The Role of Hand Sanitizer in the Post-Pandemic World: What Business Owners Need to Know

August 7, 2025

Safety

The Role of Hand Sanitizer in the Post-Pandemic World: What Business Owners Need to Know

The COVID-19 pandemic forever changed how we think about hygiene and hand sanitizer is at the center of that shift. What began as a short-term safety measure has now become an essential part of doing business. From small shops to global enterprises, companies are learning that hand sanitizer is more than just a bottle on a counter, it’s a signal of care, responsibility, and professionalism.

In this article, we’ll explore how the market for hand sanitizer has evolved, the consumer habits driving its sustained demand, key innovation and regulatory trends, and most importantly, what all this means for you as a business owner.

Let’s get started!

A Market That’s Here to Stay

Hand sanitizer demand didn’t disappear after the pandemic’s peak; it’s grown into a booming, long-term industry. Understanding this growth helps you see why sanitizer should remain a permanent part of your business plan.

Demand Skyrocketed and Hasn’t Slowed Down

When COVID-19 hit in early 2020, global demand for hand sanitizer soared overnight. In fact, the market grew by a stunning 45.7% that year alone, jumping from around $1.35 billion to nearly $1.87 billion. Certain countries saw even sharper spikes. For example, in the UK and Italy, year-over-year demand rose by as much as 250% and 1,800%, respectively.

But here’s what’s more interesting for long-term planning: the hand sanitizer market hasn’t faded. In 2024, it was estimated at $4.45 billion, and it’s expected to reach nearly $8.25 billion by 2029, growing at an impressive 13.9% CAGR, or compound annual growth rate. Even conservative projections suggest the global market will exceed $10 billion by 2035.

Strong U.S. Outlook

The United States remains a dominant force, projected to grow from about $1.76 billion in 2025 to $2.88 billion by 2030, which is a healthy 10.4% annual growth rate. North America continues to hold the largest regional share, accounting for nearly 38% of global demand, while Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing region.

All of these signs point to one conclusion: hand sanitizer isn’t just a temporary expense. It’s a smart long-term investment in public health and brand trust.

Hygiene Habits Are Now Everyday Habits

Consumer expectations have permanently shifted. People notice (and appreciate) businesses that make hygiene easy, visible, and accessible.

Consumers Won’t Go Back

One of the most significant developments from the pandemic is how it’s reshaped everyday hygiene behaviors. A range of studies show that people continue to be far more vigilant about hand cleanliness than they were before COVID-19. Even outside of surges during the pandemic, consumers purchase more sanitizer during cold and flu seasons than they did a decade ago, indicating these habits are here to stay.

In business environments, visible hygiene protocols make people feel safer. A customer who sees a well-placed sanitizer dispenser is more likely to trust that you care about their well-being. This can be a subtle but powerful reason they choose your business over a competitor’s.

Businesses Have Integrated Sanitizer into Operations

It’s not just consumers driving this trend. Businesses in nearly every sector have included hand sanitizer into their daily operations. Hotels place dispensers in lobbies and elevators. Retailers install them at entrances, cash wraps, and fitting rooms. Offices have units at conference rooms and employee break areas. Healthcare facilities, which already represented over 60% of sanitizer volume in some markets, have doubled down on their protocols.

These aren’t manual pump dispensers either. Many businesses are turning to touchless, sensor-based dispensers, which are growing at around 7% annually. This shift not only looks modern but also minimizes additional contact risks.

Innovation and Regulation Are Shaping the Market

The sanitizer industry continues to evolve with new product types, sustainability efforts, and stricter health regulations; all of which affect your buying decisions.

New Product Formats and Eco-Friendly Trends

Hand sanitizer isn’t a one-size-fits-all product anymore. While gel formulations still dominate because of their familiarity and ease of use, businesses are starting to embrace foams, sprays, wipes, and portable mini-bottles to suit different environments. Restaurants and transportation hubs often prefer sprays for quick-drying convenience, while gyms might install foaming dispensers that feel lighter on the skin.

Sustainability is another major trend. Consumers are looking for biodegradable packaging, natural ingredients, and gentle formulations with moisturizers like aloe or vitamin E. This aligns with broader preferences for green, ethical products and can give your brand an extra edge.

Compliance Remains Critical

As a result of the pandemic, regulatory agencies have tightened their requirements. The CDC and FDA recommend hand sanitizers contain at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol to work effectively. There are also strict bans on methanol and requirements for transparent labeling. In Europe, regulations similarly emphasize non-toxic ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.

As a business owner, using products that meet these standards isn’t just about safety; it also helps protect your brand from liability and can build customer confidence.

What This Means for Business Owners

So what does all of this mean for you? It’s time to treat hand sanitizer as an intentional part of your customer experience and operational planning.

Make Hand Sanitizer Part of Your Brand Experience

Whether you run a warehouse, a busy restaurant, or a corporate office, hand sanitizer should be woven naturally into your customer journey. Think beyond a single bottle at the register or reception desk. Place touchless dispensers near high-contact areas, including doors, counters, elevators, and meeting rooms.

Visible sanitization stations do more than keep hands clean; they also send a subtle message: “We take your health seriously.” That’s a powerful trust builder in today’s cautious climate.

Choose the Right Products

Consider which sanitizer formats best fit your business:

Gels work well in almost any environment and have high consumer trust.
Foams are great in offices and gyms, leaving hands feeling soft.
Sprays dry quickly, ideal for restaurants or transit settings.
Portable minis or wipes can be offered as courtesy items in hotels or retail.

Also consider formulations that include skin conditioners or natural scents. With the right choice, your sanitizer can become a small, but memorable brand touchpoint.

Looking Ahead: Sanitizer Will Stay Central to Public Life

All indicators show that hand sanitizer is now a permanent feature of public spaces, and smart businesses will keep adapting as the market evolves.

Long-Term Market Outlook

As we touched on earlier, studies predict the hand sanitizer market will roughly double from $5.8 billion in 2025 to over $10 billion by 2035. That growth is fueled by sustained hygiene habits, stricter regulations, and a world that’s now permanently alert to the risks of outbreaks.

As global markets accelerate and consumer expectations keep rising, businesses that treat sanitizer as a core component of customer care, and not as an afterthought, will stand out.

Innovation Will Continue

Expect to see more AI-enabled dispensers, smart building integrations, and eco-friendly packaging as the hand sanitizer market continues to mature. These trends open the door for partnerships with technology firms or green packaging companies, offering businesses creative ways to innovate and differentiate themselves.

Practical Steps to Take Now

To turn these insights into action, here are some concrete steps you can start working on today:

Map out your high-contact areas: entrances, checkouts, elevators, meeting spaces; and install touchless dispensers.
Select products carefully. Ensure at least 60% alcohol content, skin-friendly ingredients, and clear compliance labels.
Consider offering small bottles or wipes as giveaways or for sale.
Use your website and marketing materials to highlight your commitment to hygiene.
Stay updated on regulations and trends to keep ahead of customer expectations.

Final Thoughts

Hand sanitizer in the post-pandemic world is about more than cleanliness; it’s about confidence, trust, and long-term brand resilience. Whether you’re investing in better dispensers or simply maintaining top-notch hygiene standards, your approach to hand sanitizer sends a clear message: your customers’ health matters.

In a world forever changed by COVID-19, that might be the best competitive edge you can have.

Need help setting up a hand sanitizer program for your facility? Reach out to the experts at Imperial Dade for product recommendations, placement guidance, and more.