During these uncertain times with the COVID-19 virus, it is more important than ever to ensure you are buying quality disinfectants such as hand sanitizers. When you are looking at buying hand sanitizer there are many things you should look into before purchasing. Just like how all toilet paper is not the same quality, hand sanitizers are also not a one size fits all solution. Hand sanitizers vary based on the chemicals that are utilized in them. Some chemicals add a scent, while others provide moisture. Some of the additives are good and natural while others you may want to stay away from. Below are the things you should look for when you are purchasing.
FDA Compliance
Nearly any chemical or food that a person utilizes in the United States goes through the Food and Drug Administration to ensure its safety for public use. With products that are FDA compliant or FDA approved you can ensure that the product is safe and effective for what it is advertised to do. As described by the FDA, hand sanitizers must contain an ethanol concentration of 80% to meet the 99.9% percent effective sanitation. Many cheaper and lower quality hand sanitizers actually do not contain the adequate percentage of alcohol to be 99.9 % effective. Thinking that all hand sanitizers are 99.9 % effective is a misconception that leads many to choose sub-par products that do not actually remove the germs that they are trying to.
pH Stabilizers
Alcohol based cleaners are very effective against killing germs and bacteria but also have negative effects on the natural oils on your hand. If you have ever used alcohol based make up removers or cleaners, you know how well they are able to cut through oil. Alcohol has the same effect on your hands and if you continuously use alcohol-based sanitizers with no additives this can result in dry and cracking skin. Looking for additives that help pH balance and moisturize your skin will allow you to more religiously use the hand sanitizer without the fear of getting dried out hands. One example of a kind of additive to look for is Aminomethyl Propanol which is a common pH stabilizer for skin care products that allow products to not irritate the skin.
Portability
One often overlooked thing to look for in hand sanitizers is the portability of the hand sanitizer. No matter how good a hand sanitizer is, if it is not portable it will be nowhere near as effective at preventing illness as a portable sanitizer. Hand sanitizers and any sanitizing agent in general is only effective if you use them regularly. This is why finding a good sanitizer that is also able to be carried with you is ideal. Even if you end up buying a larger size hand sanitizer it is also a good idea to buy some smaller ones so you can have an on the go solution that you could then refill with the larger size when you are running low. Buying multiple portable hand sanitizers to keep in designated spots like in your vehicles glove box, in the garage, backpack, purse, locker, and desk. These steps will ensure you are never without hand sanitizer when you need it.
Overall finding the right hand sanitizer for you is a personal preference, however ensuring that the hand sanitizer meets FDA standards, has pH stabilizers, and is portable are good things to look out for next time you are looking for some hand sanitizer. These will ensure you are buying a sanitizer that actually sanitizes, that your hands will not get dried out and cracked, and that you will have ease of accessibility to a hand sanitation method.