Lena Savoie
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective at reducing the number of microbes on hands, but they do not eliminate all types of germs. To be effective, hand sanitizers should have an alcohol concentration of at least 60%, with some sources recommending a concentration of 70% to 75% for optimal results. The type of alcohol typically used in hand sanitizers is ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol. Denatured alcohol, which has been treated to make it unfit for human consumption, is often used to prevent accidental ingestion. Other ingredients, such as glycerin and hydrogen peroxide, may also be added to hand sanitizer solutions. While hand sanitizers are convenient, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for proper handwashing with soap and water in certain situations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredient | Alcohol |
| Types of Alcohol | Ethanol, isopropanol, N-propanol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol |
| Alcohol Concentration | 60% minimum, 75% ideal |
| Effectiveness | Kills most bacteria and viruses |
| Effectiveness | Not effective against Cryptosporidium, norovirus, Clostridium difficile |
| Effectiveness | Not effective against harmful chemicals |
| Safety | Can cause alcohol poisoning if ingested |
| Safety | Should be kept out of reach of children |
| Application | Should be rubbed thoroughly on all surfaces of the hand |
| Application | Should be used in conjunction with soap and water |
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What You'll Learn
Ethanol, isopropanol, or N-propanol
The main ingredient in hand sanitizers is alcohol, usually in the form of ethanol, isopropanol (also known as isopropyl alcohol), or N-propanol. Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, drinking alcohol, or simply alcohol, is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH3CH2OH. It is a volatile, colorless, flammable liquid with a pungent taste. Ethanol has been used as an intoxicant since ancient times and is the most commonly consumed psychoactive drug globally after caffeine. It is produced naturally by the fermentation process of sugars by yeasts or through petrochemical processes.
Isopropanol, on the other hand, is a colorless, flammable, organic compound with a pungent odor. It is an isomer of 1-propanol and has the IUPAC name propan-2-ol. Isopropanol is miscible in water, ethanol, and chloroform, and it dissolves a wide range of substances. It is often used as a solvent and as a rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Isopropanol is toxic when ingested and poses safety risks due to its flammability.
N-propanol, or 1-propanol, is a primary alcohol with the formula CH3CH2CH2OH. It is a colorless liquid and is used as a solvent in the pharmaceutical industry and occasionally as a disinfecting agent. It is a byproduct of grain fermentation and is present in trace amounts in many alcoholic beverages.
When used in hand sanitizers, these alcohols work by denaturing the important proteins and outer coat of bacteria. This process renders the bacteria useless or kills it. It is important to note that while hand sanitizers are effective, the CDC recommends washing hands with warm water and soap when possible as it is the best way to fight off germs and chemicals.
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![McKesson Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol 70% [1 Count] USP First Aid Antiseptic, 32 oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61lYiXl9g9L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Denaturation: Alcohol's effect on bacteria
The main ingredient in hand sanitizers is alcohol, which is responsible for sanitizing the hands. Alcohols such as ethanol (ethyl alcohol), isopropanol (rubbing alcohol), or N-propanol are commonly used. Ethanol is the same type of alcohol used in brewing beer or wine. Denaturation is the process by which alcohol unfolds and inactivates the important proteins and the outer coat of bacteria when it comes into contact with them. This process makes it impossible for the bacteria to stay together, effectively rendering it useless or killing it.
Alcohol denatures proteins by tearing them apart. When applied to the hands, alcohol does not shred through the skin, but when bacteria are immersed in it, it is enough to destroy them. The primary mechanism of hand sanitizer is exposure to alcohol, and to properly sanitize the hands, enough sanitizer must be applied to cover all surfaces of the hands. Hand sanitizers with an alcohol concentration between 60–95% are more effective at killing germs than those with a lower alcohol concentration or non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The CDC recommends hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol for effective sanitation.
The effectiveness of hand sanitizers also depends on the volume used and the duration of exposure. People may not use a large enough volume of sanitizer or may wipe it off before it has dried, reducing its effectiveness. Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol are effective against the coronavirus and other bacteria on hard surfaces if left wet for at least 30 seconds.
Hand sanitizers are most effective when hands are only slightly soiled, as they may not work well when hands are heavily soiled or greasy. In such cases, handwashing with soap and water is recommended. Hand sanitizers are also not effective at removing or inactivating certain types of harmful chemicals, such as pesticides, from the hands. Therefore, it is important to wash hands with soap and water when hands have been exposed to potentially harmful chemicals.
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Alcohol concentration: 60-95%
When making hand sanitizer, it is crucial to use alcohol within the correct concentration range of 60-95%. Using alcohol with a concentration lower than 60% may not effectively kill bacteria and germs; on the other hand, alcohol with a concentration higher than 95% can evaporate too quickly, rendering it ineffective in fighting pathogens.
The type of alcohol typically used in hand sanitizer is ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, both of which are effective at killing bacteria and viruses when used within the specified concentration range. Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is a common choice for hand sanitizer production and is often found in alcoholic beverages. Isopropyl alcohol, or isopropanol, is another option and is readily available at pharmacies and online.
To ensure the effectiveness of your hand sanitizer, it is essential to measure the alcohol concentration accurately. This can be done using a tool called an alcoholmeter, which measures the percentage of alcohol in a solution. By using this tool, you can adjust the concentration of your chosen alcohol to fall within the effective range of 60-95%.
Additionally, when preparing hand sanitizer, it's important to follow safety guidelines and handle the alcohol with care. Pure alcohol is flammable, so it should be stored and handled away from open flames or heat sources. It is also crucial to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling excessive vapors.
By using the appropriate concentration of alcohol, you can create an effective hand sanitizer that helps prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses. Remember to follow recipes and guidelines provided by trusted sources to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your final product.
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Homemade hand sanitizer
The main ingredient in hand sanitizers is alcohol, which is responsible for killing most germs. The type of alcohol used can vary, but common options include ethanol, isopropanol (also known as isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol), or N-propanol. These alcohols can be sourced from drinks like beer or wine, or purchased directly as a substance like rubbing alcohol.
When making your own hand sanitizer, it is important to use undiluted alcohol to ensure maximum effectiveness. The alcohol should be mixed with other ingredients to create a gel-like suspension that is easier to use and less messy. A simple and effective recipe for homemade hand sanitizer includes just three ingredients: alcohol, aloe vera, and glycerin. The alcohol should comprise around 60% of the mixture, with the remaining 40% being made up of equal parts aloe vera and glycerin. This keeps the alcohol content high enough to kill most germs, while also protecting your skin from drying out.
- Wash your hands thoroughly to prevent germs from entering the mixture.
- Clean and sterilize the containers you will use for mixing and storing the sanitizer. Sterilization can be done by using heat-resistant containers and boiling them in water or running them through the dishwasher on high heat.
- Pour the alcohol into the clean container. Ensure it is undiluted and of a high concentration (60-95% alcohol concentration is most effective).
- Mix in a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to kill any bacteria that may be present in the bottles or the mixture as you make it.
- Add glycerin to help protect your skin from drying out.
- Add aloe vera gel to give the sanitizer a pleasant texture and make it easier to apply.
- Finally, add sterile water and mix all the ingredients together thoroughly.
- If you are dividing the batch into smaller bottles, use clean tools like funnels to transfer the sanitizer and avoid contamination.
It is important to note that homemade hand sanitizers are only recommended in extreme situations when soap and water are unavailable. Even with a high alcohol content, hand sanitizers may not eliminate all types of germs and are less effective when hands are heavily soiled or greasy. Always follow proper hand sanitizer application techniques, including covering all surfaces of the hands and rubbing until the sanitizer is dry, which can take at least 60 seconds. Store hand sanitizers out of the reach of children, as they may be at risk of improper use or accidental ingestion.
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Alcohol poisoning
The main ingredient in hand sanitizers is alcohol, usually ethanol, isopropanol, or N-propanol. Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol are effective against the coronavirus and other bacteria on hard surfaces if left wet for at least 30 seconds. Hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can be used when you're outside of your home and nowhere near a sink. However, unlike cleaning supplies and numerous other products, hand sanitizer isn't generally thought of as something that presents a poisoning danger, especially to children. Due to its appealing packaging and scent, children often confuse it for something edible and end up ingesting it. According to the FDA analysis, calls to poison control centers regarding exposure to hand sanitizer, many of which result in adverse events, including death, are common each year. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Symptoms of ingestion or inhaling vapors should be watched out for.
Hand sanitizer poisoning can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal. Alcohol poisoning occurs when a person consumes a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time. The symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:
- Glassy eyes
- Wobbly feet
- Slurred speech
- Inability to stand or walk
- Blood alcohol level above the legal limit
If you suspect that someone has ingested hand sanitizer, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Do not wait for the symptoms to appear or worsen, as alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening.
To prevent hand sanitizer poisoning, it is important to keep hand sanitizers out of the reach of children and to supervise their use. It is also important to read the labels and warnings on hand sanitizer products and to use them as directed.
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Frequently asked questions
The main types of alcohol used in hand sanitizers are ethanol (ethyl alcohol), isopropanol, and N-propanol.
Hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol to effectively kill germs. Some sources recommend a range of 60-95% alcohol concentration, while others suggest 75% as the ideal amount.
In addition to isopropyl alcohol, you can add hydrogen peroxide, glycerin, and sterile water. Hydrogen peroxide helps kill bacteria, and glycerin prevents your skin from drying out.
Apply enough hand sanitizer to cover all surfaces of your hands. A dime-sized dab is a good starting point, but you may need more or less depending on the size of your hands.
Hand sanitizer is most effective when hands are only slightly soiled. Wash your hands with soap and water if they are heavily soiled or greasy, or if they have come into contact with harmful chemicals.
