Theo Nash
Purell hand sanitizer is an American brand of hand sanitizer that was invented in 1988 and introduced to the consumer market in 1997 by GOJO Industries. Its primary component is ethyl alcohol, which makes up 70% of the product. Purell hand sanitizers are alcohol-based formulations that are effective at killing 99.99% of the most common germs that may cause illness. The product is applied by wetting one's hands thoroughly and then briskly rubbing them together until dry. Purell has achieved several certifications, including being the first to meet an independent, third-party, type-1 Ecolabel environmental standard for hand antiseptics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Primary component | Ethyl alcohol |
| Percentage of ethyl alcohol | 70% |
| Other ingredients | Water, Isopropyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Fragrance |
| Effectiveness | Kills 99.99% of most common germs that may cause illness |
| Skin impact | Clinically proven to maintain skin health |
| Safety | Denaturants added to prevent accidental ingestion |
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What You'll Learn
Purell contains 70% ethyl alcohol
Purell hand sanitizer contains 70% ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol. This high-quality alcohol is the active ingredient that kills 99.99% of the germs that may cause illness. Purell's use of ethyl alcohol is a key reason why it is so effective at eliminating germs, outperforming other hand sanitizers ounce-for-ounce.
The alcohol in Purell is sourced from GOJO NATURELL™ Renewable Ethanol, which is one of the purest forms of plant-based ethanol on the market. It is free of allergens such as gluten and gluten residues, ensuring a dependable supply of high-quality ingredients. Purell's formula is carefully balanced to not only kill germs but also factor in skin health, providing a positive user experience.
The inclusion of 70% ethyl alcohol in Purell's formula is significant for several reasons. Firstly, ethyl alcohol is a highly effective antimicrobial and antibacterial agent, making it ideal for sanitizing purposes. It acts as a solvent, penetration enhancer, and astringent, contributing to its ability to eliminate germs quickly. Secondly, Purell's high alcohol content ensures that it evaporates rapidly, leaving behind moisturizers to nourish the skin. This quick-drying property is essential for hand sanitizers to provide a convenient and efficient solution for hand hygiene.
While the ethyl alcohol in Purell is crucial for its sanitizing effectiveness, it also presents certain considerations. Some experts believe that regular exposure to alcohol can negatively impact the skin barrier and cause inflammation, though this is a debated topic. To address this concern, Purell hand sanitizers are formulated to maintain or improve the skin's condition, even with repeated use. Purell products do not remove skin lipids, which are essential for maintaining the protective barrier of the skin and keeping it soft.
In summary, Purell hand sanitizer's inclusion of 70% ethyl alcohol is a key factor in its effectiveness against germs. This high-quality alcohol, sourced from renewable plant-based ethanol, ensures Purell's ability to kill 99.99% of common illness-causing germs while also being gentle on the skin. Purell's formula balances sanitizing strength with skin health, providing a trusted and widely-used solution for hand hygiene.
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It is used by wetting hands and rubbing them together
Purell hand sanitizer is used by wetting hands thoroughly and rubbing them together until dry. Purell is an American brand of hand sanitizer that was invented in 1988 and introduced to the consumer market in 1997 by GOJO Industries. Its primary component is ethyl alcohol, which constitutes 70% of the product. This high-quality alcohol is essential to Purell's effectiveness, killing 99.99% of the germs that may cause illness.
The product is designed to be used as a leave-on hand sanitizer, meaning it should not remove skin lipids, even with repeated use. This is an important feature as removing skin lipids can leave the skin feeling dry and looking dull. Purell hand sanitizers are formulated with skin health in mind, containing moisturizers to nourish the skin and leaving out harsh preservatives, dyes, triclosan, parabens, and phthalates.
Purell hand sanitizers also include denaturants, which are ingredients that give the product an unpleasant taste to prevent accidental or intentional ingestion. The addition of these denaturants is especially important as the product contains a high percentage of alcohol, which can be dangerous if ingested. In fact, there have been reports of children becoming inebriated after ingesting Purell, leading to regulatory warnings for the company to ensure the product is kept out of the reach of children.
As an alcohol-based formulation, Purell hand sanitizer is less sensitive to the addition of certain ingredients, such as fragrances and skin conditioners, which can negatively impact the effectiveness of non-alcohol hand sanitizers. The product is also available in a plant-based alcohol formula, made with naturally derived ethanol and essential oils, providing a more natural option for consumers.
Overall, Purell hand sanitizer is a trusted and widely used brand, especially in high-frequency settings like hospitals. Its effectiveness in killing germs, coupled with its skin-nourishing properties, makes it a convenient and gentle option for hand hygiene. By wetting the hands and rubbing them together until dry, users can be confident that they are maintaining proper hand hygiene while also caring for their skin.
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Purell kills 99.99% of common germs
Purell hand sanitizer is an American brand of hand sanitizer that was invented in 1988 and introduced to the consumer market in 1997 by GOJO Industries. Its primary component is ethyl alcohol, which makes up 70% of the product. Purell also contains water, isopropyl alcohol, caprylyl glycol, glycerin, isopropyl myristate, tocopheryl acetate, and fragrance, among other ingredients.
The high percentage of alcohol in Purell is what makes it effective at killing 99.99% of common germs that may cause illness. Alcohol is a great solvent, penetration enhancer, and antimicrobial agent. It creates light, cosmetically elegant formulas that are non-greasy and function as a great astringent.
However, alcohol can be very drying to the skin, especially in large amounts. Purell has been formulated with this in mind, and it does not remove skin lipids, even with repeated use. Skin lipids strengthen the protective barrier of the skin and keep it soft. Purell has also been clinically proven to maintain skin health and is free of harsh preservatives, dye, triclosan, parabens, and phthalates.
Purell's effectiveness at killing 99.99% of common germs has been called into question. In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to GOJO Industries to stop claiming that Purell is effective at eliminating diseases because there are no peer-reviewed, published clinical studies to support this claim. Despite this, Purell is the No. 1 brand most trusted and used by hospitals and has achieved various third-party certifications for its ingredients and environmental impact.
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It is made with naturally derived plant-based ethanol
Purell hand sanitizer is made with naturally derived plant-based ethanol. This ethanol is produced by GOJO Industries, the company that owns the Purell brand. It is one of the purest forms of plant-based ethanol on the market, free of allergens like gluten and gluten residues.
The ethanol used in Purell is a high-quality form of ethyl alcohol, which acts as an antimicrobial and antibacterial agent. It is an effective solvent, penetration enhancer, and creates cosmetically elegant, light formulas. Purell hand sanitizer contains 70% ethyl alcohol, which is the active ingredient that kills 99.99% of germs that may cause illness.
The use of plant-based ethanol in Purell hand sanitizer is not only effective for sanitization but also environmentally conscious. The ethanol is 100% naturally renewable, and 95% of the hand sanitizer formulas are made with 50% renewable energy. This commitment to renewable and natural ingredients is reflected in the product's EcoLogo certification.
Purell's plant-based ethanol is also gentle on the skin. The formula is clinically proven to maintain skin health and is free of harsh preservatives, dye, triclosan, parabens, and phthalates. This makes Purell a trusted choice for hand sanitization, as it effectively kills germs while also nourishing the skin.
Overall, the use of naturally derived plant-based ethanol in Purell hand sanitizer showcases the brand's innovation and commitment to creating effective, eco-friendly, and gentle products for its consumers.
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Purell has an unpleasant taste to prevent ingestion
Purell is an American brand of hand sanitizer that was invented in 1988 and introduced to the consumer market in 1997. Its primary component is ethyl alcohol, which makes up 70% of the product. Purell is used by wetting one's hands thoroughly and then briskly rubbing them together until they are dry.
Purell has been formulated with an unpleasant bitter taste to prevent ingestion. The bitter taste is intended to make the product undesirable to drink. This is particularly important because Purell contains 70% ethyl alcohol, which can intoxicate individuals if ingested. The Chicago Tribune reported that children have become inebriated after ingesting Purell, with one child's blood alcohol level reaching 0.218% after using the hand sanitizer.
To prevent accidental or intentional ingestion, Purell includes denaturants, which are ingredients that make the product taste unpleasant. According to the FDA, young children, especially toddlers, may be attracted to ingest hand sanitizers due to their pleasant smell or brightly colored bottles. By adding denaturants, Purell helps ensure that the product is not accidentally consumed or ingested.
The addition of denaturants is a safety measure that aligns with Purell's commitment to developing high-quality, effective, and safe hand sanitizer products. Purell is known for its careful selection of ingredients, considering not only germ-killing efficacy but also skin health and environmental impact. The inclusion of denaturants demonstrates Purell's proactive approach to product safety and responsibility, especially considering the high alcohol content in their hand sanitizers.
In summary, Purell's decision to include an unpleasant taste in their hand sanitizer formula is a deliberate and important choice to deter ingestion. This measure helps to protect individuals, especially young children, from the potential harmful effects of consuming a product with a high alcohol concentration. Purell's attention to safety is a testament to their commitment to creating trusted and reliable hygiene solutions for their consumers.
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Frequently asked questions
Purell hand sanitizer contains ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol.
Purell hand sanitizer contains 70% ethyl alcohol.
The ethyl alcohol in Purell hand sanitizer is the active ingredient that kills 99.99% of common germs that may cause illness.
