Is Hand Sanitizer Actually Bad for You? Top Facts and Myths Revealed

Is hand sanitizer flammable? FACT. 

This is true and is often why you’ll see instructions to “keep away from fire.” The FDA recommends rubbing in any hand sanitizer until your hands feel completely dry before doing anything that may involve heat, sparks or static electricity. If this feels overly concerning to you, you’re in luck. Just Human’s alcohol-free hand sanitizer is as safe (if not more!) than traditional alcohol-based sanitizers and it’s not flammable. 

Does hand sanitizer stain? MYTH. 

This one is a bit of a trick. While hand sanitizers don’t stain, they can discolor and otherwise damage clothing and other surfaces. Alcohol-based sanitizers are made up of at least 60% ethanol, a known stain remover. Similarly, benzalkonium chloride (found in alcohol-free sanitizers) is a bleaching agent. When either of these ingredients spill onto your clothes, they can remove the color from the fabric. So, if you’re in white—great! Otherwise, you could be left with discoloration on your favorite top. 

Does hand sanitizer expire? FACT. 

If you’ve ever found an old bottle of Germ-X in the back of your cabinet, you’ve likely asked yourself “does hand sanitizer expire?” Short answer: Yes, it does. Long answer: Like any over-the-counter drug regulated by the FDA, it’s required by law to have an expiration date printed on the package. So, while the answer is yes, hand sanitizer can expire, it’s a bit more nuanced. 

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers have about a three-year shelf life because the active ingredient (either ethanol or isopropyl alcohol) evaporates if the product has been opened. And as it evaporates, so does the effectiveness. But what about an unopened bottle? If the active ingredient hasn’t been exposed to the elements, it’s safe to use. But let’s be real—why not upgrade to a foaming sanitizer that protects you all day with just one application? 

Does hand sanitizer kill all germs? MYTH. 

According to the CDC, hand sanitizers can “inactivate many types of microbes when used correctly,” but the preferred germ-killing method will always be washing your hands with soap and water. But that doesn’t mean hand sanitizer isn’t an effective way to protect yourself from germs! Consider all the scenarios when hand washing is unavailable: in the car, on a flight, at your desk, etc. Keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer (or a travel-friendly pen!) in your bag or pocket can help kill 99.9% of harmful germs and viruses.

Is hand sanitizer bad for you? MYTH. 

When it comes to hand sanitizers, there’s a lot of questions. How long does it protect you? Do your hands need to be wet for a certain amount of time? When and how are the germs killed? Here’s the simple truth: The benefits of hand sanitizer outweigh any potential harm. We’ve formulated ours to provide up to 24-hour protection that kills 99.9% of germs and viruses—with skin-friendly ingredients, safe for you and your kids. Stock up today so you can be prepared and protected in the future.