Hand Sanitizer

A hand sanitizer, or according to the latest FDA definition a Hand Antiseptic, is a supplement or alternative to hand washing with soap and water. Various preparations are available, including gel, foam, and liquid solutions. The active ingredient in hand sanitizers may be isopropanol, ethanol, or n-propanol. Inactive ingredients in alcohol rubs typically include a thickening agent such as polyacrylic acid for alcohol gels, humectants such as glycerin for liquid rubs, propylene glycol, and essential oils of plants. Alcohol based hand sanitizers are more effective at killing germs than soaps and do not dry out hands as much. Popular alcohol rub brands include Baccide, Purell, Germ-X, Labo, Aqium, Avant, GermOut, and Aquawet. Lysol, and Method Products also produce popular alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Some brands make a non-alcohol sanitizer such as cleanwell. More common non-alcohol, rinse-free hand sanitizer brands use the organic compound benzalkonium chloride. Brand names include Hy5, Soapopular, Handclens and DEB instantfoam