9/6/2021

smol hand sanitiser

We all know that plastic pollution is a real problem. In the UK alone, we generate 2.3m tons of plastic packaging waste each year – and only 35% of this is recycled.

The pandemic has only added to the problem, with disposable masks often carelessly discarded.

And, like other new and single-use plastics, small plastic bottles of hand sanitiser – the kind you pop into your bag or keep in your car – are a particular concern. Millions of these little plastic bottles aren't recycled – ending up instead in landfill or our oceans.

smol – the eco-friendly subscription-based provider of sustainable cleaning and laundry products – have come up with a solution. They've produced a large 500ml bottle of hand sanitiser to keep at home, with a smaller bottle to refill and take out with you.

We're already big fans of smol's plastic-free laundry and dishwasher capsules, so we were delighted to try the new hand sanitiser. Here's what we thought.

Easy to use, kind to hands

The pump dispenser on the big bottle makes it convenient to apply. The texture is excellent – a smooth, thick gel that's not too runny and doesn't slide off the hands when it comes into contact with the skin. A little goes a long way – the contents of the big bottle should last for ages.

The sanitiser is easily absorbed and leaves hands feeling soft – not sticky or slimy. It's made with organic plant alcohol, which kills 99.9% of bacteria and microbes – protecting you against coronavirus. Added aloe vera helps to keep your skin moisturised.

This formula of natural ingredients means the sanitiser is gentle on your hands, with no stinging or drying out. And with no harsh chemicals, it's also better for the planet. The sanitiser is vegan and cruelty-free.

The smell of the sanitiser is pleasant and not over-powering. The subtle scent is good for people with sensory issues who may not like strong odours (this is one of the things we love about the laundry capsules too!)

Because of the pump dispenser, filling the small bottle is straightforward, with no spillage or waste. The small bottle also has a pump dispenser, so is easy to use when out and about.

And both bottles feature a stylish, minimalistic design that looks great!

Eco credentials

The large bottle is made from recycled plastic, and is 100% recyclable. You can either recycle it yourself, or – even better – send it back to smol for it to be reused.

smol will donate 24 laundry capsules to charity for every four empty sanitiser bottles returned.

The smaller bottle is reusable and made with durable, lightweight aluminium – it should last for years, and can be refilled over and over again.

We loved the new hand sanitiser, and will be adding it to the list of the smol products we use regularly.

Since the company was launched in 2018, customers switching to smol have saved over 300 tonnes of plastic, and more than 1,000 tonnes of chemicals.