Knowra Hand sanitizer Hand sanitizer A liquid, gel, or foam applied to hands to reduce microorganisms. Most formulations use alcohol as the active ingredient, while some use non-alcohol antiseptics.
Ethanol : A colorless alcohol used as a solvent, fuel, and antiseptic. Many hand sanitizers use ethanol to disrupt microbial proteins and membranes.
World Health Organization hand hygiene guidelines : Recommendations for hand hygiene in health care, including when and how to use alcohol-based hand rubs. They specify practical sanitizer use in clinical care.
Antiseptic : A substance applied to living tissue to inhibit or destroy microorganisms. Hand sanitizer is an antiseptic product formulated for skin.
Benzalkonium chloride : A quaternary ammonium compound used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is a non-alcohol active ingredient in some hand sanitizers.
COVID-19 pandemic : The global outbreak of COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, beginning in 2019. The pandemic sharply increased sanitizer use and production worldwide.
Isopropyl alcohol : A colorless alcohol used in disinfectants, solvents, and cleaning products. It is an alternative alcohol active ingredient in hand sanitizer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hand hygiene guidance : U.S. public health guidance on cleaning hands with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer. It explains when sanitizer is suitable and when washing is preferred.
Glycerol : A colorless, odorless liquid used as a humectant, solvent, and ingredient in many products. It helps limit skin dryness in many alcohol-based formulations.
Chlorhexidine : An antiseptic compound used in skin cleansers and medical preparations. Unlike alcohol, it can leave persistent antimicrobial activity on skin.
Methanol contamination : The unintended presence of toxic methanol in products intended for other uses. Contaminated sanitizer products have caused severe poisoning and prompted recalls.
Show all 27