Hand Sanitizer

Tons of Wholesale Hand Sanitizer Options

We carry a huge selection of different hand sanitizing products, including alcohol-free hand sanitizers, and we’re confident you will find something you love. Choose from foam or gel hand sanitizers from major brands like Purell, WOW!, and Eversoft, as well as a great selection of commercial hand sanitizer dispensers.



What are the Differences Between Alcohol-based and Alcohol-free Wholesale Hand Sanitizer?

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer will contain one of two active ingredients: alcohol or isopropanol. Both are effective antiseptic products that kill germs and bacteria. They share many of the same properties. One distinct property that they both share is that they are highly flammable. The FDA recommends that hand sanitizers contain 60%-95% alcohol for maximum efficacy. This high concentration has long raised concerns in both the media and the health care community. Hospitals and other facilities need to consult their local fire authorities when planning the installation of alcohol-based dispensers.



A common side effect often associated with the repeated use of alcohol-based wholesale hand sanitizers is the dryness and cracking that it can cause to your hands. This occurs because the alcohol in these bulk hand sanitizers strips away oils in your skin that retain moisture. The temporary absence of these oils can lead to increased skin irritation on the hands. It can even lead to symptoms of dermatitis. Another complaint is that the alcohol found in this type of wholesale hand sanitizer is damaging to floors and walls; often there can be a small drip from the dispenser that over time can damage some surfaces. The alcohol can stain the areas where dispensers may drip or leak.



Alcohol-based products have long been the recommended course of action (second to hand washing) by leading global health organizations such as the CDC, WHO, and the FDA. It is still the most used sanitizer in hospitals and other health care facilities.



Alcohol-free wholesale hand sanitizer, on the other hand, comes in a water-based foam. These foam hand sanitizers contain the active ingredient Benzalkonium Chloride, a quaternary ammonium. Unlike alcohol-based products, alcohol-free bulk hand sanitizers often contain less than a 0.1% concentration of Benzalkonium. They still provide the same level of protection as alcohol-based products. The rest of the solution is mainly water and will often be enhanced with skin conditioners such as vitamin E and green tea extract. It’s non-flammable, and the low concentrations of Benzalkonium make it relatively non-toxic. However, these products are all recommended for external use only.



Alcohol-free bulk hand sanitizers entered the market to address the concerns and complaints of gels. In many ways, they have succeeded. Typically, these solutions are much easier on the hands. They also pose much less of a threat in cases of accidental ingestion. Hand sanitizers without alcohol are a low fire hazard and are non-damaging to surfaces. One other clear benefit is the extended protection that occurs. Alcohol-based wholesale bulk hand sanitizer’s ability to kill bacteria ends once the product has dried on the skin, but benzalkonium-based products continue to provide protection well after the solution has dried.



One possible drawback with the non-alcohol bulk hand sanitizer is that they most often come in the form of a foam. While this usually results in a more pleasing experience for the user, it does require a special foaming mechanism in the dispenser. This can make converting from a non-foaming system cost-prohibitive, as it would need new hardware to be installed.



Gel Hand Sanitizer Vs. Liquid Foam Hand Sanitizer: Which is Best?

Much like alcohol-based versus alcohol-free hand sanitizer, it all comes down to personal use preference—and how you apply your hand sanitizer.



Alcohol-based gel hand sanitizers require 20 seconds to dry for effectiveness. This requires multiple reapplications of gel sanitizer on your hands since gel hand sanitizers dry quickly, and the alcohol in the hand sanitizer removes moisture from the skin in the process. Another note on gel hand sanitizer—as they dry in a hand sanitizer dispenser, they tend to plug the pump nozzle or opening. With the next use, accidents or spills can occur from gel squirting out in all directions. Following hand sanitizer hand hygiene protocol, gel hand sanitizer’s thickness makes it hard to saturate underneath fingernails and to not wash it off hands. Gel hand sanitizers are also well known for excess material sliding off of hands and onto floors, causing staining and other safety issues.



On the other hand, foaming hand sanitizers have a clear advantage in that the foam clings while it is being applied. Its bubbly nature makes it easier to visually gauge how much hand sanitizer is required to completely address the hand hygiene protocol for hand sanitizers. Liquid foaming hand sanitizers spread easily and absorb into the skin, between fingers, and under fingernails.



Liquid foaming hand sanitizer dries faster than gels and leaves hands feeling clean. The liquid consistency of foaming hand sanitizers permits it to be dispensed in a variety of containers, including wall-mount units. In addition, foam hand sanitizer does not clog dispensers, keeping your facility cleaner and safer.



Bulk Hand Sanitizer Options

When choosing a bulk hand sanitizer option, you have both alcohol or gel based hand sanitizers or non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers to choose from. Both types of products do more or less the same job in killing harmful microbes. Choose the right product by weighing your needs against your environment, budget, and personal preference.



For example, if you work in a school, correctional facility, rehab center, or manufacturing facility, an alcohol-free system would most likely provide you the most peace of mind and protection from ingestion or fire. If you work in a hospital that requires you to follow strict guidelines set by the FDA, you may need to go with an alcohol-based gel. You may also wish to go with a gel if you are looking for a personal solution to carry in a handbag or backpack. Alcohol-based dispensers are often smaller and more compact than the foaming mechanisms required with alcohol-free products. This can be ideal for travel and portability.



In terms of budget, alcohol-free hand sanitizers are less expensive with more applications per gallon. A gallon of each may cost the same, but you will usually get 2,000 to 3,000 more applications out of the foaming hand sanitizers. This is because the dispensing mechanism adds air to the solution during application, making the product go much further before running out.



Whatever your needs, use an effective hand sanitizer as part of your preventative defense against illness and disease. This is a crucial part of a healthy environment. We manufacture both types of these hand sanitizers here at Zogics and would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.



Healthy Workplace

Keep clean and minimize the spread of bacteria and germs around your office, business, commercial facility, or gym with the help of highly effective bulk hand sanitizers. Additionally, when you buy hand sanitizer in bulk, you have fewer orders, and our auto-ship feature means you no longer need to worry about remembering to restock.



Complete your purchase with some other facility needs, such as hand sanitizer dispensers, hand soap, and bulk wipes!



Additional Resources

• Comparing Alcohol-Based Vs. Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizers — Breaks down the effectiveness, skin impact, and best-use cases for alcohol-based versus alcohol-free hand sanitizer formulas.
• Essential Hand Sanitizers for Commercial Kitchens — Covers which hand sanitizers meet food service hygiene needs and how to place them for kitchen staff compliance.
• What's the Difference Between Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sanitizing? — Clarifies the distinct purpose and process behind cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing so facilities apply the right method for the job.