Hand sanitizer has quickly become a staple in homes around the world, as many countries continue to protect themselves from the coronavirus that is affecting our day-to-day lives. However, with such frequent use, you want a hand sanitizer that is effective at killing germs, safe for reducing our risk of exposure to sick-causing germs, and perfect for natural skincare purposes.
Below you will find a list of some of the more harmful chemicals to look out for in hand sanitizer and why you should avoid them as much as possible.
Triclosan
This is a synthetic pesticide that is sometimes added to personal care items and soap products. It is said to have high antimicrobial properties, but it does not have any power when it comes to killing viruses that cause colds and cases of flu. This chemical has been linked to hormone disruption, cancer, liver damage, and even the development of super germs.
Fragrance And Phthalates
You can typically find these two together as they often come hand in hand. Fragrances are allergens, hormone disruptors, and known carcinogens. They can trigger asthma attacks as well. Phthalates are often used in cosmetics and other products and may cause damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system.
Parabens
Parabens are the preservatives commonly used in cosmetics and other substances that don’t promote natural skin care. They are what stops fungus from growing in products and help extend their shelf life. However, they have also been associated with a number of different health risks, including endocrine disruption, cancer, skin irritation, and reproductive toxicity.
Ethanol
Effective hand sanitizers contain at least 70 percent alcohol. However, higher levels of industrial-grade ethanol can cause skin and eye irritation as well as other health problems that can prove to be dangerous. Even isopropyl alcohol is a neurotoxin that is a skin irritant too. Significant levels of a carcinogen known as acetaldehyde have been found in ethanol used by some companies when making hand sanitizers.
Choosing A Safe Hand Sanitizer
When choosing a hand sanitizer, make sure to read the label and avoid the dangerous chemicals we’ve mentioned. Several hand sanitizers have already been recalled due to the high levels of ethanol they contain.
To find a safe hand sanitizer, learn as much as you can about their ingredients. Utama Spice has a hand sanitizer gel that has proven to be an effective way of protecting yourself against sickness-causing germs. It contains 70 percent grain alcohol and lemon essential oil that can kill germs in seconds.
Meta: Before buying any hand sanitizer, familiarize yourself with its ingredients to ensure that it is effective and safe for use on your skin.