Singapore’s best aromatic hand sanitisers for Covid-19

If the coronavirus means we have to clean our hands a zillion times a day, we’re going to do it in style 

Text: Hoi Han

The coronavirus has us washing our hands morning, noon and night, and along with the obligatory face mask, compact sanitisers to kill off germs and bacteria are now part of our ‘new normal’ (and mostly found languishing in our handbags along with tissues, tampons and a lipstick we haven’t utilised since 2019). Of course, in turn, the pandemic has caused a welcome influx of sanitisers into Singapore. But which brand is best? 

Here at The Soothe, we’ve slathered, soaped and scrubbed to test out the best hand sanitisers for you, whether you’re looking for something medicinal, moisturising or with hints of mandarin rind. Bonus: all smell great while keeping you safe. What’s not to like?

Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash

Australian beauty brand Aesop has released its take on today’s new modern on-the-go sanitiser with the Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash. The alcohol-based formulation is non-sticky and hydrating, keeping your hands feeling purified and comfortable throughout the day. With hints of mandarin rind, rosemary leaves and cedar atlas, expect a zesty, woody and herby fragrance that makes hands smell fresh and clean. It’s also conveniently sized at 50ml, so fabulous for popping into your handbag or sports bag. 

Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash (50ml), SGD 13, is available from Aesop Singapore stores and online at TANGS.

Botanica Culture 100% Natural Hand Sanitiser

For those who are allergic to alcohol or have sensitive skin that dries out easily, Botanica Culture 100% Natural Hand Sanitiser is for you. This Singaporean brand creates its sanitisers from a glorious blend of essential oils which offer long-lasting natural protection. The antimicrobial and cleansing properties of the ingredients — tea tree, lavender, sweet orange, lemongrass, and eucalyptus extracts — ensure that hands remain germ-free and smelling like the natural scents of the earth.

Botanica Culture’s e-shop is online for SGD 12 at Watsons and Lazada.

Theo10 Squeaky-Clean Hand Sanitiser

Theo10 Squeaky-Clean Hand Sanitiser is a homegrown business committed to producing natural products that are safe, preservative-free and enriched with soothing nutrients such as Vitamin E. Suitable for users of all ages and skin types, it claims to kill over 99.99% of germs and bacteria without stripping your skin of essential moisture. The best part, however, is the lingering fragrance of orchid and white tea on your hands upon application, which is very reminiscent of the scent of a certain shopping mall in town …

Find Theo10 Squeaky-Clean Hand Sanitiser, SGD 8 (60ml) at Theo10, Shopee and Lazada. Various sizes and combinations available.

Ollie The Oil Company Hand Sanitiser Spray

A lover of essential oils, it was Singaporean Ollie’s aim to formulate a soothing hand cleanser that wards off bacteria naturally without causing dry and damaged skin. This led to the creation of Ollie The Oil Company’s Hand Sanitiser Spray — an enticing mixture of tea tree, sweet orange and peppermint essential oils as well as aloe vera leaf juices within a 70% alcohol base. Available in pocket-sized bottles of 30ml, this fuss-free sanitiser might actually get you hooked onto disinfecting your hands throughout the day.

Ollie The Oil Company’s Hand Sanitiser Spray, SGD 7, is stocked at Lazada, Shopee or Ollie’s e-shop.

COMO Shambhala Invigorate Hand Sanitiser

COMO Shambhala’s renowned Invigorate series now features a hand cleanser which incorporates all elements of its signature essential oil blend into a 70% ethanolic base. Despite the high alcohol concentration, hands remain silky smooth and soft because of the pore-tightening characteristics of lavender and geranium essential oils. The incorporation of eucalyptus and peppermint also boast mood enhancing properties. Daintily packaged in an eco-friendly glass bottle, COMO Shambhala’s Invigorate Hand Sanitiser is a statement of class, elegance (and chic pandemic practices). 

Find COMO Shambhala’s Invigorate Hand Sanitiser, SGD 18 (50ml) at  Club 21.

Credit: Dr. Bronner’s

Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint/Lavender Organic Hand Sanitiser

Touted as one of the best hand cleansers in Singapore and the market, Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitiser is made up of just organic ethyl alcohol, water, organic peppermint oil and lavender oil, and organic glycerine. Not only is it child friendly, this modest formula can double up as a deodorant and air freshener. Simple, effective and fresh-smelling, it’s no wonder this Covid-basher is selling like hotcakes.

Buy Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Organic Hand Sanitiser (59ml), SDG 7.90, from Lazada.

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