Eau de Sanitizers: The Timely Gift of Antibacterial Fragrance

Giving new meaning to “functional scents.”

By Liz Ritter, Executive Editor · Dec 8, 2020

All I want for Christmas is…a hand sanitizer that doesn’t smell like full-on, in-your-face alcohol are words the general population probably never thought they could carry a tune to. But, alas, here we are (Mariah, are you with us?). If you’re stressing the most appropriately timed gift this season that fits pretty much everyone on the list, look no further than these practical and pleasantly scented hand sanitizers that check off both the stocking-stuffer and lifestyle essential box.

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OLIKA Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray ($18 for a three-pack)

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a…really amazing hand-sanitizer. Don’t count out these cute and colorful aloe vera–fueled formulas as anything but fully effective.

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Apothia IF Sanitizing Mist Set ($45)

Do the math: These hand-blended versions of the cult-classic white floral–based scent somehow come out to a whole lot less money when found in the glycerin-packed sanitizing version. Even if a trip to Santa Monica isn’t in the future, the unofficial fragrance of the city will be.

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Aeria Anti-Bacterial Spray Sanitizers ($28 for a three-pack)

These New York–born, natural-aroma sanitizers (there’s tangerine, eucalyptus-lavender and sage-vanilla varieties) are designed to give “the right amount of clean without the clinical smell.” Not only will your hands thank you, but so will the fabrics and hard surfaces they can be used on.

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Rael Clean Sanitizing Wipes ($4)

Convenient and compact, these travel-sized wipes are made without parabens and artificial fragrances. They don’t leave an in-your-face fragrance, but they do help hands feel clean, hydrated and fresh.

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Cirem Medical-Grade Hand Sanitizer ($20)

Cirem still won’t tell us what the exact notes are in its signature secret scent, but the trio of skin-loving ingredients in this hyaluronic acid–fueled gel feels silky, lightweight and leaves hands with an indescribable, yet universally likeable, fragrance. (Plus, it comes in a very giftable box that lets you skip the wrapping.)

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R+Co Palm Reader ($14)

It’s not the most obvious launch from a hair-centered line but, somehow, it works—and is especially good for anyone who has already-present dry hands in need of a little vitamin E.

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Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Touch ($10)

Lightly scented with the addictive fragrance of Cheirosa ‘62, this easy-to-use spray pump is the “you-shouldn’t have!” gift of the season.

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VIVI NaturalsVita+ Hand Sanitizer Gel ($8)

A blend of vitamin E, peppermint oil and aloe vera make up this moisturizing, lavender-scented hand sanitizer that gives 100-percent of its net proceeds to the World Vision Organization and Hunger in America.

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Touchland Power Mist Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer ($12)

There’s citrus, there’s watermelon, there’s aloe vera and there’s neutral—and that’s only the ones available at Target. Whatever your preference, this sleek, skin-friendly, spray-on sanitizer is the season’s must-have gift that leaves hands feeling soft—even a whooping 500-plus spritzes later.

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Grown Alchemist Hydra-Hand Sanitiser ($30)

Anti-aging and oh-so-chic on the vanity, this does-it-all sanitizer contains a ton of anti-aging ingredients that makes it worthy of applying even without the whole “safeguarding solution.”

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Manna Kadar Sea Minerals Hand Sanitizer ($14)

In our opinion, anything that smells like pomegranate or sea water is that of a dream, and this skin-smoothing hand sanitizer and soap duo is tickling all of our summer fancies with its fresh scent.