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I Never Leave the House Without This Natural Product In My Purse

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Confession time: I’m a bit of a germaphobe. However, given that my daily commute from New Jersey to Manhattan consists of traveling through the heart of the greatest (albeit, sometimes dirtiest) city in the world, keeping things germ-free is no easy feat. For years, I thought obsessively applying Purell was my only option, despite the fact that it dried my hands out and left me in need of a deeply hydrating hand cream

But a few years ago in the midst of an online checkout, I like many people do, realized I was just under the free-shipping minimum and quickly searched for something else to add to my cart. Little did I know this sapphire-blue bottle of wonder would break my Purell addiction for good. Jao’s Hand Refresher ($10, Of a Kind) quickly turned from an impulse buy to a repeat purchase. 

As a dedicated hand sanitizer user, the idea of a natural version immediately intrigued me, especially when I saw this product didn’t contain triclosan. At the time, there was a proposal to ban the controversial antibacterial additive. It passed a few years later due to its potential to cause issues like hormone imbalances, immune system harm, and the development of antibiotic-resistant germs.  

The Jao Hand Refresher impressed me with what it didn’t include, but it completely won me over when I saw what was on the ingredient list. While it may use ethyl alcohol to disinfect hands, it helps balance out its drying effects with the addition of skin-soothing ingredients like aloe, chamomile, calendula, glycerine, and panthenol. Just the thought of germ-free hands that weren’t completely stripped of their moisture was enough to leave me wanting to buy every bottle.

You may also be wondering about something else — the smell. Where traditional hand sanitizers have what I forgivingly call a “medicinal” scent, this one smells like a spa thanks to its rich essential oil blend of lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, geranium, and clary sage essential oils. In fact, I’ll find myself randomly using it just so I can indulge in the aromatherapeutic benefits. You gotta love a good multi-use product. 

Whether a natural hand sanitizer has been on your list for a while or, like me, you’re looking for a spur-of-the-moment treat, picking up the Jao Hand Refresher is something you (and your hands) won’t regret.  

Where to buy: $10, Of a Kind

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