Hand sanitizer test and comparison - which is the best?

With all the disinfectants that are now offered to us in supermarkets, drugstores or online, you are probably wondering which is now the best disinfectant. We have done some research for you.

The best disinfectant for everyday use

When it comes to corona, not every disinfectant is an effective antidote. Especially in times of SARS-CoV-2, it is important to know which hand disinfectant is effective against the novel virus. A disinfectant is – depending on its spectrum of activity – a helpful product to eliminate bacteria, viruses, fungi or spores. The active ingredient contained in the disinfectant has a denaturing effect, which means that it destroys the proteins found inside the microorganism, thus preventing the germs from spreading further.

Disinfectants are now available in different variants: as foam, gel, spray or liquid for everyday use. For medical practices, catering companies, clinics or other professional contexts, however, it is advisable to pay close attention to the area of application. Finally, disinfectants for surfaces or instruments contain different active ingredients than those for the skin.

Hand disinfection effect

In hand disinfectants, alcohols such as ethanol or isopropanol ensure high efficacy against germs. From a content of 70 percent alcohol, the preparation can be used against enveloped viruses such as influenza and coronaviruses. However, the alcohol has the side effect of drying out the hands, which is why good skin care is important in parallel.

How to recognize a good disinfectant

There are a few things you can look out for if you want to buy a really good disinfectant. This includes, for example, a high level of transparency when it comes to ingredients. Reputable manufacturers list their ingredients on the packaging. The pictograms for the hazard warnings should also not be missing. A high alcohol content is also a good sign, optimally the disinfectant smells typically clinical. If you want to get the best disinfectant to protect against viruses and bacteria, the label should state that the product is virucidal, limited virucidal or limited virucidal plus. In this context, you should keep your hands off antibacterial products. They cannot stand up to coronaviruses, for example.

How do disinfectants work

Disinfectants containing alcohol have a denaturing effect. This means that they attack and destroy the protein-containing structures of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. Viruses are divided into enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Depending on the disinfectant, the active ingredient attacks the envelope of a virus, which is composed of lipids. More insidious are the so-called naked viruses. These non-enveloped organisms are more resilient than the enveloped ones and therefore need to be addressed all the more vigorously.

Disinfection Spectrum of action and effect with virus types

Among the various products for hand disinfection can be found different designs, with which is also related to what germs can be combated with it. The following categories exist among the products against viruses:

Limited virucidal

Limited virucidal disinfectants are effective against enveloped viruses, such as coronaviruses or influenza viruses.

Limited virucidal plus

A product with limited virucidal Plus activity not only kills enveloped viruses, but also adenoviruses, rotaviruses and noroviruses.

Virucidal

Coated or uncoated – a virucidal product makes the all-round strike against viruses of any kind.

What disinfectants fight Corona

Shortly after the virus became known, it became clear that disinfection was particularly important for combating this pathogen. Even a limited virucidal disinfectant is sufficient, since Corona is an enveloped virus. If you want to protect yourself not only against this virus, you can also apply a more penetrating disinfectant, that is, use a virucidal product. However, do not disinfect your hands too often and rub the disinfectant on all sides of the fingers, on the back of the hands and on the wrists.

Different types of disinfectant

Have you figured out which type of disinfectant is your favorite? Here is a small overview of all the versions you can buy:

Disinfection gel

Disinfectant gel is the perfect product for on the go. They drip less and thus end up only where they really should be applied. The disadvantage is that some suppliers use less high-quality ingredients and then a sticky feeling on the skin after applying the product… Here it is worth testing well.

Disinfection spray

Disinfectant sprays are excellent when it comes to surfaces and handles. A disadvantage is the acrid fumes, which in the long term can damage the respiratory system.

Disinfection liquid

Disinfectant liquid spreads well on both hands and surfaces. Safe application and effectiveness can thus be guaranteed. Attention for sensitive materials and surfaces.

What should you look for when buying hand sanitizer?

In addition to odor and alcohol content, natural ingredients should also be a factor you consider when buying hand sanitizer. Finally, natural ingredients cause fewer allergies and have a soothing and nourishing effect.

Consider in advance for which context and against which target organism the disinfectant should be and choose the spectrum of activity accordingly.

Special features of WIESENBERG disinfectants

We at WIESENBERG have developed something special for you: a disinfectant with an exclusive care ingredient, with tea tree oil, Litsea Cubeba oil and a high alcohol content. This is how we turn hygiene into a pampering moment. Our pack sizes fit in your bathroom as well as in your handbag and are thus the optimal support in everyday life.