Hand Sanitizer: Vital Hygiene Tips for Optimal Protection

Hand sanitizers can be widely counted to be one of the most frequently used personal care products. These portable products offer a quick way to minimize the spread of germs when regular washing with soap and water is not possible.

Hand sanitizers have been manufactured since the 1960s, but their usage only became widespread in the two thousand series of the 21st century. They surged especially during the COVID-19 pandemic since they could help in containing the virus transmission. This article highlights the different categories of hand sanitizers, their uses and proper use, effectiveness of hand sanitizers, and the safety concerns related to sanitisers.

Types of Hand Sanitizers

Sanitizers are available in different formulations where each has its unique composition and efficacy. Knowledge of these differences may help decide which one is right for you.

Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers

• Composition: Generally made up of 60-95% ethanol or isopropanol, which can be accompanied by water, emulsifiers such as glycerin to mitigate skin irritation and scents like fragrance or oils to make the hand sanitizer smell nice.
• Effectiveness: Effective against bacteria, viruses and fungi. The high alcohol content acts on the membranes of germs and destroys them quickly or inhibits their growth and reproduction. These sanitizers are effective with enveloped viruses including flu, making them an essential weapon for combating pandemics.
• Usage: Especially suitable for use in healthcare facilities, areas with public access and for individual use when hand washing with water is not possible. For maximum effectiveness, a sufficient portion should be applied to ensure both hand surfaces are wet before rubbing hands together until dry.

Non-Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers

• Composition: Add compounds such as benzalkonium chloride or triclosan to the formula that act primarily as germicides. Some of these sanitizers may also include water, thickening agents, and skin-conditioning agents to make them less abrasive to the skin.
• Effectiveness: Effective against certain bacteria and a few viruses but with less effectiveness as compared to alcohol base hand rubbing. They can give a long action against microbes but are not highly potent against viruses especially those that are non-enveloped.
• Usage: Perfect for areas where alcohol usage is prohibited for instance in schools or some health facilities. They can also be used by people with sensitive skin especially those that cannot use alcohol.

Natural and Organic Hand Sanitizers

• Composition: It is made up of plant extracts that are obtained from tea tree oil, aloe vera gel, ethanol obtained from natural products like sugar cane. Several of these products are free of artificial colours, fragrances or preservatives in their composition.
• Effectiveness: May depend significantly on the formulation. Organic sanitizers made from ethanol at the right proportion are efficient but not all organic sanitizers have an adequate level of alcohol to disinfect.
• Usage: Selected by those who would wish to purchase environmentally friendly and non-sensitive hygiene products. They are ideal for daily use since they do not cause skin irritation, especially for those who are allergic to some artificial products.

Read More: Air Purifier Marvel, Boost Your Home’s Air Quality

Benefits of Using Hand Sanitizers

Hand sanitizers offer numerous advantages that make them an essential tool for maintaining hand hygiene. Here are some key benefits:

Convenience

• Portability: Hand sanitizers are easy to carry in pockets, bags, or car compartments, making them readily accessible for use on the go.
• Ease of Use: They can be easily used because they do not require water, thus is convenient for hand sanitizers and various outdoor activities.

Effectiveness

• Rapid Action: Hand sanitizers can reduce the germs on hands within a short time, normally they kill 99 percent of bacteria and viruses within 20 to 30 seconds.
• Broad-Spectrum Efficacy: Especially with alcohol-based formulations, they are effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Accessibility

• Variety of Forms: Available in hand sanitizerl gel, hand sanitizer spray, foams, and wipes, hand sanitizers can cater to different preferences and situations.
• Availability: Available in most stores, pharmacies, and other public places so that everyone can easily access them without any challenge.

Hygiene

• Improved Personal Hygiene: The use of hand sanitizers will lead to improved hygiene since they are effective in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
• Public Health: Helps to enforce proper hygiene when it comes to the outbreak of diseases in the community and crowded places.

Skin Care

• Moisturizing Formulations: Most hand sanitisers have moisturing agents such as glycerin or aloe vera to avoid the effects of skin drying and irritation due to repeated application of the sanitisers.
• Fragrance Options: Available in various scents to make the experience more pleasant and encourage regular use.

Cost-Effective

• Affordable: Hand sanitizers are generally inexpensive and available in different price ranges, making them a cost-effective solution for maintaining hygiene.
• Bulk Availability: Often available in bulk packaging, which is economical for families, schools, and workplaces.

Environmental Considerations

• Eco-Friendly Options: Many brands now offer environmentally friendly and biodegradable formulations, catering to those who prefer sustainable products.

Proper Usage of Hand Sanitizers

For proper functioning and sanitation purposes, proper use of hand sanitizers must be followed carefully. Follow these steps to maximize their germ-killing potential:

Apply the Product

• Amount: Dispense a sufficient amount of sanitizer, typically about the size of a dime or a pump from the bottle. The quantity should be enough to cover all surfaces of your hands thoroughly.
• Dispensation: Make sure that you use a product that has a concentration of sixty percent of alcohol at the very least, as advised by the CDC and the WHO.

Rub Hands Together

• Coverage: Clap your hands together, ensuring you cover every part of your palms by rubbing them thoroughly. This includes the palms, the back of the hands, the spaces between fingers, and the subungual regions.
• Duration: Proceed and rub for at least 20-30 seconds. This duration is necessary because the liquor needs to penetrate and kill the cell walls of germs.
• Technique: Don’t forget about the typical missed areas like the thumbs, the wrists, and the area under the fingernails. Cover all your hands by intertwining your fingers and rotating the thumbs in the palm.

Allow to Dry

• Drying Time: Make sure the hands are dried before making any contact with any items in public places. This generally requires about 30 seconds to as low as 15 seconds.
• Avoid Wiping: Do not wipe or rinse your hands before the sanitizer has dried. Wiping off the sanitizer can reduce its effectiveness by removing some of the alcohol before it has had time to kill the germs.
• No Contact: Avoid touching your face or any objects until your hands are fully dry to prevent recontamination.

Additional Tips for Effective Use

• Storage: It’s recommended to store hand sanitizers in a cool, dry place and out of direct heat sources or sunlight.
• Expiration Date: Next, one should examine the packaging and pay special attention to the date when the product is going to expire. In the long run, the proportion of alcohol may reduce hence the sanitizer is not as effective as before.
• Frequency: Carry a hand sanitizer and apply it as often as possible after handling different items, shaking hands, handling money or before eating.
• Supplement with Hand Washing: Hand sanitizers should not replace hand washing with soap and water in case the hands are visibly dirty and greasy, though they can be used to supplement the process.

Read More: Oil Cleansers: Transform Your Skincare Routine for Radiant Results

Safety Concerns and Misconceptions

While hand sanitizers are a valuable tool in maintaining hygiene, there are several safety concerns and misconceptions to be aware of to ensure their proper and safe use.

Alcohol Content

• Minimum Requirement: For a hand sanitizer to be effective, it should contain at least 60% alcohol. Low-alcohol-content sanitizer are less effective in killing germs.
• Optimal Concentration: Alcohol sanitizers with 70-95% alcohol are regarded as most effective because at higher concentrations, alcohol diffuses through the cell membrane of microorganisms and kills them.
• Verification: One should make sure that the sanitizer has the right proportions of alcohol written on the label so that it is effective as required.

Toxicity

• Ingestion Risk: Hand sanitisers are to be used external use only. Ingesting even small amounts can be toxic, particularly for children. Symptoms of ingestion can include dizziness, headache, and, in severe cases, alcohol poisoning.
• Child Safety: Store hand sanitizers out of reach of children and supervise their use to prevent accidental ingestion. Consider using child-resistant packaging to increase safety.
• Flavoring and Scents: Some sanitizers with added fragrances or flavors might be more tempting for children, so extra caution is needed with such products.

Skin Irritation

• Dryness: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause skin dryness, skin irritation, or even dermatitis in those who use it more often. All these problems are caused by alcohol as it has a tendency of removing skin natural oils.
• Mitigation: The use of hand sanitizers that contain moisturizers such as glycerin or aloe vera is recommended to minimize skin dryness. Another way of ensuring adequate skin moisture is by applying hand cream or lotion daily.
• Allergic Reactions: Potential allergic reactions to fragrances or other ingredients added should also be considered. If irritation or any sort of allergic reaction is observed, the product should be stopped and a doctor consulted.

Alternatives and Complementary Hygiene Practices

Hand sanitizers are convenient and efficient; however, they should not be used as the only hygiene strategy. Below are some common practices that support the general hygiene and protection from germs.

Hand Washing

• Gold Standard: Soap and water remain the most effective method for hand hygiene. Hand washing eliminates residues such as dirt, grease, and those microbes that hand sanitizers might not eliminate.
• Proper Technique: Wash the hands for at least twenty seconds and make sure every part of the hands starting from the nails, between the thumb fingers, and even wrists are cleaned. Rinse well and dry with a clean towel.
• When to Wash: Essential after using the restroom, before eating, after coughing or sneezing, and when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

Surface Disinfectants

• High-Touch Areas: Regular cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, keyboards, and phones, can significantly reduce the spread of germs.
• Disinfectant Choices: Use EPA-approved disinfectants that are effective against a wide range of pathogens. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and contact time to ensure effectiveness.
• Routine Cleaning: Establish a routine cleaning schedule, especially in shared or public spaces, to maintain a hygienic environment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Masks: Wearing masks, particularly in high-risk settings or during outbreaks of respiratory illnesses, can help reduce the transmission of airborne pathogens. Masks must be fitted to cover the nose and mouth and should not have any loose space against the sides of the face.
• Gloves: Wear gloves while cleaning, disposing of wastes, or in a clinical environment to avoid contact with germs. Change gloves between tasks and ensure that gloves are disposed of properly to prevent contamination.
• Proper Use: Make sure that employees wear the appropriate PPE and use them correctly and according to the correct protocol. Misuse can reduce its efficacy and give a false impression of protection.

Other Hygiene Practices

• Respiratory Etiquette: When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue or the inner part of your elbow to help avoid creating aerosols of respiratory fluids. After use, discard the tissues and ensure proper hand washing is done.
• Avoid Touching Face: Avoid contact with the face especially eyes, nose and mouth to avoid spread of germs and viruses from surface to the mucous membrane.
• Social Distancing: Adhere to the social distancing guidelines especially when in public transports or crowded areas to minimize the chances of the spread of infections through airborne drops.

Most Famous Hand Sanitizer Brands

Some of the prominent brands have already acquired a leading position in the hand sanitizer market, presenting a range of products with different active ingredients. Here is a brief outline of some of the popular brands, their advantages as well as some of their disadvantages.

Purell Hand Sanitizer

Purell is a leading brand, which is well known for providing effective hand sanitizers. This means that it is used extensively not just in the medical field, but also in the general consumer market.

Pros

• They consist of a high concentration of alcohol, which is about 70% ethanol.
• Quick-drying and non-sticky formula.
• Comes in a range of sizes and forms (gel, spray, wipe).

Cons

• Expensive compared to other brands in the market.
• Some of the users will be bothered by the intensity of the scent.

Germ-X Hand Sanitizer

Germ-X hand sanitizers are cheap and efective, which is why the product can be used on a daily basis. It gives maximum germ protection with a nice smell.

Pros

• Affordable and widely available.
• Includes natural skin emollients such as vitamin E to reduce skin dryness.
• Available in different sizes and packaging.

Cons

• Lower alcohol content (typically around 62% ethanol).
• Some formulations may leave a slight residue.

Bath and Body Works Hand Sanitizer

Bath and Body Works hand sanitizer is famous for its large variety of scents, Bath & Body Works hand sanitizers come with both effective antigerms properties and pleasing fragrances. They are particularly popular for personal use.

Pros

• A variety of nice fragrances.
• Convenient pocket-sized bottles.
• Enriched with moisturizers to ensure that the hands are always soft.

Cons

• Lower alcohol content in some formulations (around 68% ethanol).
• Some perfumes and scents may be a little harsh to those with skin issues or skin that easily gets irritated.

Touchland Hand Sanitizer

Touchland hand sanitizer is a modern, stylish hand sanitizer brand that has moisturized formulas and innovative spray dispensers. It appeals to a younger, fashion-conscious demographic.

Pros

• Moisturizing formula with aloe vera and essential oils.
• Sleek, portable design.
• Variety of scents.

Cons

• Premium price point.
• Smaller bottle size may not last as long with frequent use.

The Honest Company Hand Sanitizer

One of the most popular companies is the Honest Company by Jessica Alba which supplies many kinds of products including hand sanitisers that are non-toxic and do not contain any dangerous chemicals.

Pros

• Derived from natural sources, it also contains natural emollients, securing its place as a plant-based skincare product.
• This product does not contain any synthetic fragrance or other toxic chemicals.
• Suitable for sensitive skin.

Cons

• Slightly expensive in comparison to the traditional brands.
• Limited availability in some regions.

Babyganics Hand Sanitizer

Babyganics focuses on providing safe, non-toxic products for families, including hand sanitizers that are gentle enough for children’s delicate skin.

Pros

• No alcohol content, suitable for sensitive skin.
• Made with plant-derived ingredients.
• Hypoallergenic and pediatrician-tested.

Cons

• Not as effective as alcohol-based sanitizers.
• May need to be used more often to be effective.

Read More: Body Scrub Brilliance: Unleash Radiant Skin with Expert Exfoliation

References

1. Golin, A. P., Choi, D., & Ghahary, A. (2020). Hand sanitizers: A review of ingredients, mechanisms of action, modes of delivery, and efficacy against coronaviruses. American journal of infection control, 48(9), 1062–1067. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2020.06.182
2. Gold NA, Mirza TM, Avva U. Alcohol Sanitizer. [Updated 2023 Aug 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513254/
3. Prajapati, P., Desai, H., & Chandarana, C. (2022). Hand sanitizers as a preventive measure in COVID-19 pandemic, its characteristics, and harmful effects: a review. The Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association, 97(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42506-021-00094-x
4. Ma, Y., Yi, J., Ma, J., Yu, H., Luo, L., Wu, W., Jin, L., Yang, Q., Lou, T., Sun, D., & Cao, M. (2023). Hand Sanitizer Gels: Classification, Challenges, and the Future of Multipurpose Hand Hygiene Products. Toxics, 11(8), 687. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11080687
5. Booq, R. Y., Alshehri, A. A., Almughem, F. A., Zaidan, N. M., Aburayan, W. S., Bakr, A. A., Kabli, S. H., Alshaya, H. A., Alsuabeyl, M. S., Alyamani, E. J., & Tawfik, E. A. (2021). Formulation and Evaluation of Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer Gels to Prevent the Spread of Infections during Pandemics. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(12), 6252. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126252