These gorgeous smelling hand sanitisers moisturise and protect too

Everyone, it seems is after nice smelling hand sanitisers so it makes sense brands have hit up their labs to develop antibacterial hand gels that are sensorially pleasing. 

While hand sanitisers remain the best way to disinfect your hands on the go, most reek of alcohol and leave hands cracked and sore. 

So say a warm hello to the new raft of antibacterial hand gels that combine essential protection with sensory appeal. 

All meet the safety criteria set out by Public Health England by containing ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or benzalkonium chloride at a threshold of 60% or higher.

But they also delivery a hint of luxury with gentle humectants and spa-inspired essential oils like lavender that are not only anti-viral but have a calming effect on the nervous system.  

This Works, for example, has loaded its hand gel with hyaluronic acid and the signature Stress Check scent to relieve feelings of tension and anxiety. While Aromatherapy Associates Tea Tree & Eucalyptus No Rinse Hand Gel smells just like an alpine hideaway.

Tempted? Shop our pick below...

This Works Stress Check Clean Hands Gel, £15, Lookfantastic

Hyaluronic acid is like a blanket for dry skin while lavender, neroli and camomile essential oils help you take deep, relaxing breaths.

The White Company Seychelles Mini Hand Cleansing Gel, £6

You wouldn't want to rinse off the sunny bergamot, fresh coconut and buttery vanilla scent blend that transports you to the Indian Ocean.

Sanctuary Spa Antibacterial Hand Gel Spray, £5, Lookfantastic

A spray-on sanitiser that combines skin-friendly glycerin with floral and musky fragrance notes. Despite the £5 price tag, this smells more like a luxury hand cream.

Aromatherapy Associates Tea Tree & Eucalyptus No Rinse Hand Gel, £12, Lookfantastic

The formula pulls water into the outer layer of your skin and also includes an invigorating aromatherapy oil blend of pine, eucalyptus and peppermint, reminiscent of mountain air.

Oskia Safe Hands Hand Sanitiser, £8, Cult Beauty

The alcohol content is only bolstered by the antibacterial essential oils (think herbaceous-smelling rosemary and lavender) and a hefty dose of the humectant glycerin in this old-school tube.

Neal’s Yard Natural Defence Hand Rub, £5.75, Lookfantastic

What's not to love about this travel-size hand rub complete with lemongrass, lavender and thyme oils plus purifying witch hazel, which leaves hands smelling fresh and free from undesirable stickiness.

Margaret Dabbs London The Hand Sanitiser, £12, Cult Beauty

100% organic,  with a soft floral scent and rich in skin-strengthening emu oil (a potent source of essential fatty acids), hands never feel rough or tight post use.