Everything You Need To Know About Hand Sanitiser Vs Hand Washing

What Does Hand Sanitiser Do?

Hand sanitisers are usually alcohol-based gels, used to kill bacteria and viruses on the hands when hand washing isn’t available.  More than ever, we’re now encouraged to carry them with us and use them throughout the day to keep us safe. 

Are Hand Sanitisers More Effective Than Hand Washing?

Truly, the best way to safely clean hands is to wash them with running water and soap. Unlike sanitising gels which work to kill the virus or bacteria, hand washing with soap loosens the viral cells from our skin, washing them away entirely. It’s important to wash for a full 20 seconds to give your hands the best chance of removing every last trace. Here at Pai Labs we’ve just launched our first ever hand wash – Soapsud Island – formulated with sensitive hands in mind. To celebrate its launch we’re giving you a free 250ml Soapsud Island worth £19/€29/$29 with orders over £50/€70/$75 (while stocks last). 

Do Hand Sanitisers Really Kill Viruses?

The simple answer? Sometimes. When hand washing facilities aren’t available – while you’re out and about for example – a sanitising gel is all-important. There are some viruses that hand sanitisers are unable to kill, but when it comes to Covid 19, we know that they are effective. That’s because this particular virus is surrounded by a casing that can be penetrated by alcohol (the main ingredient in sanitising gels). 

What Is The Most Effective Type Of Hand Sanitiser?

The important thing here is the percentage of alcohol inside. To kill most viruses – including Coronavirus –  at least 60% alcohol content is required. The amount you use matters too – there should be enough gel that it takes 20 seconds to rub all over all the hands and fingers until they are dry. 

What Ingredients Are Inside Pai’s Hand Sanitiser?

The alcohol content of our sanitising gel Acton Spirit is 65%. Take a look through Acton Spirit’s reviews and you’ll see one thing pop up again and again – its luxurious, refreshing scent. That’s because we’ve added sensitive skin-friendly Fragonia essential oil which is thought to have similar antibacterial properties to Tea Tree oil.

For every bottle of Acton Spirit Hand Sanitising Gel sold, we donate one to an NHS frontline worker, care home, homeless charity or beauty bank. Learn more about our Buy One, Gift One pledge right here.

Will Sanitiser Make My Hands Dry? 

This will depend on how frequently you’re using it, and the ingredients inside. If hands do feel dry or chapped, it’s important not just to soothe them, but to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier to protect them too. Our fast-absorbing Fragonia & Sea Buckthorn Instant Hand Therapy Cream brings intensive, long-lasting hydration without leaving behind a greasy residue. 

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