Your Comprehensive Guide to Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer became a hot commodity when the coronavirus hit. It abruptly disappeared from store shelves, and suddenly, everyone wanted to get their hands on some.

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Manufacturers and stores have recovered from panic buying, and hand sanitizer is available again. Infectious disease specialist Carla McWilliams, MD, explains the benefits and drawbacks of hand sanitizer — both now and after the pandemic.

Does hand sanitizer kill the coronavirus?

The active ingredient in hand sanitizer is ethyl alcohol or isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. These ingredients kill bacteria and viruses — including the coronavirus — by dissolving their protein layer.

But the ingredient alone isn’t enough: It also needs to be the right strength. Check the label to see if it contains at least 60% ethyl alcohol or 70% isopropyl alcohol.

“The alcohol content must be high enough to kill the coronavirus or any other germs,” says Dr. McWilliams. “That’s why I don’t recommend people try to make their own sanitizer. If the alcohol isn’t the right strength, the product won’t disinfect.”

Can I use sanitizer instead of soap and water?

When there’s no soap and water around, hand sanitizer is safe and effective. But whenever possible, you should opt for old-fashioned hand washing. Here’s why.

Hand sanitizers don’t kill everything

Have you ever noticed that hand sanitizer labels say they kill “99.9% of germs”? That’s because they can’t kill some nasty bugs like Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) and norovirus.

“If you’re around someone who is vomiting or has diarrhea, always use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds,” Dr. McWilliams says. “Washing your hands thoroughly removes all germs. Hand sanitizer can’t do that.”

You also need to wash your hands:

When they are visibly dirty (hand sanitizer doesn’t remove dirt, grease or grime).
When they feel dirty, even if you can’t see any dirt.
After using the restroom or changing a diaper.
Before eating or preparing food.
After touching animals and their toys, leashes or poop.
After touching something gross, like a trash can.
Before and after you visit someone in a hospital or nursing home.

Residue is a don’t

Maybe you used your hand sanitizer a few times during a grocery shopping trip. Do you notice a buildup or film on your hands? If so, head to a sink, stat.

“Hand sanitizers create a film on your hands,” Dr. McWilliams explains. “After you’ve used it several times, the film gets thick enough to trap germs inside, rather than kill them. When your hands feel coated or like there’s a residue, it’s time to wash off that film and start over.”

Why were some hand sanitizers recalled?

You may have seen the news that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled many hand sanitizer brands. FDA testing found some sanitizers:

Were contaminated with toxic ingredients like methanol and 1-propanol.
Didn’t contain enough alcohol to kill germs, even if the label said it had the proper amount.
Had labels with false, misleading or unproven claims.

Your hand sanitizer may look legit, but the label won’t list toxic ingredients. If you’ve purchased sanitizer since the pandemic began, check the FDA’s hand sanitizer recall list before you use it.

Hand sanitizer shouldn’t look or smell yummy

The FDA also warns people that hand sanitizer packaging should look like, well, hand sanitizer.

Some companies have gotten creative with their packaging and started using containers that look like water bottles, juice bottles and even children’s food pouches. But drinking even a small amount of hand sanitizer can be toxic. Don’t use a product with these confusing packages.

The FDA has also received reports of companies adding food-like scents to sanitizer. You don’t have to use one that smells repulsive but skip the ones that remind you of dessert. Scented sanitizers could be dangerous for young children.

Keep using sanitizer, even after the pandemic

Even though it’s not perfect, hand sanitizer is still a reliable way to get rid of the coronavirus and other nasties when you can’t wash your hands.

“COVID-19 aside, there are all kinds of germs on surfaces — such as the flu, respiratory viruses and bacteria,” Dr. McWilliams says. “Hand hygiene should not go away when COVID does. I hope that the pandemic has taught people how important it is to keep your hands clean.”