
Features that we love:
- Kills 99.999% of germs, bacteria and viruses
- Made in Singapore
- It 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 surfaces ranging from baby chairs, tables, door knobs and public restrooms.
Features that we love:
- Kills 99.99% of germs
- 100% Natural
- It 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% of germs without water. Being a trusted household brand, we know that Dettol’s products are a great hygiene solution for the whole family; rinse-free and non-sticky, 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 odours. 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 kills 99.99% of bacteria and germs. In addition, this gel-based product contains no parabens, sulfates, dyes, phthalates or fragrance.
Be cautious when using it. It is recommended that adults assist young children in rubbing the hand sanitisers on their hands before theirs to reduce their concentration.
This product is natural yet practical, with a relatively high alcohol percentage of 70%. Therefore the suitability of this hand sanitiser would depend on each individual’s compatibility with alcohol.
Features that we love:
- It kills 99.99% of surface bacteria
- No harsh chemicals
- Safe and non-toxic
- Eco-friendly
- 70% alcohol content
- Travel-sized
Best Hand Sanitiser in Singapore For Kids: Price Comparison Table
One last important factor to consider before purchasing a product is its price! We know that life as a parent can be hectic, so to make it easier for you, here’s a simple breakdown of the best hand sanitisers for kids:
