Review of Three Lavender Hand Sanitizers

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect us globally, preventative safety measures such as mask-wearing and hand washing have long become part of our daily routine. Even before the pandemic, many of us, particularly those of us living in larger cities, have used hand sanitizer as a cleaning necessity when hand washing wasn’t possible. So what’s the deal with hand sanitizer versus hand washing? 

Sanitizer Guidelines

As I am not a medical professional, I checked the guidelines listed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC has very clear guidelines on when to wash hands and when to use sanitizer. Essentially, only use hand sanitizer when hand washing is not readily available, but wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible. Like hand washing, hand sanitizer also needs to be rubbed on hands for 20 seconds and until dry to be effective against germs. Don’t wipe the sanitizer off!

The CDC also has guidelines for the percentage concentration of the active ingredient in hand sanitizer. This active ingredient is the sanitizing agent. The CDC states that sanitizers must contain a minimum of 60% alcohol, which is typically ethanol for safety reasons. You will generally find the range of 60-70% alcohol sold in stores—and our lavender hand sanitizers on review today fall within that range.

To compare these CDC guidelines with other international studies, I found a study conducted in 2020 by a team of German and Swiss scientists, led by Dr. Stephanie Pfänder. This team ran several experiments to see if sanitizers distributed by the World Health Organization (WHO) were effective against COVID-19 specifically and they were—when in contact with the virus for 30 seconds. To follow up on this, the scientists also tested multiple concentrations of isopropanol and ethanol against COVID-19 for 30 seconds to see what range of concentrations were effective. They found that concentrations above 30% were effective against the virus when in contact for 30 seconds. This supports the CDC guidelines of 60% concentration and allows for some alcohol evaporation while the sanitizer is applied. You can also read about this here. But keep in mind the timeframe of 30 seconds—I know I need to keep rubbing the sanitizer in a bit longer! 

Turning to the lavender hand sanitizers, all of them meet the active ingredient guidelines and I will mention each specifically in the review. However, I will be concentrating on the scent, ease of use, and feel of them on my hands. I cannot comment on their effectiveness beyond the guidelines already mentioned. 

1) EO Lavender Spray Sanitizer

Two sanitizers on this list come from the company EO, an abbreviation of Essential Oils. Started in 1995, this company uses only safe, natural, organic ingredients while still contributing to the greater community through product and financial donations. 

I have been using this small size—perfect for a handbag—hand sanitizer frequently in the last couple months. It has a heavier French lavender scent, not covered by the alcoholic scent of usual hand sanitizers. Amazingly it also seems less drying than other sanitizers on my hands, possibly due to vegetable glycerin ingredient. This ingredient is known to soften the skin. 

Its active ingredient is organic ethanol at 62%, which falls within the CDC guidelines.

I find the spray bottle really easy to use. Simply snap off the cap cover and press down the top—no more turning a bottle upside down trying to get gel to pour out! The spray bottle does have one downside though: be careful spraying outside on a windy day. You may find the spray missing your hand! 

2) EO Lavender Gel Sanitizer

Our second sanitizer for review is also from EO and is essentially the gel form of the spray sanitizer. I have it in a larger pump bottle for general office use, but I have also seen it in a smaller handbag-worthy size.

This gel has the same fabulous lavender scent of the spray sanitizer, but it does have several additional inactive ingredients. In particular, the addition of jojoba oil helps to moisturize your skin, making this gel even less drying. For disinfecting strength, it also has the 62% ethanol active ingredient. 

I do like this gel, as it leaves the skin feeling soft after use—even more than the spray sanitizer does! However, sometimes I do feel that my skin becomes slightly sticky afterwards, which is why I personally still prefer the spray sanitizer more than the gel. 

3) Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Spray Sanitizer

Dr. Bronner’s is a brand many of us in the USA recognize from various cleaning products. Founded in 1948, this brand is dedicated to only using organic and environmentally-safe materials. I had no idea the brand made a hand sanitizer until I spotted it at Whole Foods. 

Like the EO Spray, this Dr Bronner’s hand sanitizer also comes in a 2 fluid ounce spray bottle. Once again, it’s perfect for carrying on errands or to work! The scent, however, is different. The lavender scent is a sweeter lavender. While the lavender scent is still very distinct, it does smell a bit more alcoholic to my nose. It also seems harder on my skin and I’m having to use more hand cream to keep my skin from drying too much. The active ingredient is 62% organic ethyl alcohol.

Personally, I am enjoying using these sanitizers when needed during this pandemic and will likely continue using them afterwards. Overall, they all smell wonderful and less irritating to the skin than many other sanitizers. I actually want to use them! The active ingredient percentages are within the range to be generally effective for most germs when used correctly. Nothing truly takes the place of hand washing though, so please keep washing those hands!! Stay safe, and see you next post!