You're at the chemist, running five minutes behind schedule, and there's a whole wall of hand sanitisers. Gels, sprays, 60%, 72%, alcohol-based, alcohol-free, cucumber-scented. It's genuinely confusing and a bit frustrating when all you want is something that works and doesn't leave your hands feeling like sandpaper.
Here's the thing: not every product on that shelf delivers the same level of protection. A few simple checks before you buy can make the difference between a sanitiser that actually does the job and one that just smells like it might. Here's what to look for.
Does It Have the Right Alcohol Percentage?
Start with the active ingredient. For a hand sanitiser to reliably reduce germs, it needs to contain at least 60% alcohol. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission confirms this minimum threshold for effective germ reduction, and research consistently places the most effective range between 60% and 80% alcohol.
Reading the label makes this easy. If alcohol sits at position one on the ingredient list, the product is primarily alcohol-based and likely meets that threshold. If it appears second or third, alcohol is a supporting ingredient, and the formula depends on other actives to do the heavy lifting.
Either can be effective, but you need to know which you're holding. Products with 60% or more alcohol content are also required to carry flammability warnings, so if you don't see one on a product claiming high alcohol, that's worth a second look.
Has It Been Independently Tested?
With so many sanitisers hitting shelves quickly, testing matters. Look for products that have been independently tested in an Australian-approved laboratory. That kind of verification isn't just a marketing claim; it confirms the product actually performs as stated against bacteria and germs.
Dermatological testing is another worthwhile indicator, particularly if you or your kids have sensitive skin. It means the formula has been assessed for skin safety, not just antimicrobial efficacy. NatraSan Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser, for example, has been independently laboratory tested and is also dermatologically tested, making it a practical option for daily family use, including for those with sensitive skin.
Look for Ingredients That Work With Your Skin
Alcohol does the germ-fighting work, but it can also strip moisture from your hands over time. That's especially true if you're sanitising multiple times a day. Look for formulas that include skin-supportive co-ingredients to offset this.
Aloe vera is one of the most effective. It helps soothe and hydrate the skin's surface, counteracting the drying effect of alcohol. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that supports skin health and helps protect against environmental stress. Glycerin draws moisture to the skin, and pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol) helps maintain softness with regular use.
A sanitiser that includes a few of these isn't just being fancy. It's genuinely more sustainable for your hands over the long run. XtraSan Anti-Bacterial Hand Sanitiser 72% Spray and NatraSan Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser with Aloe Vera & Cucumber Spray both include ingredients that keep your hands soft alongside their active germ protection, and both are 100% Australian-made.
Alcohol-Based or Alcohol-Free: Know the Difference
Most effective sanitisers are alcohol-based, using ethanol or isopropyl alcohol as the primary active. Some formulas combine alcohol with benzalkonium chloride (BZK), an antimicrobial that adds persistence, meaning it keeps working on the skin for longer. NatraSan, for instance, is formulated to remain active for up to 90 minutes, based on independent laboratory testing.
Alcohol-free sanitisers rely primarily on BZK or similar quaternary ammonium compounds. These are gentler on skin and don't carry the flammability concern, making them a reasonable choice where high-frequency use is causing dryness or irritation.
They're worth considering for young children or people with particularly reactive skin, though as the CDC notes, hand sanitisers don't get rid of all types of germs regardless of formula, and soap and water still has the edge for thorough cleansing.
Spray vs. Gel: Which Format Suits Your Life?
Both work. The choice really comes down to how and where you're using it.
Gels are fine for a desk or bathroom counter, but they can be messier in bags and more fiddly to control the amount dispensed. Sprays offer a non-drip, measured dose, which is particularly handy when you're applying to a child's hands or pulling it out of a pocket mid-outing.
A spray with a secure nozzle is the practical pick for school bags, handbags, and car glove boxes. Both NatraSan and XtraSan come in a convenient spray format built for exactly that kind of use.
Supporting Australian-Made Is Worth It
When a product is manufactured locally, it's produced under Australian regulatory oversight. That generally means tighter quality controls and cleaner supply chains. Beyond the regulatory assurance, you're supporting Australian jobs and businesses.
With hand sanitiser, whose formulation quality directly affects how well a product works (and how well your skin holds up), that provenance genuinely matters.
Your Quick-Check Guide
| What to Check | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Alcohol content | At least 60%; 60–80% is the optimal range |
| Active ingredient | Ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, or BZK combination |
| Testing | Independently tested; dermatologically tested for sensitive skin |
| Skin support | Aloe vera, vitamin E, glycerin, panthenol |
| Format | Spray for on-the-go; gel for home or desk |
| Origin | Australian-made for quality and regulatory assurance |
A good hand sanitiser does two jobs well: reduces germs reliably, and keeps your skin in reasonable condition so you actually want to use it again. Keep these checks in mind and you'll find one that does both.
Browse the NatraSan and XtraSan range to find the right fit for your family.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or pharmaceutical advice. Product suitability varies between individuals. If you have sensitive skin, a skin condition, or are choosing a product for a young child, consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider before use.
References:
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Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Hand sanitiser guide. https://www.productsafety.gov.au/consumers/use-cosmetic-and-fashion-products-safely/hand-sanitiser-guide. Product Safety Australia. Updated February 2026.
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Therapeutic Goods Administration. Hand sanitisers: information for manufacturers, suppliers and advertisers. https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/guidance/meeting-requirements-manufacture-supply-or-advertise-hand-sanitisers. TGA. Updated September 2024.
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Therapeutic Goods Administration. OTC medicine monograph: Hand sanitisers. https://www.tga.gov.au/otc-medicine-monograph-hand-sanitisers. TGA. Updated 2024.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Show Me the Science – When & How to Use Hand Sanitizer. https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/hand-sanitizer.html. CDC.
