Value for money

CONOR POPE reviews Hand Sanitisers

HIGHS 

This cheap(ish) gel dries on the hands very quickly and leaves no sticky residue. It is comparatively strongly perfumed and has added aloe vera which, we presume, is intended to be good for our hands

LOWS 

We're not sure the aloe vera extract has much chance against the alcohol which smelled overpoweringly strong immediately after application

VERDICT 

Good value

HIGHS 

This alcohol-free liquid sanitiser promises to keep our hands free from harmful viruses for up to two hours. It is odour-free and dries on rapidly

LOWS 

Because it is a liquid, as opposed to a foam or a gel, it runs off the palm of the hand rapidly so can be quite messy unless you get to the rubbing bit very quickly

VERDICT 

Tricky but good

Vicks First Defence Protective Hand Foam €5.99 for 50ml, €119.80 per litre 

HIGHS 

An instantly recognisable brand, this is a lightly fragranced, alcohol-based foam which promises to keep hands free from germs for up to three hours

LOWS 

It left our hands feeling damp and greasy for several minutes and we did wonder just how much we were paying for the Vicks name

VERDICT 

Just a bit greasy

Eco San Hand Sanitising Foam €7.99 for 50ml, €159.80 per litre 

HIGHS 

Sold as an eco-friendly option which is skin-friendly and resilient - offering up to 12 hours protection. It is made without alcohol, is fragrance-free and easy-to-apply

LOWS 

Very expensive. The claims about 12-hour protection and its effectiveness against HIV, SARS and the flu had us scratching our heads

VERDICT 

Too pricey