Understanding the Differences Between Hand Sanitizers: Alcohol-Based vs. Non-Alcohol
Hygiene and cleanliness have always been essential; however, their importance surged during the Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, the use of hand sanitizers and surface disinfectants gained traction. Hand sanitizers were used widely as they are handy and can be carried along in your bag. While most sanitizers have a small percentage of alcohol, there are non-alcoholic sanitizers too.
Both are useful in maintaining hygiene and disinfecting your hands after touching foreign objects, being in crowded places, before eating, and so on. What suits each person is essential because some sanitizers cause skin sensitivity. This post discusses a comparative account of alcohol-based and non-alcohol hand sanitizers, their ingredients, modes of action, and more.
Overview of Alcohol-Based and Non-Alcohol Hand Sanitizers
One cannot undermine the importance of disinfection and hygiene, especially after the experiences during the pandemic. Even now, years after the pandemic, sanitizers are still being used, rightly so. While washing your hands with water and soap is the best option to disinfect your hands, sanitizers serve the purpose in public places. So, even now, carrying a sanitizer bottle in your bag is necessary. You can choose between two types of sanitizers- alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Alcoholic sanitizers comprise up to 95% alcohol. When you rub two to three drops on both hands properly, you can get rid of almost all the germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, present there.
Non-alcoholic hand sanitizers are gentler than the former and use benzalkonium chloride as an alternative to alcohol, deactivating most bacteria and viruses present on hands. Both these types of sanitizers may contain glycerin and water as key ingredients. Additionally, they may contain fragrance. So, these are some common points. Both these types have their pros and cons, and hence, a comparative account is necessary to make an informed decision before buying one.
Key Differences Between Alcohol-Based and Non-Alcohol Hand Sanitizers
Here are some key differentiating factors between alcohol-based and non-alcohol hand sanitizers.
• Ingredients: Alcoholic sanitizers contain ethanol, isopropanol, or n-propanol or a combination of two types in concentration of 60% to 95%. However, non-alcoholic sanitizer comprises benzalkonium chloride, a type of quaternary ammonium, or chlorhexidine gluconate, which are effective alternatives to alcohol in terms of their disinfection capabilities.
Hence, either of these two compounds are commonly used in non-alcohol hand sanitizers. These chemicals may take a few seconds more to kill the germs on hands compared to alcohol-based sanitizers which do the job almost instantly.
• Skin sensitivity: Alcohol-based sanitizers may not suit some skin types. Also, they can cause dryness. On the other hand, non-alcohol sanitizers may contain moisturizing ingredients which keep the skin soft.
• Working: Alcohol-based sanitizers work by deforming the protein molecule in microorganisms. This direct attack on protein structures kills the microbes instantly. When you rub this sanitizer on your hands, the alcohol evaporates almost immediately.
Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) or triclosan in non-alcoholic sanitizers are known to disinfect viruses or organisms in hands by disrupting their microbial cell membrane, inhibiting their growth. Non-alcoholic sanitizers are less effective against certain pathogens compared to alcohol-based sanitizers.
• Industry usage: Alcohol-based sanitizers find a wide application in labs, healthcare units, and hospitals. This is because instant disinfection is necessary in such places where infections can spread rapidly. While they are available at the counters in pharmacies, non-alcohol sanitizers are preferred for domestic or basic use.
Alcohol-free sanitizers find application in educational institutions, offices, commercial buildings, and so on. They are a good alternative in such crowded places with lesser susceptibility to infections than hospitals.
• Skin sensitivity: There’s a report published by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) which states that a significant number of healthcare workers who frequently use alcohol-based sanitizers and constantly wash hands complained of skin irritation and dryness. Medically, they were at a greater risk of getting irritant contact dermatitis. Hence, some people with sensitive skin may develop these symptoms or skin allergies.
However, these symptoms were not found on people with a healthy skin. Non-alcoholic sanitizers are gentler on the skin and formulated with moisturizers to reduce skin irritation. When choosing the type of sanitizer, it is essential to check if it suits your skin. Even when opting for non-alcohol ones, check the chemical formulation.
Alcohol vs. Non-Alcohol Sanitizers: Choosing the Right One for Your Needs
Before choosing any sanitizer, it is important to check its effectiveness and read the information mentioned, such as the type of microorganisms it targets. Here are some pointers for choosing the right type of sanitizer based on your needs.
Alcohol-Based Sanitizers:
Use these sanitizers in healthcare settings, as a preventive measure in case of viral infections or epidemics, in lab settings testing live bacterial cultures and viruses, and other potential high-risk environments.
Read all the ingredients and the type and percentage of alcohol in the sanitizer to ensure it meets with your requirements.
Avoid sanitizers containing chlorine and similar ingredients if you are working in environments with exposure to corrosive elements.
Non-Alcohol Sanitizers:
• Choose these sanitizers for children in schools and daycare centers, for people with sensitive skin working in offices and flammable environments.
• Choose environmentally-friendly options which are absolutely non-toxic formulations.
• Choose these sanitizers for generally safe and clean places, where contamination is not a major issue.
Select a sanitizer with quaternary ammonium compounds if you need surface sanitizing in the food industry
• Read the ingredients, percentages and in non-alcohol formulations to make an informed choice if you are prone to rashes or allergies.
Tips for Choosing and Using Hand Sanitizers
Here are some more tips to pick the right sanitizer, whether alcohol-based or non-alcohol one.
• Ingredients and formulation: Check the active ingredients, and ensure there is at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol for maximum effectiveness against any germs when choosing alcohol-based sanitizers.
• Skin sensitivity: Choose a non-alcohol formulation with moisturizing agents for sensitive skin or allergy issues.
• Preventing dryness: To prevent skin dryness, choose sanitizers with ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, or vitamin E.
• Consistency: Select the right form or consistency. For instance, choose gel sanitizers when you need to carry them daily in your bag. Use sprays for surface disinfection at homes or in offices.
• Sanitizer wipes: Non-alcohol sanitizer wipes are convenient for on-the-go cleaning, and a great option for kids or when traveling.
• Compliance and regulations: Always check for FDA certifications and standards to ensure safety and compliance with health regulatory bodies in the region
• Operating environment: Consider the operating environment and choose the one with suitable formulations.
• Regulatory Compliance for Sanitizers: Sanitizers, like any other product, also need meet certain industry standards and hence manufacturers need to comply with the given regulation. While, they can be sold as an OTC product, hand sanitizers are regulated by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in terms of the formulations, labeling, and marketing. It is mandatory that all sanitizer packs or bottles have a drug facts label that includes the list of ingredients and their proportion, usage, warnings, and directions, along with the dates of manufacturing and expiry. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also provided guidelines on sanitizers, their usage, and overall hand hygiene.
Tips for Using Hand Sanitizers Effectively
Here are some tips for using sanitizers effectively.
• Quantity: Apply just the right amount. Take three to four drops depending on the consistency, and ensure it covers the entire surface of your hands.
• Usage: Rub your hands together thoroughly on the front and back portions covering all areas, including between fingers and under nails, until the sanitizer dries. This may take about 20 seconds.
• Prevent use on soiled hands: Use on clean hands. If your hands are soiled, wash them properly with soap and water. This is because sanitizers are less effective on visibly dirty or greasy hands.
• Avoid excessive use: Excessive use of anything is bad, and this applies to sanitizers as well. Hence, avoid overuse to prevent dryness and other possible skin infections.
o This is especially applicable for alcohol-based sanitizers which may cause skin irritation or dryness.
o This does not mean that non-alcohol sanitizers can be overused. That must be avoided too. These sanitizers while safe, may contain fragrance-inducing ingredients which may cause irritation. Avoid fragrant sanitizers if and when possible.
• Storage: Keep sanitizers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat, especially alcohol-based ones, as they are flammable.
• When to use: Use sanitizers before and after eating outside, and after coughing, sneezing, or handling shared items.
• Germ-free hands: By following these tips, you can maximize the effectiveness of hand sanitizers while keeping your hands healthy and germ-free.
FAQs
When should I use hand sanitizer?
While sanitizer offers convenience of cleaning your hands, it should be used only when soap and water are not available. You can use it if you are outside and have touched public surfaces such as doorknobs or railings. You must use it before eating or handling food if you are outside your home. Make it a practice to use it after you sneeze or cough.
How much hand sanitizer should I use?
Take at least 3 to 4 drops of gel or spray enough to cover both sides of your hands including palms, nails, and fingers. Cover the portions in between the fingers and palms as well. Rub your hands together until dry, which typically takes 20 seconds.
Can hand sanitizer replace handwashing?
No. Sanitizers cannot replace handwashing with soap and water as the latter is more effective at removing germs, dirt, and chemicals. Also, water makes one feel clean, while sanitizer may not offer that satisfaction. Hand sanitizer is a convenient alternative when soap and water are unavailable.
Is hand sanitizer safe for children?
Yes, but children should use it under adult supervision to avoid ingestion. Swallowing hand sanitizer can be toxic.
Does hand sanitizer have an expiry date?
Yes, most hand sanitizers have an expiry date. Even if it is not mentioned, the alcohol content in it evaporates over time, thus reducing the effectiveness.
How should I store hand sanitizer?
Sanitizers, especially alcohol-based ones, are flammable. Hence, they must be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat or open flames.
Where should I buy these hand sanitizers from?
There are a variety of sanitizer brands and types. They are available in the form of liquid or gel in bottles, sprays, or wipes. If you require a sanitizer either for personal or commercial use, you can easily order them online from Pharmalynk. We offer sanitizers of various types and brands. You are sure to find one that suits your needs. emu and Saavy Naturals are some of the popular brands of sanitizer wipes we offer. They are safe for everyone including seniors and children.
Some brands offer, such as emu, offer hand sanitizer mist. Saavy is another popular brand of sanitizers which is available in the form of both pump bottle and spray bottle. If you have any questions regarding any of these products, feel free to reach the team at Pharmalynk via phone (714-202-0474) or email (info@pharmalynk.com).
Check out these insightful articles from our blog to expand your knowledge further:
• Healthy Hands, Happy Life: Savvy Naturals Hand Sanitizers
• A Closer Look at Emu Hand Sanitizer: How It’s Made and Why It Matters