pleased to meet, ah-ch-yoou

At a very young age we are taught that germs are the enemy yet, as life will have it, we are forced to face them everyday. Sometimes they even morph themselves into friendly hand shakes or those community pens with the unbeatable ink that you are always tempted to take with you. Sneaky buggers.

I am pleased to inform you that hand sanitzer has come a long way and is no longer a sterile-scented, alcohol-induced, germ-killing vigilante. From green to luxury – allow me to introduce you to these all natural mani saviors (safe for the whole family’s mitten stuffers):

Clean Well. The pocket-sized 1 oz spray with the flip top cap is convenient and easy to use (Seriously, you can do it one handed). Unlike sloshy gels, it does not go where it is not supposed to go. The spray keeps you from making a mess while you attempt to get clean. Available at Target.

Frais provides an array of benefits in addition to germ fighting. Their special Les Huit blend of eight essential oils provides moisture to your hands and nourishes the mind. Sugarcane alcohol and aromatherapeutic botanical essential oils (ginger, tangerine, lemon myrtle, niaouli, orange, basil, grapefruit and cardamom).

Jao is an “upscale” antibacterial and aromatherapy treatment. Their claim: “It’ll feel like you just washed with an herbal lavender soap.” Ethyl alcohol and aromatherapy (lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, geranium and sage).

StaSAFE is one of the only natural antimicrobials that complies with both EPA and FDA standards for anti-microbial activities. Protects against Swine Flu Virus and continuously works with your body’s natural oils to actively kills germs for hours – keeps you from feeling the need to resanitize constantly. Active ingredient: Argenius.