Vivian Marlowe
Hand sanitizers are a convenient alternative when soap and water are not readily available. Alcohol-based sanitizers are more efficient in killing germs than alcohol-free ones. To be effective, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that hand sanitizers contain at least 60% ethyl alcohol or 70% isopropyl alcohol. The percentage of alcohol should be listed on the label, along with other information such as the product name, function, ingredients, precautions, and manufacturing details. The product should also appear uniform, with no separation of color or opacity, and should have a strong alcohol scent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol measure | 70% isopropyl alcohol or 60% ethyl alcohol |
| Ingredients | Natural ingredients such as aloe vera and vitamin E extracts to prevent skin from drying |
| Expiry date | Alcohol-based hand sanitizers have an expiration date; as the alcohol evaporates, the sanitizer loses its ability to fight germs |
| Bottle size | Small enough to carry in a bag, purse, or pocket |
| Label | An FDA-registered product has the product name and function, instructions for use, a full ingredient listing, special precautions, net content, name and address of the local company, manufacturer’s batch number, manufacturing and expiry date, and country of manufacture |
| Scent | Should not have a food-like scent |
| Consistency | Should look even throughout and not have separation of color or opacity |
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What You'll Learn
Check the label for ethanol or isopropanol percentage
When checking if your hand sanitizer contains at least 70% alcohol, it is important to check the label for the ethanol or isopropanol percentage. Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, and isopropanol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, are the two most common alcohols used for sanitation purposes.
The ethanol concentration of hand sanitizers usually ranges from 20% to 80% by volume, with 70% to 95% being effective against the novel coronavirus. If you cannot get your hands on a pharmaceutical product, it is recommended to use a hand sanitizer with an ethanol concentration of 60% or higher.
Isopropyl alcohol is also commonly used in hand sanitizers, with 70% isopropyl alcohol being a better disinfectant than 99% isopropanol. The World Health Organization suggests that 70% ethyl alcohol is superior to isopropyl alcohol against the influenza virus, but both provide adequate germicidal properties.
It is important to note that highly concentrated alcohol is flammable, so it is crucial to keep these products away from flames and ventilate the room when using them. Additionally, the FDA has warned against the use of methanol (wood alcohol) in hand sanitizers as it is toxic and can cause severe adverse reactions when it comes into contact with the skin or if ingested.
When checking if your hand sanitizer contains at least 70% alcohol, carefully read the label and look for the ethanol or isopropanol percentage. This information should be clearly stated on the product label to ensure you are using an effective and safe product.
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Ensure it's FDA-approved
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified dozens of hand sanitisers that contain dangerous levels of methanol, also known as wood alcohol. This toxic alcohol is widely used as an industrial chemical and fuel and is not safe for use in hand sanitisers. The FDA has published a list of hand sanitiser and alcohol products that have been notified for use. It is recommended that consumers refer to this list to ensure the product they are using is FDA-approved.
The FDA has also advised consumers not to use hand sanitiser products manufactured by certain companies, such as Eskbiochem, due to the potential presence of methanol. It is important to check the latest FDA updates and recalls before purchasing a hand sanitiser to ensure it is FDA-approved.
The FDA has stated that legitimate hand sanitisers contain a combination of isopropyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol (ethanol) to safely sanitise and disinfect. The FDA recommends hand sanitisers be at least 94.9% ethanol by volume. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends hand sanitisers contain at least 60% ethanol and 70% isopropyl alcohol.
It is important to note that the FDA classifies hand sanitisers as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and consumers should always read and follow the Drug Facts label, particularly the warnings section. The FDA also conducts post-marketing surveillance to ensure that hand sanitiser products available in the market have the appropriate authorisation and are safe to use.
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Check for separation of colour or opacity
Checking for separation of colour or opacity is a simple way to verify the alcohol content of hand sanitiser. This method uses alcohol test strips, which can be purchased online or at pharmacies. These strips are dipped into a sample of the hand sanitiser and then compared to a colour chart to determine the alcohol percentage. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that hand sanitisers contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective against most bacteria and viruses. Therefore, when using the test strips, you should aim for a colour that corresponds to an alcohol content within the range of 60-95%.
It is important to note that the appearance of the hand sanitiser itself may not provide an accurate indication of its alcohol content. While some sanitisers may have a colour or opacity that suggests a higher alcohol concentration, this is not always the case. For instance, a cloudy or opaque appearance could be due to the presence of other ingredients, such as moisturising agents, which are added to improve skin feel and encourage regular use. On the other hand, a clear sanitiser may have a lower alcohol content than expected.
To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to use a Sanitizer Alcohol Checker in conjunction with observing the colour and opacity. This tool helps to confirm the alcohol percentage stated on the label and ensures that the product meets the required standard for hand hygiene. By combining the label information, visual inspection, and the use of alcohol test strips, you can be confident in the effectiveness of your hand sanitiser.
It is worth mentioning that while a 70% alcohol content in hand sanitiser offers slightly faster germ-killing action, the difference in effectiveness compared to a 60% solution is marginal. Additionally, higher alcohol content can sometimes be harsh on the skin, leading to a less pleasant user experience. As such, choosing a hand sanitiser is about more than just the percentage of alcohol; it's about finding the right balance between efficacy, skin health, and practical use.
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Smell the vapour to assess alcohol strength
Smelling the vapour of a hand sanitiser can give you an indication of its alcohol strength. The higher the alcohol content, the stronger the vapour will smell. However, it is not a precise method to determine the exact alcohol percentage.
The strength of the vapour's smell can be influenced by various factors, including the type of alcohol used, the presence of other ingredients, and individual variations in scent perception. Additionally, some hand sanitisers may contain fragrances or additives that can mask the natural scent of the alcohol, making it harder to estimate the alcohol strength based on smell alone.
It is important to note that hand sanitisers with high alcohol content, such as those containing 70% alcohol, will typically have a more pronounced vapour smell compared to those with lower alcohol percentages. The vapours from alcohol-based hand sanitisers can be strong and may cause side effects like headaches, nausea, and dizziness, especially in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.
To accurately determine the alcohol strength of a hand sanitiser, it is recommended to rely on the product label, which should indicate the percentage of alcohol present. Reputable hand sanitiser products will undergo rigorous testing and quality control to ensure the accuracy of their alcohol content claims.
In summary, while smelling the vapour can provide a general sense of the alcohol strength, it is not a precise method for assessing whether a hand sanitiser contains 70% alcohol. For a more reliable evaluation, it is advisable to refer to the product label or choose hand sanitiser products from trusted manufacturers who provide detailed ingredient information.
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Check the FDA list of unsafe hand sanitizers
The FDA has released a list of unsafe hand sanitizers that includes products that have been tested and found to contain methanol, a toxic substance that can cause severe adverse reactions when it penetrates the skin. Blindness or death can occur if ingested. The FDA list also includes products purportedly made at the same facility as contaminated products, as well as any that have been recalled by the manufacturer or distributor. As of August 2021, there were 59 items on the list from 18 brands, but the FDA has stated that more products will be added as they are discovered.
The FDA has also advised consumers not to use any hand sanitizer manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico, due to the potential presence of methanol. Despite being contacted by the FDA in June 2020, Eskbiochem has not removed these products from the market.
The FDA list of unsafe hand sanitizers also includes products with inadequate levels of alcohol, as well as those with inadequate amounts of benzalkonium chloride, an antimicrobial chemical. By August 2020, the FDA list of hand sanitizers to avoid had grown to 115 products.
The FDA recommends consumers use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol when soap and water are not available. However, 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizers are considered more effective than 95% hand sanitizers. This is because 90% alcohol solutions are too strong, destroying the outside of the cell before it can penetrate and kill the germ. 70% alcohol has the ideal mix of alcohol and water to effectively eliminate the entire cell.
Therefore, to ensure your hand sanitizer is safe and effective, it is important to check the FDA list of unsafe hand sanitizers and choose a product with an alcohol concentration of at least 60%, ideally 70%.
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Frequently asked questions
Check the label on the back of the bottle for the active ingredient and its percentage. For hand sanitizer, the active ingredient should be ethyl alcohol (ethanol) or isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol). To be effective, the sanitizer should contain at least 60% ethyl alcohol or 70% isopropyl alcohol.
The label should include the product name and function, instructions for use, a full ingredient listing, special precautions, net content, the name and address of the local company responsible for placing the product on the market, the manufacturer's batch number, manufacturing and expiry dates, and the country of manufacture.
The product should look even throughout, with no separation of colour or opacity. If the product has an unexpected odour, it could indicate impurities in the ingredients. Check the FDA's hand sanitizer recall list to see if your product has been recalled.
