When shopping for hand sanitizer, opt for products that are (at least 60%) alcohol-based, dye-free, and made with essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. Our favorite hand sanitizers are certified by EWG (which ensures the product is free from chemicals of concern), and PETA or Leaping Bunny (which ensure no animal testing was performed using the product). As always, recycle your hand sanitizer bottle when you’re done!

Ingredients

Alcohol

Most viruses and bacteria are contained within a membrane which keeps the germs safe as they spread. For hand sanitizer to be effective and keep us safe, it needs to permeate this membrane. Conventional hand sanitizer consists of alcohol, which breaks through the membrane of some bacteria and viruses, moisturizers to protect skin from the drying effects of alcohol, polyacrylate which creates the classic jelly consistency, and water. Alcohol (considered the active ingredient in conventional hand sanitizer) is a renewable biofuel made from burning leftover raw materials such as grains and crops. 

Ethanol, which is a biofuel, has a lower environmental impact than fossil fuels. The feedstocks that are used and burned to make ethanol come from agricultural waste. Using existing waste streams makes ethanol a renewable resource. Ethanol specifically is produced from biomatter which contains sugars, such as sugarcane or corn. When compared to fossil fuels, biofuels produce less greenhouse gas emissions and don’t require the use of scarce, non-renewable resources. 

Synthetic Fragrances

Some hand sanitizers contain fragrances, however, not all fragrances are created equal. Chemical additives and synthetic fragrances may contain harmful ingredients like triclosan and phthalates, which are known to have negative health consequences. Non-alcohol-based formulas are more likely to contain these ingredients and additives. 

Essential Oils

Essential oils, as a natural alternative to synthetic fragrance, have been shown not only to have positive health benefits but may also increase the efficacy of hand sanitizer. Tea and lemongrass extracts specifically have been studied in relation to hand sanitizer effectiveness. 

Dyes

Dyes may also have negative health and environmental impacts. While most hand sanitizers are clear, and therefore in-the-clear, some may have dyes unnecessarily added to them for purely aesthetic purposes. Most commonly used dyes in personal care products are made from coal tars or petroleum. These colorants are at best considered irritants and allergens, and at worst are carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Most dyes are resistant to biodegradation, meaning they become water pollutants once they are washed off our hands and down the drain. Since dyes add no value to hand sanitizers, it’s best to avoid them.

Certifications

Here are some certifications to look for when shopping this category.

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