Open your bathroom cabinet or kitchen bench and there's a good chance you'll find two things: a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitiser drying out your skin, and a chemical benchtop spray you're not entirely sure is safe near your food. Since 2020, both have become permanent fixtures in New Zealand homes — but most of us have never stopped to ask what's actually in them, or whether there's a better way.

There is. And it comes from the same bottle.

What's Really in Your Hand Sanitiser and Benchtop Spray?

Hand sanitiser

Most commercial hand sanitisers are 60–80% alcohol (ethanol or isopropyl). That kills germs, but it also:

• Strips the skin's natural oil barrier, leading to dryness and cracking
• Disrupts the skin microbiome — the good bacteria that help protect you
• Contains synthetic fragrances and thickening agents in many formulas
• Comes almost exclusively in single-use plastic

Benchtop and surface sprays

Conventional kitchen and bathroom sprays often rely on chlorine bleach, ammonia, or synthetic disinfectant compounds. These:

• Release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into your home's air
• Often require rinsing before food contact — read the label, most do
• Can irritate the respiratory system, especially in children and pets
• Add to the same single-use plastic problem as sanitiser bottles

If you've ever wondered why your hands feel tight and dry an hour after sanitising, or why your kitchen smells "clean" in a way that's actually just chemical residue — this is why.

The Natural Alternative: One Formula, Two Jobs

Prana+Therapy is a water-based formula of 19 100% pure organic essential oils, independently tested to neutralise harmful bacteria and pathogens. No alcohol. No chlorine. No synthetic fragrance. It works as both a hand sanitiser and a food-safe benchtop cleaner — from the same bottle.

For hands:

• Spray and rub in — no water needed, no sticky residue
• Moisturises while it sanitises, instead of drying out skin
• Gentle enough for babies and children
• The 50ml size fits in a handbag, car console, or nappy bag

For benchtops and surfaces:

• Safe on food-contact surfaces — no rinsing required
• Cuts through grease and grime while deodorising
• Leaves a light botanical scent instead of a chemical one
• Safe to use around pets

One bottle in the kitchen genuinely replaces both the hand sanitiser by the door and the spray-and-wipe under the sink.

Why This Matters for New Zealand Families

New Zealand households are among the highest users of single-use plastic bottles for cleaning and personal care products per capita, and most of those bottles — sanitiser and surface spray alike — are used once and thrown away long before they're empty.

Choosing one refillable, multi-purpose formula instead of two single-use chemical products is a small swap with a real impact:

• Fewer bottles in landfill — refill from a 5kg or 20kg bulk container instead of buying new plastic each time
• Less chemical load in the home — particularly relevant for babies, pregnant women, and anyone with respiratory sensitivities
• Lower cost per use — bulk refills work out significantly cheaper than repeatedly buying branded sanitiser and spray-and-wipe
• One less thing to think about — a single trusted formula instead of reading ingredient labels on two different products

How to Make the Switch

1. Start with the essentials. Replace your existing hand sanitiser and benchtop spray as they run out — no need to throw away what you already have.
2. Choose your containers. A 50ml or 100ml bottle for handbags and cars, a 200ml or 500ml for the kitchen bench.
3. Go bulk when you're ready. A 5kg container refills all your smaller bottles for months, cutting packaging waste and cost significantly.
4. Keep one by every sink. Kitchen, bathroom, laundry — consistency is what makes the switch stick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Prana+Therapy as effective as alcohol-based sanitiser? Prana+Therapy is independently tested to neutralise harmful bacteria and pathogens without relying on alcohol. Unlike alcohol sanitisers, it also moisturises rather than dries the skin.

Can I use it on food preparation surfaces? Yes. It's safe on food-contact surfaces such as benchtops, chopping boards, and sinks, with no rinsing required.

Is it safe for babies and young children? Yes. Prana+Therapy is water-based, alcohol-free, and has been used safely on newborns and children by thousands of New Zealand families. Always patch test first.

Is it safe around pets? Yes — Prana+Therapy is safe for use around dogs, cats, and birds when used as directed.

How much does it cost compared to store-bought sanitiser and spray? Refilling from a bulk container works out considerably cheaper per use than continually repurchasing single-use sanitiser and surface spray bottles, while cutting plastic waste at the same time.

Ready to Make the Switch?

• For handbags and travel: 50ml Prana+Therapy Formula
• For the kitchen bench: 500ml Amber Bottle
• For whole-home refills: 5kg Bulk Container
• Whangārei locals: Bring your empties and refill in-store