The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has increased the number of potentially toxic hand sanitizers consumers need to avoid.
The agency first took action on June 19, 2020, when it advised consumers to avoid nine products manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV due to risk of methanol contamination. Further warnings followed on June 29 about another product by that manufacturer, hand sanitizer packaged in one-liter bottles from Saniderm Products for the same reason.
That was just the beginning. In less than two weeks the list of problematic products increased more than sixfold, to 59 by July 2.
The active ingredient in safe and effective hand sanitizer is ethanol (i.e., ethyl alcohol), not methanol (i.e., ‘wood alcohol’), which can be toxic to humans if absorbed through the skin or ingested. The FDA says it has seen a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products labeled to contain ethanol but testing positive for methanol contamination.
The FDA also warns consumers that substantial exposure to methanol can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death.
The Full List of Potentially Harmful Hand Sanitizers
At the time of publication, the list of hand sanitizer brands to avoid included:
- All-Clean Hand Sanitizer
- Andy’s
- Andy’s Best
- Antiseptic Alcohol 70% Topical Solution hand sanitizer
- Assured Aloe
- Assured Instant Hand Sanitizer (Aloe and Moisturizers)
- Assured Instant Hand Sanitizer (Vitamin E and Aloe)
- Assured Instant Hand Sanitizer Aloe and Moisturizers
- Assured Instant Hand Sanitizer Vitamin E and Aloe
- Bersih Hand Sanitizer Gel Fragrance Free
- bio aaa Advance Hand Sanitizer
- BLUMEN Advanced Hand Sanitizer
- BLUMEN Advanced Hand Sanitizer Aloe
- Blumen Advanced Hand Sanitizer Aloe, with 70% alcohol
- BLUMEN Advanced Hand Sanitizer Clear
- Blumen Advanced Hand Sanitizer Lavender, with 70% alcohol
- BLUMEN Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer Clear
- Blumen Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer Clear Ethyl Alcohol 70%
- BLUMEN Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer Lavender
- BLUMEN Aloe Advanced Hand Sanitizer, with 70% Alcohol
- Blumen Antibacterial Fresh Citrus Hand Sanitizer
- BLUMEN Clear Advanced Hand Sanitizer
- Blumen Clear Advanced Hand Sanitizer with 70% Alcohol
- BLUMEN Clear Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer
- BLUMEN Clear Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer Aloe
- BLUMEN Clear Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer Lavender
- BLUMEN Clear LEAR Advanced Hand Sanitizer
- Blumen Hand Sanitizer Fresh Citrus
- BLUMEN Instant Hand Sanitizer Aloe Vera
- BLUMEN Instant Hand Sanitizer Fragrance Free
- Britz Hand Sanitizer Ethyl Alcohol 70%
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol
- DAESI hand sanitizer
- Earths Amenities Instant Unscented Hand Sanitizer with Aloe Vera Advanced
- Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer
- Gelclor
- Hand sanitizer (labeled with Wet Look Janitorial and Gardening Corp.)
- Hand Sanitizer Agavespa Skincare
- Hand sanitizer Gel Unscented 70% Alcohol
- Hello Kitty by Sanrio Hand Sanitizer
- KLAR AND DANVER Instant Hand Sanitizer (labeled with Greenbrier International Inc.)
- KLAR and DANVER INSTANT HAND SANTIZER
- Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer
- LumiSkin Advance Hand Sanitizer 16 oz
- LumiSkin Advance Hand Sanitizer 4 oz
- MODESA Instant Hand Sanitizer Moisturizers and Vitamin E
- Mystic Shield Protection hand sanitizer
- NeoNatural
- Optimus Lubricants Instant Hand Sanitizer
- Plus Advanced
- QualitaMed Hand Sanitizer
- Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer
- Selecto Hand Sanitizer
- Shine and Clean Hand Sanitizer
- The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer
- The Honeykeeper Hand Sanitizer
- Vidanos Easy Cleaning Rentals Hand Sanitizer Agavespa Skincare
FDA Guidelines for Safe Hand Sanitizer Use
The FDA “remains vigilant and will continue to take action when quality issues arise with hand sanitizers.” The agency urges consumers to follow these guidelines for safe use of hand sanitizer:
- Never drink hand sanitizer under any conditions;
- Avoid hand sanitizers that do not contain at least 60 percent ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol;
- Avoid hand sanitizers that claim to prevent the spread of viruses such as COVID-19 and those that claim to provide prolonged protection (e.g., for up to 24-hours);
- Avoid any hand sanitizer that are fraudulently marketed as “FDA-approved” (no hand sanitizers are approved by FDA);
- Avoid products packaged to appear as drinks, candy or liquor bottles, as well as products marketed as drinks or cocktails because their appearance could result in accidental ingestion or encourage ingestion.
How to Handle Hand Sanitizer Issues
Those who have been exposed to potentially toxic hand sanitizer and are experiencing symptoms should seek immediate treatment for methanol poisoning. The FDA also encourages health care professionals, consumers and patients to report adverse events or hand sanitizer quality issues to its MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.
What to Use Instead
If you’re in need of a new bottle of hand sanitizer, we put together a list of safe brands to purchase. Check out the full list here.
Megababe Squeaky Clean Hand Sanitizer
Not only does Megababe's hand sanitizer contain germ-eliminating alcohol, but it's also formulated with sweet almond and marula oils to keep your hands hydrated. Bonus points for its cute packaging and citrusy bergamot and orange scent. Psst! Did you know hand sanitizer has a life span of 2-3 years? Learn how long cleaning other products last. Why it made our list: With its small 2-ounce size, this hand sanitizer is perfect for tossing in your purse, pocket or cupholder.
Agraria A+ Prebiotic Hand Sanitizer
A recommendation straight from one of our editors, this vitamin-packed hand sanitizer leaves your hands 99.9% germ-free, moisturized and smelling great, thanks to its gender-neutral lemon verbena scent. Why it made our list: While it kills 99.9% of germs, this prebiotic formula (not to be confused with probiotic) helps nourish your skin's good bacteria, keeping its natural barrier intact.
Honest Hand Sanitizer Spray
If you prefer natural, plant-based products, this hand sanitizer spray is what you're looking for. It's made with an effective formulation of 62% ethyl alcohol, as well as naturally derived glycerin and aloe to keep skin soft. Why it made our list: This sanitizer comes in multiple scents so you can avoid the harsh alcohol scent hand sanitizers traditionally carry.
Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Soothing Gel
Sometimes the original can't be beat. Purell has long been at the forefront of the hand sanitizer industry, and for good reason. This 99.99% effective sanitizer gel contains aloe and vitamin E to soften as it cleanses. Why it made our list: You're getting a great value for the price with this 8-ounce, $4 hand sanitizer.
Vegamour Hand Sanitizer Spray
Not only is this hand sanitizer spray incredibly chic, but it also contains good-for-skin ingredients like aloe vera and marula oil to counteract the stripping effects of its 75% alcohol content (which is above even CDC standards). Why it made our list: This hand sanitizer does good, too: Vegamour is donating 20% of the proceeds of every purchase of the sanitizer to Project Angel Food to deliver healthy food to those who need it most in Los Angeles.
Tonymoly Aloe Chok Chok Hand Sanitizing Gel
Tonymoly is known for its fun face masks, and it brings that same youthful spirit to its hand sanitizer gel. This alcohol-based sanitizer also contains aloe water and witch hazel for clean hands that are never sticky or dry. Why it made our list: At only $4, this small sanitizer tube is a great size and price, perfect for stocking up.
TriDerma Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer
If you go through lots of hand sanitizer, this 8-ounce container is a great choice. It's a large size so you won't have to restock anytime soon, and its combination of aloe and vitamin E will replenish moisture. Why it made our list: The pump top on this hand sanitizer makes it convenient and easy-to-use, great for offices, kitchens, common areas, and more.
Biosilk Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer
Biosilk is traditionally known for its haircare products, but they've turned their softening, hydrating expertise toward skin for this hand sanitizer. It's made with 77% ethyl alcohol, plus organic aloe vera, glycerin and a combination of vitamins and amino acids. Why it made our list: This hand sanitizer comes in three size options, so it's easy to choose the one that works best for you.
100% Pure Hand Sanitizer Spray
100% Pure's ingenious formula combines moisturizing aloe vera with cleansing alcohol and tea tree oil for extra benefit. Tea tree oil is both antibacterial and softening, so it pulls double duty in this sanitizer. Why it made our list: Since this hand sanitizer comes in spray form, it's less liable to leak goopy liquid and make a mess (say, in your purse) than traditional bottled hand sanitizer.
Hempz Triple Moisture Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer
With coconut oil, vitamins A and E, hemp seed oil and mango seed butter, this might be one of the most hydrating hand sanitizers on the market. It doesn't sacrifice any efficacy, though, since it contains alcohol that kills 99.99% of germs. Why it made our list: Grapefruit and peach give this sanitizer a light, refreshing scent compared to traditional hand sanitizers.
Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer
If you'd prefer an alcohol-free formula, this Babyganics sanitzer is proven to be gentle but still effective. Its foaming formula kills 99.9% of germs without drying out hands or leaving behind a sticky residue. Why it made our list: Since this hand sanitizer was formulated for babies, it's safe to use on kids (and adults) of all ages.Or, you can learn how to make your own (effective!) hand sanitizer in a few easy steps. Government health organizations remind consumers to frequently wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing one’s nose.
The post This Hand Sanitizer Warning Affects 59 Brands appeared first on Taste of Home.
Jeffrey M. Roberts