Best bath and body works hand sanitizer

Since the emergence of COVID-19, the importance of killing germs and preventing the spread of infection has become even more paramount. While regular soap and warm water is the best way to sanitize at home, antibacterial gels and sprays are the easiest and most effective method to cleanse hands when we are on the go.

Bath & Body Works have an excellent range of sanitizers to choose from. They're gentle on hands, contain essential oils for moisture and many are beautifully scented, too. For example, the Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Mint Hand Spray contains 72% alcohol to combat germs, and it still smells great.

Advertisement

What to know before you buy Bath & Body Works hand sanitizer

Hand sanitizer alcohol percentage

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using a hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol. This kills certain germs on the skin and helps to prevent the spread of infection. Thankfully, all Bath & Body Works hand sanitizers contain over this recommended percentage of alcohol.

Hand sanitizer dispensers

Bath & Body Works offer hand sanitizers as gels or sprays. Gels usually come in slightly smaller bottles, which they name PocketBac sanitizers. These mini bottles are ideal for carrying in your pocket or bag. You can also purchase a PocketBac holder, which clips onto the outside of a bag to keep your gel in easy reach. Sprays from this brand are typically sold in 3-fluid-ounce bottles and are great for storing in the car, on your desk or on your porch, and they're also within carry-on requirements for air travel. Both applications are equally effective, so ultimately it's up to you as to which type of dispenser you prefer.

Advertisement

How to use hand sanitizer

Simply putting a drop of gel on your hands and rubbing it in will not ensure that you kill all the germs present on your hands. To use hand sanitizer effectively, make sure you adhere to the following steps:

1. Put sanitizer in the middle of your hand and rub your hands palm to palm.
2. Interlock your fingers and massage the gel between your digits.
3. Clean each thumb with a twisting motion.
4. Rub each palm on the back of the other hand.
5. Scrap your fingertips across the center of the opposite palm.
6. Remember to clean your wrists, too.

Bath & Body Works hand sanitizer features

Hand sanitizer ingredients

Although alcohol is the active ingredient in most hand sanitizers, there are a whole host of other components that make up the contents of the bottle. If you’re worried about your skin drying out, it’s best to look for sanitizers with essential oils, aloe or vitamin E.

Hand sanitizer fragrances

Within their range, Bath & Body Works have a plethora of fragrances to choose from. Many are plant-based fragrances, such as lavender or eucalyptus. However, others emit themed fragrances, such as aromas of cinnamon and vanilla during the Christmas holidays.

Hand sanitizer holders

Holders are a super simple way to keep your hand gel close to hands. These plastic or rubber sleeves wrap around hand gel mini bottles and clip onto the outside of a bag or purse. By keeping your hand gel on the outside of your bag, you don't need to contaminate any belongings as you rummage about in search of your sanitizer. Many holders come in cute designs, such as these mermaid holders.

Bath & Body Works hand sanitizer cost 

Most PocketBac hand gels are sold in packs of five for between $8-$20, depending on the fragrance. Bath & Body Works sprays typically cost $6-$8 each, though the bottles are three times larger than those of the gels.

Bath & Body Works hand sanitizer FAQ

Is a hand sanitizer a replacement for washing my hands?

A. No. The FDA states that washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the best line of defense against the spread of bacteria and germs. If there is no water or soap available, hand sanitizer is the next best thing.

Can hand sanitizers stain clothes?

A. Yes. Some sanitizer gels and sprays contain chemicals that can stain your clothes. If you have any excess sanitizer on your hands, it's best to use a tissue or napkin to get rid of it.

Do hand sanitizers kill all germs?

A. No. Hand sanitizers cannot remove harmful chemicals, such as pesticides and lead. They simply reduce the number of germs on the hands. For this reason, handwashing is still the most effective form of cleaning.

Advertisement

Which Bath & Body Works hand sanitizer should I get?

Best of the best Bath & Body Works hand sanitizer

Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Mint Hand Spray: available at Amazon

Our take: This spray hand sanitizer comes in a three fluid ounce bottle, so it should last you quite a while.

What we like: The alcohol content is 72%, so it provides good protection against germs. That said, you can't smell the alcohol when you spray it – it is lightly scented with eucalyptus.

What we dislike: The high alcohol content means it's not ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Best bang for your buck Bath & Body Works hand sanitizer

Bath and Body Works Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel 5-Pack: available at Amazon

Our take: This five-pack of assorted scents comes at a very reasonable price.

Advertisement

What we like: In 1-fluid-ounce bottles, these mini containers are perfect for people on the go. The gel is easy to rub in and it leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean without drying it out.

What we dislike: Not all the scents are pleasing to every sense of smell.

Honorable mention Bath & Body Works hand sanitizer

Bath and Body Work Vanilla Bean Noel Holiday Traditions Gift Set: available at Amazon

Our take: This is the perfect gift set for the festive season, but the scent of vanilla also works anytime.

What we like: In addition to the hand gel sanitizer, this gift set includes a body cream, a fragrance mist and a shower gel. The set is infused with warming Christmas scents, such as vanilla and caramel. It's a great gift idea, but also great to get for yourself.

What we dislike: It's rather expensive, but you get a lot of products.

Advertisement

Catherine Bushen is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

What is the best scent for hand sanitizer?

How effective is Bath and Body hand sanitizer?

What is the cleanest hand sanitizer?

Is Bath and Body Works antibacterial?