Choosing a commercial hand sanitizer that is made in the United States is one way to help ensure what you are putting on your hands is deemed safe. That is because in the U.S., hand sanitizers are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must meet certain safety guidelines and criteria.
Why it is important to know what’s in your hand sanitizer
The FDA classifies hand sanitizers, both alcohol and non-alcohol, as over-the-counter drugs so they are required to go through regular testing. During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA discovered serious safety concerns with some hand sanitizers including:
- Contamination with potentially toxic types of alcohol
- Not enough active ingredients (ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol)
- Labels with false, misleading or unproven claims
Why it matters where your hand sanitizer is made
In response, the FDA developed a list of hand sanitizers that consumers should avoid due to ingredient and safety concerns – called their “Do-Not-Use List.” Included on this list were all alcohol-based hand sanitizers from Mexico. U.S. consumers were instructed to stop using them immediately.
Using hand sanitizers made in the U.S.
When soap and water isn’t available, using foam or gel hand sanitizer can help prevent the spread of germs that cause illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using an alcohol hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent ethyl alcohol. Check the manufacturer’s label for a list of ingredients as well as where the hand sanitizer is produced. Avoid any sanitizer containing methanol or 1-propanol – these can be toxic to humans and aren’t acceptable in hand sanitizers.
When looking for a hand sanitizer
Keep in mind, no consumer hand sanitizer is FDA-approved or been proven to:
- Prevent the spread of COVID-19
- Protect from viruses or bacteria for a certain period of time (such as 12-hours or all day)
If these types of claims are being made on a hand sanitizer bottle, label or anywhere else, it’s a good indicator that the sanitizer comes from an untrustworthy source. Take caution and look for a different product. It’s also wise to check the FDA’s “Do-Not-Use List” at www.fda.gov/handsanitizerlist. This list is updated regularly as new test results are released.
Sanitizer use in the U.S.
Facilities across the nation trust Health Guard® hand sanitizers to create a healthier environment for their employees, visitors and patrons. These sanitizers are fast-acting and kill up to 99.99% of common germs. And since the use of hand sanitizer isn’t slowing down anytime soon, Health Guard sanitizers have added moisturizers that are gentle on skin – ideal in settings where frequent, repeated hand sanitizing is needed. All Health Guard hand sanitizers and hand soaps are made in the U.S. by Kutol Products.
Kutol has specialized in commercial skin care and industrial hand sanitizers for more than 100 years and manufactures all commercial hand soaps, sanitizers and heavy-duty soaps or cleaners in a LEED® Silver Certified, FDA-registered facility. Kutol’s commitment to quality means the most stringent government guidelines are followed and compliance with Current Good Manufacturing Practices is met.