Hand sanitiser isn’t inherently bad for your skin, but frequent use can contribute to dryness, tightness and irritation, particularly with alcohol-based formulas. If you sanitise regularly, moisturising ingredients and good hand care can help support the skin barrier without compromising everyday hand hygiene.
For people whose hands become particularly dry, another option is a sanitising hand cream, which combines antimicrobial ingredients with moisturising ingredients in one formula.
Why can hand sanitiser dry out your skin?
Most conventional hand sanitisers use alcohol as the active sanitising ingredient.
Alcohol is effective for hand hygiene, but frequent exposure can also remove some of the natural oils from the skin’s surface. These oils form part of the skin barrier, helping retain moisture and protect against external irritants.
With repeated use, particularly alongside frequent handwashing, you may notice:
- Dry or tight skin
- Roughness or flaking
- Redness or irritation
- Cracked knuckles or fingertips
- Increased sensitivity
People who already have dry or sensitive skin may notice these effects more quickly.
If repeated washing is also contributing to the problem, see our guide to the best creams for overwashed hands.
Does that mean you should stop using hand sanitiser?
No. Hand sanitiser remains a convenient hygiene option when appropriate, particularly when soap and water aren’t readily available.
Instead of avoiding sanitiser because your hands become dry, focus on supporting your skin barrier.
This can include:
- Moisturising regularly
- Applying hand cream after repeated sanitising or washing
- Avoiding excessively hot water when washing
- Using gentler skincare products if your hands are already irritated
- Wearing appropriate gloves when handling detergents or chemicals
For persistent dryness, an intensive hand cream for dry and frequently washed hands can help replenish moisture between washing and sanitising.
What is a sanitising hand cream?
A sanitising hand cream is designed to combine two functions: hand sanitising and moisturising.
Instead of applying sanitiser and hand cream separately, these formulas contain antimicrobial ingredients alongside ingredients commonly found in moisturising hand creams.
This can be particularly useful for people who sanitise frequently and find conventional formulas leave their hands feeling dry.
However, products can differ significantly, so always check the label to understand the sanitising claims, active ingredients and directions for use.
What should you look for in a sanitising hand cream?
If dryness is one of your main concerns, don’t look only at the antimicrobial ingredient. The moisturising side of the formulation matters too.
Urea
Urea is a humectant naturally found within the skin’s moisturising system. It helps attract and retain moisture and can also help soften rough, dry skin.
Learn more about urea and its benefits for dry skin.
Glycerin
Glycerin helps attract water to the outer layers of the skin and is commonly included in products designed for frequent use.
Dimethicone
Dimethicone creates a lightweight barrier over the skin that helps reduce moisture loss.
This can be particularly useful when your hands are repeatedly exposed to washing, sanitising and environmental irritants.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E provides antioxidant and conditioning benefits and is often combined with humectants and barrier-supporting ingredients in products for dry hands.
Read more about Vitamin E in skincare.
Antimicrobial ingredients
Sanitising products require an ingredient or combination of ingredients responsible for their antimicrobial action.
Some formulas use alcohol, while others use alternative antimicrobial ingredients.
If alcohol-based products consistently leave your hands feeling dry, an alcohol-free sanitising hand cream that also contains ingredients such as urea, glycerin, Vitamin E and dimethicone may be worth considering.
Alcohol sanitiser vs sanitising hand cream
The right option depends on your circumstances rather than one format always being better.
Traditional alcohol-based sanitiser is widely available, fast to use and appropriate for many everyday hygiene situations. However, frequent use can contribute to dryness for some people.
Sanitising hand cream may be useful when you want antimicrobial action alongside moisturising ingredients, particularly if dryness is an ongoing concern.
The important thing is to choose a product that meets the hygiene requirements of the situation and use it according to its directions.
How to prevent dry hands when sanitising frequently
A simple hand care routine can make a significant difference.
Moisturise regularly
Don’t wait until your hands are severely cracked. Apply moisturiser whenever the skin begins to feel dry or tight.
Pay attention to commonly dry areas
Work cream into the backs of the hands, knuckles, fingertips and around the nails, where dryness can become particularly noticeable.
Moisturise before bed
Night-time provides a useful opportunity for moisturiser to remain on the skin without immediately being washed away.
Choose products suited to your skin
If your hands are sensitive, fragrance may be a trigger. In that case, a fragrance-free intensive hand cream may be preferable between sanitising.
If dryness progresses to painful or persistent cracking, read our guide to the best hand cream for cracked fingers.
FAQs
Is hand sanitiser bad for your hands?
Not necessarily. However, frequent use of alcohol-based sanitiser can contribute to dryness and irritation in some people by removing oils from the skin’s surface.
Why are my hands dry after using sanitiser?
Alcohol, repeated washing and environmental exposure can all reduce moisture in the skin and disrupt the skin barrier. Frequent moisturising can help counteract this dryness.
Should I moisturise after using hand sanitiser?
If your hands become dry from frequent sanitising, regular moisturising can help maintain hydration and support the skin barrier.
What is a sanitising hand cream?
A sanitising hand cream combines antimicrobial ingredients with moisturising ingredients. It is designed to provide sanitising action while also helping keep the hands hydrated.
Can you get alcohol-free sanitising hand creams?
Yes. Some sanitising hand creams use antimicrobial ingredients other than alcohol. If dryness is a concern, look for an alcohol-free formula that also contains moisturising ingredients and check the product’s stated antimicrobial claims and directions.
Keeping hands clean without neglecting your skin
Frequent sanitising can leave some people’s hands dry, but good hand hygiene and good skincare don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
If standard sanitiser works well for your skin, continue using it as appropriate and moisturise when needed. If frequent sanitising consistently leaves your hands dry, consider whether a formula combining antimicrobial action with ingredients such as urea, glycerin, Vitamin E and dimethicone better suits your needs.
An alcohol-free sanitising hand cream can provide this combination in a single product, while the wider hand care range includes options for ongoing dryness, sensitivity and cracked skin.
Tough Shield Sanitising Hand Cream
Clinically proven, DU’IT Tough Shield sanitising hand cream is a 2-in-1 hand cream and hand sanitiser that kills 99.9% of germs, fast without water. It provides up to 6 hours continuous antimicrobial protection, ensuring that your hands are sanitised and germ free. It’s Australia’s No.1 hand cream* (Circana data, AU Grocery & Pharmacy, Data on…
Tough Shield Sanitising
DU’IT Tough Shield hand sanitiser kills 99.99% of germs fast without water. Enriched with a unique blend of moisturising Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin, it leaves hands moisturised and protected. Non sticky formula, tough on germs and soft on hands.
