Best hand sanitizers?

I need something to disinfect my hands and my office surfaces. Starting this thread because I'm completely clueless when it comes to antiseptics.

I hit up a drugstore and picked up some Lysol and Bactine. Supposedly both work for hands, but this Lysol is giving me a bit of a sting. I apply the recommended amount (at least 3 ml) and rub it in. After about a minute, my hands start feeling like they're burning. It’s not an intense burn, but it’s uncomfortable enough to be annoying, and the sensation lingers. I’ve used it three times over the last two weeks, and it’s been the same result every single time. On the other hand, the Bactine is great. I’d probably just use that on the days I skip the Lysol. I’m thinking about using the Lysol to wipe down my desk, keyboard, mouse, etc. What do you guys think? What are you using, and what’s your experience with these two?

The office where I work is pretty much filthy, so I want to wipe down the surfaces I touch every day. I also need something for my hands since my job involves a lot of field work, and when I get back to the office, there's almost never any soap in the restroom.

I've been using Lysol for years, the green kind. It says it has alcohol in it. Probably the same deal with these other products, which explains why it stings so much.
It’d be way easier if there was just a spray for keyboards and mice. Check your DMs. I think even Target carries that stuff, and they usually have it cheaper than the local CVS.

Or just go old school and do some "internal disinfection" with some high-proof bourbon. 😁

Bactine really dries out your skin, so I wouldn't recommend using it long-term.
For your hands, you'd be better off with a disinfectant that actually has some moisturizing agents in it, like glycerin.
Not trying to push an ad here, just giving an example... maybe something like Orajel.

Honestly, though, I don't see the point in using two products that are basically identical for the same thing. Just pick one and call it a day...

When it comes to surface disinfectants, there are tons of options out there, I just wouldn't go with Bactine.

List of approved biocidal products currently on the market (Federal Register compliance)
LINK:
Now you know what to use.

As far as I can tell, Bactine doesn't work for me. It contains 0.8g of chlorhexidine gluconate in 80% ethanol per 100ml, and it makes my hands sting immediately after application.

The label on the Hibiclens says it just contains 0.2% benzalkonium chloride. That’s it. My palms don't sting at all when I use that.

Those are the two products I've bought and tested so far. Both were "recommended" to me by the clerks at the local pharmacy.

Bottom line: I need something effective for disinfecting, washing, or cleaning my hands that I can use once or twice a week without issue.

I usually just grab whatever screen and keyboard cleaner they have at Best Buy.

I make sure to wash my hands really well all the time.

I’m curious, though. Why do you guys bother with all that? Do you actually think you're going to catch something at the office or something?

redorca14 said:...

So those are the two products I've picked up and tried so far. Both were "recommended" to me by the staff over at the CVS.

I mean, what's the deal with those quotation marks? What am I supposed to take from that?

In hospitals, they rely on Lysol polyalcohol hand antiseptic. It’s actually mandatory, especially in places like the ICU or neonatal units. You can even use it to wipe down a keyboard.

Donna Johnson16 said:I'm wondering, what's with the quotation marks?

Look, go to a CVS or Walgreens and just ask for something for a sore throat. Almost without fail, the staff will push the priciest item on the shelf. If you dare to question why you shouldn't just grab a cheaper brand you already trust, they’ll put on their glasses, squint at the fine print on the packaging, and lecture you about how this specific brand is "revolutionary" or "clinically proven" to fight inflammation. It's the same script for every recommendation.
That's my experience. That's why I used quotes.

I previously mentioned that Asepsoleta liquid contains Benzalkonium chloride.

Here is what I dug up regarding this Benzalkonium chloride
"Benzalkonium chloride. It is linked to severe irritation and allergies affecting the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It is extremely harmful for asthmatics and individuals suffering from eczema. You'll find it in numerous household detergents and certain cold medications as well. Frequent use can lead to bacterial resistance.".

LINK:

Hmm.

I’m not quite sure what to tell you, but at the end of the day, what works for one person just might not work for another. That doesn't mean the product isn't doing its job; it just means it's not right for you. I actually used to work at a local hospital, and once they switched up their supplier, I started getting these nasty sores on my hands from using the new soap they decided to roll out...