Mason Delacroix
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a convenient way to maintain hygiene when soap and water are unavailable. According to the CDC, hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective. The type of alcohol matters: ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol (2-propanol) are acceptable, while methyl (methanol/wood alcohol) and 1-propanol are toxic to humans and should be avoided. Alcohol-based sanitizers work by deforming protein molecules in microorganisms, instantly killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. However, they may not suit all skin types due to potential dryness. Non-alcoholic sanitizers, which use benzalkonium chloride, are gentler on the skin and may contain moisturizing ingredients, but they may take longer to kill germs. When choosing a hand sanitizer, it is essential to consider both effectiveness and skin sensitivity.
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What You'll Learn
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is safe and effective
The CDC recommends using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to effectively kill germs. While washing hands with soap and water is the best way to disinfect your hands, hand sanitizers are a good substitute when you are on the go.
Ethanol-based hand sanitizers are widely available and often include additional ingredients such as aloe vera and glycerin to help soothe and hydrate the skin. These products are usually free from harsh chemicals, GMO-free, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.
When using an ethanol-based hand sanitizer, it is important to follow the directions on the packaging. Typically, you should wet your hands thoroughly with the product and allow it to dry without wiping. This process will ensure that the sanitizer has time to effectively kill any germs present on your hands.
In summary, ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is a safe and effective ingredient in hand sanitizers. It is widely available and recommended by health authorities, making it a reliable choice for maintaining good hand hygiene and preventing the spread of germs.
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Isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) is a common alternative
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using alcohol-based hand sanitizers if soap and water are not available for handwashing. While ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is the most common alcohol found in hand sanitizers, isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol or 2-propanol) is also frequently used.
Isopropyl alcohol is a common alternative to ethanol in hand sanitizers. It is a type of rubbing alcohol, typically used as a disinfectant, and is also found in antiseptic creams. Isopropyl alcohol is effective at killing bacteria and viruses, and it evaporates quickly, making it ideal for use in hand sanitizers. It is also relatively inexpensive and easy to produce, making it a cost-effective option for hand sanitizer manufacturers.
The use of isopropyl alcohol in hand sanitizers has been found to be safe and effective. It is important to note that hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective at consistently killing germs. Isopropyl alcohol is not harmful to the skin and should not produce any adverse health effects. However, it is always recommended to use hand sanitizers in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhaling the vapours.
Compared to ethanol, isopropyl alcohol has a slightly stronger odour, which some may find unpleasant. Additionally, it may not be as readily available as ethanol, which can affect the production and supply of hand sanitizers that use it as an ingredient. Despite these minor drawbacks, isopropyl alcohol remains a popular and trusted choice for hand sanitizer manufacturers and consumers alike.
Overall, isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) is a safe and effective alternative to ethanol in hand sanitizers. Its disinfectant properties, quick evaporation rate, and cost-effectiveness make it a preferred option for hand hygiene products. By using hand sanitizers with isopropyl alcohol, individuals can effectively reduce the spread of germs and maintain proper hand hygiene when soap and water are unavailable.
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Avoid toxic methanol (methyl alcohol)
The ongoing pandemic has led to a sharp increase in the use of hand sanitizers, with the demand for these products skyrocketing in 2020 and 2021. However, it is crucial to exercise caution when selecting a hand sanitizer to ensure it is both safe and effective.
The CDC recommends using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content. While shopping for hand sanitizers, it is imperative to avoid those listed on the FDA's Hand Sanitizer Do-Not-Use List. This is because only ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol (also known as 2-propanol) are acceptable ingredients in hand sanitizers.
Other types of alcohol, such as methyl alcohol (methanol or wood alcohol) and 1-propanol, are toxic to humans and must be avoided. Methanol is highly toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested and can even be life-threatening. Symptoms of methanol poisoning include nausea, vomiting, headaches, blurred vision, permanent blindness, and seizures. Since the FDA cannot force recalls of over-the-counter hand sanitizers, it is crucial to carefully read the labels before purchasing. If a product lists only “alcohol” as an ingredient without specifying the type, avoid it.
To ensure safety, opt for hand sanitizers that are CDC- and FDA-compliant and contain additional ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin to soothe and hydrate the skin. When access to hand sanitizers is limited, the safest option is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before meals.
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1-propanol is another toxic alcohol to avoid
When selecting a hand sanitizer, it is important to know that not all hand sanitizers are safe. The majority of hand sanitizers that have been recalled are due to the presence of methanol, a toxic alcohol that is harmful to humans. However, there have been sanitizers with other toxins, such as 1-propanol, which is another toxic alcohol to avoid.
1-propanol is a colorless volatile liquid at room temperature and is an important industrial alcohol. Workers can be exposed to it through inhalation during industrial activities, including manufacturing, sampling, filling, and mixing processes, as well as during cleaning, maintenance, and repair. It is also used to make degreasing fluid and paint.
Using or ingesting a hand sanitizer with 1-propanol can result in decreased breathing and heart rate, among other serious symptoms, and can even lead to death. It can also severely irritate the skin and eyes. In one study, oral LD50 of 1-propanol was found to be approximately 1870–6800 mg/kg body weight in rats, while experiments using mice found an LD50 by intraperitoneal administration of 61.5 mmol/kg and LD50 by intravenous administration of 48.0 mmol/kg.
In another study, male and female B6C3F1 mice were exposed to 1-propanol at concentrations of 0, 100, 400, or 1600 ppm for 28 days and showed no consequent toxicity. Following this, ten mice of each sex were exposed at concentrations of 0, 500, 1600, or 5200 ppm for 90 days. No effects on food consumption, body weight, organ weight, clinical signs, hematology, and biochemistry parameters, or gross or histological features were observed, even at the maximum concentration. Similarly, a 13-week inhalation toxicity study in F344 rats exposed to 1-propanol vapors for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, at target concentrations of 0, 500, 1,600, and 5200 ppm showed no changes related to 1-propanol, except for mean body weight changes.
To protect yourself and others, it is recommended to stay away from hand sanitizers made with methanol or 1-propanol due to their toxicity and adverse health effects. Instead, opt for hand sanitizers with FDA-approved active ingredients, such as ethanol (ethyl alcohol) or isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol or 2-propanol).
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Benzalkonium Chloride is a non-alcohol alternative
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are considered efficient alternatives to handwashing with water and soap. However, they have limitations, such as skin dryness, irritant contact dermatitis, and intoxication upon accidental ingestion. This has led to the development of non-alcoholic hand sanitizers, with Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC) as an active ingredient.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increased demand for hand sanitizers, and in certain situations, the demand for alcohol exceeded the supply. This highlighted the need for an effective non-alcoholic alternative. A study was conducted to prepare and evaluate a non-alcoholic hand sanitizer containing Benzalkonium Chloride. The hand gel was characterized by pH, viscosity, and spreadability. Results showed that it had a pH of 6.3, low viscosity, and high spreadability, making it less likely to cause skin irritation.
The use of Benzalkonium Chloride as an active ingredient in hand sanitizers has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States and Health Canada. The recommended disinfectant concentration is 0.1 to 0.15%. Commercially available BKC-based hand sanitizers, such as the DAB Hand Sanitizer, have been effective in reducing pathogenic Staphylococci from the hands of healthcare workers, helping to prevent hospital-acquired infections.
In summary, Benzalkonium Chloride is a viable non-alcohol alternative for hand sanitizers. It offers advantages such as reduced skin irritation, higher persistence, and greater sustained antibacterial activity. With the approval of health organizations and its effectiveness in reducing pathogens, Benzalkonium Chloride-based hand sanitizers provide a safe and efficient option for hand hygiene, especially in situations where alcohol supply may be limited.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the CDC, hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol to be considered effective. The FDA states that only ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol (also known as 2-propanol) are acceptable in hand sanitizers.
Touchland, CBD for Life, Germ-X, and Amazon Basics Hand Sanitizer are some options that meet CDC guidelines.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers may not suit certain skin types and can cause dryness. Non-alcoholic hand sanitizers may be a better alternative in such cases as they may contain moisturizing ingredients.
