Are the Chemicals In Your Hand Sanitizer Safe?

Have you ever wondered how the ingredients in your hand sanitizer works? What’s inside it really? Not all antimicrobial products are equal – but many products share common ingredients and it’s important to know if they are safe to use on yourself or your loved ones. Today we’re breaking down the most common hand sanitizer ingredients so you can feel confident in choosing the best product for you. 

Hand Sanitizers vs. Hand Purifiers

First things first. There are other hand-cleaning products out there that simply remove dirt and some germs, but aren’t made with germ-killing properties. If you’re shopping for a hand sanitizer, there are a few key words to look for: antibacterial, antimicrobial, disinfectant, sanitizer, and purifier. These terms indicate that the product in question kills bacteria or viruses. But don’t take the name for granted. Always refer to the ingredient label to ensure it has the right ingredients you need to feel safe. For example, hand purifiers often include essential oils for a spa-like feel, but may not include the recommend levels of bacteria-killing ingredients. 

Common Antimicrobial Ingredients 

The ingredient panel on the product label can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for. Here are the most common ingredients in hand sanitizer products and what they are used for.  

Alcohol 

The CDC recommends choosing a product with 60% or more alcohol. There are many types of alcohol, but only two have been approved by the CDC to be used in hand sanitizer: ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. Methanol should NEVER be present in your product. If you find a sanitizer made with methanol, discard immediately. It can be dangerous or deadly if used. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective but there are some downsides. Head over to our other post to learn why an alcohol-free option may be best for your family. 

 Glycerol 

An ingredient like glycerol (also called glycerin) has a dual purpose when used in hand sanitizer: to keep the alcohol from drying out your skin and to slow its evaporation so it lasts longer. Glycerol is considered safe for use on your skin by the FDA. However, it is finicky in low humidity and can leave your skin feeling sticky. 

Hydrogen Peroxide 

You probably have hydrogen peroxide in your medicine cabinet. In hand sanitizer products, it is often used to kill bacterial spores. It’s a safe-to-use ingredient that can be used as a mild topical antiseptic and a mouth rinse. Keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide can cause serious side effects if used in high concentrations or if swallowed. 

Benzalkonium Chloride 

This is a non-alcoholic ingredient used as an antimicrobial preservative in many products, including Just Human 24-Hour Hand Sanitizer. It can be safely used as an antimicrobial agent on the skin.

Water 

Water is used simply to dilute the formula. Yay water! 

The Ingredients Inside Just Human 

Just Human 24-Hour Protection Hand Sanitizer is a revolutionary formulation that works at a nano level. With just one use it coats your skin with an invisible, impervious (yet non-toxic) bionic shield that lasts for up to 24 hours. So, what’s inside? It’s simple. Just Human is made with 99% water and 1% other key ingredients.  

• Benzalkonium chloride serves as the active ingredient to kill bacteria and viruses. 

• A proprietary smart molecule is responsible for the 24-hour protective shield. 
• De-ionized water keeps your hands safe and hydrated. 

We chose to make Just Human without alcohol because we recognize the benefits of alcohol-free products. In fact, our products do not contain toxic methanol, alcohol, phenoxyethanol, triclosan or fragrances. Instead, we use a Smart Molecule that creates a bionic shield which stays on your hand even after regular day to day use. So you can get safe skin protection without the alcohol content. 

Make The Best Choice For You 

There are many hand sanitizer products to choose from. It’s important to know the facts about what’s inside so you can make the best, most-informed choice possible for you and your loved ones. People with sensitive skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis should talk with their dermatologist before trying a new topical product to avoid any adverse reactions. Whatever you choose, we hope this knowledge will help you feel safe, secure and ready to live a limitless life.