Top Ingredients To Avoid For A Non-Toxic Hand Sanitizer

We believe that when it comes to non-toxic hand sanitizer, and every other product we use around our families, it’s important to learn as much as possible about ingredient safety.

Here's Top Ingredients To Avoid For A Non-Toxic Hand Sanitizer

1. Triclosan

Triclosan is a synthetic pesticide that’s often added to detergents and soaps and personal care products like deodorants and toothpastes because it has antibacterial properties, but it is important to note that it does not have the power to kill the viruses that cause colds and flus. In 2016, the FDA banned its use from antibacterial soaps, but the new regulation still permits its use in products outside of antibacterial hand soaps. Triclosan has been associated with hormone disruption, cancer, liver damage and the development of super-germs. Avoid anything with triclosan or triclocarban on the label.

2. Fragrance and Phthalates

These two bad guys often go hand-in-hand, as phthalates help fragrances stick around longer.The bottom line is that across multiple research studies, fragrance ingredients are classified as allergens, hormone disruptors, asthma triggers, neurotoxins and carcinogens. The fragrance industry regulates itself and manufacturers are not required to list their fragrance ingredients on product labels. That said, if you’re sensitive or have allergies or asthma, we’d still recommend avoiding fragrance.

3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate

SLS and SLES are surfactants, which dissolve surface tension in water to help products like soaps and detergents foam. Unfortunately, they’re associated with a lot of health risks that range from skin, lung and eye irritation to organ toxicity, endocrine disruption and cancer. Click the links above to learn more about each of these must-avoid cleansing and emulsifying agents.

4. Parabens

Parabens are preservatives and anti-microbial that are commonly used in cosmetics, personal care products and, sadly, some foods. They stop fungus and bacteria from growing in liquids, lotions and creams and help extend shelf life. They are linked to a multitude of health risks including cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity and skin irritation. To avoid them, avoid ingredients ending in -paraben.

5. Alcool (methanol, wood alcohol, methyl alcohol, 1-propyl alcohol, or 1-propanol)

If you see names like methanol, wood alcohol, methyl alcohol, 1-propyl alcohol, or 1-propanol on any hand sanitizer’s label, please avoid them.

Methyl alcohol (or wood alcohol) is what is used in making antifreeze and rocket fuel. It is a highly toxic form of alcohol, and it should not be rubbed on the skin or ingested. When swallowed, wood alcohol can lead to headaches, nausea, coma, seizures, permanent blindness or death. If you visit the CDC website, you can find more information about individuals who lost their lives or their eyesight permanently as a result of ingesting hand sanitizers containing methyl.

1-Propyl alcohol is the major substance used in making industrial cleaning chemicals and can be dangerous to humans when ingested. Severe symptoms, such as breathing difficulty and decreased heart rate occur in people who drink a hand sanitizer contaminated with 1-propanol. This alcohol type also causes death when swallowed. If your skin or eyes are exposed to this alcohol, it can cause irritation. The FDA reports that a few people have even complained of having allergic skin reactions after a hand sanitizer with 1-propanol came in contact with their skin.

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We priorize organic ethanol, alcohol derived from non-GMO sugar cane. The issue with alcohol’s toxicity is much more dangerous when it comes from ingesting the substance, versus on your skin. Because this formula has been vetted by the Environmental Working Group, we’re comfortable using and recommending it.

Tips: Short ingredient lists are preferable to those containing perfumes or colorings, for example. These products are meant to be applied often. The more applications there are, the greater the risk of an allergic reaction

We believe that frequency of use is what really measures sanitizing effectiveness, so we’ve designed our product for frequent use, so it’s gentle on the skin for people who need to reapply often, such as professional health workers.

Your Safety. Our Priority.

Did you learn something new today?