Influenza surge in the region: Stay protected with gentle hand washes and sanitisers
With flu cases rising in various countries, hand hygiene is more important than ever
By Nadine Chua and Letty Seah -
Earlier this month, it has been reported that more than 2,000 people in Singapore made appointments to get the influenza vaccine. While vaccination is crucial in reducing flu risk, regular and meticulous hand hygiene remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the virus.
Check out these gentle hand washes that we love — they’ll probably make the habit of washing hands a lot easier to get used to. We also popped in a couple of hand sanitiser picks that you’ll want to slip into your purse.
Extra rich and nourishing, this hand wash is gentle on the skin and leaves it soft and moisturised. The delightfully nutty scent comes from the inimitable shea butter. It’s also eco-friendly—you can purchase eco-refills and reuse the bottle. Available at L’Occitane.
If you prefer earthy and woody scents, this hand wash envelops your hands in the warm aroma of Hinoki trees while cleansing with nourishing botanicals like buckthorn oil and rosemary leaf extract. Available at Le Labo.
The key ingredients in this light and revitalising hand wash are clarifying cucumber extracts, antioxidant-rich rosemary leaf extracts, and hydrating aloe vera juice. The formula is gentle enough for repeated use but is also effective in getting rid of stubborn dirt and grime. Available at Crabtree & Evelyn.
A blend of vitamins C and E, along with glycerin, creates a moisturising lather while leaving you smelling like a bouquet of flowers. What’s not to love? Available at Fresh.
Glasshouse Fragrances Amalfi Coast Sea Mist Hand Wash, $36.52, 500 ml
You may not be able to go on a holiday, but you can bring the smell of the Amalfi Coast into your home. With an invigorating scent comprising freesia, lavender, and lime, the hand wash is also formulated with rosehip oil, Vitamin E, and argan oil to nourish and protect your hands after each wash. Available at Robinsons.
Come for the nasties-free, plant-based formula and stay for the woody, vetiver, and amber-spiked fragrance. The icing on the cake? The minimalist aluminum bottle looks extremely chic sitting on your counter. Available at Method Home.
Panier Des Sens The Essentials Rejuvenating Rose Liquid Marseille Soap, $17.61, 500 ml
This ultra-nourishing hand wash has a beautiful rose scent thanks to the rose essential oils in its formula. Free from parabens, aluminium and silicones, the hand wash can help soothe and rejuvenate the dry and irritated skin on your hands while washing away dirt and impurities. Available at Amazon.
This travel-sized hand sanitiser features a rich blend of comforting vanilla, invigorating bergamot spice and earthy patchouli musk. It is also spiked with skin-loving essential oils, shea extract, vitamin E and aloe vera to keep your hands soft and supple while you sanitise. Available at Bath & Body Works.
Scented with citrus, woody and herbaceous notes, this hand wash is a hit with all families as it gives hands a soothing, clean feel after being washed. It also contains a gentle formulation of oils so your hands won’t dry out, even after multiple washes.
And if you’ve already got a bottle at home and are running low, remember to purchase the refill version – it saves plastic and it’s more affordable. Available at Aesop.
Get a gentle, soothing cleanse with this hand wash that’s enriched with calming chamomile and hydrating marshmallow root so your hands feel mositurised all day. It also has a soap-free formula, making this a perfect pick for those with sensitive skin. Available at Jurlique.
Supermodel Miranda Kerr founded Kora Organics more than 10 years ago, and the brand has been a hit since then. We’re in love with their gentle hand and body wash that helps to soften dry hands and leave it thoroughly cleansed. It’s infused with rose, geranium, and basil for a fresh, invigorating scent. Available at Revolve.
If you’re a fan of Jo Malone candles and perfumes, you’ll absolutely adore their range of hand washes too. Their orange blossom hand wash seems to be a bestseller and it’s no surprise, considering how good it smells. A little goes a long way with this product – just a small pump is enough to lather up into an aromatic hand washing experience. Available at Jo Malone.
This vegan hand wash is infused with a hardworking blend of grapefruit, bitter orange and lavender essential oils, making it perfect for sensitive skin. It also contains vitamin E, so your hands feel hydrated and nourished. Definitely a family-favourite pick, if you ask us. Available at Amazon.
Want a hand sanitiser that’s gentle on skin and tough on germs? Here’s a pick from Hysses that you’ll love. It’s made of 100% pure essential oils and has an anti-bacterial blend of rosemary and peppermint so your skin feels clean when you’re on-the-go.
Unlike other hand sanitisers that may cause hands to feel dry, this hand sanitiser is perfect for those looking to moisturise their delicate hands too. Plus, it smells great too! Available at Hysses.
This 30ml squeeze tube is sure to fit into any mini bag for easy on-the-go cleansing. It has a fresh, second skin fragrance and 97 per cent natural-origin ingredients, so you can sanitise your hands without worrying about damaging your skin. Available at Escentials.
This pocket-sized sanitiser checks all the boxes – not only is it made with a plant-based active ULTRABactech that offers protection against microbes for up to 24 hours, it also boasts a near neutral pH of 6.27 and hydrators like natural aloe vera to help you avoid dry, chapped hands. Pair it with your favourite hand cream to treat your hands to extra moisture. Available at Watsons.