COVID-19 has infected some 90,000 people in 65 countries, according to the latest report from the World Health Organization. In response, hand sanitizer is flying off the shelves as the number of cases in the U.S. continues to rise. However, according to an immunologist and a microbiologist, all disinfectants are not the same, and the most effective options have One common denominator.

Immunologist Tania Elliott, M.D., an attending physician at NYU Langone Health Center, says that containing less than 60 percent of the Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective.” Studies have shown that hand sanitizers with 60 to 95 percent alcohol content are more effective than those containing less or not alcohol-based hand sanitizers in terms of kills germs,” says Dr. Elliott. Her personal favorites include old-fashioned Purell (70% alcohol) and Dr. Bronner’s Lavender hand sanitizer, “which is infused with lavender oil to give it a nice relaxing scent that also helps moisturize your hands.”

Microbiologist Jason Tetro, author of The Bacteria Files, says that the way you apply the product and what’s in it Just as important.” Put a spray in one cup-shaped hand and start moving it around first the palm, then the back of the hand, then the fingers, including the sides. Then there’s the thumb,” says Tetro.” Don’t forget the thumb, because in personal observation, people seem to forget this very valuable number.” Overall, your hands should be wet with disinfectant for about 15 seconds, so make sure your spray is incessant.

Maybe it doesn’t need to be said at this point, but one last time for the people behind you, using hand sanitizer is not a substitute for washing your hands with soap and water.” When you have a choice, choose to wash your hands with soap and water, even if it’s not antibacterial soap,” Dr. Elliott says.” Soap and water are better at removing more types of bacteria – hand sanitizer doesn’t get all the bacteria.” Tetro adds that while hand sanitizer kills bacteria, hand washing actively removes microbes from the skin – live or Dead.

To properly wash your hands, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends following five steps.

Step 1: Rub your hands together until the soap and water form a lather, making sure there is space between your fingers, under your nails, and your thumb.

Step 2: Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.

Step 3: Rinse your hands thoroughly with clean water.

Step 4: Dry your hands with a clean towel or hand dryer.

Hand sanitizer is currently sold out at many major retailers, such as Target and Walmart, but don’t worry – experts say that hand sanitizer It’s just not as effective as soap and water. That said, when you can’t see the sink, a spray of sanitizer is your next best option.