Bath & Body Works PocketBac Antibacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Gel Review

I guess it's not surprising that the PocketBac Antibacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Gel by Bath & Body Works has such a harsh smell.  After all, it contains 60% alcohol.  Still, I was so intrigued by the idea of the cute little pocket-sized bottles of germ fighters that I wanted to like it much more than I actually did.  There are some good things to say about the PocketBac, but equally as many things that disappoint.

On the plus side, PocketBac hand gels are currently offered in 18 different Bath & Body Works signature fragrances.  The 1-ounce plastic bottles are a mere 3 inches tall and a little over an inch wide.  As such, they are incredibly portable and easy to throw in a bag, purse, or pocket.  The regular prices is only $1.50, but you can often purchase them during the 5 for $5 sale. 

Since I love the White Citrus fragrance, that's the scent I selected for my PocketBac.  Unfortunately, the fresh and lively scent that I anticipated does not seem to translate well into a hand gel.  As soon as I popped the top, I could smell the white citrus mixed with the unmistakable harshness of alcohol.  The smell got even stronger as I squirted it onto my hands and rubbed in well.  I found it most unpleasant.

The PocketBac antibacterial hand gel does contain Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E, which is what I assume accounts for the little "beads" that are sprinkled throughout the gel.  My hands didn't get sticky, but they weren't moisturized either. 

All in all, I was glad for the ability to deep clean my hands without water.  I also like that PocketBac Antibacterial Hand Gel comes in such an easily portable size.  Still, unless Bath & Body Works can improve on the harsh smell, I probably won't buy this again soon.