It's been a big year for hand sanitizer! What was previously an occasional use product quickly became a germ killing hero as the pandemic spread across the globe. As it became out of stock in stores, many people started to make their own leading to an explosion of information about alcohol levels, CDC recommendations, and even ingredients to watch out for.

Below are 5 things to keep in mind if you're in the market for hand sanitizer.

1. Hand Sanitizer is regulated by the FDA as an over the counter drug.  This means that there are strict standards that products must adhere to for ensuring they are safe to use. This includes ingredient regulations and label and expiration date requirements. It is not recommended to make hand sanitizer yourself as it could be ineffective and potentially dangerous.

2. All hand sanitizers are designed to do the same job but they are not created equally.  All hand sanitizers are designed to kill germs but not all of them use the same ingredients. The CDC recommends at least 60% alcohol for effective germ kill so make sure you see the alcohol % listed on the label. Other ingredients can be confusing and ingredient lists can be lengthy, so do your research to understand what the chemical names mean so that you know what you're putting on your body.

3. Watch out for methanol.   The FDA has warned against using hand sanitizers with methanol, or wood alcohol, because it is a dangerous and potentially toxic substance, particularly when absorbed through skin. The FDA also requires methanol testing but not all companies are compliant. It is often not listed on the label so the best way to ensure you are not using a hand sanitizer with methanol is to check this list from the FDA of hand sanitizers to avoid. You can also check with the company you purchase from to ensure they have conducted methanol testing.

4. Hand Sanitizer is not a substitute for washing your hands.   Washing your hands is still the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection but there are instances where access to soap and water is not possible. Hand Sanitizer is a great option to help with germ kill in those moments, but it will not cleanse your hands and should not be used as a substitute for hand washing. Think about hand sanitizer as a good on the go option!

5. Moisturize your hands after using hand sanitizer.  Many hand sanitizers include moisturizing ingredients but the alcohol can be drying on hands. It's best to use a moisturizer or lotion after use to ensure you keep hands hydrated. You can also consider using face masks on your hands for a deep treatment.

ABOUT OUR HAND SANITIZER

Each & Every recently launched a plant-based hand sanitizer full of good for you ingredients! The hand sanitizer uses alcohol from corn at 78% to ensure effective germ kill. It also includes only 3 additional ingredients: water, hydroxypropylcellulose (a thickening agent made from renewable wood pulp), and vegetable glycerin (a natural moisturizer from soybean, canola, and sunflower oils). It is methanol-free and meets FDA standards. It is also USP medical grade and EWG Verified, so it meets the strictest standards for both safety and efficacy!