Back to School

The return to classrooms (and the promise of germs) has many parents looking for the best hand sanitizer for back to school. While hand sanitizer isn’t a substitute for the tried and true method of hand washing, it can help reduce the amount of germs that cling to your child’s hands throughout the day. Effective hand sanitizers, along with frequent hand washing, can help reduce the spread of common illnesses. Here’s what to look for when shopping for hand sanitizer for your child. 

What’s the Most Effective Hand Sanitizer? 

There are so many options to choose from when shopping for hand sanitizers, but the most effective ones depend on your child’s needs. The following offers guidance for choosing the best hand sanitizer for back-to-school: 

Alcohol Content 

The CDC guidelines recommend at least 60% alcohol content in hand sanitizers to be effective. School environments are fraught with germs: cafeteria tables, shared workspaces and manipulatives, and bathrooms are just some of the areas of schools that receive heavy hand-traffic. The higher the alcohol content in the hand sanitizer, the more germs it will kill. Daycares and preschools may not allow alcohol-based products, but alternative ingredients can still be effective. 

Consider Their Skin 

Choose a gentle, non-drying formula to avoid skin irritation from frequent use, and look for added moisturizers like aloe or vitamin E. Some sanitizers come in scented varieties, but these could cause irritation for sensitive skin, or be against classroom policies. Avoid additives like menthol, and look for products that have transparent labeling and safety testing standards. 

Gel, Wipes, or Spray

Pump bottles of gel sanitizer are good for desks or lockers, while clip-on sanitizers are readily accessible and come in a wide array of shapes and colors. Wipes and sprays are other options, but you should verify the school’s policy before straying from the traditional gel form. 

Highly-Rated Hand Sanitizers 

With so many options, there’s a hand sanitizer fit for every student. Here are some highly-rated hand sanitizers that can be found at your nearest store or online retailer: 

• Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer: Reliable and widely available, this formula is dermatologist-tested and has been a longstanding favorite in hand sanitizers.  
• Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Sanitizer: Great for younger children or for schools that don’t allow alcohol-based products. 
• Everyone Hand Sanitizer Spray: Plant-based with essential oils and natural ingredients, this gentle formula comes in the form of a convenient spray. 
• Touchland Power Mist: This trendy, kid-approved design is compact and available in several scents. 
• Germ-X Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer: The most popular budget-friendly option, this gel is simple and effective. 

Tips for Hand Hygiene 

While sanitizer kills many germs, more resilient viruses, such as norovirus (one of the most common and contagious stomach bugs), evade its effects. Handwashing is still the gold standard in hand hygiene, and should be used as your child’s first line of defense against illness. Encourage your children to wash their hands before eating, after using the bathroom, and after participating in group activities. Hand sanitizer should be used when soap and water aren’t available. 

When Sickness Strikes 

While hand hygiene helps keep your children healthy, illnesses are an inevitable part of the school year. When you have a sniffly student, head to Xpress Wellness Urgent Care for fast, convenient care. Our clinics accept walk-ins, or you can check in online to save your spot in line, reducing your wait time at the clinic. From routine and sports physicals to flu testing and X-rays, we’re here to support your child’s overall wellness throughout the school year.