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22 Brilliant Grooming Products Germaphobes Swear By
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Germaphobes of the world, unite! For those constantly running out of hand sanitizer, there's nothing better than finding new products that keep things extra sanitary. And it's not just outside factors like the subway or work—germs are in the home, too! That's why hygienic grooming products should be a top priority for any germaphobe.
Sure, there are plenty of gadgets or home cleaning and hygiene products that make germaphobes a happy group. Hygienic toilet brushes that rest in sanitizing liquid when you're not using them? Pure genius. An antimicrobial phone glass that keeps your phone germ-free and helps prevent acne? Let's just say my birthday is coming and I don't mind treating myself.
But there are also a number of brilliant grooming products perfect for germaphobes—things that will keep your hairbrushes or makeup sponges germ-free. You may spray your bathroom surfaces with disinfectant on the daily, but what about the products you use in the bathroom? How clean are the things you put directly on your face and body? These 21 products will germ-proof all the products you use when you're getting ready in the morning, so you can take on the day feeling as hygienic as possible—until your co-worker shows up to the office with a cold, that is.
1. A Turmeric Face Sponge For Hands-Free Cleaning
pureSOL Konjac Sponge, $9, Amazon
It's an eco-friendly, chemical-free turmeric sponge that gently exfoliates while it cleanses — but pureSOL Konjac Sponge is also a germaphobe beauty lover's fave tool. Instead of risking the transfer of dirt and bacteria from your hands to your face, this hands-free sponge provides an even better cleaning and lasts about 50 washes before it has to be replaced.
2. An Easy, Less Gross Way To Remove Hair From Brushes
Denman Hair Brush Cleaner, $7, Amazon
You can only avoid doing it for so long: eventually, you'll have to find a way to get those clumps of hair out of your brush — but there's a far less gross way of doing it than pulling them out by hand. Denman Hair Brush Cleaner is a double-sided device: the brush end removes dust and fluff from any type of hairbrush without damaging it, while the point side easily remove individual hairs or clumps. Reviewers admit it may seem weird to buy a brush that cleans another brush, but most agree: it removes every last hair and is worth every penny.
3. A Silicone Skin Brush That Keeps Bacteria Out
Argus Le Sonic Natural Silicone Facial Cleansing System Brush, $16, Amazon
Facial brushes that provide exfoliation and a deeper cleaning experience have been all the rage for years now, but this natural silicone option from Argus Le Sonic is a germaphobe's skincare dream come true. One of the biggest criticisms with all brushes is that, if you aren't careful about regularly changing the brush heads and keeping them clean, you could be exposing your skin to more bacteria (yuck).
This brush features silicone microfingers that prevent the buildup of bacteria — and washing with silicone instead of harsh nylon bristles puts you at less risk for abrasions and irritations that could also expose you to bacteria. This brush provides thousands of pulsations per minute to effectively clean skin and prep it for serums and moisturizers.
4. A Tongue Scraper That Will Give Your Fresh Breath
Dr. Tung's Tongue Cleaner, $7, Amazon
Whether you're a practitioner of Ayurveda or just loyal to your dentist and oral health, you may have heard that scraping your tongue is the key to keeping your breath fresh and even improving your ability to taste yummy foods. Dr. Tung's Tongue Cleaner has a curved cleaning edge that makes it a more effective tool than your toothbrush and its stainless steel design is resistant to bacteria. One reviewer said this tool turned her into a "tongue scraping evangelist."
5. A Mitt That Removes Makeup From Your Brushes
Aesthetica Cosmetic Makeup Brush Cleansing Mitt, $19, Amazon
If you're a germaphobe, there's a good chance you already have a makeup brush cleansing routine — possibly an annoying one that involves soap, water, and lots of drying time. This makeup brush cleansing mitt is a time saver and a hygienic alternative: with a variety of textures and surfaces, you can remove makeup from any kind of brush with a little soap, water, and friction. One side is perfect for small brushes; the other for large brushes — and the vegan mitt is made from bacteria-resistant silicone and is PVC, BPA, and latex free.
6. An All-Natural Teeth Whitening And Cleaning Powder
The Dirt All Natural Tooth Powder, $15, Amazon
There's no doubt about it: our teeth harbor germs. And The Dirt All Natural Tooth Powder attacks those germs using ingredients like bentonite clay, baking soda, organic cinnamon, and organic nutmeg, all of which are known to remove bacteria and provide an effective deep cleanse. The powder is also used to help whiten teeth without chemicals. Many reviewers say it absolutely works wonders, but that anyone prone to cavities should keep in mind that this formula doesn't contain fluoride.
7. A Foot Cleaner And Massager That Scrubs Your Shower Floor
My Solemate Shower Foot Massager Scrubber & Cleaner, $17, Amazon
Multitasking products, how do we love thee ... let us count the ways. My Solemate Shower Foot Massager has three functions: its flexible foot brushes clean the feet while you're taking a shower, exfoliating dead skin and reducing your risk of getting Athlete's Foot; it provides a soothing massage to tired feet, and — here's the kicker! — as you move your feet back and forth while standing on this device, you're actually giving your shower floor a quick clean. Genius!
8. Hypoallergenic Bamboo Wash Cloths For A Mildew-Free Wash
Brooklyn Bamboo Washcloths, $16 (set of 6), Amazon
These soft Brooklyn Bamboo Washcloths are made with 100 percent bamboo, which is a more durable, absorbent, and hypoallergenic fabric than traditional cotton. They're also luxuriously large — 10 inches by 10 inches — feel great on the skin, and dry quicker than other washcloths, which means there's less of a chance that they'll grow mold and start to smell.
9. A Bacteria-Free Shower Head Massage Brush
BMK BlueMickey Electric Hair Massage Brush, $12, Amazon
A good scalp massage feels like heaven and boosts circulation, which improves hair health. But don't even get me started on the amount of bacteria a bristled tool kept in the shower can accumulate. This electric hair massage brush gives off vibrations of several thousand times per minute and can be used after shampoo and conditioner to effectively remove all traces of product. Less product buildup means more voluminous and healthy looking hair.
And because this brush is made from ABS and silicone, it attracts less bacteria and won't, thank goodness, deliver that bacteria to your scalp like the worst gift you never wanted.
10. An Elegant Tool That Exfoliates And Deep Cleans
iCleansing Facial Brush, $30, Amazon
It looks like something Cleopatra might have used, but the iCleansing Facial Brush is more than decoration. It's an exfoliating cleansing system with 3-speed rotating settings so you can customize your skincare routine. Oh yeah, it's also the ultimate effective way to remove every last stitch of makeup, dirt, and oil from your face and prep it for hydrating serum and moisturizers. Thanks to its waterproof design, you can keep this device in the shower and use it every morning for fresher, smoother, and cleaner skin.
11. A Portable Water Flosser To Get Rid Of Bacteria And Food Debris
Fanme Oral Irrigator, $17, Amazon
If the thought of carrying your toothpaste around gives you the heebie jeebies, you're going to love the Fanme Oral Irrigator, a manual water flosser that removes bacteria and food debris from in between teeth and along the gum line. It doesn't require electricity or batteries — fill it with water, give it a few pumps, and you're ready to clean your teeth anywhere you roam.
12. A Cute Egg That Sanitizes Your Toothbrush With UV Technology
Violife Style Zapi Luxe UV Toothbrush Sanitizer, $32, Amazon
Let's say you have no intention of parting ways with your toothbrush, but can't stand the thought of germs that it comes into contact with in your bathroom. Here's your solution: pop your toothbrush into this adorable robin blue egg toothbrush sanitizer, go grab a cup of coffee, and allow the Violife germicidal UV bulb to safely kill up to 99.99 percent of germs. That makes it all better, doesn't it?
13. This Retractable Hairbrush Lets You Clean The Hair Out After Every Use
Qwik-Clean Hair Brush, $20, Amazon
Don't wait four months to tackle the hair left over in your brush — if you own a Qwik-Clean Hair Brush, you can easily clean it after every use by simply pushing a button on the back, which retracts the nylon bristles so hair easily falls out.
14. This Set Of Antibacterial Bamboo Makeup Brushes
SHANY Bamboo Brush Set, $11, Amazon
We all know how gross our makeup brushes can get if we forget to wash them as much as we should. But these brushes by SHANY are anti-bacterial, and feature synthetic hair, bamboo handles, and vegan materials. They're ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin and can prevent breakouts and irritation. Each set comes with seven brushes: a buffer, eyelash/brow spoolie, angled liner brush, shadow brush, concealer brush, powder brush, and blush brush.
15. A Moisturizing Anti-Bacterial Lotion With Honey
The Naked Bee Moisturizing Hand & Body Lotion, $15, Amazon
Most anti-bacterial hand lotions are anything but pleasant to use. They smell medicinal, absorb too fast, and often dry out skin with alcohol. The Naked Bee Moisturizing Hand & Body Lotion offers a natural alternative: it contains anti-bacterial honey, but also organic aloe vera, sunflower oil, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and soothe. Here's what it doesn't contain: drying alcohol, mineral oil, and harsh chemicals. It also comes in 9 scents, like chai tea or pomegranate.
16. An Oxidation Device That Kills Bacteria And Helps Heal Acne
TEI SPA OxyDerm High Frequency Ozone Facial Tool, $125, Amazon
If you're ready to take your germ-free skincare routine into the next dimension, TEI SPA OxyDerm is the tool that takes you there. By creating oxidation with violet light, this handheld device gets rid of bacteria and can help to heal acne, razor burn, and even bug bites. Reviewers say their skin looks brighter and more radiant after using the OxyDerm and some even say that using this as they feel a zit coming on can stop it in its tracks.
17. An Antifungal Hot Pink Nail Polish
Nu Wave Nail Polish, $12, Amazon
The color is a brilliantly shiny hot pink, the gluten and cruelty-free formula is free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, and camphor, and Nu Wave Nail Polish is also outstanding because it's antifungal. Created by female podiatrists and enhanced with antibacterial and antiviral preservatives, now even germaphobes won't be afraid to share their bottle of polish with a friend (um, maybe).
18. Disposable Lipstick Brushes For Cleaner Application
eBoot Disposable Lip Brushes (150 Pack), $8, Amazon
Whether you're a fan of mixing and matching lipstick colors, or you just don't want to throw out your favorite tube of liquid lipstick every time you catch a cold, these soft, disposable, and hygienic lip brushes are the perfect tool to apply lipstick without spreading germs and bacteria. Each pack comes with 150 brushes so they'll last you a very long time.
19. A Cloth That Removes Makeup & Germs With Just Water
Chemical-Free Microfiber Makeup Remover Cloth (2 pack), $12, Amazon
If you use the same washcloth to wash your face for the whole week, or your washcloths are basically rags after so many trips to the washing machine, try this microfiber cloth instead. It removes makeup naturally with just water, and it's meant to be rinsed and dried after each use. Plus, it can take up to 1000 washes in the washing machine! Reviewers say they clean incredibly well and "like magic," can remove all the makeup and grime of the day in one easy swipe.
20. A Tea Tree Oil That Attacks Dandruff, Fungus & Lice
aVo Tea Tree Essential Oil for Fungus and Dandruff Treatment, $18, Amazon
Any essential oil that's an enemy of fungus and lice is a friend of mine — and this aVo Tea Tree Essential Oil doesn't disappoint. Use it to make your own body wash, scalp ointment, or foot treatment and it will reward you by combatting everything from fungus and ringworm to lice, dandruff, warts, and psoriasis.
21. Anti-Bacterial Silicone Applicator For All Makeup
Shape and Tone Silicone Sponge Beauty Blender Applicator, $7, Amazon
This silicone sponge makeup applicator can be used for liquid foundation, BB cream, powder, tanning lotion — you name it. Not only will it prevent you from having to apply makeup with your fingers (which can spread germs and bacteria), but it also won't soak up makeup the way sponges can, leaving you susceptible to mildew later on. It's made with hypoallergenic anti-bacterial silicone so that you can feel good about what you're using on your face. Bonus point: it's super simple to clean.
22. A Hygienic Brush Set For Applying Face Masks
ESAROSA Silicone Cosmetic Brush Set (set of 6), $9, Amazon
For many, applying face masks is a weekly ritual that keeps skin fresh, but when you're dipping your fingers directly into the jar, then back in to get more product, it's not always the most hygienic. These silicone brushes are flat and bendable, and they make applying face masks easy and germ-free. One reviewer says, "Lovvveeee! So much easier to apply my face masks now, plus I'm not getting germs in my stuff from putting my fingers in the jar." Many who purchased also use them for creams, serums, and foundations as well!
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