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 (
) and Answers (
):
: Are we still trying to understand how this truly spreads from person to person?
: Yes.
: What do we know NOW about how the virus spreads?
: Based on the current CDC guidance, there are two things to understand:
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).
: Is there a way to test for COVID-19?
: Yes, typically by RT-PCR (FDA and CDC). But due to limited resources, testing sites and kits are still needed.
: Is there a vaccine or treatment available?
: At the time this is posted, no such vaccine exists. Only supportive treatment is available.
: Are we close to a vaccine?
: Some pharmaceutical/biotech companies have identified potential candidates or have stated that “already developed” vaccines may be targeted for COVID-19. But no strong clinical evidence to substantiate any of these claims yet at the time of this post.
: If we identify a vaccine candidate when will it be available to the public?
: Due to clinical trial testing timelines, a potential vaccine may not be available until 2021 (at the earliest) even if it was FDA accelerated. Then there is also the impact and strain on manufacturing sites to produce the vaccine.
: Does the biological age of a person matter?
: The data suggests that age does not matter. If you are healthy, contracting the virus may be spread to your exposure to elderly folks. And the young are NOT immune based on incoming data.
: What does it mean to “flatten the curve”?
: Flattening the curve gives health and science professionals more time to build capacity, develop treatments; and ultimately, a vaccine.
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.
: How long can COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) survive outside the host?
: Based on a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on March 17, 2020; the virus can remain viable in aerosolized form for 3 hours!
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:
: Can I use non-alcohol hand sanitizers?
: This is a big fat no if you want to thoroughly inactivate the enveloped coronavirus. If a product claims to provide sanitizing capabilities without any alcohol in its ingredient list, think carefully before purchasing.
: What type of alcohol can I use?
: Ethyl alcohol (ethanol), isopropyl alcohol, and denatured alcohol (alcohol denatured or specially denatured/SD).
: How much alcohol content do I need to thoroughly inactivate and sanitize effectively?
: It is recommended to use at least 60-95% alcohol-based hand sanitizers for proper antiseptic capabilities. It is also important to note that the percentage of alcohol is relative to the total product. NOT 60%+ alcohol AND THEN added with other ingredients.
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.
: Can I use alcohol from my liquor cabinet?
: Unless you are able to acquire drinking alcohol that is at least 160 (80% alcohol) -180 (90% alcohol) proof (and good luck finding that), any off-the-shelf beverage will be ineffective at attaining a 60%+ alcohol content when mixed with other ingredients.
: Can I just use hydrogen peroxide?
: Hydrogen peroxide can inactivate bacterial spores (that may be in your ingredients, equipment, bottles) but is not enough alone to be an effective antiseptic. You would need to include alcohol still.
: What about basic soap and water?
: Use of soap and water is still a reliable means of sanitizing. Waterless hand sanitizers are an effective mode of inactivating the virus when soap/water isn’t readily available (i.e. portable option).
: What DIY recipes do you recommend?
: There are a lot of floater recipes out there. And quite frankly, too many to review and provide any form of science-based recommendations. But I would suggest reviewing the WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care: First Global Patient Safety Challenge Clean Care Is Safer Care.
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
Brand: GOJO Industries
Product: Purell® Advanced Hand Sanitizer Gel
Ingredient(s):
Active Ingredient(s): Ethyl alcohol 70% v/v
Inactive Ingredient(s): Water (Aqua), Isopropyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Fragrance (Parfum)
Alcohol Content (60%+): 70%
Claims
Kills 99.99 percent of most common germs that may cause illness
Outperforms other hand sanitizers ounce-for-ounce.
Clinically-proven to maintain skin health.
Transparency:
Bottom line: The percent alcohol content of the Purell® Advanced Hand Sanitizer Gel falls within the 60%+ alcohol content. Overall, the product claim based on this specific alcohol concentration was substantiated. The folks at GOJO Industries have referenced studies on their website which supposedly substantiate clinical claims per the following:
- Healthcare Personnel Handwash Study #110103-101, April 5, 2011, and #100907-101, Jan 6th, 2011, BioScience Laboratories, Bozeman, MT.
- Clinical field study #2011-F10233, April 2011.
And although these clinical studies are pretty straightforward and most likely scientifically sound, it is important to note that these studies were performed (and/or funded) by the affiliated brand.
Brand: Dr. Bronner’s
Product: Organic Hand Sanitizer (Peppermint)
Ingredient(s): 62% Fair-trade Ethyl Alcohol, Water, Organic Glycerin, Fair-trade Peppermint Oil.
Alcohol Content (60%+): 62%
Claims
Our Organic Hand Sanitizer kills germs with a simple formula: organic ethyl alcohol, water, organic lavender oil, and organic glycerin—that’s it! None of the nasty chemicals you find in conventional sanitizers, but just as effective. Our Organic Hand Sanitizer is perfect for using on the go, on your little ones’ sticky hands and faces, even as an air freshener or deodorant. Sanitize with a clean conscience.
Sanitize with a clean conscience! Spray our Organic Hand Sanitizer on children’s sticky hands—wipe clean! Spray on surfaces in public bathrooms, classrooms, buses, trains, planes! Clean screens! Use as air freshener or deodorizer—spray into air for wonderful aroma!
Transparency:
Bottom line: The percent alcohol content of Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer (Peppermint) falls within the 60%+ alcohol content. Overall, the product claims based on this specific alcohol concentration were substantiated.
Brand: touchland
Product: Power Mist (Neutral/Fragrance-Free, Citrus, Aloe Vera, Watermelon, Vanilla Cinnamon, Mint, Forest Berry, Lavender)
Ingredient(s):
Active Ingredient(s): 67% Ethyl Alcohol
Inactive Ingredient(s) Base (for all scents or Neutral/Fragrance-Free): Water, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Glycereth-26, Lime (Citrus Aurantifolia) Seed Oil, Lemon (Citrus Limon) Peel Oil, Limonene.
Inactive Ingredient(s) Specific to Citrus: Fragrance (parfum), FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, Citral, Citronellol, Linalool
Inactive Ingredient(s) Specific to Aloe Vera: Fragrance (parfum), FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Yellow No. 5, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal
Inactive Ingredient(s) Specific to Watermelon: Fragrance (parfum), FD&C Red No. 40, Benzyl Alcohol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Linalool.
Inactive Ingredient(s) Specific to Vanilla Cinnamon: Fragrance (parfum), FD&C Yellow No. 5, Coumarin, Eugenol, Linalool.
Inactive Ingredient(s) Specific to Mint: Fragrance (parfum), FD&C Blue No.1.
Inactive Ingredient(s) Specific to Forest Berry: Fragrance (parfum), FD&C Red No. 33.
Inactive Ingredient(s) Specific to Lavender: Fragrance (parfum), FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 33, Linalool, Coumarin.
Alcohol Content (60%+): 67%
Claims
Wave goodbye to harsh, goopy hand sanitizers and hello to Power Mist, the first beauty-forward sanitizer designed to make your skin happy. The dermatologist tested formula is packed with good-for-you ingredients like hydrating Aloe Vera and a blend of Essential Oils to leave hands soft and healthy. Each mist contains 500+ spritzes to evenly eliminate 99.9% of harmful germs, and its lightweight formula absorbs quickly, never feels sticky and leaves your hands smelling great. It’s also TSA friendly, so take it on the go to bring a boost of hygiene and hydration to any (and every!) adventure. That’s what we call love at first mist.
Active Ingredient: Ethyl Alcohol 67%
Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray
Protects Against 99.99% Of Harmful Germs + Bacteria
High Quality, Natural Moisturizing Ingredients Keep Skin Hydrated
Fast Evaporating, No Sticky Residue Or Alcohol Smell
Smart Spray System Evenly Distributes Across Entire Hand
Contains 20 Times More Applications Than Traditional Gel Sanitizers
Dermatologically Tested, Parabens Free, Triclosan Free, Vegan Formula, Cruelty free
Fragrances:
- Citrus – A mid-afternoon bike ride through Valencia’s orange groves.
- Aloe Vera – Your charming fire escape garden.
- Watermelon – A warm day in the sun with your weekend clique.
- Vanilla Cinnamon – Dessert—whenever, wherever.
- Neutral / Fragrance-Free – Literally anything, and nothing—pretty trippy, huh?
- Mint – Happy-hour mojitos in Miami.
- Forest Berry – Libra season sunset hikes.
Lavander(sp: Lavender) – The best spa day ever!
Transparency:
Bottom line: The percent alcohol content of the touchland Power Mist (Neutral/Fragrance-Free, Citrus, Aloe Vera, Watermelon, Vanilla Cinnamon, Mint, Forest Berry, Lavender) falls within the 60%+ alcohol content. Overall, the product claims based on this specific alcohol concentration were substantiated.
It’s important to note that most of these scents are mainly due to the “fragrance (parfum)” ingredient. The only scent which draws from an essential oil ingredient was Citrus. Vanilla cinnamon, mint, and even lavender scents don’t have additional essential oils added applicable to the scent. And the only real difference between scents is the use of colorants/dyes to denote the association of scent. That’s rather baffling.
Brand: milk + honey
Product: Hand Sanitizer, Nº 08
Ingredient(s): SD Alcohol 40-B, Water, Glycerin, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil.
Alcohol Content (60%+): 60%
Claims
Blend Nº 08: Lavender, Eucalyptus
Purify. No sink? No soap? No problem. This plant-based blend contains 60% alcohol, which eliminates germs, while lavender and eucalyptus leaf oils naturally purify and glycerin helps to moisturize skin.
Transparency:
Bottom line: The percent alcohol content of the milk + honey Hand Sanitizer, Nº 08 falls within the 60%+ alcohol content. Overall, the product claim based on this specific alcohol concentration was substantiated.
Brand: Byredo
Product: Rinse-free Hand Wash (Rose)
Ingredient(s): Aqua (Water), Alcohol Denat. (Sd Alcohol 39-c), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Jojoba Esters, Glycerin, Parfum (Fragrance), Polysorbate 20, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Bht, Tocopherol.
Alcohol Content (60%+): 30%
Claims
BYREDO rinse-free hand wash alcohol concentration is 30%. This product is not intended to be anti-bacterial and can not prevent the spread of infectious diseases, bacteria or viruses. This product leaves your hands feeling clean without drying them out while delicately scenting them.
Pink pepper opens optimistically in combination with a radiant chord of raspberry. Finally, a base of patchouli and white musk gives the rose an eternal and sophisticated aura.
Transparency:
Bottom line: The percent alcohol content of the Byredo Rinse-free Hand Wash (Rose) falls outside or below the 60%+ alcohol content. Overall, the product claim based on this specific alcohol concentration (30%) was substantiated as this product does not prevent the spread of infectious diseases/bacteria/viruses, as noted by Byredo,
Then the biggest question to ask is, why purchase this product if it doesn’t even have the minimum alcohol content needed to be an effective hand sanitizer? Why bother purchasing a product with only 30% alcohol content?
Brand: Jao
Product: Refresher
Ingredient(s):
Active ingredient(s): Ethyl Alcohol 65% (Alcohol Special Denatured)
Inactive ingredient(s): Water Distilled (Water (Aqua)), Essential Oils (Lavender, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Clary Sage), Glycerine, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Dl-panthenol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Ppg-20 Methyl Glucose Ether Distearate, Aloe Barbadensis, Matricaria Recutita (Chamomile Extract), Calendula Officinalis (Calendula Extract).
Alcohol Content (60%+): 65%
Claims
This Product Is: a disinfecting hand and all over sanitizer
Good For: all skin types including dry, mature, sensitive, blemish-prone, combination and normal
Why We Love It: Jao Refresher is an instant disinfectant and aromatherapy boost in one. This sanitizer works to kill germs and freshen hands with Ethyl Alcohol (less drying) and our own blend of antiseptic essential oils: Lavender, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Geranium and Sage.
Jao Refresher™ hand sanitizer has 65% Ethyl Alcohol to kill germs safely with no Bacteriostats that weaken over time. Jao Refresher™ also includes Chamomile, Calendula, Lavender, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Geranium and Sage. Jao Refresher™ was tested against seven of the most likely hand contaminants, specifically: Escherichia Coli, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Staphylococus Aureus, Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Candida Albicans, Salmonella Choleraseous and Streptococcus Pneumoniae.
Transparency:
Bottom line: The percent alcohol content of the Jao Refresher falls within the 60%+ alcohol content. Overall, the product claim based on this specific alcohol concentration was substantiated.
Brand: The Honest Company
Product: Hand Sanitizer Spray (Free & Clear, Coastal Surf, Grapefruit Grove, Lavender)
Ingredient(s):
Active ingredient(s): Ethyl Alcohol 62%
Inactive Ingredient(s) Base (for all scents or Free & Clear): Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Glycerin, Water.
Inactive ingredient(s) Specific to Coastal Surf: Amyl Cinnamal, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Anisaldehyde, Benzyl Acetate, Citral, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Decanal, Gamma-Decalactone, Gamma-Nonalactone, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Ionone, Isoamyl Salicylate, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Limonene, Methyl Anthranilate.
Inactive ingredient(s) Specific to Grapefruit Grove: Citral, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Ethyl Butyrate, Gamma-Undecalactone, Grapefruit Mercaptan, Limonene, Maltol, Methylbenzyl Acetate, Triethyl Citrate.
Inactive ingredient(s) Specific to Lavender: Lavandula Hybrida (Lavandin) Oil, Linalool, Mentha Arvensis (Cornmint) Oil.
Alcohol Content (60%+): 62%
Claims
A plant-based sanitizer that effectively kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria. Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, our quick-drying spray formula is made with a combination of naturally-derived glycerin and aloe to help leave skin feeling soft and moisturized. — without a sticky residue.
Transparency:
Bottom line: The percent alcohol content of The Honest Company Hand Sanitizer Spray (all scents and Free & Clear) falls within the 60%+ alcohol content. Overall, the product claim based on this specific alcohol concentration was substantiated.
Brand: climbOn
Product: Hand Spray
Ingredient(s): Ethyl Alcohol (70%), Organic Aloe Vera Gel, MCT Oil, Organic Lemon Essential Oil, Organic Clove Essential Oil
Alcohol Content (60%+): 70%
Claims
This a truly plant-based hand spray when you want to freshen up your hands. We start with ethyl alcohol from plants. We then add organic aloe vera gel and coconut-based MCT oil to help moisturize the skin. Finally, we add organic lemon essential oil and organic clove essential oil, both of which offer a variety of wholesome benefits for your skin while also bringing a sweet and refreshing aroma.
Transparency: 👍🏻
Bottom line: The percent alcohol content of climbOn Hand Spray falls within the 60%+ alcohol content. Overall, the product claim based on this specific alcohol concentration was substantiated.
Brand: Noshinku
Product: Bergamot Pocket Hand Sanitizer
Ingredient(s):
Active ingredient(s): Ethyl alcohol (62.5%)
Inactive ingredient(s): Water, organic aloe barbadensis leaf extract, organic simmondsia chinesis (sp: chinensis) (jojoba) oil, organic vegetable glycerin, organic cocos nucifer (sp: nucifera) (coconut) oil, organic bergaptene-free bergamia oil, organic cedarwood oil, organic argan oil, organic rosehip seed oil, organic black pepper oil.
Alcohol Content (60%+): 62.5%
Claims
Noshinku is good for your skin, keeps your hands clean and smells fresh.
A Pocket Sized Sprayer: Premium bergamot scented hand sanitizer spray derived from organic ingredients including sugar-cane based alcohol, rosehip seed, jojoba and italian bergamia oil. Noshinku is bottled in a soft-to-the-touch black matte mister that fits neatly in your pocket for clean and fresh hands anywhere.
Made with Cosmetic Moisturizers: Rosa Canina Oil soothes dry skin, Argan Oil fights skin inflammation and Jojoba Oil combats oily skin.
Long Lasting Spray: Each Noshinku pocket sprayer provides 300+ spritzes compared to the 15 average uses from a comparably sized gel container.
Transparency: 👍🏻
Bottom line: The percent alcohol content of Noshinku Bergamot Pocket Hand Sanitizer falls within the 60%+ alcohol content. Overall, the product claim based on this specific alcohol concentration was substantiated, albeit very very general.
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!
