Hand antiseptic, also known as hand sanitizer or hand rub, is a liquid, gel, or foam used to kill many viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms on the hands. It is typically used when soap and water are not available for hand washing or when repeated hand washing compromises the natural skin barrier, causing scaling or fissures to develop in the skin. Hand antiseptics are effective in killing bacteria and some viruses on clean hands, but they are not substitutes for handwashing. Alcohol-based hand antiseptics are the most common type and are effective against a wide range of microorganisms. However, they are not effective against norovirus, the most common cause of foodborne illness. Hand antiseptics are not intended to replace soap in the handwashing station and are not effective in removing dirt or other organic materials. It is important to note that hand sanitizers cannot remove or inactivate many types of harmful chemicals, and they are not approved by the FDA to prevent or treat COVID-19.