What is the Best Hand Sanitizer for Schools: Key Considerations

With kids back in school there is a higher risk of germ transmission. The return of students and staff to campus means more human interaction, which means more opportunities for germs to get passed around.

Proper handwashing is the best line of defense, but ready access to soap and water isn’t always an option in a school environment. The next best way to keep students and staff safe and healthy is to make hand sanitizer available when soap and water aren’t, especially at moments that matter, like before eating, after blowing their nose or sneezing and at entries into the facility.

But, with so many hand sanitizer options available, how do you know which is the best for your school?

Don’t worry, in this article and video, we will discuss how to choose the best hand sanitizer for your school, considerations for dispensers and share tips on optimal dispenser placement to promote safe use.

Let’s jump in.

Which Hand Sanitizer is the Right Choice for Your School?

The needs of every school may be different, but one thing is true for all – you want to meet the needs of your school and also be sure your hand sanitizer is keeping germs at bay.

Alcohol and non-alcohol hand sanitizers alike offer pros and cons.

In addition to the desired efficacy benefits and specific ingredients in a hand sanitizer, you want to consider which type(s) of dispensers work best in your facility. Some sanitizers are made specifically for certain dispensers, while others are more versatile in which dispenser they work with.

For example, foaming hand sanitizers need to be stored in a dispenser that contains a foaming mechanism to avoid potential clogging issues. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers may require dispensers that are non-corrosive so the alcohol doesn’t erode inside over time. If there are concerns about ingestion risk, certain dispensers may be preferred and there may be additional considerations toward placement where they can be monitored for misuse.

So, let’s jump in.

Hand Sanitizer Types

There are two main types of hand sanitizers when it comes to ingredients:

Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers
Non-Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers

Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most effective hand sanitizers are ones with at least 60% alcohol. Studies have shown that sanitizers with an alcohol concentration of at least 60% work best at killing many different types of germs.

While alcohol-based hand sanitizers are optimal for killing germs, there are potential downsides to using them. Some hand sanitizers can cause skin dryness with frequent use –especially if they are not well-formulated with moisturizing ingredients. Accidental ingestion is an additional consideration, which can be monitored by preventing unsupervised use by children under the age of 6 years old.

Pros of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

Kills a broad range of germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Typically fast-acting, reducing germs on hands quickly (within 15–30 seconds).
Recommended by health authorities like the CDC for effective hand hygiene.
Dries quickly and leaves no residue.
Does not cause antibiotic resistance.

Cons of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

Some alcohol-based formulations can cause skin dryness or irritation with frequent use.
Flammable, requiring proper storage and handling.
May sting on cuts or broken skin.
Can be dangerous if ingested or gets into your eyes

Non-Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers

The active ingredient in the majority of non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers is a chemical called benzalkonium chloride.

Some non-alcohol sanitizers use other ingredients like citrus extract and citric acid; for all formulations, the rest of the solution is mainly water and will often be enhanced with skin conditioners such as vitamin E, aloe, and green tea extract.

Because the ingredients in non-alcohol sanitizers aren’t as effective as alcohol, they often require a longer contact time to work.

Hand sanitizers using active ingredients other than alcohol or benzalkonium chloride are not legally marketed in the United States and are therefore not recommended by the FDA.

Pros of Non-Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

Often gentler on the skin and less drying, with added moisturizing properties.
Less likely to sting when applied to cuts or irritated skin.

Cons of Non-Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

May take longer to reduce germs compared to alcohol-based sanitizers.
Not recommended by health authorities like the CDC for healthcare settings.
Effectiveness can vary greatly depending on the formulation and active ingredient.
Can leave a residue or sticky feeling on the skin after use.

How to Choose the Best Hand Sanitizer for Your Facility

Below we’ll review some of the key considerations so you can make the best choice when deciding between alcohol-based and non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers:

Germ Effectiveness
Formula Makeup
Skin Sensitivity
Accessibility & Usability
Cost & Budget
Sustainability

1. Germ Effectiveness

You want to ensure that any hand sanitizer you select is approved by the FDA, which regulates hand sanitizers as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. The FDA sets guidelines and standards for the formulation, manufacturing, labeling, and safety of hand sanitizers.

Hand sanitizers that meet the FDA’s OTC drug review conditions will include a “Drug Facts” panel with product information on the label. It’s important to follow the warnings and precautions on the label, especially when it comes to usage for children.

2. Formula Makeup

In a school setting, it’s important to find hand sanitizers that smell and feel pleasant, since children can be finicky and sensitive to certain smells and textures.

Go with hand sanitizers that are non-sticky and fast-drying, so children aren’t focused on any discomfort that may arise when applying the sanitizer. The recommended drying time is 15-20 seconds after application.

3. Skin Sensitivity

Children are more prone to dry, irritated, cracked hands, and many suffer from eczema. Sanitizers with added moisturizers, like sanitizer lotions or those that include moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or aloe, are a nice option for preventing skin irritation and keeping skin moisturized.

To keep children’s skin healthy, it’s good to choose hand sanitizers that are mild in scent or completely fragrance-free.

4. Accessibility & Usability

Any hand sanitizer you provide to your students and staff must be easily accessible. Large pump bottles are great for sharing in the classroom or in cafeterias.

For students older than six, travel-sized bottles are available for personal use which students can keep at their desks or in their backpacks.

Sanitizer Dispenser Options

When it comes to a hand sanitizer dispenser, you have a few different options. Hand sanitizer can be distributed in many forms, such as wall dispensers, dispenser stands, and pump bottles.

You definitely want hanging or standing dispensers in high-traffic areas. Place them at intervals in areas with increased risk. This will encourage regular use throughout the day.

Pro tip: Consider touch-free dispensers to eliminate major touch points and to further reduce the risk of germ transmission.

Where to Place Hand Sanitizer in Classrooms

You want to place hand sanitizer in key locations in the classroom, such as near the door and the teacher’s desk, where students often congregate. It is recommended to place two or three pump bottles in classrooms.

Key Locations for Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer should be readily available in common areas and places with heavy foot traffic outside of the classroom.

There are three primary categories for hand sanitizer placement:

High Traffic Areas
Medium Traffic Areas
Medium-to-Low Traffic Areas

High Traffic Areas

These are areas where students frequently gather together, like main entrances, cafeterias, and gyms. In these areas, you want to have touchless hand sanitizer dispensers available that make sanitizing quick, easy, and accessible.

Medium Traffic Areas

Areas where students and staff gather, but not necessarily at the same time, are considered medium traffic areas. These include restrooms, media centers, main offices, and trash disposal areas. For hand sanitizer, wall mounted dispensers work well.

Medium-to-Low Traffic Areas

Low traffic areas are places where a few people visit throughout the day, like classrooms and administrative offices. These areas can utilize pump bottle and hand sanitizer wipes that are easy to share.

5. Cost & Budget

Stocking an entire school with hand sanitizer can be costly. However, keeping students and staff safe and healthy is of utmost importance. When considering a hand sanitizer purchase, it’s good to analyze the cost per unit and compare that to bulk pricing, which is often more financially beneficial.

In most cases, alcohol-free hand sanitizer is less expensive. However, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is more effective. This can actually end up being more cost-effective in preventing sickness, so it’s important to take all of this into consideration.

Depending on your budget, decide which factors are driving your purchasing decision and choose hand sanitizers that meet the needs of your school and don’t create financial hardship.

6. Sustainability

If you’re interested in hand sanitizers that offer environmental benefits, there are options. You can choose sanitizers that have eco-friendly packaging. Check the label for information on recyclability and consider if you are able to recycle the package once it’s empty.

When it comes to hand sanitizer itself, plant-based options usually contain natural ingredients and are less harmful to the environment. These are more biodegradable than the chemical-based ingredients found in the conventional sanitizers.

Final Thoughts

Keeping students and staff healthy should always be a priority at your school. Since you can’t provide hand soap and washing stations throughout the school, having hand sanitizer available is the next best choice.

Remember that many children have sensitive skin and some are particular about scents and textures. Younger children are also susceptible to ingesting hand sanitizer if not properly trained on how much to use. Keep these things in mind as you prepare to equip your school with hand sanitizer.

It should be noted that hand sanitizers – whether alcohol-based or not – cannot eliminate germs when hands are heavily soiled or greasy. In this case, handwashing with soap and water is recommended by the CDC.

If you’re located in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the Caribbean, Imperial Dade has a team of experts ready to assist you in finding the best hand sanitizer for your school. We offer a wide range of options, both with and without alcohol, to meet your needs. Contact us today.