Hand sanitizers can help prevent the spread of contagious germs, however, many sanitizers contain harsh chemicals that may do more harm than good. This has led many people to look for natural alternatives to commercially available products. To learn the truth about each hand sanitizer, it's important to read the labels.

Harmful Ingredients in Hand Sanitizer

Since hand sanitizer often contains a lot of harsh chemicals, many people question its benefits. These chemicals can cause allergic reactions, damage to the body's natural immune system, dry skin, hormonal imbalances, and more. Some ingredients are even known carcinogens, such as propylene glycol and ethyl alcohol. The Federal Drug Administration in the US is in the process of banning some of the harmful ingredients found in hand sanitizer. In particular, the additive of triclosan in sanitizer products has been highly controversial in recent years. However, many bad chemicals are still legal. That's why it's important to read the ingredients list before making a hand sanitizer purchase. Some other ingredients to avoid include sodium lauryl sulfate, a harsh chemical used in industrial cleaners, and synthetic colors, which are made from coal tar. Try at least looking for an alcohol-free sanitizer that is gentle and boasts natural ingredients. 

Natural and Organic Hand Sanitizers

Many hand sanitizers are advertised as being natural, but "natural" is a relative word. This means that many of the sanitizers that are believed to be all-natural may still contain harmful ingredients and not be much better than some of the more economical alternatives. Organic can also be deceiving as some brand names choose to use this word, even though all of their products may not be certified organic. Checking the list of ingredients can give one a good idea as to how many are actually natural or organic. Each organic ingredient should be listed as such on the packaging.


Some hand cleansers contain chemicals that can dry and irritate your skin. The Mild By Nature Lemongrass On-The-Go Hand Cleaner is an Alcohol-Free alternative that includes soothing and moisturizing ingredients like Thymol and Aloe.

Read the Label on Hand Sanitizer

Reading the label before purchasing hand sanitizer can provide essential information needed to make an informed decision. However, not all ingredients are always required to be listed. The origin of the fragrance and the addition of triclosan are two examples that may require research to ensure the full safety of the hand sanitizer in question. The FDA always has a list of known carcinogens listed on their website as a handy cheat sheet so that consumers know which ingredients in hand sanitizer to avoid.

Skin is sensitive. That's why one should never subject it to the harmful chemicals found in over 90% of commercially available hand sanitizers. Always read the labels and look for hidden harsh chemicals that companies don't want consumers to know about. There are some gems hidden in the sea of sanitizers that can keep skin clean and the body healthy. Natural and organic hand sanitizer can really impact health in a positive way. With a little bit of research, it's possible to find sanitizer that will help the body without hurting it.