THE GUIDE
THE ULTIMATE SCIENTIFIC GUIDE TO HAND SANITIZERS
One of the issues that I grapple with regarding commercially available products, is whether it is factual and scientifically sound. More specifically, in the days of post-coronavirus (COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2) infection, do hand sanitizers really work? More importantly, if plagued with the possibility of a shortage (um, hi!), how do we protect ourselves from the infection? This is our new normal and these are important questions that we are currently facing, unfortunately. Here is our guide to the science behind hand sanitizers.
The number one question I know that you all are asking is:
First off, if you have been infected, symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath/breathing difficulties
These three main symptoms are aligned between the following medical/health/science organizations:
- U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- National Institute of Health (NIH)
It is important to remember that there are still many unknowns and that new research is constantly being unearthed minute-by-minute. So here are some points that I think need to be addressed with what we DO know:
Questions (
1) The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within ~6 feet).
2) The virus may be transferred through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
It is also important to note that a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that there was a potential for persons infected with COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) to shed and transmit the virus while asymptomatic (not showing symptoms).
Therefore, how do we flatten that curve? What do we do to protect ourselves and avoid being exposed or potentially exposing the virus to others (whether high risk or not)?
- Wash your hands vigorously with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizers (with at least 60% alcohol). Completely coat and cover all surfaces of your hands until dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Practice “social distancing”
- Practice self quarantining even if you do not exhibit symptoms but suspect that you’ve been exposed.
- In the event that you need to self-quarantine, prepare with necessary supplies.
- Be aware of your local surroundings and/or local country guidance.
It can remain viable per the following hours/days and surfaces:
- Copper: 4 hours
- Plastic: 72 hours
- Stainless steel: 72 hours
- Cardboard: 24 hours
Ok, now back to the cleansing or hand sanitizing products. My selfish interest in researching the science behind hand sanitizers is a three-parter in our post-apocalyptic coronavirus hysteria world due to the following:
- There are no commercially produced hand sanitizers available online or in-stores.
- Hand sanitizers that remain on the shelves are labeled as “alcohol-free” yet claim to sanitize.
- How to make homemade hand sanitizers using ingredients at home.
Before we tap into the truth behind hand sanitizers and perform a review of varying products that are likely out of stock, we need to understand the scientific basis behind what works and what doesn’t.
Important science-based hand sanitizing questions and answers when looking to buy or make do-it-yourself (DIY) options:
It is important to note hand sanitizers have poor antimicrobial activity against non-enveloped viruses. Thankfully, we know that COVID-19 IS an ENVELOPED virus.
WHO recommends two formulation combinations with the following concentration:
- Ethanol 80% (v/v), glycerol 1.45% (v/v), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) 0.125% (v/v)
- Isopropyl alcohol 75% (v/v), glycerol 1.45% (v/v), hydrogen peroxide 0.125% (v/v)
Overall, it would be impossible to provide a complete review of all brands and hand sanitizers currently out in the market. Therefore, I’ve reviewed some selected brands and websites which looked at the following:
- Brand: Name
- Product: Name of product
- Ingredient(s): Full ingredient list.
- Alcohol Content (60%+): Actual % alcohol
- Claims: Stemming from the alcohol content or focused ingredient
- Transparency: Whether the claims (if any) are substantiated
- Transparent:
- Not transparent:
- Partly transparent (transparent but may be lacking some components):
- Transparent:
- Bottom Line: Our overall opinion based on our research.
Ok, let’s look at the products!
THE BRANDS AND PRODUCTS
THE GOOD & THE BAD
In the wake of the pandemic, an upsurge of identifying and finding proper hand sanitizers has become quite the challenge.
I was of the camp that just never used hand sanitizers – mainly due to my sensitivities to the alcohol. I learned a long time ago to avoid products like Purell® (which is considered the hand sanitizer ‘s “gold standard”) based on past dermatological reactions.
Fast forward to a post-coronavirus world, and now having to endure the skin reaction consequences in order to ward off any infectious viruses. So tread very lightly for those who suffer from sensitive skin – this may be irritating and slightly drying due to the obvious alcohol ingredient. Thankfully, formulations have changed in the last 10+ years. There are options!
DO I NEED THIS?
If this post was published any other time pre-coronavirus, I would say that the need to carry or use water-less (alcohol-based) sanitizers would seem over the top. Now that we live in a world that is post-coronavirus, a pandemic of this magnitude has taught us that there is no such thing as over the top.
So whether you were (or always have been) slightly OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) with regards to sanitization, this post-coronavirus world has most likely (or most definitely) transformed you (and all of us) into full-blown OCD cleaning fiends now.
So keep your distance from those that you love (or hate), keep washing those hands, carry sanitizing products if you must commute/travel, and practice proper sanitizing techniques.
ARE THE CLAIMS BACKED BY SCIENCE?
Overall, the science behind how much alcohol is needed within a formulation to provide effective inactivation of viruses isn’t novel. However, the science behind COVID-19 is ongoing, at best. So if we simply look at COVID-19 as a typical enveloped virus and apply the proper inactivation techniques, theoretically we should be able to eliminate any traces of the virus on surfaces.
As it stands, data and evidence are constantly changing and being re-evaluated as scientists and clinicians work to understand COVID-19.
Traditional techniques to inactivate enveloped viruses per WHO:
- Pasteurization
- Terminal dry heat
- Vapour heat
- Solvent/detergent
- Acid pH
In addition, a 2012 study evaluated the efficacy of enveloped/non-enveloped virus inactivation after treatment of bovine bone with 70% ethanol, 4% sodium hydroxide, and gamma irradiation. All treatments were found to be very effective in virus inactivation, with all viruses were at undetectable levels during each process.
Just another study proving the effectiveness of using at least 60%+ alcohol concentration to properly sanitize and inactivate any enveloped virus, such as COVID-19.
Overall, please be mindful and considerate of one another. We are ALL in this together. I believe it is in all of us (in 2020 and beyond) to rise above it all and look at this dire situation to not only STOP the spread of the virus but continue to spread LOVE for one another.
Stay safe out there and until my next review!