Science Behind: Hand Sanitizer

Now that its cold season, hand sanitizer has become a staple in my school and hand bag. The sanitizers regularly used contain alcohol (which is a chemical compound made up of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen), and act as a disinfectant.

The alcohol in these products get rid of most of the microbes on the hands, but are not useful in getting rid of all the germs.

For the highest efficacy in getting the germs off of your hands, you should wash your hands. However, if the only option is to use hand sanitizer it is generally very useful (unless its alcohol percentage is under 60%). To use hand sanitizer most efficiently, rub it between your hands until it dries completely. And, if possible, do not use hand sanitizer on greasy or extremely dirty hands.

However, if you are looking to get heavy chemicals off your hands, hand sanitizer will not be helpful.

Stay healthy out there!