Hand Sanitizer / Purell Hand Sanitizer

In this guide, we will explore all you need to know about hand sanitizers so you can stay hygienic on the go even when you don’t have access to cleaning facilities. But first, here's an important question we'd like to address:

Hand Sanitizer vs. Hand Sanitiser: Which is Correct?

A quick look at search trends shows that there are many variations people use when spelling the word hand sanitizer. So, which are correct, and which are simply common misspellings? Here's the difference between the five most common spellings:

(1) "Hand sanitizer" is the correct spelling for the U.S., while (2) "hand sanitiser" with an s is the way it should be spelled in the U.K. and other countries where British English is the preferred language. However, other common spellings such as (3) "handsanitizer," (4) "hand sanitzer," and (5) "hand santizer," are simply typos or unfortunate misspellings. Now that we've gotten that issue out of the way, let's get back to the actual product.

What Is Hand Sanitizer?

Hand sanitizer (sometimes referred to as hand antiseptic, hand disinfectant, or hand rub) is a topical antiseptic product used to eliminate germs from the hands when soap and water are not readily available. It is a convenient alternative that can help reduce the risk of infections and promote good hand hygiene. Our hand sanitizers come in various forms, including gels, sprays, and wipes, allowing you to choose the best option.

Functions and Features

Hand sanitizer kills a wide range of bacteria and viruses on the skin's surface. The active ingredient in most hand sanitizers is alcohol, typically in the form of ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. These alcohols work by denaturing the proteins and disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms, effectively rendering them inactive.

Usage and Indications

When soap and water are not readily available, such as when traveling, commuting, or in public places, hand sanitizers are especially useful. They are commonly used in healthcare settings, schools, offices, and homes to maintain hand hygiene.

Hand sanitizers can be used by people of all ages, including children, adults, and older people. However, it is essential to supervise young children using hand sanitizers to ensure they use them properly and avoid ingestion.

Primary Benefits of Hand Sanitizer

Utilizing hand sanitizer comes with various benefits, including cleansing, convenience, reduction of illness, and environmental factors.

Cleansing

One of the primary benefits of Purell hand sanitizer is its ability to cleanse your hands effectively. Hand sanitizers contain alcohol, a powerful disinfectant that kills many bacteria and viruses.

When applied to your hands, the sanitizer quickly evaporates, leaving behind a clean and germ-free surface. This accessibility feature makes hand sanitizer an ideal choice for situations where soap, water, and paper towels are not readily available, allowing you to maintain proper personal hygiene and reduce the risk of infections.

Convenience

Purell sanitizer offers unparalleled convenience, making it a must-have product in today's fast-paced world. With its compact size and portable nature, you can easily carry a bottle of hand sanitizer wherever you go.

Whether traveling, attending public events, or running errands, having hand sanitizer readily accessible allows you to disinfect your hands and protect yourself from germs quickly. Its convenient application and quick self-drying make it a practical option for maintaining hand hygiene on the go.

Reduction of Illnesses

Regular use of high-quality products such as Purell Advanced hand sanitizer can contribute to a reduction in illnesses caused by harmful germs. By killing bacteria and viruses on the skin, hand sanitizers help minimize the transmission of infectious diseases. This aspect is crucial in high-risk environments such as hospitals, schools, and workplaces, where germs can spread quickly.

Incorporating hand sanitizer into your daily routine (especially for those times that you won’t have access to or time to wash with soap and water) can significantly prevent the spread of illnesses and create a healthier environment.

Studies have shown that alcohol-based hand rubs have better skin tolerance and more effective microbiological properties compared to antiseptic soaps. Both over-the-counter and hospital hand-rubs use similar ingredients, including alcohols like ethanol and isopropanol, and quaternary ammonium cations like benzalkonium chloride. Alcohol-based hand rubs are extensively used in the hospital environment as an alternative to antiseptic soaps.

Moisturizing Hand Sanitizers

While all alcohol-based hand sanitizers are designed to kill germs, some formulations also incorporate moisturizing ingredients to help prevent dryness and irritation. This is important because repetitive cleansing can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dry and cracked hands.

Not all hand sanitizers are formulated to preserve the skin's natural oils for long-term health. However, some sanitizers offer an extra layer of protection for frequent disinfection users. These products often contain moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin, making it easier to maintain hygiene without sacrificing the skin's health and comfort.

Environmental Impact

Hand sanitizers have a positive environmental impact compared to traditional handwashing with soap and water. Hand sanitizers require less water and energy, making them a more sustainable option. Additionally, they eliminate the need for disposable paper towels or electric hand dryers, reducing waste and energy consumption.

By choosing a hand sanitizer as an alternative to washing hands with soap, you can contribute to a greener and more eco-friendly future.

What Types of Hand Sanitizer Are Available

Various types of hand sanitizer are readily available on the market today, including gel, foam, spray, and wipe options.

Gel

Gel hand sanitizers are one of the most common and widely used forms. They have a thick consistency allowing easy application and spread across the hands. When applied, the gel quickly evaporates, leaving the hands feeling clean and refreshed. Gel sanitizers typically come in bottles with flip-top caps or hand sanitizer pump dispensers.

Foam

Foaming hand sanitizers have gained popularity due to their unique texture and ease of use. The product is dispensed as foam, which consists of light and airy bubbles that offer a pleasant sensory experience when applied. Foam sanitizers are known for covering a larger surface area of the hands with less product, making them efficient and cost-effective. The foam consistency also ensures thorough coverage and disinfection.

Spray

A liquid hand sanitizer in spray form offers a convenient and versatile option for maintaining hand hygiene. Spray sanitizers are instrumental when you need to sanitize specific objects or surfaces and your hands. These liquid sanitizers can be sprayed directly onto the hands, allowing quick and easy application. Spray hand sanitizer bottles are often compact with spray nozzles, making them portable and suitable for on-the-go use.

Wipes

Hand sanitizer wipes provide a convenient alternative to liquid-based sanitizers. These wipes are pre-moistened with sanitizer and are individually packaged or dispensed from a larger container. They offer a portable and mess-free solution, as each wipe is ready for immediate use. Hand sanitizer wipes are handy when soap and water are not available, and they can effectively cleanse and disinfect the hands with just a single wipe.

Gel vs. Foam Hand Sanitizer

Gel and foam hand sanitizers have unique features and benefits and are the most popular options. Gel sanitizers have a thick consistency, offering easy application and a substantial feeling, while foaming hand sanitizer is lightweight, provides excellent coverage, and has a softer texture.

The choice between gel and foam depends on personal preference and specific needs. Hand sanitizer gel requires more product for full hand coverage, is dispensed from flip-top caps or pump dispensers, and comes in various sizes for portability. On the other hand, foam sanitizers offer precise application through pump mechanisms, are easily spreadable, and are available in travel-friendly sizes.

Tip: If you are looking for a portable, travel-friendly product, check out our mini hand sanitizers, where we carry both gel and foam options.

Choosing a Hand Sanitizer Lotion

When selecting the best personal cleansers, a few factors must be considered to ensure you choose the most suitable option for your needs, and if you plan to buy a hand sanitizer bulk order, it is best to try out a few different products first. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Alcohol Content

Look for hand sanitizers with an alcohol concentration between 60% to 95%. Higher alcohol percentages are more effective at killing germs. However, it's important to note that excessively high concentrations can lead to skin dryness and irritation.

Ingredients

To ensure safety, it's important to review the ingredients list on hand sanitizer for possible allergens or skin sensitivities. You may also want to ensure that the product you are considering was produced in compliance with established standards. The following is a brief overview of the requirements for manufacturing hand sanitizer, and its significance for the general public.

Ingredient Guidelines

The 2010 guide from the World Health Organization offers formulations for making hand sanitizer with chemicals that are readily available in developing countries. These formulations were helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic when commercial hand sanitizer was scarce. People followed the provided measurements to create homemade hand sanitizers using isopropyl or ethyl alcohol and glycerol, as shown in the charts.

Another helpful aspect of these formulations is that if you have doubts about a particular product, these formulation details may allow you to better evaluate the quality of a hand sanitizer based on its active ingredient information.

Formulation 1:

Formulation 2:

Note that care must be taken when crafting DIY hand sanitizers, as the wrong measurement of ingredients may result in an ineffective or poisonous mixture.

Product Type

Consider the different types available, such as gel, foam, spray, or wipes. Choose the formulation that best suits your preferences and lifestyle. For example, if you're frequently on the go, pocket-sized hand sanitizers or wipes may be more convenient.

Packaging

Similar to the formulation, you’ll want to consider the size and packaging. Travel-sized bottles are ideal for carrying in purses or pockets. At the same time, larger containers are more suitable for home or office use. Look for features like flip-top caps or pump dispensers for ease of use and controlled application.

Additional Features

Some of the products we carry offer added benefits, such as moisturizing ingredients or pleasant scents. If you have dry or sensitive skin, consider sanitizers with moisturizers like aloe vera or glycerin. Scented options can provide a refreshing experience during and after use.

Safety and Compliance

Ensure that the product you choose meets safety and regulatory standards. Look for sanitizers that are FDA-approved or comply with relevant guidelines and certifications. The brands listed on our website all meet these requirements.

FAQ’s

How does hand sanitizer work?

Hand sanitizer kills bacteria and viruses on your hands with alcohol. The alcohol in hand sanitizer destroys the cell membrane proteins of the virus, causing it to die. Moisturizers are added to hand sanitizer to prevent your skin from drying out. Rubbing your hands together after applying hand sanitizer helps to remove dirt and germs from your skin.

Is hand sanitizer effective against all types of germs?

Hand sanitizer is effective against bacteria and viruses. But, it may not work against norovirus and Clostridium difficile. Using hand sanitizer correctly is crucial to ensure its effectiveness. Rub it in for at least 20 seconds and apply enough. Hand sanitizer should not replace handwashing with soap and water when hands are visibly dirty.

How many times can you use hand sanitizer before washing your hands?

According to recommendations, alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be used until access to soap and water is available for thorough handwashing.

Is it safe to use hand sanitizers instead of soap and water?

Yes - these products are considered safe and effective, but soap and water should be used when hands are visibly dirty or contaminated.

What is the best way to disinfect hands without water?

A hand sanitizer bottle with at least 60% alcohol content is the best way to disinfect hands when soap and water are unavailable.

Is using hand sanitizer as good as washing hands?

While alcohol-based cleansers can effectively kill germs, washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is still considered the gold standard for hand hygiene.

Where to Buy Hand Sanitizer Purell and Find the Best Hand Sanitizer Options

When it comes to the best hand sanitizing options, AvaCare Medical offers a vast selection of advanced cleanser options, including gels, foams, sprays, and wipes, making it easy to find the right products. You can also buy hand sanitizer in bulk with us.

Contact our friendly and knowledgeable customer care representatives at 1.877.813.7799, through our website, or via chat during business hours to receive assistance with your order, whether you're in the medical field, a home caregiver, or a concerned family member. Shop for hand sanitizer with confidence at AvaCare Medical.