What's In Your Hand Sanitizers? What You Need to Know

Over the past few years, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, hand sanitizers have seen a huge surge in popularity. Many people were, and still are, looking for ways to protect themselves from germs, often opting for hand sanitizers as their go-to product. The convenience of using hand sanitizers has made them a common part of daily life, with some people using them multiple times a day, whether passing by a dispenser or simply trying to stay vigilant about cleanliness. But how effective are hand sanitizers in preventing the spread of infection?

Hand sanitizers are typically alcohol-based, containing ingredients like isopropanol or ethanol, or they may contain antimicrobial agents like benzalkonium chloride. These products are designed to be rubbed onto your hands, where they are expected to kill bacteria and viruses. The goal is simple: sanitize or disinfect the skin.

Do Hand Sanitizers Work?

The answer is yes, but it depends on several factors. First, it’s important to understand that hand sanitizers can be effective in specific contexts. For example, if you're a healthcare worker, a food industry professional, or caring for someone who's sick, using hand sanitizer may play a role in preventing the spread of infection. But the effectiveness of these products relies on their proper use.

To be effective, you need to apply enough product and rub it over your entire hands, including in between your fingers, and allow it to dry for about 30 seconds to a minute. Rushing this process or using too little product will reduce its effectiveness. Even then, it's crucial to understand that hand sanitizers are not a one-size-fits-all solution—they don’t remove every kind of pathogen. Some bacteria, viruses, and fungi might not be impacted by the sanitizer.

The Cost of Sanitizing

One of the trade-offs of using hand sanitizers regularly is that they can dry out and irritate your skin. Alcohol-based sanitizers, for example, work by denaturing proteins, which can disrupt your skin's natural barrier and leave it vulnerable. Long-term use may cause skin damage, redness, or irritation, especially for people who use them multiple times a day.

Additionally, certain antimicrobial agents like benzalkonium chloride can also irritate the skin or have other toxic effects when used too frequently. This is why it’s important to consider the “why” behind your hand sanitizing routine. Are you working in a high-risk environment, or are you just sanitizing arbitrarily? If it’s the latter, you may want to rethink whether it's necessary every time. Consider the context and the cost benefit rather than automatically sanitizing every time you pass a dispenser.

The Microbiome Factor

Another often-overlooked issue with hand sanitizers is their impact on the skin’s microbiome. Your skin is home to a variety of natural bacteria and microbes that help protect against harmful pathogens. Overusing sanitizers can disrupt this delicate balance, potentially leading to other skin issues in the long term.

The Bottom Line

Hand sanitizers do have their place, but they’re not a magical solution to infection prevention. They can be helpful in certain situations, especially when soap and water aren’t available, but they should be used with intention. If you find yourself reaching for hand sanitizer mindlessly every time you pass a dispenser, it might be time to reconsider whether it’s really necessary. And, if you do use it, be sure to follow it up with a good moisturizer to counteract the drying effects.

Remember, hand sanitizers are effective only when used correctly, and it’s best to choose them only when the context justifies their use. If you're using them multiple times a day out of habit, make sure you're also taking steps to protect your skin’s health, like moisturizing regularly with products like shea butter or petroleum jelly.