Should you stop using your hands to apply your skin care? We asked a dermatologist

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Every time you swipe on serum or pat in moisturizer, you’re also transferring whatever’s on your fingers — oil, bacteria, dirt, grime, you name it — onto your face. That’s led a growing number of people to skip using their fingers altogether when applying skin care products , and opting for hands-free applicators (think rollerballs, mists and more). But is fingertip application actually a skin care sin?

I spoke with a board-certified dermatologist to find out whether using your hands to apply skin care can really cause issues, plus rounded up some of the best hands-free products to try if you’d rather keep your fingers out of it.

Most of the hands-free skin care products below come recommended by NBC Selected editors. The rest align with expert guidance on what they suggest prioritizing in hands-free skin care products and have at least a four-star average rating from hundreds of shoppers.

NBC Selected senior editor Shalwah Evans is a big fan of this Australian sunscreen brand. This lightweight setting spray delivers broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection in a hands-free mist, making it easy to reapply throughout the day without disturbing makeup. It also hydrates while adding a subtle glow and doubles as a finishing spray.

Experts previously told us that hypochlorous acid is a gentle, naturally derived antimicrobial that cleanses skin and calms irritation without stripping your barrier. This hands-free spray offers a quick refresh anytime. “Since I double cleanse at night, I use this spray in the morning to make my face feel clean in lieu of another full wash,” says NBC Selected editorial operations associate Jem Alabi .

I started using this a few years ago after I turned 40, when I noticed I’d wake up puffy (isn’t aging fun?). The cooling rollerball applicator glides onto skin to instantly depuff and smooth, while the soothing formula calms redness and irritation — all without a single finger touching my face.

This serum stick rolls on easily to smooth fine lines with a targeted, mess-free applicator tip — no fingers required. I’ve been using it on my fine lines and notice a much smoother appearance after just a few applications, plus it’s easy to toss in a bag for touch-ups on the go.