Lena Savoie
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers have been recommended to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The CDC recommends that hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective against most viruses. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers typically contain ethyl alcohol as the primary ingredient, which attacks and destroys the envelope protein that surrounds some viruses, including coronaviruses. While hand sanitizer with a higher percentage of alcohol can be more effective, it is important to note that the most reliable way to clean one's hands is still with warm water and soap.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol percentage required to kill COVID-19 | 60%+ |
| Types of alcohol used | Isopropyl alcohol, ethanol (ethyl alcohol), or n-propanol |
| Other ingredients | Water, fragrance, glycerin |
| Alternative to alcohol-based hand sanitizers | 0.05% hypochlorite (jik) |
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What You'll Learn
- Alcohol-free hand sanitizers are less effective than alcohol-based ones
- CDC recommends hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol
- Benzalkonium chloride is the active ingredient in alcohol-free hand sanitizers
- Alcohol-free hand sanitizers are selling out
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizers kill all known coronaviruses
Alcohol-free hand sanitizers are less effective than alcohol-based ones
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are widely regarded as the most effective way to keep our hands clean when soap and water are not readily available. Alcohol is the most trusted ingredient in hand sanitizers because it has been demonstrated to effectively kill germs on the skin.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are superior to their alcohol-free counterparts in terms of effectiveness. Most alcohol-based hand sanitizers kill 99.9% of common germs in as little as 15 seconds, compared to 30 to 60 seconds for alcohol-free products. Additionally, sanitizers with an alcohol concentration of 60% to 95% are more effective at eliminating germs than those with a lower alcohol concentration or non-alcohol-based sanitizers. This is supported by various reputable and extensive bodies of scientific research, leaving no doubt about the effectiveness of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
The effectiveness of alcohol-free hand sanitizers is less documented and understood than that of alcohol-based sanitizers. While alcohol-free sanitizers can be effective in curbing shortages and are a good alternative in crowded places with lower susceptibility to infections, they are less effective against certain pathogens. For example, benzalkonium chloride (BAC) or triclosan in non-alcoholic sanitizers can disinfect viruses or organisms by disrupting their microbial cell membranes and inhibiting their growth. However, the current data on their efficacy, especially concerning COVID-19 prevention, is limited and conflicting.
To summarize, while both types of hand sanitizers can successfully eliminate germs, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are generally more effective and trusted due to extensive research backing their germ-killing capabilities. Alcohol-free hand sanitizers, while a good alternative, have undergone less testing and may not be as effective against certain pathogens. Therefore, when it comes to choosing between alcohol-based and alcohol-free hand sanitizers, it is advisable to prioritize those containing at least 60% alcohol to ensure maximum protection against germs and viruses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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![McKesson Hand Sanitizer with Aloe, 18 oz Pump Bottle [Pack of 2] – 70% Ethyl Alcohol, Spring Water Scent, No-Rinse Gel with Vitamin E and Moisturizers, Medical-Grade Sanitizer](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71HhMdCiB3L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
CDC recommends hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol
The CDC recommends using hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol to prevent COVID-19. Hand sanitizer is an antiseptic that typically contains ethyl alcohol as a primary ingredient to kill viruses and bacteria that a person can come into contact with throughout the day. While the most effective means of cleaning one's hands is still warm water and soap, hand sanitizer was invented in 1966 as a means of preventing the spread of pathogens and disease when traditional means weren't available.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers contain varying amounts and types of alcohol, often between 60% and 95%, and usually isopropyl alcohol, ethanol (ethyl alcohol), or n-propanol. Alcohol is known to be able to kill most germs. It attacks and destroys the envelope protein that surrounds some viruses, including coronaviruses. This protein is vital for a virus's survival and multiplication.
However, a hand sanitizer needs to be at least 60% alcohol in order to kill most viruses. Alcohol-free hand sanitizers contain something called quaternary ammonium compounds (usually benzalkonium chloride) instead of alcohol. These can reduce microbes but are less effective than alcohol. Alternatively, 0.05% hypochlorite may be used as a hand sanitizer. This compound is commonly known as jik. When diluted correctly, it is stronger than alcohol-based hand sanitizers, as it also destroys fungi, which are not destroyed by alcohol sanitizers.
Hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol for the prevention of COVID-19) is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Hand sanitizer reimbursement is not eligible with a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA) or a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).
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![McKesson Hand Sanitizer Pump with Aloe, 8 oz [Pack of 24] Bulk, 62% Ethyl Alcohol](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81wT9Zub5mL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![McKesson Hand Sanitizer with Aloe, 18 oz Pump Bottle [Pack of 3] - 70% Ethyl Alcohol, Spring Water Scent, No-Rinse Sanitizing Gel with Vitamin E and Moisturizers, Medical-Grade](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71r1uS+Ep5L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Benzalkonium chloride is the active ingredient in alcohol-free hand sanitizers
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers have been recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Hand sanitizers with an alcohol content of 60% and above are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). However, due to shortages, people have been encouraged to consider alcohol-free hand sanitizers as an alternative.
Benzalkonium chloride has also been found to be effective against specific viruses, including the influenza virus (FluV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and avian infectious bronchitis (IBV). These viruses, like coronaviruses, are enveloped viruses. The virucidal activity of benzalkonium chloride was established in a 2007 study published in the Japanese Journal of Infectious Disease.
Benzalkonium chloride is safe for human use and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for hand sanitizer applications. It is a cationic soap that acts as a detergent, resolving the virus envelope. This activity may select negatively charged viruses due to electrostatic interactions.
Some commercially available alcohol-free hand sanitizers that contain benzalkonium chloride include the M.D. Science Premium Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizing Spray and the B4 Brands Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer. These products aim to effectively kill germs without the drying effects of alcohol-based sanitizers, leaving the hands feeling soft and smooth.
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Alcohol-free hand sanitizers are selling out
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers have been a popular choice for many people to protect themselves against COVID-19. However, there has been a recent surge in the demand for alcohol-free hand sanitizers, with reports of these products selling out. This trend is driven by several factors, including increased awareness of hygiene and health safety, the gentler formulation of alcohol-free variants, and the growing emphasis on natural ingredients in personal care products.
The global health crisis caused by COVID-19 has brought to light the significance of maintaining proper hygiene to curb the spread of germs and viruses. As a result, individuals and organizations have been adopting preventive measures, and the use of hand sanitizers has become increasingly common. While alcohol-based hand sanitizers were initially recommended, the demand for alcohol-free alternatives has been rising due to their perceived benefits.
Alcohol-free hand sanitizers are often sought after because they are less likely to irritate the skin or cause dryness. This is especially important for those with sensitive skin or those who need to use hand sanitizers frequently. The alcohol in traditional hand sanitizers can disrupt the protective layer of oils on the skin, leading to dryness and skin irritation. Therefore, alcohol-free options are seen as a gentler and more skin-friendly alternative.
In addition to skin-related benefits, the growing trend of using natural ingredients in personal care products also contributes to the demand for alcohol-free hand sanitizers. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the ingredients in their products and are seeking eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives. Some companies, such as Method, Dr. Bronner's, and Hand in Hand Soap, have recognized this shift and are expanding their product lines to include more alcohol-free options, appealing to health-conscious and environmentally-minded consumers.
The market for alcohol-free hand sanitizers is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with an anticipated growth rate of around 14.01% from 2025 to 2032. This projected growth underscores the changing preferences of consumers and their desire for effective sanitizing solutions that prioritize safety and skin health.
While alcohol-free hand sanitizers are gaining popularity, it is important to note that soap and water remain the most effective means of cleaning one's hands, according to health experts. Hand sanitizers, whether alcohol-based or alcohol-free, are recommended when access to soap and water is limited.
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Alcohol-based hand sanitizers kill all known coronaviruses
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are believed to be effective against COVID-19. According to David Cennimo, M.D., assistant professor of medicine-pediatrics infectious disease at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, coronaviruses are "enveloped viruses" with an outer membrane or envelope, which alcohol-based hand sanitizers are known to kill or inactivate. Therefore, COVID-19 should be killed or inactivated by alcohol-based hand sanitizers as well.
However, it is important to note that hand sanitizers do not kill all viruses, and washing hands carefully with soap and water is still the recommended method for hand hygiene. Hand sanitizer is only the best alternative when access to a sink, soap, and water is limited. The CDC recommends using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. According to Dr. Watkins, an infectious disease physician and professor of medicine, hand sanitizer is not effective against norovirus, C. difficile, and some parasites, but washing hands with soap and water will help kill these germs in addition to the coronavirus.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are considered antimicrobial agents, which prevent the spread of bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. They typically contain ethyl alcohol as the primary ingredient, which acts as an antiseptic to kill viruses and bacteria. While hand sanitizer was invented to prevent the spread of pathogens and diseases when traditional means, such as soap and water, were not available, it is still recommended to prioritize handwashing with warm water and soap when possible.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a high demand for hand sanitizers, leading to shortages. This prompted the recommendation to use alcohol-free sanitizers as an alternative, with brands like Gold Bond Ultimate and Kleenex offering alcohol-free options. However, for hand sanitizer to be effective against COVID-19, it should contain at least 60% alcohol, as recommended by health organizations and professionals.
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Frequently asked questions
Hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective against COVID.
The most common types of alcohol used in hand sanitizer are isopropyl alcohol, ethanol (ethyl alcohol), or n-propanol.
Alcohol attacks and destroys the envelope protein that surrounds coronaviruses, which is vital for the virus's survival and multiplication.
Yes, alcohol-free hand sanitizers contain quaternary ammonium compounds, usually benzalkonium chloride, which can reduce microbes but are less effective than alcohol. Alternatively, 0.05% hypochlorite (jik) may be used as a hand sanitizer when diluted correctly; it is stronger than alcohol-based hand sanitizers as it also destroys fungi, which alcohol does not.
