Where to buy hand sanitizer: these brands still have stock

(Image credit: cottonbro from Pexels)

last updated 19 June 2020

Want to know where to buy hand sanitizer? We are here to help. Trying to pick up hand sanitizer at major pharmacies and supermarket chains has become a futile effort, so it can be tricky to know where to look. Thankfully a number of smaller retailers have stepped up, and other kinds of businesses have switched production to meet this new rise demand.

Read on for our pick of the best places a guide to where to buy hand sanitizer right now, in the US, UK and Australia. We'll be updating our list regularly, as stocks sell out and more becomes available elsewhere.

The coronavirus pandemic is in full swing. One of the key bits of advice to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to wash your hands (using the correct hand washing steps) or use hand sanitizer regularly, which is why stocks are looking so depleted. New research also suggests that vitamin D might play a key role in fighting the disease – here's where to buy vitamin D supplements (you might want to pick some up before they sell out).

Some areas are also recommending covering your face when you need to leave the house. For that, check out our guides to where to buy face masks or face shields. Or for disinfecting within the home, here's where to buy Lysol spray.

Wherever you are in the world, please don't buy more than you need. If manufacturers are going to catch up, everyone needs to start purchasing responsibly.

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Here's where to buy hand sanitizer right now. If you're in a hurry, here are some quick links to check first. Otherwise, scroll down for a better look at the different options right now. If you can't get hold of any, check back later, because we're updating this page daily.

Quick links: Where to buy hand sanitizer in the US

DailySteals – Plenty of hand sanitizer in stock to order
Staples – Herbal hand sanitizer in stock, with next-day delivery
Maapilim – Nourishing hand sanitizer scented with essential oils
Klean+ – Lavender-scented hand sanitizer, with discounts for multi-buy
Remedi – Buy hand sanitizer in bulk
Vegamour – Plant-based and cruelty free hand sanitizer spray
Premium Nature at Ebay – Shipping from New Jersey
Cabinet – Preparedness kits including everything you need to treat flu-like symptoms

Quick links: where to buy hand sanitizer in the UK

Waitrose & Partners – Hand sanitizer gel in stock, plus sanitizing wipes
The Bottle Club – Pick up hand sanitizer and stock up on booze at the same time
Glowyy – 75% alcohol hand sanitizer in stock
Beauty Kitchen – Refillable, organic, vegan hand sanitizer

USA: Where to buy hand sanitizer

Shop alcohol gel at Target

Browse hand sanitizer at Lowe's

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UK: Where to buy hand sanitiser

Shop all hand sanitizers at ebay

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Australia: Where to buy hand sanitiser

How to make homemade hand sanitizer

Let's say you know you're going to be out an about without ready access to soap and water, but you haven't been able to get your hands on any ready-made hand sanitiser. According to experts including Dr Anne Marie Helmenstine (who holds a PhD in biomedial sciences), it is possible to make your own 'hand sanitiser' at home, using Isopropyl alcohol (known as rubbing alcohol) and aloe vera gel.

To make your own, simply mix together 2/3 cup of 99% rubbing alcohol with 1/3 cup aloe vera gel. You can add 5-10 drops of essential oil to mask the smell of alcohol if you want, but this isn't essential. Then use a funnel to decant the mixture into a spray bottle or liquid soap container. Clearly label the bottle.

For your homemade hand sanitizer to work effectively, it needs to include at least 60% alcohol by volume. But if you don't include the aloe vera gel, it's going to dry your hands out pretty severely, pretty quickly.

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Does hand sanitizer protect against coronavirus?

Because coronavirus is a new illness, the official medical line on this isn't clear-cut. The NHS website says, "we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person" and that "similar viruses are spread in cough droplets".

The NHS advises using hand sanitizer gel only if soap and water are unavailable. Other recommendations include using your sleeve or a tissue to cover your mouth when sneezing, putting used tissues straight into a bin and washing your hands afterwards.

Also bear in mind that while hand sanitizer gels seem like the foolproof way to get your hands as clean as possible, they're not the magic solution you might assume. First up, for the hand sanitizer gel to effectively kill germs, it needs to be at least 60% alcohol – to be safe, look for a 60-95% alcohol concentration, and avoid alcohol-free options.

There are also other things that can make the alcohol gel, or vodka, less effective than you'd hope. The CDC warns that if your hands are very dirty or greasy, this can stop hand sanitizers from working properly. You also need to make sure you're using enough gel, and that you're not wiping off the gel before it's properly dry. Seriously, washing your hands is easier.

While hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands, they don't eliminate all types of germs. For certain types of germ – including norovirus – soap and water is more effective, according to the CDC.

What should I do if I can't find hand sanitizer?

So you haven't been able to get hold of any hand sanitizer. Don't worry. It's time to turn to good old-fashioned soap and water. To help guard against catching or spreading coronavirus, the NHS recommends washing your hands with soap and water regularly, following the official hand washing steps, including when you get home or arrive at work.

You can pick up hand soap at your local supermarket, but if that's not possible you can also order online – head to Waitrose, Boots, Superdrug or any number of other online stores.

Once you've got your soap, it's time to brush up on your hand-washing technique. It's recommended you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Above is the official NHS video showing you how to wash your hands properly.

How can I deal with self-isolation?

The UK has implemented a lockdown period, and in general everyone is advised to socially distance themselves right now. Thankfully in today's connected world, movies and TV can come to you, from all over the world.

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Check out Amazon Fire TV sticks at Amazon UK and at Amazon USA

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Ruth is a lifestyle journalist specialising in sleep and wellbeing. She has tested more mattresses than her small flat can handle and will talk at length about them to anyone who shows even a passing interest, and has had to implement a one-in-one-out pillow policy for fear of getting smothered in the night. As well as following all the industry trends and advancements in the mattress and bedding world, she regularly speaks to certified experts to delve into the science behind a great night's sleep, and offer you advice to help you get there. She's currently Sleep Editor on Tom's Guide and TechRadar, and prior to that ran the Outdoors and Wellness channels on T3 (now covered by Matt Kollat and Beth Girdler-Maslen respectively).