When it comes to staying safe and sanitary when you’re on the go or otherwise don’t have access to soap and water, hand sanitizer can undoubtedly be helpful. However, there are plenty of reasons why you might not want to over-rely on it when you need to get your hands clean in a pinch. For one thing, you never know when your favorite drug store or online emporium might be out of stock for a while.

Mainstream hand sanitizer isn’t the greatest thing for your skin, either. It contains alcohol, which is very dry and can cause cracking, especially with frequent or repeated use. The smell of the alcohol can also be jarring, overpowering, and unpleasant, especially for people with sensitive systems. But there are plenty of wonderful alternatives out there that come attached to all the same benefits of hand sanitizer and none of the drawbacks. Here’s a look at some of the best, starting with number one.

1. Soap in Seconds!

Although hand sanitizer is effective enough when you need to get your hands clean, it’s still better to use real soap and water. Soap in Seconds! comes in a convenient, portable spray can that you can take or keep anywhere, so it’s as user-friendly as the sanitizers you’re used to. Stash a can in your office, car, purse, or anywhere else you may want access to clean hands in an instant.

And best of all, Soap in Seconds! isn’t just like soap and water. It is soap and water – a foaming soap and water formula that’s alcohol-free and doesn’t require any rinsing. That means it’s more like the CDC’s preferred way to stop the spread of bacteria, viruses, and germs of all kinds. And at up to 250 washes per can, Soap in Seconds! is quite a deal.

2. Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes

If you’re looking for a solution that’s pretty similar to the hand sanitizers you’re used to, Wet Ones make an excellent alternative for lots of reasons. First, they come in handy, super-portable packets that are easy to keep on hand. Keep several in your purse, glove compartment, or office desk drawer, so you always have some at the ready. And you can also easily slip extras into an extra pocket, just in case.

Wet Ones kill 99.99 percent of germs with a single swipe, so they’re easy to use. They can also double as napkins or body wipes in a pinch, so they’re handy. And best of all, they won’t bother your skin as severely as traditional hand sanitizer. They come in incredible scents, too, so no nasty alcohol smell to worry about.

3. Byredo Rose Rinse-Free Hand Wash

This product isn’t as good as Soap in Seconds!, but it will definitely still get the job done. It’s also a far preferable alternative to your usual hand sanitizers, as it’s far less drying. It’s a handy no-rinse hand wash that contains not only disinfecting ingredients but soothing natural oils and moisturizers that are wonderful for your skin.

Just a drop or two is all it takes to leave your hands clean, germ-free, feeling great, and smelling even better. In fact, Byredo products are famous for their incredible scents, so you may find you prefer this to standard hand sanitizer.

4. Mr. Clean Deep Cleaning Mist

This product is a better fit for cleaning your home and disinfecting surfaces, so it’s not the best hand sanitizer alternative out there. However, it is a valuable option to keep on hand along with a few squares of paper towel or tissue regardless. You never know when you might need to pick up, use, or touch something germy when you’re out and about. With this product around, you can wipe it down first.

And if you have zero other alternatives and do need something to sanitize your hands with, you can get away with watering this down and using it to wipe your hands down. But you will want to make sure you follow up with a rich, nourishing hand lotion to prevent any drying.

In a world that’s officially seen a pandemic, you can’t be too careful when it comes to staying germ-free, so it pays to know what works. Stock up on your favorite options and never be caught unprepared again!