Hand sanitiser tests uncover the best and worst gels…

Hand sanitiser tests uncover the best and worst gels from the UK high street

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, hand sanitisers have become staple items in most people’s bags.

But if you’ve purchased a hand sanitiser online, a new report may ring alarm bells for you.

Tests by Which? have revealed that several hand sanitisers being sold on online marketplaces make misleading claims, and could fail to protect you from Covid-19.

Which? put 18 hand sanitisers to the test, including gels available on popular sites like eBay and Etsy.

Three hand sanitisers were found to not contain the percentage of alcohol claimed on the product listing page or packaging.

Klenzy Hand Sanitizing Gel claimed to have 75% alcohol content, but tests showed it contained just 10%.

Which? put 18 hand sanitisers to the test, including gels available on popular sites like eBay and Etsy (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the VaidaMakeup Hand Sanitiser Gel (33% alcohol content) and Hansan Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser (35%), were also found to contain half of the 70% alcohol levels that were claimed.

Based on the findings, Which? contacted eBay and Etsy, who removed the hand sanitisers from their websites.

Thankfully, the other 15 hand sanitisers tested were found to contain the appropriate levels of alcohol to kill viruses.

Natalie Hitchins, Head of Home Products and Services at Which?, said: “It’s extremely concerning that hand sanitisers readily available on online marketplaces eBay and Etsy make misleading claims about alcohol content and could leave consumers unwittingly exposed to the COVID-19 virus.

“The good news is that our research shows that if you buy hand sanitiser from a known and trusted brand, it increases the chances of it doing what you need it to, but you could face more of a lottery if you are buying from lesser-known sellers on online marketplaces.”