The question on everyone’s mind right now is what’s best to use on our hands: soap or sanitiser? With many thinking that sanitiser is the best option because of its alcohol content, the experts at Heyland & Whittle are here to clear up a few things…
Viruses can be active outside your body for hours and even days. Disinfectants, liquids, wipes, gels and creams containing alcohol are useful for getting rid of viruses but they are not as good as regular soap.
It’s important to regularly wash your hands as Coronaviruses can be spread from surfaces to hands then face. You must use soap as water alone is not strong enough to detach the virus from your skin.
Most soaps won’t actually kill germs – they simply wash them away so they can’t do any harm.
Why just soap or sanitiser isn’t enough
Use hand sanitiser when out and about, i.e. while shopping. This will help prevent the spread of Covid-19. In order for the sanitiser to be effective, cover every bit of skin on your hands.
Also wash your hands with soap as soon as you get home, however. While the alcohol in sanitiser kills some microbes it doesn’t kill every one so you have to use soap and water.
Here are our favourite hand washes, soaps and sanitisers…
Ocean Free Hand Sanitizer Gel (£2.49) is gentle on hands but tough on germs. The 70 per cent alcohol formula is free from fragrances and dyes, and effectively kills bacteria, viruses and yeasts. Plus it is enriched with emollients to leave hands feeling soft and soothed.
SOS PROTECT Hand Sanitiser (£15) is alcohol-free and pH balanced for ultimate skin protection. It also features prolonged antimicrobial action, protecting you for up to 3 hours. With repeated use, this will allow you to build up a microbial barrier, leaving your hands soft and protected.
Green People’s NEW Deep-Cleansing Hand Foam (£11.50) is a two-in-one product, which can be used as a hand sanitiser when you are out and about and as a foaming hand wash when back at home. Perfect for sensitive skin, this 91 per cent organic hand foam is free from alcohol and harsh chemicals. Instead, it harnesses the powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of natural and organic oils and actives, including Tea Tree and Manuka.
Baylis & Harding’s NEW Goodness range is made from 98 per cent plant based ingredients. The Natural Hand Wash (£4) and Natural Soap Bar (£2.50) clean your hands without drying out the skin. Plus the zingy Lemongrass & Ginger fragrance is sure to uplift your mood!
The Tea Tree Soap Bar (£6) from Heyland & Whittle is bursting with a blend of oils and herbs. It cleanses and nourishes with naturally anti-bacterial tea tree oil.
Kiehl’s Liquid Hand Soap (£18.50) gently cleanses away dirt and impurities, without leaving skin dry or uncomfortable. The zesty grapefruit fragrance smells delicious!
Miller Harris Tea Tonique Hand Wash (£20) moisturises your skin with vitamins E and B5 while gently removing dirt and bacteria.
REN Citrus Limonum Hand Wash (£16) contains Sicilian lemon oil, which is known for its antibacterial properties.
Arbonne Botaniques’ Passion Fruit Hand Wash (£19) leaves hands soft after every use, thanks to the hydrating, antioxidant properties of passion fruit extract. Aloe vera also works to calm and soothe irritated skin.
Incognito Luxury Soap (£4.99) is proven to kill viruses, including COVID-19. The 100 per cent natural formula contains organic Java citronella, which is a natural antibacterial. The soap is free from irritating chemicals, making it perfect for frequent hand washing.
UpCircle Soap Bar (£6.99) is infused with repurposed chai spices that would otherwise be sent to landfill. The 100 per cent natural soaps are available in Fennel and Cardamom, Cinnamon and Ginger or Chocolate Charcoal.
R&R Shea Soap (£7) contains 100 per cent natural shea butter oil to soothe sore and dry skin.
Alteya Organic Liquid Soaps (£7.65) gently cleanses skin without over drying, thanks to a moisturising blend of essential oils.
Green People Quinoa & Calendula Hand Wash (£13) forms a protective barrier on your skin to lock in moisture. The liquid soap is also pH balanced and full of antioxidants.
Salcura Bioskin Body Wash (£12.99) naturally cleanses skin with Sunflower, Green Tea and Argan oil.
MOR’s Emporium Classics Triple-Milled Soaps (£11) leave hands clean and silky-soft. They contain Cocoa and Shea Butters along with Vitamin E and Sweet Almond Oil. MOR also adorn the soaps in silken paper wraps, helping you to reduce your plastic consumption along the way.
Why not try a duo kit?
Hydrosil’s Hand Care Kit (£18) takes care of both cleansing and moisturising. The hypoallergenic salve’s key ingredient turmeric butter soothes dry and itchy skin.
Free hand sanitiser for those in need…
BEYOU sells a wide range of health and wellbeing products. Now, they are also giving away a free bottle of hand sanitiser with any new subscription or purchase! Simply head to the checkout and BEYOU will automatically add one to your parcel.
Haircare brand Waterman’s has refocussed its efforts from shampoos to antibac gel. The company has created a brand-new antibacterial hand cleanser called CLEANME. Formulated with 70 per cent alcohol, the cleaner is proven to kill 99.9 per cent of bacteria.
Waterman’s is giving away these cleansers to communities, charities and hospitals in need. Find out more at watermanshair.com.
We are officially supplying 50,000 units of Hand Sanitiser to The Scottish Government to Aid the NHS (along with a donation of over 230K of our beauty products). The effective hand sanitiser will be distributed in refillable, reusable bottles as part of our Return · Refill · Repeat programme. You can also buy their organic vegan hand sanitiser here! (£9.50)
