I'm a fragrance fan through and through, and I don't mean that lightly. Not only do I have a 150-bottle-strong perfume collection, but I've also curated the ultimate body care routine, fit for any fragrance junkie like me. From luxury body washes and lotions to oils and even deodorant, I prefer my body care to hold its own with my perfume. To prep for the flu season ahead, I'm taking my scent obsession to the next level with the best smelling hand sanitizers.
Over the last few years, hand sanitizers have come a long way from the potent, nose-stinging formulas we remember all too well from the coronavirus pandemic. Now, you can find sanitizers that go beyond banishing germs—plenty offer skincare benefits with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter. It's the luxurious new scents that impress me the most, though. Perfume brands like Diptyque, Le Labo, and Byredo have all released hand sanitizers in their cult-favorite fragrances. What's more, several new products tap into the biggest perfume trends of the year, such as gourmands and "clean" scents.
The scope of the best smelling hand sanitizers ranges far and wide, so whether you're a floral fragrance-head or a vanilla lover, there's a germ-busting product for you. Keep scrolling to shop my favorite hand sanitizers with obsession-worthy scents—flu season won't stand a chance with one of these picks in your bag.
This list wouldn't be complete without Touchland's viral Power Mist sprays. Complete with a compact, pocket-sized bottle, this sanitizer earned its cult-favorite status with its lightweight, non-sticky spray. While I've never come across a Touchland scent I didn't like, a personal favorite is Rainwater, a light blend of watery florals and fresh pear.
Just like with everything Diptyque does, the brand has made hand sanitizer a luxury experience. A pea-sized amount is all you need to clean and wrap your hands in a jasmine-filled fragrance, complete with touches of peach and pink peppercorn.
Byredo perfumes rank high on my all-time favorite scents, so naturally, the brand's Bal D'afrique hand sanitizer is a must-have. As an ode to the beauty of Africa, it's a unique take on florals with native ingredients like African marigold. One whiff and you'll instantly feel transported to sunnier days.
Hempz makes some of my favorite body lotions on the market, so I wasn't surprised that its hand sanitizer is just as good. To put it simply, Sweet Pineapple and Honey Melon, one of the brand's most popular scents, is divine. Nearly every customer review mentions its incredible fruity smell, so you know it's worthwhile.
Roame's hand sanitizer is aptly named—its juniper and palo santo scent is so calming, you'll feel like you're on cloud nine with every spray. Additionally, its minimalist, travel-friendly bottle will look so chic in your handbag.
As one of my favorite body care brands on the planet, Aesop can do no wrong in my eyes. Its hand sanitizer is one of my favorites for a tiny moment of self-care. Aside from its non-drying feel, it has a subtle woody citrus scent that reminds me of lavish five-star hotels.
Leave it to Le Labo to make a vegetal scent I actually want to use. This hand sanitizer is filled with the fresh aroma of basil, something I've only ever associated with margarita pizza. Each sniff of this pick, though, reminds me of calmer, blissful moments—like a walk through a garden.
If you're on social media at all, you've likely come across this TikTok-viral pick. Well, I'm here to tell you it's worth the hype. This spray formula absorbs quickly and never leaves your hands sticky. All of the scents are luxurious, but Vetiver, a warm and earthy blend, is a particular favorite for fall and winter.
If you don't know about Paume yet, you soon will—the brand is transforming hand care with luxurious, clean, and affordable products. Its hand gel uses plant-powered ingredients for hydration. As a result, you can expect cedar, orange, lemon, rosemary, and lavender essential oils to leave a delightfully herbaceous fragrance behind.
Sorry, not sorry, but Bath and Body Works PocketBac Hand Sanitizers will forever be one of my all-time favorites. I've carried one around in my tote bag for as long as I can remember because they hold up to more luxurious formulas. Although I've tried nearly every scent by now, I keep going back to Strawberry Poundcake. It's a vanilla-forward fruity fragrance that could be straight out of a bakery.
If you're a fan of lavender, you'll find yourself constantly using this hand sanitizer. Reviewers say its lavender and eucalyptus scent is especially calming and soothing. You'll be happy to know that it's made with only clean ingredients, too.
Allow me to introduce you to Gemi, a brand-new brand bringing K-beauty innovation to your hands. It uses skincare ingredients such as centella asiatica extract and propanediol to strengthen the skin barrier and boost hydration. Its scents are top-notch, too—Elysium has a luxuriously layered fragrance of vanilla, peony, and amber that rivals my favorite vanilla perfumes.
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