5 Hand Sanitizer Dangers & What To Do About Them

Hand sanitizer is everywhere. And we are all using it more and more as we become increasingly aware of the germs and viruses around us. As a product, hand sanitizer is useful, dependable, and a safe way promote a healthy lifestyle and protect from illness. But can hand sanitizer be a bad thing? Is it dangerous if used improperly? There are some hidden dangers of hand sanitizers consumers need to be aware of to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. Learn about these dangers below and what to do about them. 

1. Hand sanitizer can dry out your skin. 

Repeated hand washing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer can leave hands dry, cracked or even bleeding. When dryness results from basic hand washing, it’s because constant washing can wear away the natural oils of your skin. This leaves your skin susceptible to dryness. When dryness results from using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, it’s because the alcohol serves as a drying agent. It can negatively impact your skin if proper steps are not taken to maintain skin moisture.  

Dry skin isn’t just uncomfortable or unsightly; it can also increase your risk of getting sick. The moisture of your skin forms a natural barrier against germs that cause illness, reducing your chance of picking up germs. When that protective barrier is removed, you become more vulnerable to germs than before.  

Tip: To prevent the loss of moisture in your skin, choose a hand sanitizer made with a moisturizing element like deionized water – or one made with alcohol. Alternatively, try to moisturize with a petrolatum-based product immediately after using alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 

2. Hand sanitizer can change your hormonal balance. 

When using hand sanitizer, have you ever considered if it could be impacting your hormones? Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal ingredient used in many products like cosmetics, soaps, detergents, toys, body washes, and popular hand sanitizer brands. It has recently come under investigation for its hormonal impact. There have been short-term tests conducted that show a decrease in some thyroid hormone production when animals were exposed to triclosan, but more testing must be conducted to learn its effects on humans.  

The FDA is continuing to review the use of triclosan and monitor ongoing studies on how it impacts people.  

Tip: If you have concerns, you can opt for hand sanitizers made without it. Check the label on the back of products before buying to help you avoid triclosan and other ingredients. 

3. Hand sanitizer can be harmful when swallowed.

It’s true. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be very dangerous or even deadly if swallowed. While the occurrences of this happening are rare, it has started to become more common. When it does happen, it is because the high levels of alcohol inside these products can lead to alcohol poisoning if ingested. This is not necessary due to people or children drinking the product, but rather from the excess of the rub on hands getting into mouths during everyday activities. 

When using alcohol-based hand sanitizer on children, make sure to use a small dime-sized amount and help them rub it in completely. This can help reduce any accidental ingestion that may occur when doing everyday activities like wiping hands across the mouth during playtime.  

Tip: For additional peace of mind, choose a hand sanitizer without alcohol in it. Alcohol-free sanitizers are just as effective and can be used without worry. 

4. Hand sanitizer can damage your vision.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can do serious damage if not used properly. Large percentages of alcohol can cause chemical burns, leading to damage or impairment if it comes in contact with your eyes. Additionally, hand sanitizer products containing methanol (a type of alcohol that is toxic to humans) can lead to health problems including visual impairment and dizziness.  

To avoid any damage to your eyes, use small amounts of hand sanitizer and rub it in until dry. This will help prevent large amounts of hand sanitizer from getting into your eyes or the eyes of a loved one.  

Tip: Make sure to avoid any products made with methanol. This ingredient has not been approved by the FDA and the administration has issued warnings for several products containing methanol. 

5. Hand sanitizer ingredients can be toxic.

Unfortunately, not all hand sanitizer is safe for use. The FDA is continuing to expand its list of products to avoid. Their main concern? The inclusion of methanol, a type of alcohol that is toxic to humans. According to the FDA, methanol can lead to “serious health problems, including permanent blindness and death.”

Despite the FDA’s vigilance and warnings, some imported hand sanitizers still include methanol.  

Tip: Check the products you have in your home and throw away any that have methanol listed as one of its ingredients. Continue to avoid the ones mentioned on the FDA’s list and check its regular updates to ensure your products are safe. Start using hand sanitizer that doesn’t use alcohol to avoid the issue all together and get protection for you and your family you can trust.